Out and About OTX: A Quick Picture Recap
BY KITTY L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 8.2020
After logging an exciting adventure on the Tall Ship Providence with John Paul Jones, we found that there was plenty more to do in Old Town Alexandria. While you may be unable to charter a cruise on the Providence with your pup, there are so many other activities to enjoy.
Though the historic district is known for its cobbled streets and Colonial-era buildings, it is also known for its dog-friendly atmosphere that fills almost every corner.
Perhaps the heart of Old Town is the City Marina, which provides extensive docking for historic ships, recreational and chartered boats, yachts, and other watercraft. It is also the best place to view DC's skyline, across the Potomac River.
Founders Park and the Groundswell
Five large dog parks can be found along the waterfront and beyond. Right on the waterfront is Founders Park, where dogs can enjoy the sounds of the water and easy access to the marina. Being the main dog park in the area, Founder's Park offers views of not only the Potomac, but also the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and National Harbor.
Founders Park also features a paved promenade that is perfect for peaceful walks, jogging, or roller blading with your dog. These paved walkways also blend nicely with the newly installed maritime art, Groundswell, by Mark Reigelman. 130 wooden pilings poke up from the ground, as if from the Potomac instead. It is an homage to the swelling of the tides that frequently pushed the boundary of the waterfront over the centuries. Only time will tell how long this art will be displayed.
It is not uncommon to see well-groomed, beautiful breeds at Founders Park. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Due to the foot traffic and presence of businesses in this area, however, it is advisable to keep companions on a leash. The park is spacious enough for dogs to practice socialization at a comfortable level. The nearby Duke Street Park, as well as the Montgomery, Simpson, and Witter Fields Park are others dog areas that feature off-leash sections.
Founders Park is always spacious and calm, making it perfect for dogs of any temperament. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Waterfront Restaurants and Blackwall Hitch
Don't let your dogs be limited to the parks, however. In Old Town, dogs can be seen along the waterfront, accompanying their humans in several high-end restaurants, breweries, and shops. Especially at the waterfront, restaurants feature beautiful outdoor seating arrangements with dog bowls. You can enjoy a river view or watch from above the boats that are docked nearby.
Stella at Blackwell Hitch. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
One of our favorite restaurants at the marina is Blackwall Hitch, which is only a few steps away from Founder's Park. It's also the waterfront restaurant with probably one of the best views of the Potomac and the nation's capitol. As Stella and I are both foodies, we wanted to see if the service towards dogs was as good as other restaurants in the DC area.
Their appetizers really bring out the freshness you would expect from the Chesapeake, and the flavors of the South, even for being in NoVA. Their take on the traditional fried green tomatoes have a surprisingly light and crispy texture, accentuated with delicate sauce. Their flaming crab is also something each patron should order at least once, as the crab gets set ablaze in front of you, developing the deep garlic-crab taste. Delicious.
Stella seemed to also agree that one of Blackwall Hitch's signature dishes, the stuffed rockfish, was to die for. The fish was tender and subtly sweet, and paired nicely with the rich and aromatic stuffing. But beyond the great seafood at the Hitch, there is also service to match. As soon as we entered the outdoor dining area, a kind waitress attended to us, and offered a chilly bowl of cold water. To a dog lover, that gesture is worth a lot!
Many restaurants take into account that your companion will need to be served, too! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The First Lady's Ice Cream
You can also go beyond the waterfront and into the shopping areas with your canines. Many more offerings of water bowls and sometimes, sugar-free treats, will have you feel at ease on a hot, summer day.
We popped into Ray Giovanni's or Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream. The founder was known to serve First Lady Elanor Roosevelt ice cream in the 1940s. A velvet rope separates the line, and I was surprised to receive no stares or questions when Stella entered the parlor. In fact, she was quite welcome to stay there and cool off. The ice cream here was rich and flavorful. Although I got the s'mores as well as pralines and cream, I hear the brownies here are the best. Next time, we will be sure to try their specialty sundae, the Brown Dog.
Seasonal events and fairs on the sidewalk will always keep you on your toes as well. I never quite ascertained what event was happening that week, but I was happy Stella could interact with even more new people and dogs.
The Old Town Shop at the Old Town
Going deeper into the shops, though, is where I found the most surprises. Many shop owners welcomed and rejoiced in the fact that a dog entered the premises. Other canines seemed exceptionally well-behaved. Despite this, it is always a good idea to make sure you can enter with a dog.
One of the best shops we stumbled upon was the Old Town Shop, where their motto is "the past is your present." Here, you can find many custom items that nowhere else sells - not only Old Town Alexandria souvenirs, but also Virginia-themed décor. It is here where we learned of the popular designation of OTX.
A great thing about Old Town is its focus on the community. I was pleased to find some Tall Ship Providence merchandize here. But most of all, there are so many dog-themed gifts that you're sure to find an item that looks like it was custom made for you! There was a set of kitchenware and towels that had Stella stitched right onto them. In fact, the store owner, a long-time Alexandrian, makes it a point to support the local dog-community.
The Harbor
Even on a cloudy day with ships docked, the waterfront is still worth visiting. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
During a previous visit, Chance had no desire to dive into the water. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
So much more to see and do...
Old Town Alexandria takes more than a day or two to fully explore. If you are looking for a relaxing time where you can go just about anywhere with your dog, you'll be sure to visit this waterfront town more than once!