Expand Your Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria never really gets old. But there’s so much you’re missing until you explore more of Alexandria’s neighborhoods. Uncover everything from globe-spanning eats and award-winning brews to eclectic live music and inspiring green spaces.
Global Cuisine & Green Spaces in Alexandria's
West End
The West End is home to the city’s craft beer scene with the headquarters of award-winning Port City Brewing Company as well as critically-lauded international dining, including some of the best Ethiopian food in the region. Plus, don’t miss expansive green spaces like Ben Brenman Park and Fort Ward.
Join Nomarama as they discover Alexandria’s West End below.
“When I came back from Ethiopia, I didn’t know where to start. We decided to open Makeda in Alexandria given the large Ethiopian community. It’s been six years now and it’s going very well.”
-Daniel Solomon, Owner of Makeda
Main Street Reimagined
Del Ray
Wander along Mount Vernon Avenue for raved-about brunch destinations, outdoor drink spots and al fresco festivals. Del Ray is known for its Wellness District, a large community of holistic health businesses, and a creative streak energizing made-for-strolling streetscapes.
The D.C. Region's Chirilagua
Arlandria
Catch a concert from a favorite artist at the Birchmere, enjoy Salvadorian, Peruvian and Nepalese dining and admire powerful murals in Alexandria’s Arlandria neighborhood, steps from bustling Del Ray. Also called Chirilagua, after a region of El Salvador from which many of the neighborhood’s residents hail, Arlandria offers backyard biergartens and some of the best pupusa spots in the area.
Bustling Veronica’s Bakery specializes in Latin American Pastries, desserts and cakes, as well as Salvadorian, Mexican and Honduran traditional cuisine. Choose from a wide selection of panes dulces like conchas, orejas and churros or try a savory Honduran baleada.
Pictured: Rebecca Salinas, Co-Owner of Veronica’s Bakery
The Heart of Innovation
Carlyle
As an economic engine of Alexandria just outside of Old Town, the Carlyle and Eisenhower neighborhoods celebrate the spirit of science and innovation, boasting the National Science Foundation and the National Inventors Hall of Fame inside the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Discover everything from outdoor spaces hosting community events and pop-up shops to Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery.
“Over the past three years, Lost Boy Cider has grown from our founder, Tristan Wright, crafting cider in his home, to becoming a loved staple in many homes across Alexandria and NOVA. We continue to grow alongside the Carlyle neighborhood and we are very excited to see where our community will take us!”
– Annemarie Bresson, Tasting Room Associate and Cellar Assistant at Lost Boy Cider
