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From the days of its founding, when Colonial captains brought home exotic bounty to share and sell, Alexandria has offered a world-class shopping experience.
One of the best ways to explore Alexandria is to seek out the small shopping neighborhoods, tucked away just off King Street.
The Crilley Warehouse and nearby businesses on the 200 block of N. Lee Street offer the proverbial "something for everyone." Once a run-down manufacturing district, this Alexandria neighborhood has grown into a popular shopping destination. Built around 1900 by John Criley as a candy factory, the Crilley Warehouse was renovated into a mixed-use building in 1976 and offers a unique Alexandria experience.
Located just a block and a half off King Street, Crilley houses two of the area's most popular restaurants. La Bergerie serves fine French cuisine, while the new Overwood offers casual American fare. Just around the corner is Bilbo Baggin's, whose "global cuisine" makes it a neighborhood favorite.
The warehouse and nearby businesses are an eclectic mix. The Full Cup is a European-style bra-fitting salon. Monday's Child, a feature in Old Town for 37 years, offers a beautiful selection of children's clothing. Kit & Caboodle helps you build the perfect gift basket. Nearby, Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage is an amazing collection of vintage clothes. The store owner, Elinor, is often in the shop offer one-on-one guidance. Afterward, treat yourself at The Sugar Cube, a candy store specializing in hard-to-find childhood favorites as well as fine chocolates.
Another of Alexandria's hidden treasures can be uncovered in the 300 block of Cameron Street, tucked behind City Hall. On this picturesque block, you'll find a couple antiques shops as well as two of the neighborhood's more unusual shops. Gossypia specializes in folkloric clothing, with a special emphasis on Mexican wedding gowns. The owners of La Cuisine, an Old Town favorite for more than 35 years, have been praised by countless chefs and cookbook authors for their wide selection of professional-quality kitchen supplies, much of it imported from Europe.
For details on these and other shops throughout Alexandria, see listings in the Shopping Guide.
