Spend Your Summer on the Potomac!
Alexandria is completely underrated in the summertime. Rarely thought of as a vacation spot in its own right, many out-of-towners just stop by Old Town for an evening as part of a larger vacation in Washington, D.C. As for Alexandria residents, we’re such an easy distance from so many East Coast beaches that it’s easy to forget we’re right on the water ourselves. This summer, I’m going to make more of an effort to enjoy Alexandria and all its fun outdoor activities instead of daydreaming about where else I could go. I guess the word “staycation” is in order!
The Potomac River is not just something to drive by on the GW Parkway four or more times a day; it’s a stunning body of water offering views of precious wildlife and opportunities to sail, fish, paddleboard, and more. At Belle Haven Marina, owned by the National Park Service, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats, and stand-up paddleboards for great prices. You can also take sailing lessons: they offer a basic course for adults, as well as private instruction and youth courses. Also in Alexandria are Mansion House Yacht Club and Mount Vernon Yacht Club, which, like Belle Haven Marina, offer storage and a launch ramp for members’ boats in addition to fun social events.
There are other ways to enjoy the water besides being right out on it. Consider a sunset dinner or riverside brunch at Blackwall Hitch, where you can enjoy a delicious boiler pot and refreshing Blackwall Shanty or Hibiscus Mojito. Cedar Knoll is another restaurant with amazing water views and even more amazing cuisine; restaurant owner Andrew Holden does a truly magnificent job. Don’t miss the Two Way Duck and Rainbow Trout.
For some exercise, Patterson Group members love to run along the Potomac on the GW Parkway’s running and bike trail before and after work. You can also soak up some history along with the sun’s rays at Mount Vernon, which you can get to on a boat from Old Town, Washington, D.C., or National Harbor.
Working in real estate, we’re lucky to see and be inspired by some spectacular waterfront homes and the leisurely summer evenings they enable. At 4609 Dolphin Lane, you can kayak or paddleboard from your private dock in the canal out into the Potomac, and then enjoy a wonderful evening with family and friends on the deck and patio below. You can also set sail from the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, which is within walking distance of Dolphin Lane.
At 5205 Burke Drive, you can savor a glass of wine, selected from your 600-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, on the pool deck overlooking the Potomac River and a private 300-foot dock. You can entertain on a grand scale on the expansive balcony, home to breathtaking panoramic views of the Potomac, and kayak or launch your boat from the dock, which boasts two boat lifts with water, electric, and some supremely tranquil views.
- About the team
The Patterson Group is one of the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving Alexandria, VA for over thirty years. We offer professional, hardworking, detailed and friendly service and a large network of contacts and resources accrued over our many years in Alexandria real estate. Comprised of seven Alexandria locals, six of whom are licensed realtors and three of whom are accredited staging professionals, The Patterson Group is passionate and knowledgeable about Alexandria, VA and here for all of your Northern VA real estate needs. Allow us to help you find your home here and discover all that the Alexandria lifestyle has to offer.
400 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.310.6201
