I woke up bright and early to catch the Blue Line to Old Town Alexandria. As soon as I stepped off the metro, it felt like I had been transported back in time — the historic charm of the buildings was unmistakable. As a bit of a history nerd, I couldn't help but wonder which famous figures had once strolled these very streets.

I genuinely can't function without a coffee, so I headed straight to Hypergoat Coffee Roasters — the perfect spot for a great coffee (I ordered a cold brew), reliable Wi-Fi, and a cozy vibe. There's even a small outdoor patio if you're lucky enough to catch a cooler day.

To me, the perfect coffee shop offers more than just great coffee — it also has a welcoming atmosphere, filled with plenty of natural light. | Photo via NOVAtoday

Then, come lunch time, I meandered my way down King Street — a great spot to check out local shops, along with chains like H&M and Sweetgreen. With food on the brain, I decided to save my shopping until after grabbing a bite.

I ended up at Chadwick’s, a restaurant right by the water. It’s the ideal place for those times when everyone’s craving something different, as the menu has a little bit of everything. The squash and black bean wrap was exquisite, paired with sweet potato fries. Another great option is the Caesar salad, topped with steak.

Chadwicks opened in Old Town Alexandria in 1979. | Photo via NOVAtoday

After lunch, I got my steps in and finally went into some of those shops along King Street. Here are the spots I’d recommend checking out depending on your mood.

If you’re looking for somewhere to shop for clothing, stop at The Lucky Knot and Happy Place. These boutiques offer a variety of clothing options, including a ton of dresses. You can also shop for various accessories, including purses and jewelry.

If you’re with a tourist, check out The Old Town Shop for little trinkets galore. From regional snacks to ornaments, there are plenty of goodies to choose from to commemorate your travels.

If you’re looking to grab a drink, try out Alice Comfort Cocktail. I’d recommend the Mango Spice, made with Tito’s Vodka, Ancho Reyes verde, kaffir lime, Thai chili, Thai basil, mango puree, and lime.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head to The Creamery and Pops Old Fashion Ice Cream. Not only do you get tasty ice cream, but like much of the area, it also feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

After a full day of exploring Old Town, I finally made my way home. But now I’m wondering — did I miss your favorite spot? If you have a go-to place in Old Town Alexandria, I’d love to hear about it. Let me know where you like to go when you’re in the area.