Virginia is for lovers and Spring is the perfect season to enjoy the sunshine and blooms all around. If you are looking for a day trip on a budget, this blog post is for you.
I recommend to travel during lavender season which begins May 30 and runs through July 14.
Make sure to bring comfy shoes to walk all day and dress appropriately for the weather, you will be outdoors most of the time.
Morning At A Lavender Field
Tucked away in Catlett, Virginia, Seven Oaks Lavender Farm is like stepping into a postcard.
Beautiful lavender fields, treats and rustic charm make this family-owned farm a perfect retreat.
You will find a well organized set up with French and English lavender bushes where you can cut your own stems to take home. You even get to borrow cute baskets that will make the perfect prop for your photos.
They also have bunnies you can feed, an area for children to play and a cute shop with many cute lavender goodies. The shop looks small but they have so many good stuff! You will want to take everything home.
After wandering around all morning, take a break around noon for lunch.
Pack a blanket and your lunch for a picnic. They do have picnic tables and chairs under trees, so that’s an option too if they are available. Either way, enjoy your lunch with a refreshing lavender lemonade and a cupcake or ice cream for desert you can buy on site.
The farm opens daily from 10am to 5pm. For the purpose of this day trip, I recommend to be there at 10am sharp and leave not later than 2pm so you can be on the road for your next stop.
Admission is $8 adults and $6 kids. The ticket can be bought at the door and it includes 20 lavender stems. No reservations needed. Parking is free.
Afternoon + Evening: Old Town Alexandria
Your next stop it’s about an hour away. A charming town with cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture and waterfront views: Old Town Alexandria.
Look for a parking spot around the waterfront park, you can use this address as a reference: 198 Strand Street, Alexandria VA 22314. We’re going to make our way up and then back.
Start strolling up King Street, the heart of Old Town, lined with boutiques and art galleries. Great for window shopping or treating yourself. Here is where you can get your magnets and souvenirs.
If you are into history and art, you could also pop into a local museum like the Torpedo Factory Art Center or Carlyle House Historic Park.
The Carlyle House is the place that influenced Alexandria into an important trading hub and prosperous colonial town. It served also as a hospital during the Civil War. Today is a restored museum.
From here you can grab an ice cream or a cold drink and take a break in Market Square, the same spot where George Washington used to sent produce from Mount Vernon to the oldest Farmers Market in the Country.
Next go see the narrowest house in the US and enjoy the beautiful neighborhood on your way. The address is 523 Queen Street, Alexandria VA 22314.
Built in 1,830, the narrowest house was constructed by a homeowner to keep people from using an alley next to his home, joke on him because it has been attracting thousands of visitors till today’s day.
Just be respectful with the neighbors as this is a residential area.
From here start to make your way back to King Street for a dinner al fresco at one of Alexandria’s many outdoor patios or you can also grab something at a cafe to eat by the water.
End your day catching the golden hour by the water as the evening light makes the whole town glow. From the waterfront park you can even see the Capitol!
If you want to make it a weekend trip just split the locations, one for each day. This would be perfect for slow travel with time to rest or to make room for a night to party with the girls.
Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner or with friends, Virginia is a beautiful state and this day trip is a good mix of countryside and historic city charm.
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