Extraordinary Alexandria

There is an extraordinary place where happiness is not just a pursuit but rather a way of life. In this historic and cosmopolitan city called Alexandria, there is no need to chase your dreams. All you have to do is live them.

I am soaring at a height of 36,000 feet, sipping ice wine and champagne at the posh Celestial Bar & Lounge of the ultra-luxurious A380 Korean Air flight from Seoul to New York City. This impressive bar offers premium flyers ultimate in-flight style and relaxation. The new lounge, at the rear of the upper deck, is a unique mix of Asian aesthetics and functionality.

The lounge purser graciously presents liquid luxe choices from six fruit-based and Absolut vodka-infused cocktails served in icy tall glasses. Korean Air’s A380 has only 407 seats: 12 luxurious Kosmo First Class suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the first level, with the upstairs featuring 94 lie-flat sleepers spaced six feet apart.

I traipse down the spiral staircase of the Prestige Class to the unique Duty Free Showcase offering cosmetics, perfumes, liquor and accessories, with a dedicated cabin crewmember on hand to assist and advise passengers with all their shopping needs. After the most comfortable and luxurious 14-hour flight, I disembark in JFK Airport in New York City and take a jumper flight to Washington DC and proceed to Alexandria, just in time for the city’s unveiling of their new tourism campaign.

City of Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille kicked off the campaign launch noting that, “Extraordinary Alexandria reflects the vast changes occurring in our city over the past five years — new hotels, restaurants and shops; new developments in the city’s neighborhoods and on the waterfront; and the addition of the free King Street Trolley.” The mayor also personally thanked the woman behind the campaign, new ACVA president and CEO Patricia Washington.

It was indeed a privilege for my traveling companions Reesa Guerrero-Silliman, Edwin Santos, Tony Rodriguez and I to experience these developments in Alexandria, a 260-year-old multicultural haven in Virginia that is rich in authentic architecture and heritage; refined luxury that is simple yet perfectly done; a romantic escape; a rich diversity of offerings; thriving arts and cultural hotspots; epicurean delights and chic boutiques.  It is so easy for one to fall in love instantly with Old Town Alexandria, the heart of the city on the Potomac River waterfront. Global leaders and local residents — from America’s founding father, George Washington to President Barack Obama — have made Alexandria their choice dining destination. This beautifully preserved historic district features award-winning, legendary gastronomic hubs sought by global heads of states. In 2011, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in the Restaurant Eve owned by chef Cathal Armstrong. The cuisine here is a synergy of chef Armstrong’s Dublin upbringing, French technique and New World sensibility.

It is worth noting that Alexandria is equipped with multiple public transportation outlets that are both easily navigable, efficient and ecofriendly. Once you’re here enjoying the sites, Alexandria has bikes, boats, light rail, trolleys or the heart healthy walk to get you around the city or into Washington, DC.

History tells us that the young George Washington, as a surveyor, assisted in the foundation of this village in 1749. During the war of 1812, in their desire to preserve beautiful Alexandria, the city fathers surrendered to the British. The Union troops invaded Alexandria making it the longest occupied territory in the civil war but the charming neighborhood was remarkably well preserved. In 1796, Duc de la Rochfoucauld Liancourt wrote “Alexandria is beyond all comparison the handsomest town in Virginia — indeed it is among the finest in the United States. Listed on the National registry of Historic Places, the famed neighborhood is recognized for its over 4,200 buildings of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, art galleries, antique shops, chic retailers as well as national retail stores and historic attractions.”

Being George Washington’s hometown, Alexandria has a rich legacy that nostalgically intertwines with the beginnings of America. We drove just nine miles south of Old Town Alexandria to the highlight of our journey: Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, museum and gardens. We strolled amidst the historic walls of the home of the nation’s first president, studying documents and priceless memorabilia. What was once an active plantation is now the nation’s most visited historic home. The iconic and authentic 18th-century mansion is an incomparable national treasure that helps one understand further the life, values and heroism of George Washington as well as his love story with his courageous and loving wife Martha.

We spent a lot of time in Mount Vernon Estate Museum and Garden and we were so inspired by the life and triumphs of George Washington who decided to hand over the power to the people through elections. He never thought of empowering himself even if he had all the opportunity to do so. It was touching to see the chair where he penned many critical decisions that continue to impact the lives of the free world in wonderful ways. Today, guests to Mount Vernon can visit the mansion, more than a dozen original structures, Washington’s tomb, nearly 50 acres of his extensive plantation and much more.

A monumental event that took place last Sept. 27 was the inaugural of the George Washington Presidential Library, which many say is 220 years overdue. The state-of-the-art edifice officially registered as Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington is the product of the collaborative effort by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. Stored in a secure oval room, among the new library collections are 103 volumes of Washington’s original 1,200 titles. His personal copy of the Acts of Congress and the Constitution and Bill of Rights with handwritten margin notes are among the recent prized possessions of this noble and public library.

We were also able to walk around the charming cobblestoned old town, explore the attractions like the Alexandria Archaeology Museum that features colonial Civil War artifacts, the Alexandria Black History Museum that documents the local and national history, culture and contributions of Black America, The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum whose notable guests included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the city’s history museum known as the Lyceum. More than 140 places in Alexandria today are associated with the nation’s first president, who conducted business, gathered with friends, worshiped, and even owned a townhouse in the city. We even visited the Torpedo Factory Art center, one of the largest and most celebrated visual arts center in the United States. Historically, it was a torpedo factory and munitions storage site.

Alexandria is tops among places to visit on the East Coast. It is certainly a delightful romantic, cosmopolitan, diverse, enchanting and uncontrived destination filled with intimate escapes and redefined luxury. No matter the season, Alexandrians know how to celebrate. Throughout the year, a host of events take place in the city, celebrating holidays, historical figures and the artistic scene Alexandria is renowned for. From annual festivals and parades, to art shows, live music, theater, history reenactments and holiday celebrations, Alexandria’s award-winning culture never stops buzzing.

Experience for yourself this extraordinary way of life at Alexandria. After all, there is something extraordinary in all of us. All we ought to do is to set it free.

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For more information, visit the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association at visitalexandriava.com. Korean Air flies from Manila to JFK via Seoul daily. Call 789-3700 for details.

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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.