If you’re looking for some history in Alexandria, Virginia, the African American Heritage Memorial Park is a good place to start. The park’s site includes the former Black Baptist Cemetery, which was Alexandria’s first independent burial ground for black residents. You can view the bronze memorial and winding trail that includes several other markers, including one that commemorates the city’s historic African American neighborhoods. In addition to the memorial, the park also contains a museum and interpretive center.

The museum’s mission is to enrich the lives of Alexandria residents and foster tolerance and appreciation for the African American experience. Its location on Princess St. provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor concerts, including opera and jazz. The cemetery also offers an array of other events for families to enjoy. If you’re looking for a little more history, check out the museum’s free African American exhibit. The exhibits are well-organized and well worth a visit.

The park also contains the Spite House, a two-story, seven-foot-wide home that exemplifies the culture of the African American community. The Spite House is located at 523 Queen Street. To make the most of your trip, you can walk along the Mt. Vernon  

trail, a paved 18-mile path that parallels the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This scenic path winds through the historic part of Alexandria and ends at the Mt. Vernon estate. You’ll find views of the Washington D.C. skyline on the way. Discover more about Alexandria.

There are over 800 sites on the National Historic Register related to the African American experience. They’re categorized by state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The book lists addresses but does not include phone numbers or information about admission charges or access policies. Several sites include black-and-white photographs, and the book notes that three-fourths of the properties are privately owned. It also contains eight introductory essays that provide context for understanding historical significance of the sites. Browse our site.

For a great meal, try out one of the city’s many restaurants. At the same time, don’t missthe historic King Street, where you’ll find quaint boutiques and unique restaurants. A trip to Green Spring Gardens is another great option. There are over 20 gardens and a gift shop. The grounds are beautiful and there’s always something in bloom. Enjoy Alexandria’s culture and history while you’re in the area.

If you’re hungry, try out one of the many ethnic restaurants in Alexandria. You’ll find everything from Greek to Italian to Mexican. There’s also a taqueria called Don Taco, where you can sample 14 different varieties of tacos. You can also check out Smoking Kow BBQ, which offers American bbq tacos and mac ‘n meat. You’ll also find a pizza joint, The Del Ray Pizzeria, at 801 King Street in Alexandria, where you can order pizza.