Page 21 - AAA North Jersey – AAA Now! – May/June 2016

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Diners enjoying a meal in Old Town Alexandria
Cherry Blossom Paddlewheeler
a mass grave holds the remains of 34 Confederate soldiers who were reburied here after the Civil War.
Continue south on Washington Street for a block and turn right on King Street. The tower you see ahead
of you, west of the walking tour route, is The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Dedicated in 1932, it stands atop Shooter's Hill, which was the site of a Civil War fort.
Go two blocks west and turn left on Alfred Street. The Friendship Firehouse Museum, founded in 1774,
Continued from page 20
Begin your tour at the visitor center, on the corner
of King and Fairfax streets in the historic Ramsay House, then walk east on King Street toward the river. Turn left at Lee Street, and follow Lee to the corner
of Cameron Street for a view of Cameron Mews – mews being another word for alley or back street. This colonial townhouse development exemplifies Alexandria's approach to new housing in Old Town. Turn left on Cameron Street and walk past the lovely gardens – which belong to the Carlyle House – located on the southwest corner of Cameron and Lee.
John Carlyle, a Scottish merchant and city founder, built this grand Georgian Palladian manor 1751- 53. Two years after its completion, Gen. Edward Braddock and five colonial governors met there
to discuss funding a campaign against the French during the French and Indian War. The issue of financing the war later became so contentious that it led to the American Revolution.
Continue west on Cameron, which is one of the city's most interesting shopping streets. The north side
of the block between Fairfax and Royal streets has many boutiques and specialty shops. Opposite is
the block-long, brick City Hall, and behind it is airy Market Square. The market held here every Saturday morning is reputed to be the nation's oldest.
Proceed one block west on Cameron past George Washington's reconstructed townhouse, which
is the clapboard house on the street's south side. Washington stayed here when business or bad weather prevented him from returning to his Mount Vernon estate. Like many historic homes, it is a private residence not open to the public.
Turn right on tree-lined St. Asaph Street, where
the town homes are beautified by landscaped courtyards and pocket gardens. As you cross Princess Street, look left to see a section of restored cobblestone roadway between St. Asaph and Washington streets.
Make a left at Oronoco, and on the right as you approach Washington Street you'll find the boyhood home of Gen. Robert E. Lee, which is a private residence. Across the street, on the southeast corner of Oronoco and Washington, is the 1785 Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden – home to generations of Robert E. Lee's relatives.
Head south on Washington Street. On the southwest corner of Queen and Washington is the 1797 Lloyd House, one of the city's best examples of late Georgian architecture. Turn left on Cameron; on your left, at 611 Cameron, is
a small, red-brick house that once belonged
to Revolutionary War hero Gen. Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee.
The peaceful grounds of Christ Church occupy the southwest corner
of Washington and Cameron. Completed
in 1773, the Georgian- style church remains an active house of worship. George Washington was an early parishioner; his original pew is preserved inside. A silver plaque marks the spot where Robert E. Lee was confirmed in 1853.
The church grounds served as Alexandria's cemetery until 1809; its oldest tombstone is dated March 20, 1791. Just inside the wall on Washington Street,
Welcome to the Land of History!
Alexandria Old Town Area South welcomes you.
Presidential Package
includes: Two adults' tickets and two children’s tickets to Mount Vernon Estate
5821 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303 703-329-1400 www.alexandriaoldtown.hamptoninn.com
Enter Promo Code PXK
• Free Parking
• Free Hot Breakfast
• Free 24 Hour Shuttle Service to Historic Old Town and Metro Station
For Reservations Contact your local AAA North Jersey Auto Travel Department
Wayne- 973-956-2216 • Fair Lawn- 201-703-2003 Oradell- 201-261-7900 • Secaucus- 201-902-1393
Take advantage of:
may/june 2016
Visit your local AAA Office or log on to www.AAA.com
21
Now!
Photo: R. Kennedy for Visit Alexandria
Photo: BCF for ACVA