Five Unexpected Stops on a Drive from Burke to Alexandria
Driving from Burke, Virginia to Alexandria, Virginia can be a great road trip experience. The route takes you through a scenic drive with numerous tourist attractions, ranging from shopping malls to national parks. To ensure that you make the most of your journey, we’ve compiled a list of the five unexpected places to stop between Burke and Alexandria.
The total distance from Burke to Alexandria is approximately 20 miles and takes 30 minutes to complete. The most direct route is via Fairfax County Parkway, where you’ll drive through scenic routes with numerous rest stops to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
The Halfway Point: Alexandria, VA
Before delving into the other five unexpected stops, we need to mention the halfway point between Burke and Alexandria- Alexandria, VA. Alexandria is a historic city situated along the Potomac River, attracts more than three million tourists annually. It boasts dozens of high-end restaurants, a picturesque waterfront, boutique shops, and original 18th-century structures that illustrate the city's rich history. In addition, there are quite a few museums in Alexandria, including The National Inventors Hall of Fame, The Lyceum, and The African American Heritage Park.
1. Huntley Meadows Park
Huntley Meadows Park is a 1,500-acre nature reserve situated in Fairfax County. It’s a perfect location for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, attracting more than 200 bird species. Visitors can walk along the one-mile-long boardwalk and explore the wildlife in the park, including frogs, turtles, and deer. A serene and calm environment for anyone looking for a quiet time with nature.
Don’t forget to try the cold brew coffee from Grounded Coffee Shop in the town of Alexandria.
2. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is a well preserved 220-year-old pharmacy in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. It’s renowned for the selling of various medicines and herbs that were used to manage common ailments in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can walk through the historic building and see the pharmacists' tools, such as mortars, scales, and syrup dispensers. It's an excellent location for history and pharmacy lovers.
Try The Hummingbird Cupcakes at Alexandria Cupcake in the town of Alexandria.
3. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located in Alexandria and is a tribute to one of the founding fathers of the United States - George Washington. It's a 330-foot tall structure towering over Old Town Alexandria. The memorial has a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibitions exploring Freemasonry, the first president's life, and his contributions. Visitors can climb the memorial observatory to experience a 360-degree view of Alexandria.
Try The Market Burger at The Wharf in Alexandria.
4. National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army is the first and only museum dedicated to the United States Army, opened in November 2020. The museum showcases the history of America’s oldest military branch by featuring over 15,000 war artifacts, uniforms, and weapons. Visitors can learn about the evolution and experiences of the Army from its beginning to the present day and explore a range of exhibits.
Try The southern style pulled pork shoulder sandwich with sweet potato fries at Bubba's Southern BBQ in Alexandria.
5. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a natural preserve located in Fairfax County, featuring the stunning Great Falls of the Potomac River. It offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature's beauty while hiking, fishing, and kayaking along the 15 miles of marked trails. Tourists can also have an excellent view of the Potomac River and the Virginia and Maryland shorelines. It's a great place for a picnic while enjoying the natural serenity.
Try The Cajun crab cakes with tartar sauce from Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Alexandria.
Conclusion
In conclusion, driving from Burke, Virginia, to Alexandria, Virginia is a fantastic road trip experience with stop opportunities at unexpected locations, including Huntley Meadows Park, The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, The National Museum of the United States Army, and Great Falls Park. Don’t forget to try the delicious recommended food for each location. Make the most of your travel itinerary by exploring not only the route but also the unique attractions along the way.