Travel back to a time when taverns we’re used for more than getting soused and inventing colorful epithets for the fans of rival sports teams. Travel to a time when the tavern was the center of sociopolitical life, where the greatest thinkers of our day came together to discuss the future of our country. A time where you had to weigh your words with care, logic and wisdom, because otherwise you might get punched in the face.
Travel to Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum in Alexandria, Virginia.
Stop in for history. Stop in for a meal. Stop in for both. Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum is one of the oldest structures in historic Alexandria. Well, two of the oldest actually. The Tavern building, more or less as it is today, was built in 1785 and today houses a good portion of the museum. The adjacent City Hotel came a few years later in 1792, and today houses the restaurant, the remainder of the museum and the historic ballroom.
What makes this centuries-old tavern better than your neighborhood dive? For one thing, the former clientele. American founders like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe frequented Gadsby’s Tavern in the formative years of our nation’s capital in Washington. Even the father of our country, George Washington, visited the tavern on a number of occasions to throw himself a birthday party.
Next to that lineup, that signed Dan Marino jersey at your neighborhood spot just isn’t the same, is it?
Unless you plan on hosting a party, you have two options at Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum: you can take the tour or you can eat at the Tavern Restaurant (which is actually in the hotel (which is not actually a hotel)). The tour is what we recommend. It’s inexpensive – currently $5 per person – and relatively brisk at only 30 minutes. But in that time you’ll learn a wealth of fascinating tidbits about the history of the building and the cultural climate of Alexandria at the time that Gadsby’s welcomed its most important customers. Learn about the museum.
Obviously you can’t spend a whole day at Gadsby’s Tavern, but if you’re exploring all the things to do in Alexandria, Virginia anyway – and that is something we heartily encourage – you really can’t skip this one. It’s a marquis destination.
The restaurant? Well, I know a lot of people love it, but at those prices I have higher expectations. It is my opinion that you can do a lot better in Alexandria, but if you want to top of your tour with a fine tavern meal, have at it. Learn about the restaurant.
Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum is located smack in the middle of Alexandria’s historic district, “Old Town”, which is where we like to stay.
Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria
901 North Fairfax
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-683-6000
Web site:
http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Modestly upscale and always a good deal, the Crowne Plaza is located just a few blocks from Old Town and King Street. A complimentary shuttle to the airport and metro shuttle makes the stay even sweeter.
Holiday Inn Alexandria – Historic District
625 First Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-548-6300
Web site: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/
A cozy Alexandria hotel with a heaping helping of free to take the edge off your travel costs – free Internet, free shuttle to King Street, free food for the kids. Situated about one-half mile from Gadsby’s Tavern.
Have fun in Alexandria, Virginia checking out Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum.
Related Posts
- American History Tours – Alexandria, Virginia
- Old Town Food & Wine Festival in Alexandria, Virginia
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Virginia – Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town
- Haunted History Tours – Alexandria, Virginia
- Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia
- Memorial Day Jazz Festival – Alexandria, VA
- Valentine’s Day in Washington D.C. (Alexandria Edition)
Loading ...
Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum in Alexandria, Virginia
Travel back to a time when taverns we’re used for more than getting soused and inventing colorful epithets for the fans of rival sports teams. Travel to a time when the tavern was the center of sociopolitical life, where the greatest thinkers of our day came together to discuss the future of our country. A time where you had to weigh your words with care, logic and wisdom, because otherwise you might get punched in the face.
Travel to Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum in Alexandria, Virginia.
Stop in for history. Stop in for a meal. Stop in for both. Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum is one of the oldest structures in historic Alexandria. Well, two of the oldest actually. The Tavern building, more or less as it is today, was built in 1785 and today houses a good portion of the museum. The adjacent City Hotel came a few years later in 1792, and today houses the restaurant, the remainder of the museum and the historic ballroom.
What makes this centuries-old tavern better than your neighborhood dive? For one thing, the former clientele. American founders like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe frequented Gadsby’s Tavern in the formative years of our nation’s capital in Washington. Even the father of our country, George Washington, visited the tavern on a number of occasions to throw himself a birthday party.
Next to that lineup, that signed Dan Marino jersey at your neighborhood spot just isn’t the same, is it?
Unless you plan on hosting a party, you have two options at Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum: you can take the tour or you can eat at the Tavern Restaurant (which is actually in the hotel (which is not actually a hotel)). The tour is what we recommend. It’s inexpensive – currently $5 per person – and relatively brisk at only 30 minutes. But in that time you’ll learn a wealth of fascinating tidbits about the history of the building and the cultural climate of Alexandria at the time that Gadsby’s welcomed its most important customers. Learn about the museum.
Obviously you can’t spend a whole day at Gadsby’s Tavern, but if you’re exploring all the things to do in Alexandria, Virginia anyway – and that is something we heartily encourage – you really can’t skip this one. It’s a marquis destination.
The restaurant? Well, I know a lot of people love it, but at those prices I have higher expectations. It is my opinion that you can do a lot better in Alexandria, but if you want to top of your tour with a fine tavern meal, have at it. Learn about the restaurant.
Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum is located smack in the middle of Alexandria’s historic district, “Old Town”, which is where we like to stay.
901 North Fairfax
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-683-6000
Web site: http://www.cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com/
Modestly upscale and always a good deal, the Crowne Plaza is located just a few blocks from Old Town and King Street. A complimentary shuttle to the airport and metro shuttle makes the stay even sweeter.
Holiday Inn Alexandria – Historic District
625 First Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-703-548-6300
Web site: http://www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com/
A cozy Alexandria hotel with a heaping helping of free to take the edge off your travel costs – free Internet, free shuttle to King Street, free food for the kids. Situated about one-half mile from Gadsby’s Tavern.
Have fun in Alexandria, Virginia checking out Gadsby’s Tavern and Museum.
Related Posts