Time Travel: Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, Virginia is a lovely town that tips it's hat to the past.  Because of it's close proximity to the nation's capital it is populated by professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies which contract to provide services to the federal government.  The historic center of Alexandria is known as Old Town. With its boutiques, restaurants, antique shops and theaters, all being a major draw for tourists. Alexandria neighborhoods are compact, walkable, high-income suburbs of Washington D.C

Some of the historic landmarks in Old Town include General Robert E. Lee's boyhood home, the Lee-Fendall House, and a replica of George Washington's townhouse. 

I toured the Gadsby's Tavern, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop.  These are two Must See’s in Alexandria that I came across while on my visit there.  The Apothecary Museum and Gift Shop was easy to find and offered a guided tour.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business founded in 1792 and operated in this very same location for many years. It represents one of Alexandria's oldest continuously run businesses that combined retailing, wholesaling, and manufacturing. 

The museum is filled with a wonderful collection of beautiful antiques and moldings, botanical herbs, hand blown glass, and medical equipment.  The guide told us their spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices is superior to other museums. The names of famous customers appear on many documents, including Martha Washington, Nelly Custis and Robert E. Lee.

While on the tour of the Apothecary Museum, I was taken back by how beautiful those hand blown glass bottles were.   I loved the design of the fireplace and all the lovely moldings.  I also enjoyed the old world charm of the antiques and the way they stored the medicines.  There were some wonderful gift items in the Gift Shop.  Note to self: a great place to do some serious Christmas shopping.

Next I strolled a lovely old street, lined with brick homes and businesses.  I loved the architecture and the front door design. (see below)  I decided to lunch where  "George Washington" ate: the Gadaby Tavern  and Restaurant.  I loved how the servers were dressed up in 17th century finery and were so polite and formal.  Gadsby Tavern's  building has a special designation by the U.S. National Historic Landmarks. Next door is Gadsby's Tavern Museum, a cultural history museum.

Originally the Tavern was part of the social, economic, political, and educational life in Alexandria. Today the Tavern houses exhibits of early American life in Virginia and the restaurant serves up some traditional foods in a fun and fanciful way. 

Important visitors to the tavern included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. 

There was a wonderful fireplace and the tables were set with old style pewter, some very traditional old pattern china and cut glass water glasses.

Most everything on the menu could have been served in the 1800’s.  I ordered hot onion soup and it was simply delicious.  There was home baked breads and I added a cup of hot tea (It was a very cold day).  I loved the hurricane candle lit with one tall tapered candle.  In fact candle light was what illuminated the entire room.  I had a relaxing and inviting lunch and almost forgot where I was!