We Had Lunch With George Washington

Today we explored Old Towne Alexandria by walking out the front of our condo and heading down King Street towards the Potomac River which is 16 blocks away. I know as I counted every one of them several times.

We had lunch at Gadsby’s Tavern and sitting across from us was George Washington. He cheerfully allowed me to take his picture.

This was George’s lunch.

Actually Gadsby’s Tavern saw the first 6 United States presidents eat here at one time or another as well as most other notables of the first 50 years or so of our country. The tavern still serves great food. Cheryl and I decided we had to try it. She had the French Dip and I had the Reuben. I can highly recommend it.

We then took the tour of the tavern, which is actually in two adjacent buildings. The tavern once included sleeping areas and still boasts a large and active ballroom. For many years George Washington’s birth night was celebrated here.

In those days all music was live music. This balcony was entered by climbing a ladder in the hallway and entering through the small door in the rear.

George and Martha’s townhouse is about a half block away. They attended church at Christ Church as did Robert E Lee a few years later.

The panels on each side of the altar were originally white and are hand lettered. There has been no restoration done to them, they have naturally turned this color with time. Christ Church is still an active and vibrant Episcopal church with about 2500 members. You can sit in George Washington’s pew or Robert E Lee's if you like. We did!

These last photos are street scenes from King Street in Old Towne Alexandria. It is a beautiful and well preserved city that was first chartered in 1748 (I think).

We had special guests for dinner guests this evening. I hope to get some photos of them up soon.

Tomorrow we’re off to Mt Vernon which we hear we can’t miss.