Old Town Alexandria: Southern Comfort Food & History Tour

Old Town Alexandria offers a delightful blend of history and gastronomy. This 3-hour walking tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement, all while indulging in tastings of Southern-inspired cuisine. With a small group size and a central location, the tour provides an intimate and engaging experience, catering to various dietary needs. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, this tour promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of Alexandria’s past and present. There’s more to uncover about this unique experience.

Key Points

• 3-hour walking tour explores Old Town Alexandria’s historic significance, from its role in the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement.
• Multiple food tastings at locally-owned restaurants showcase southern comfort cuisine and provide insights into cultural influences and historical significance.
• Small group size of up to 8 participants ensures a personalized and engaging experience.
• Tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice.
• Company offers a free cancellation policy and donates a portion of each ticket sale to a local charity.

Tour Description

The Southern Comfort Food & History Tour in Old Town Alexandria takes participants on a 3-hour walking exploration of the city’s charm and historic significance.

Guests will learn about Alexandria’s role in the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement as they stroll through the picturesque streets.

The tour includes multiple food tastings at locally-owned restaurants, providing a sampling of the area’s renowned southern comfort cuisine.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, allows for an intimate and engaging experience.

Meeting at the first restaurant stop, guests are advised to arrive 5 minutes early.

The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is recommended.

Meeting Point

Participants will meet the guide and small group (limited to 8 participants) at the first restaurant stop located at 119 S Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Guests should arrive 5 minutes prior to the tour’s start time.

The meeting point is situated in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, just across the river from Washington, D.C.

This central location allows easy access to the historic district and its array of locally-owned restaurants showcased on the tour.

Food Tastings

Upon gathering at the first restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through Old Town Alexandria’s Southern-inspired cuisine. These local restaurant stops allow participants to savor the flavors that define the region’s comfort food heritage.

The tour offers multiple food tastings, providing enough sustenance for a satisfying lunch. From classic dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese to unique twists on traditional favorites, the tastings showcase the diversity and richness of Southern cooking.

Guides share insights into the cultural influences and historical significance behind the menu items, enhancing the overall experience. Whether it’s a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich or a decadent pecan pie, the food tastings leave guests with a deeper appreciation for the local culinary scene.

Historical Highlights

Along the tour, guests explore Alexandria’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement. Guides recount the city’s storied history, from its strategic location on the Potomac River to its involvement in key events that shaped the nation.

Visitors learn about Alexandria’s transformation from a colonial port town to a center of political and social change, uncovering the captivating narratives that have defined this Virginia community.

The tour highlights several historical landmarks, including:

1. Christ Church, where George Washington and other founding fathers worshipped.
2. The Lyceum, a Greek Revival building that served as a hub for civil rights activities.
3. The Carlyle House, a Georgian mansion reflecting Alexandria’s 18th-century affluence.
4. The Freedom House Museum, dedicated to the city’s role in the domestic slave trade.

Accessibility and Policies

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and the company accommodates dietary requirements and allergies with advance notice. The tours run rain or shine, so guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. Tourists can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Policy	Details
Accessibility	Accessible for wheelchair users
Dietary Requirements	Vegetarian options available, advise in advance
Weather	Tours run rain or shine, dress appropriately
Cancellation	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for full refund
Payment	Pay later option available, no payment required upfront

A portion of each ticket sale is also donated to the local charity ‘Bread for the City’.

Dietary Accommodations

The tour company accommodates dietary requirements and allergies with advance notice, offering vegetarian options for participants. This ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the delectable Southern comfort food tastings.

The menu may include:

1. Fried green tomatoes with spicy remoulade sauce
2. Creamy mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs
3. Roasted sweet potato salad with pecans and maple vinaigrette
4. Pecan pie bars with bourbon whipped cream

Donation to Charity

A portion of each ticket to the Southern Comfort Food & History Tour in Old Town Alexandria is donated to the local charity ‘Bread for the City‘, which provides vital services to those in need within the community.

This charitable contribution is an important aspect of the tour experience, allowing participants to not only enjoy the culinary and historical highlights of the city but also support a worthy cause.

The tour operator’s commitment to giving back demonstrates their community-minded approach and aligns with the tour’s focus on celebrating the rich heritage of Old Town Alexandria.

Customers can take pride in knowing that their participation directly benefits those less fortunate in the local area.

Payment and Booking

Customers can pay for the Southern Comfort Food & History Tour in Old Town Alexandria at a later date, as the tour operator offers a ‘pay later’ option that doesn’t require upfront payment.

The tour has several additional booking policies:

1. The tour runs rain or shine, so customers should dress appropriately.
2. Vegetarian options are available, but customers must advise the operator of any dietary requirements or allergies in advance.
3. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
4. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users.

Plus, the tour operator donates a portion of each ticket sale to the local charity ‘Bread for the City’.

Recap

The ‘Old Town Alexandria: Southern Comfort Food & History Tour’ offers an engaging exploration of the city’s historic charm and significance.

Participants can enjoy Alexandria’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and Civil Rights Movement while indulging in tastings of Southern-inspired cuisine at locally-owned restaurants.

The tour’s small group size and central location ensure an intimate and accessible experience, catering to various dietary needs and running rain or shine.