Old Town, Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA. Alexandria may be close to Capitol Hill, but it's worlds away from the political hubbub. The charming Old Town area, planned in the mid-18th century, is now a shaded, genteel district dotted with beautifully historic homes, fascinating colonial museums, unique shops and award-winning eateries like Restaurant Eve. For magnificent views of the Potomac, don't miss Alexandria's revitalized waterfront, where many local artists and craftspeople gather to create and sell their work. METRO: Braddock Rd or King St