Happy Birthday, George!
Here in Alexandria, President's Day weekend is more commonly known as George Washington's birthday celebration: a weekend to honor our neighbor, friend, and first president. In true Alexandrian fashion, a parade through Old Town will mark the occasion and infamously remind us that "George was here!"
Alexandria has been celebrating George Washington's birthday for 225 years, and this year, we celebrate his 290th birthday on February 22. Many sites throughout Alexandria hold an association to our #1 POTUS. From his home at Mount Vernon to the various establishments where he dined and met with friends, more than 140 locations in present-day Alexandria are associated with the former president. In our line of work, it's always a nice anecdote to mention that a home sits on one of the five farms once owned by George Washington, now spread across our 22309 and 22308 zip codes.
Looking for a revolutionary activity this weekend? Here are a few happenings around town:
President's Day Weekend Activities in Alexandria:
Visit the Mount Vernon Estate Free admission on George's birthday, February 22
George Washington's Mount Vernon is the home and final resting place of our first president. Just a relaxing drive down the parkway, the estate is open 365 days a year and offers tours through the grounds and exhibits in the Educational Center. For all things George Washington, this is your first stop!
George Washington Birthday Parade Monday, February 21, 1pm - 3pm
Here in George Washington's adopted hometown, residents and visitors will celebrate in the streets of Old Town with drum corps, color guards, bands, and community organizations, all wishing well to our first president. This year, the celebration honors Alexandria's health care workers and first responders, who will march as the parade's grand marshals. The parade route heads north from Gibbon Street along Fairfax Street and then turns at Queen Street before turning south down Saint Asaph Street to end at Wilkes Street.
"George Washington's Alexandria" Tours Every Sunday in February, 2pm - 4pm
Each Sunday in February, visitors, and locals explore historic Old Town as George Washington knew it! This two-hour guided walking tour visits sites associated with our founding father, including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee's house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington's townhouse, Gadsby's Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise's Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row. This is a FREE tour through town.
Alexandria Museum Open Houses Monday, February 21, 11am - 5pm
Gadsby's Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open for visitors. Both are located near the parade route and offer free admission to Alexandria City residents!
