Day 1...Alexandria, Virginia

When we travel, we travel by car. I've mentioned before I don't fly anymore...depressurized at 32,000 feet and made nose dive to 10,000 feet wearing oxygen mask with everything inside the cabin flying around, including flight attendants and drink carts. Never liked it anyway. I digress.   

Usually, we overnight on the road. It works for us.

Annie's "owl bag" is her constant companion. It is packed with her writing books and pencils and whatever else she throws in. Here she is looking for a pencil.

To keep things new and fun, I always pack a treat bag to help keep our girl entertained. Paper goods and stickers are Annie's life, so I fill a bag with a few of those and she is good to go. She is a seasoned traveler and loves being in her backseat "nest".

We always look for a Marriott Residence Inn and the one in Old Town Alexandria is a favorite. We stayed here on a previous trip to D.C. It is within a mile walking distance of the historic district and a block from Whole Foods. Perfect!

We drove in from Fayetteville, N.C. Sunday morning and had plenty of time to explore Old Town. I was born in the old brick hospital that was built in the 1800's here in the historic district. It has since been razed.

The colonial architecture and daffodils make for great pics. While taking these one of my favorite Washington Post reporters walked right by me...Robert Costa. Always fun to see the locals!

This great shop is full of everything Alexandria... it is actually called The Old Town Shop. The southern legend of the pineapple is explained on this plaque by the door. Before our trip I bought Annie and I coral colored sweaters with pineapples on them. We had to get a pic of Annie in her sweater by the sign...sunshine on her shoulders...and in her eyes.

We enjoy just walking around on the brick and cobblestone streets looking at the old houses. This is the place I miss the most since moving to Florida. 

Swinging by the river...the Potomac...early one morning. When asked what her favorite thing was from our trip, Annie says, "the swing". Everyday ordinary is her thing.

This is Queen Street. These homes were built in the 1830's and 1840's.

I did not enhance these photos. These are the true colors.

This is my favorite street. I remember seeing these old houses when I was a young child and thinking they were absolutely wonderful. I still do.

This is the Spite Skinny House. It was built in 1830 to block a noisy alley. It is seven feet wide. Would love to see inside this diminutive home.

If you are ever in the Washington D.C. area, it's worth a trip across the river to see this lovely old town.

Next up...I'll take you to church.

Enjoy the day...and your trip to Old Town.

Robyn