Virginia’s Most Underrated Fall Getaway: Riverside Delights & Small Town Charm

Whether it’s bayside bliss, sensational meals, vibrant shores, and astounding mountains, Virginia provides extra various experiences than one may count on.

There’s one city being hyped by Coastal Virginia Magazine that even has these coastal specialists venturing inland in favor of small city attraction and riverside delights for an ideal journey with out the pesky crowds you might discover elsewhere.

Hosting festive occasions in what’s already a vibrant city gleaming in nostalgia solely amplified by autumn colours, this hideaway hugging the Potomac River is certainly one of Virginia’s greatest escapes to keep away from town bustle in favor of cobblestone strolls.

Only a 25 minute drive, and even quicker with a 15-minute Amtrak trip from Washington DC, it is tremendous simple to succeed in regardless of feeling worlds away with its historic aptitude — certainly one of many explanation why we at Travel Off Path consider Virginia is certainly one of America’s most underrated adventures for an unforgettable fall getaway.

Calling All Leaf-Peepers! Immerse In Alexandria’s Fall Ambiance

Leave the crowds behind in DC and head down the tranquil Potomac to this timeless gem that oozes fall splendor within the coming months.

Alexandria needs to be your go-to spot to walk downtown’s old-timey streets with a PSL in hand and rockin’ your favourite sweater that is been within the closet far too lengthy.

Not solely is Alexandria vibrant and aesthetically pleasing from an architectural perspective with red-brick walkways and each constructing seeming to boasting a special coloration, its artwork scene is buzzing with enjoyable occasions all through the season.

One of which is Art on the Avenue, celebrating its thirtieth yr on October 4th.

Additionally, there are choose dates of public installations at Waterfront Park, which simply so occurs to be an excellent spot for sundown strolls and foliage photo-ops backdropped by calm waters.

Though, town itself highlights these 4 parks as one of the best spots to take pleasure in autumn magnificence with a coloration wheel of leaves starting from rustic reds to close glow-in-the-dark golds:

1. Fort Ward Park
2. Alexandria Cemetery (and spooky vibes!)
3. Jones Point Park
4. Monticello Park

But for the last word hideaway to immerse in fall’s best colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so attractive — and extremely beneficial to discover on 2 wheels. 🚴‍♀️

Visit Car-Free? Local Experts Say Yes

Alexandria’s charming Old Town is a delight to stroll via. That’s to not see say it would not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic street journey, however native specialists at Coastal Virginia Magazine encourage a ‘car-free go to’.

And the numbers again it up. Downtown Alexandria a has a near-perfect Walk Score of 99/100.

Lined with indy outlets, cozy cafes and eating places, and historic sights certainly to catch your eye, meaning it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You’re positively not alone in case you accomplish that, and the expertise might deliver the most important crowd throughout your journey as Virginia welcomed a record number of rail riders given so many superior locations to go to.

Alexandria is definitely within the combine. Of course, the preferred gateway right here is from close by Washington DC, as quick as quarter-hour away and as little as $9 for a Coach seat.

Once right here, in case your boots aren’t made for walkin’, do not fret! Alexandria’s free King Street Trolley has your again (and your toes).

Just know in case you plan on visiting the famed George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the trolley would not go that far.

Enjoy Riverside Delights

Alexandria provides one lodge alongside the Potomac River, and it is a identify all of us love.

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria is not simply steps away — you possibly can’t get any nearer without having swimwear.

There’s no higher place to remain for sweeping waterfront views, until you possibly can rating an Airbnb for extra space.

But the true delights are to your tastebuds. There are way more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

Ada’s on the River is certainly one of locals’ and vacationers’ favourite locales to sip decadent wine, lower right into a juicy steak, and take within the surroundings.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.