Saturday morning brought me to the Old Town Farmers’ Market, filling Market Square in front of City Hall in Alexandria’s Old Town. This bustling market teems with seasonal produce and goodies. Founded in 1752, it’s the oldest farmers market in the United States held continuously at the same site. George Washington used to send his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Pick up a sour cream and scallion scone, for instance, and if you’re here in autumn, apple cider, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin-spice cinnamon buns are solid choices for snacks.

If you miss the market altogether, you can easily head a block away to King & Rye for brunch. The Alexandrian Hotel’s restaurant features hand-selected produce from the market in their dishes. You can come here for dinner, or to stop in for a drink, choosing from the carefully curated whiskey and bourbon list. I was here for brunch, sitting at a table next to the bar that can accommodate a dozen people. The brick walls are whitewashed, and copper hoods dangle from the hanging light fixtures. This is a popular choice for weekend brunches, and it’s the perfect way to start your late morning.

Try This: You’re here for brunch, so start with a tart apple juice. Then tuck into the Virginia Breakfast: a couple of eggs prepared to your liking (over easy is particularly nice), served with delicious crispy red potatoes, a classic Southern biscuit, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or country ham.

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you been here? Have I inspired you to go? Let me know!