A Yogi-s Guide to Old Town Alexandria

Our city of Alexandria, Virginia is sometimes referred to as “the fun side of the Potomac,” and with good reason.  There are few other places where you will find our mix of colonial charm, old world sophistication and progressive values.  With our chef- driven restaurants, boutique shops, scenery and relaxed attitude, it’s no wonder that CNN has included Alexandria on its list of 100 best places to live and hundreds of thousands of tourists visit us each year.

But what about the travelling yogi?  What can they find in Alexandria?  The answer is plenty.  With many people finalizing their summer vacation plans we wanted to share with you some of the reasons why we choose to live and practice in this city.

GETTING IN AND AROUND

With our proximity to Washington, DC there are multiple options to access our city using mass transportation.

Located just 4 miles from the heart of Old Town, and with flights from most major US cities, Reagan National Airport is a convenient place to begin your visit. From there it is just 2 stops on Metro Rail to either the Braddock Road or King Street stations, both of which provide access to our Old Town, a center for shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, yoga.

For those who prefer to travel by train, the King Street station also hosts regional service from Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express.

At the train station you will find a clearly marked Capital Bikeshare station where an inexpensive pass will allow you to use one of their safe, sturdy bicycles to pedal to your hotel or other destination. Bikeshare stations are located all around Old Town, including right next to Pure Prana Yoga Studio building, on the corner of King Street and Patrick Streets, allowing for everyone to get around the city easily and cleanly.

If you’ve too much luggage to bike, the local DASH Bus and King Street Trolley can help to shuttle you where you want to go.  The Trolley operates around a fleet of hybrid vehicles and can be ridden free of charge.
If you would prefer to take a taxi, GoGreenCab is Alexandria’s first 100% hybrid and environmentally friendly taxi service.

WHERE TO STAY

With such a large number of visitors each year, Alexandria is home to almost 5,000 hotel rooms.  While there are many options to choose from, we personally recommend either the Hotel Monaco, the Morrison House or the Lorien Hotel and Spa, all part of the exceptional Kimpton family of hotels. Kimpton hotels worldwide have a deep commitment to social responsibility reflected in their Earth Care program that supports environmental consciousness and sustainability throughout their operations. To help you get around the city, the hotel’s offer guests the use of bicycles upon request. To support your practice while on the road, each Kimpton room also comes outfitted with a yoga mat and videos to help you get your day going or else unwind after a long day of shopping and sightseeing!  Prefer to practice with a group?  Pure Prana Yoga Studio is just a short walk away from all 3 hotels.  Pure Prana also offers a free brunch practice at the Hotel Monaco on Saturday’s beginning at 8:00am.

WHERE TO EAT

Alexandria is home to some of the country’s best chefs.  From fine dining to quick bites our city has something for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans and locavores.  At Pure Prana food is important to us and narrowing down our favorite options that support a yogic diet has been a challenge, but here are some that rise to the top.

Our neighbors at Bittersweet Café , on the corner of King Street and Alfred Street, offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including the only hot food bar in Old Town. Stocked with a variety of salads, a must-have baked macaroni and cheese and a variety of other dishes, it’s a great place to put together a lunch to enjoy in their café or else to take along for a picnic.

The Pita House, located just down the street from Pure Prana Yoga Studio, offers an extensive vegetarian menu of Lebanese Cuisine. Pure Prana staff favorites include the Spinach Melt sandwich and Fatteh Bel Bathnjan, a dish of eggplant and simmered chick peas topped with toasted pita bread, yogurt, garlic sauce and splashed with sizzling butter and pine nuts.

For fine dining, Restaurant Eve offers a menu of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and special vegan and vegetarian chef’s tasting menus. Owner and Chef Cathal Armstrong has been named a “Champion of Change” by The White House and received the “Green Giant Award” from Washingtonian Magazine for his work to protect the environment and convey the virtues of green living. The restaurant features its own organic, worm composted garden with a natural rain water irrigation system to supply the kitchen.  Reservations are strongly recommended to enjoy the fresh and delicious meals they prepare.

Looking for something fast but still want to keep your integrity?  Old Town Alexandria is home to both a Chipotle and a Le Pain Quotiden, both on King Street.  There you will find a variety of sustainably raised, organic, vegetarian and vegan meals that are sure to satisfy.  There is also a Whole Foods Market located near the King Street Metro Station.

If you’re in town on Saturday morning and looking for a piece of fresh fruit, juice or pastry to begin your day, then visit our farmer’s market! Located along King Street, on Market Square, the Old Town Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 7am until 12pm, rain or shine.  In continuous operation since 1753, ours is the oldest continually operating farmers market in the nation, attracting producers and artisans from around the Potomac Watershed, providing visitors and locals alike with fresh, clean produce and other foods.

WHERE TO SHOP

Looking to add to your wardrobe, or searching for a special decorative element to your home?  Old Town Alexandria’s boutiques offer some of the best shopping in the country.

Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has supported communities around the world by offering customers access to handmade, fair trade goods. Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothing or home accents this store will help you to find a unique gift or treat for yourself.

Located on West Street, Dorjebajra Tibet Shop is stocked with singing bowls, malas, incense and a variety of other practice items, as well as jewelry, clothing and stationary.

 

WHERE TO PRACTICE YOGA

Since 2003, Pure Prana Yoga Studio has provided residents and visitors to Old Town a holistic yoga program that spans from Vinyasa to Ashtanga to Sivananda, Kripalu, Kundalini and more.  Our new student pass is ideal for travelers who want to maintain a regular practice.  For just $30 you will have access to all of our regularly scheduled classes for 30 days, allowing you keep your practice consistent during the length of your stay.  Please visit us at either of our locations along King Street and we will be happy to include you in our community.

WHERE TO UNWIND

In addition to our yoga offerings, Pure Prana Yoga Studio also invites yogis and non-yogis alike to benefit from our healing arts program. Encompassing a diverse range of approaches, our healing arts practitioners can help you unwind or regain your balance with therapeutic massage, Thai yoga therapy, pranassage, reiki or energetic balancing. Healing arts sessions must be scheduled in advance.  Please email privates@pureprana.com to reserve your appointment today.

NEARBY NATURE

Less than 3 miles outside the heart of Old Town, along the multi-use Mt. Vernon Trail, the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve offers visitors and residents alike a wild oasis. Representing one of the last tidal wetlands in the Washington, DC area, this mix of forest and marsh can be explored by both boat and foot.  This green jewel of our city can be accessed from Old Town via the Mount Vernon Trail, a paved bike and walk way.  Bicycles can be rented at Big Wheel Bikes, allowing visitors to enjoy an active morning or afternoon of pedaling and paddling.

We recommend renting a kayak at the adjoining Belle Haven Marina and enjoying a leisurely paddle along the main shoreline and up through the numerous tributaries and channels.  Along the way you might see bald eagles, ospreys, beaver, river otter and a wide variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Small islands offshore offer quiet places to practice, explore or enjoy a picnic.

Some of us here at Pure Prana Yoga Studio are Alexandria natives.  Others have moved here from afar.  All of us love our city and welcome visitors to share it with us.  Whether you are on your way or planning a trip for the future, we hope to see you soon!