Old Town Alexandria Walk and Brewery Tour

We are going to continue with our outdoor spring and summer events with a walk along the waterfront in Alexandria followed by a visit to a nearby brewery which is the first production brewery to operate in Alexandria since Prohibition.

Alexandria, Virginia

Along the Potomac River within close proximity to the U.S. capital, the city of Alexandria located in northern Virginia, is recognized for its rich history, beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture, a thriving boutique scene, charming neighborhoods with walking trails and scenic waterfront views.

Waterfront Walk

We will do a leisurely paced walk along the waterfront starting at Founders Park towards Oronoco Bay Park. This trail covered with trees has a great view of the Potomac river and the waterfront and is a favorite among many local residents.

Founders Park Alexandria, Virginia

Founders Park is near the shops and restaurants of King Street, the Alexandria Marina and the Torpedo Factory. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty of the river.


Oronoco Bay Park is a 4.5 acre park located along the waterfront, next to Founders Park. The park was once known as Texaco Bay and owned by John D. Rockefeller founder of the Standard Oil Company. In the 1980s, the City of Alexandria acquired the land and developed it into a park changing the name to Oronoco Bay Park.

Historically, this area was inhabited by Indians when Captain John Smith an English explorer sailed up the Potomac during the summer of 1608, on his important exploration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

The waterfront walk will be led by our core member Katherine.

Exploring Craft Beer in Alexandria

The historic city of Alexandria has a proud tradition of brewing beer for the region that dates back to the 19th century. Robert Portner emigrated from Westphalia, Germany and opened Robert Portner Brewing Company in Alexandria in 1869. It grew to become the largest pre-Prohibition brewery in the Southeastern United States and city’s largest employer. The company thrived until 1916, when Prohibition came to Virginia, and the brewery went out of business.

Different styles of craft beer

Today Port City Brewing Company is the first production brewery to operate in Alexandria since Prohibition. It was founded by Bill Butcher a former wine sales manager for Robert Mondavi wines and Karen Butcher an intellectual property attorney, as the couple envisioned that the DC area needed more choices for great quality, locally produced craft beer.

Since its founding, Port City has won a number of awards and was named the 2015 Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival.

At the brewery, we will taste their popular year round brews and some seasonal beers. The brewery also offers tours at different times and those that are interested in learning more about their brewing processes can join a tour.

Event Details

Event: Old Town Alexandria Walk and Brewery Tour

Description: A spring morning walk along the waterfront and brewery tour in Old Town Alexandria.

Date/Time: Saturday May 20, 2017 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Admission: Free / Grapes & Grains members must RSVP

Tentative Schedule

11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Waterfront Walk (Meeting point: Starbucks at the intersection of King and Union St.)

100 S Union St Alexandria, VA 22314

12:45 pm - 2:30 pm - Port City Brewing Company
3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304

References

National Park Service - 'Captain John Smith'



Article Category: Events