Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Celebration
Fall in love with George Washington's Home Town
Brimming with charming hotels for romantic getaways, restaurants ideal for candlelit gourmet dinners, and one-of-a-kind shops to find your Valentine that perfect gift, Alexandria is a wonderful location to spend the long President's Day weekend celebrating George Washington - and your true love!
Alexandria offers many things to do throughout the month of February. And, with our hotels offering special Valentine's Day packages, you can afford more than one romantic evening out on the town!
Celebrate George Washington's Birthday all month long
Alexandria is proud to have had George Washington consider it home. We celebrate our favorite son in many creative and fun ways. From a parade dedicated to him, to free admission to our historic sites, photo contests and even specially themed menus at local restaurants, Alexandria salutes George Washington all month long. A few of the special events include:
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Cherry Food Challenge | January 31-February 7
Celebrate one of the most cherished legends surrounding George Washington with special menu items with a cherry theme. Try them all and vote for your favorite. Winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade. Participants include: Majestic Café, Seagar's Restaurant (in the Hilton Old Town), Tempo, Union Street Public House, Brabo, Murphy's Irish Pub, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Union Street Public House, Ramparts, Shooter McGees, Fontaine Caffe & Creperie, Indigo Landing, Layla's and King Street Blues.
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George Washington Classic 10K Race & 2K Fun Run | February 13 | CANCELLED
Certified course plus 2K Fun Run through Eisenhower Valley and Alexandria's parklands. Prizes, T-shirts, refreshments. The first race of the season, benefitting Alexandria Police Youth Camp. 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. Contact
RaceDirector@washingtonbirthday.net or call (703) 991-4474. $25 before February 10, $30 after.
- Breakfast with George Washington | Mount Vernon Estate | February 13 & 14 | Due to the weather, events may be scaled back and performance times may vary.
- Celebrate George Washington's birthday by joining the General for breakfast as he enjoys his favorite morning meal, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey", cooked over an open fire (while supplies last). Following the breakfast sampler, families can participate in a "Surprise Birthday Party" for "General Washington" which includes rousing birthday cheers and a serenade, patriotic music and more. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $
- Washington's Birthnight Banquet & Ball | February 13
You are invited to the re-creation of this famous celebration of Washington's Birthday set in the year 1799. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Period costume optional; "after-five" attire encouraged. Get your tickets early for this popular event! (703) 838-4242. 5:30 p.m. $.
- Revolutionary War Reenactment | February 14 | CANCELLED
At Fort Ward Park there will be historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day, including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., skirmish at 2 p.m. (703) 991-4474. Free!
- George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade | February 15 | CANCELLED
The nation's largest George Washington birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. With nearly 3,500 participants including historical groups, youth from scouting groups and animals, this is still a local, community parade in honor of one of the City's favorite sons. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Gibbon and S. Fairfax streets. The reviewing stand is located near City Hall's Market Square, at the intersection of King and Royal streets, and ends at Wilkes and S. Royal streets.
- George Washington Photo Contest | Open entry until March 2010
Bring your camera to the George Washington Birthday Celebration events this year and take an award-winning photo! Contest is open to amateurs and professionals of all ages. Contest rules and entry forms can be found at the George Washington Birthday Celebration website.
For a complete listing of all the George Washington Birthday celebration events, read more.
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Romantic Getaways
Spend the long weekend in Alexandria dining in contemporary restaurants, strolling cobblestone streets, and sleeping in late in one of our many glorious hotels. Several of our hoteliers are taking advantage of the Valentine's Day weekend by offering romantic hotel packages created with love in mind.
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Great Date Ideas
Frequently rated "Best Place for a First Date" by both the Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington Post, Alexandria offers intimate dining options, live music and even karaoke at some night spots!
Whether you enjoy sleeping in and enjoying a nice Weekend Brunch, or having a romantic evening holding hands and taking in a live symphony performance or at the theatre, Alexandria has what you love. For history lovers, purchase a Key to the City Pass at the Alexandria Visitors Center at half off and enjoy free admission to historic sites and special offers from Alexandria's merchants and restaurants.
More ideas for the perfect date in Alexandria:
- Find out what our Alexandria Originals reveal is their idea of the perfect date in Alexandria
- Take in a live performance at the theatre or a symphony concert for a quiet evening
- Splurge on something savory for you and your special someone for after dinner - or as a special surprise any time of day!
- Shop together or on your own for that perfect gift at one of Alexandria's unique shops and boutiques
- Enjoy a romantic candlelight Dinner Cruise along the Potomac River
- Pamper yourself or your Valentine with a spa treatment.
Take advantage of the long weekend as you Shop, Dine & Celebrate on America's Historic Main Streets this February - or any time of year!
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