Whether you are a lifetime resident or visiting for a few hours, days, or weeks, our historic downtown welcomes you. Downtown isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to belong. It’s where friends meet, families spend time together, and visitors instantly feel welcome.
Hungry? Downtown offers something for every taste. Enjoy cozy coffee shops, casual eateries, and sit-down dining options perfect for a night out or a quick bite. Sip coffee with friends, meet up for lunch, enjoy dinner before an event, or treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry.
Downtown is home to a vibrant mix of locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and unique retailers you won’t find anywhere else. From fashion and gifts to home décor, art, books, and freshly baked goods, every shop has a story—and friendly faces ready to help you find just what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon or spending the day exploring, downtown offers an experience that’s authentic, welcoming, and uniquely ours. Shopping downtown means supporting local entrepreneurs and keeping our community thriving.
— Downtown Alexandria Inc.
Reviews
The mix of locally owned boutiques and specialty shops makes downtown feel special. Every shop has a story, and the friendly faces make you want to come back again and again.
— Local Shopper
From cozy coffee shops to sit-down dinners, we love meeting friends downtown for a bite or a pastry. It’s become our go-to spot for lunch dates and family meals.
— Downtown Visitor
Whether we’re here for an event or just strolling the streets, downtown Alexandria always feels welcoming. Historic, friendly, and full of character—we keep coming back.
— Community Member
In 1999, Carlette (Charlie) Vernlund and business partners opened Charlie’s Bazaar, a home decor shop in the heart of Downtown Alexandria known for its unique products and marvelous displays. Twenty years later, ownership of the beloved shop transferred to Charlie and her daughter, Clista Bradford, who together endeavored to update the space to encompass the…
Welcome to the new website of Downtown Alexandria and the home of Downtown Alexandria Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded with the mission of revitalizing Downtown through events, beautification, property improvements, marketing, and more. Follow us for stories about our incredible Historic Downtown, information on upcoming events, and updates on changes and improvements to our…
