Old Town Alexandria (Entry to Gadsby Tavern & Christ Church)

Highlights

• Discover the history of Alexandria, one of the oldest historic areas in the US
• Step inside the historic Gadsby's Tavern & Christ Church
• Learn about the pre-Revolutionary church where George Washington worshipped
• Stroll Prince Street’s cobblestones lined with 18th-century homes.
• Discover the Spite House, Alexandria’s narrowest historic home.

Description

Discover the charm and history of Old Town Alexandria, one of the nation’s most beautifully preserved colonial cities just outside Washington, DC.

Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century architecture as your expert local guide brings centuries of American history vividly to life.

From George Washington’s favorite tavern to a church that’s hosted presidents, patriots, and even royalty, this walking tour takes you beyond the monuments and into the real stories that helped shape a nation.

What You’ll Experience:

• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (Interior Visit): Step inside this legendary tavern - once the social hub of colonial Alexandria - where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams dined, danced, and debated. Explore the restored ballroom and tavern rooms as your guide shares tales of elegant dinners, political intrigue, and the mysterious “Female Stranger” whose story still echoes through the halls.

• Christ Church (Interior Visit When Open): We’ll enter this active Episcopal church - originally built in 1773 - whenever services or private events are not in session. Inside, you’ll see the very pews where George Washington and Robert E. Lee once worshiped. This peaceful sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to connect with history in a living place of faith that remains an active part of the Alexandria community today. (Please note: as this is an active church, it may occasionally be closed for weddings, funerals, or special events.)

• Historic Streets of Old Town Alexandria: Stroll along picturesque King Street and the surrounding lanes, where centuries-old brick buildings house charming boutiques, cafés, and galleries. Your guide will point out hidden architectural details and tell stories of colonial life, early trade, and the transformation of this riverside port into a vibrant modern community.

• Waterfront and Cobblestone Alleys: Enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River and step through narrow alleys that have changed little since the 1700s. Feel the history beneath your feet as you imagine horse-drawn carriages and candlelit taverns of the past.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Tour:

Authentic local experience with a passionate historian as your guide
Exclusive entry into historic sites like Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Christ Church (when open)
Small-group setting for personal interaction and Q&A
Perfect blend of history, storytelling, and charm - ideal for travelers who want more than just a walk-by.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or a returning traveler seeking new perspectives, this tour offers a memorable journey into the world of Washington, Jefferson, and the early Americans who shaped our nation.

Come walk where they walked, dine where they dined, and step into living history in Old Town Alexandria.