Old Town was made for hot summer evenings, ice cream, and fireflies. That's why spending the 4th of July here sends you back in time. Enjoy a plethora of new shops, sweet treats, and
outdoor fun:
Buzz Bakery is worth the trip to North Old Town, with its adorable setting, and festive baked goods. Their sugar cookies are to die for, and not just because they look like American flags.
Alexandria Cupcake always has tasty, fresh flavors. I love their vanilla bean icing, but their strawberry might hit the spot just right on the 4th.
Lavender Moon Cupcakery is a great place to find all-natural cupcakes. Lavender flavored
treats sound weird at first, but trust me, you'll love 'em. Anything chocolate-chocolate flavored from this yummy establishment is bound to be delic. But beware of their strange hours: Once the cupcakes run out, so do the shop keepers!
Bittersweet is a thirst-quencher with their GIANT, fresh, to-go lemonades. Even better, they just opened a new snack bar in the food court on the boardwalk. Stopping in at the Snack Shack is like taking a dip in a cool pool. They also make particularly tasty mango smoothies.
While you're strolling down the boardwalk, catch a dog from Waterfront Weenies, the local hot dog street vendor. Try the unique sauces! My fav is the Hawaiian Dog.
After you're full of sugar, catch National Harbor's fireworks at Founders Park. Or, make your way to one of the following points on the Mount Vernon Trail to catch a view of the fireworks
from the Mall:
-Behind 11 Canal Center Plaza, just north of Oronocco Bay Park (great spot to see Mall, -National Harbor, and random MD fireworks from across the river)
-Beside/below the Memorial Bridge Mount Vernon trail
-Mount Vernon. Hours before the Mall's fireworks, check out Mount Vernon's daytime show.
Remember! The following weekend, Sat July 10th, is George Washington's Birthday celebration in Old Town. Keep an eye out for info on the fair, and Alexandria's home turf fireworks.
