Sophia Jones
Staff Writer
Weekends are made for relaxation. While it can be a struggle to find something to do, one great destination right here in Northern Virginia is Old Town. The neighborhood combines historic buildings and traditions with cultures from around the world.
Old Town is known for its restaurants, and there is a perfect place for every meal. There’s no better place to go for breakfast than the Uptowner Cafe at 1609 King Street, which serves great coffee and treats in a cute cafe setting. For lunch, treat yourself to tapas, small plates, and exquisite tea at Sonoma Cellar on 207 King Street.
For dinner, hit up Urbano 116. Appropriately named for its location at 116 King Street, Urbano 116 reinvents classic Mexican cuisine and serves a variety of delicious tacos. Finally, for dessert, head to Goodies Frozen Treats & Custard at 200 Commerce Street. Located in an old ice house from the 1950s, Goodies serves delectable Wisconsin-style custard, soda floats, and brownie sundaes with a jukebox diner style.
In Old Town, there is also an array of great stores and attractions. One method of shopping that has gained popularity, particularly with Gen Z, is thrifting, and Old Town has no shortage of thrift stores. From Twig Thrift Shop at 106 N Columbus Street to Look Again at 900 King Street, trendy styles lurk in retro sustainability. Another cool outing that can be hard to come by is an escape room. Escape Quest, housed on the second floor of 1127 King Street is a must-do in Old Town. It’s also a great spot to buy puzzles.
Of course, no visit to Old Town is complete without a visit to the waterfront at the end of King Street. Overlooking the Potomac River, one can walk down to the docks and see the boats or visit the Torpedo Factory to see exhibitions from local artists. There is also a park with a rotating display of art pieces. The current display is a lovely sign made out of neon, glass, and metal that spells out, “I love you.”
Old Town is a charming place to hang out. The many restaurants, stores, and attractions allow for a fun day of eating, shopping, and exploring. There is something for everyone in this endearing neighborhood.
This article is not sponsored.
