Hello BOOtiful!
I trust this spooky season finds you well. I feel like I blinked and it was here. And I didn’t think I’d be really into it this year for some reason. But once you start seeing all the decorations popping-up around Old Town, the excitement for the spooky season becomes kinda infectious.
For those of you who only know us from our travels. We’re actually based on the East Coast USA. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is our hometown. It’s just outside of Washington DC — it’s got a small town vibe, with lots of tourists that visit. It’s super walkable with posh restaurants and boutiques, and when you walk into a bar there really is a good likelihood that everybody actually does know your name. Also, this little Old Town we live in really know’s how to do-up Halloween.
Somehow this town — that does not look spooky all the time, mind you. But rather charming and luxe. Lends itself to be a perfect canvas for spooky season.
Tons of spooky season stuff in and around Old Town going on right now — just like every year. If you’re a local, or happen to be in town in October, I’ve got deets on the Halloween Happenings below. If you’re not local, but Halloween’s your thing, Old Town Alx is a great jaunt for you now or in the future (pretty much the same spooky stuff happens every year! lol).
••• Keep reading or jump below to Halloween Happenings in Old Town Alexandria, VA •••
We haven’t figured out the whole Jet Set Jiles Spooky Season itinerary yet. I’m sure we’ll do some family walks to check out the decorations. And, of course, immediately post them on Instagram. 👻
We’ll also, probably put Miss Mia in her stroller and promenade down Lee Street on actual Halloween, if it’s happening this year, we’re not sure yet. (Side note: I really recommend strollers for the little doggies for the Halloween on S. Lee Street — it’s beyond crowded! Also, if you can get there when it’s still a little light out it’s the younger kids trick-or-treating, you can see more of the decorations, and it’s not as much of a crowded nightmare!)
We’ve also got tickets to the party at the Boat Club — Miles got his “costume” in Jackson Hole, lol. I’m not sure what I’m going to do this year! We usually do a couples costume but he’s super excited about what he bought (I’m not going to give it away, you’ll have to wait and see! 🤭).
Anyhow, there’s really nothing for me to wear to compliment it. So Hmmm. What to do? What to do?
Our best costumes seem to be when they relate to something we did that year. Here’s us at the old Boat Club our first Halloween together. We’d gone to France over the summer and transformed into Pepe and Gigi while abroad. hehehe 💙🇫🇷❣️
Miles still says he hated that costume. I loved it! And we won first prize!
Ok, lovey boos. Happy Halloween. And hope to see ya around town this Spooky Season! 👻
😘 Gigi, Miles, & Miss Mia
Halloween Happenings in Old Town Alexandria, VA
- Ghost Tour
- Trick-or-Treating Around Town for the Doggies & the Kiddos
- Spooky Stuff at the Historic Houses
- Dog-Friendly Festivities
- Eerie Entertainment
Ghost Tour
The Ghost & Graveyard Tour might be the most classic and obvious Halloween thing in town. I did it before I meet Miles, with a couple girlfriends from college that were visiting, then we went to Chadwicks for drinks. It was fun . . . .
Alexandria Colonial Tours’ Ghost & Graveyard Tour
Nightly in October from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays in October from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.
Admission: $15 for adults; $10 for children; free for children under 6 years old
Tours meet at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
This tour’s got ghost stories, legends, folklore, unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge. All while walking around Old Town with your lantern carrying, colonial costumed, guide.
There is more than one tour route if you do it with different peeps over the season. Also, they do it more than just this time of year, just not as frequently.
I’d also recommend flat comfy shoes. You’re not going super far. But the streets are made of brick, and have lots of leaves that have fallen this time of year, so it’s not always solid even ground.
Trick-or-Treating Around Town for Doggies and Kiddos
(furbaby info first, then stuff for the tiny humans 😂)
Old Town Doggie Trick-or-Treat
October 30, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. • Admission: Free
The Dog Park, 705 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Dress-up the pooch and head to The Dog Park for a Halloween “boo bag” full of treats. The the info I got on this said you’d go to The Dog Park (which is a cleverly named retail store, not a park, in case you didn’t know) and register. Then stroll around Old Town. This event used to give you a map to direct peeps to different participating stores. So I don’t know if it’s a bit different this year? But you can always just saunter around and take pics of your doggie in costume around Old Town Alx. 🐾
Del Ray Halloween Parade
October 30, 2022, at 2 p.m. • Admission: Free
Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Ok. Not technically trick-or-treating. And not in Old Town. But close to it. And dog friendly. It’s the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. Human children, precious pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. Awards presented for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home, and Best Decorated Stroller.
I’ve never been been but it feels super small town and super sweet to me. I actually just put it on the calendar! Filed under Light Work!
Old Town Family Trick-or-Treat
October 29, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m. • Admission: Free
Various locations in Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Bring the family and enjoy bootiful Old Town in costume!
I think this used to be the Old Town Boutique District thing. But they merged with, or something with, Old Town Business while we were out West. Anyhow, you can bring the family and trick-or-treat in the various shops and restaurants in Old Town. They say to bring your own “boo bag.” And maps will be provided.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
October 29, 2022, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Admission: General public: $25 per adult; $15 per youth; Members: $17 per adult; $9 per youth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
703-780-2000 mountvernon.org
Don your costume to George’s home for Halloween! Enjoy 18th century entertainment and activities, watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, see old timeyy chocolate-making demonstrations and more. Good times rain or shine.
Spooky Stuff at the Historic Houses
I can’t tell you how much I love Lee Fendall and Carlyle House. I love visiting house museums that are beautifully decorated! The Death at Carlyle and Grief & Ghosts at Lee Fendall look awesome! 🖤
Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House Museum
October 22, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $15 per children ages 2-12, Accompanying adults $5 each, Infants under 2 are free
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Fall-themed family fun in the Lee-Fendall House’s garden. It’s for kiddos 3ish-12ish. There’s a “ghost” hunt, crafts, a costume parade and more.
Tickets are timed, and must be purchased in advance. Sessions start on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and are limited to 20 children each. Fall Frolic timed tickets .
Death Comes to Carlyle House
October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: $12 per person
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park/events/death-comes-to-carlyle-house
I find this one kinda intriguing. Carlyle House is just beautiful to tour. And doing it this time of year gives you a different experience. This is going to explore mourning practices in Carlyle House and in the 18th century. It looks like they are taking you through the experiences of those who occupied the Carlyle household, mourning the death John Carlyle, in September 1780.
Also note. John Carlyle is Alexandria’s co-founder. His home is gorgeous. During his day it overlooked the Potomac River. Reservations for this experience are required. And space is limited.
Grief and Ghosts Tour at Lee-Fendall House Museum
October 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2022, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
This looks like another goodie! I love historic homes! This speciality tour explore’s Victorian mourning traditions. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing and séances are talked about. The mourning practices examined are coupled with stories of some tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences taken place at Lee-Fendall over the year.
Tours offered every half hour from 7 to 9 p.m. Tours will be limited to 12 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance here. Its also a rare opportunity to see the house after dark!
We love the special events at Lee Fendall! They really put their heart and soul into them!
Dog-Friendly Festivities
Sleepy Howllow at Barkhaus
October 27, 2022, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Admission: $40 for members, $55 for the public
Barkhaus, 529 E. Howell Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
The D.C. area’s first dog bar, Barkhaus, invites you for an evening in the woods of Sleepy Howllow — a private haunted-themed event. Admission includes beer, wine, candy, snacks and puppuccinos. Costumes required. Event is 21+. Portion of the proceeds will support the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
2nd Annual Carlyle Halloween Stampede
October 29, 2022, 2 to 6 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person
Whiskey & Oyster, 301 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Carlyle Halloween Stampede features “all-day festive cocktails” — that’s a fancy way of the press release I got to say “day drinking” lol. Anyhow this event’s got a signature party favor, costume contests, photos ops, and giveaways plus. Begin at any of the participating restaurants: Whiskey & Oyster, Sweet Fire Donna’s, Tequila and Taco or Lost Boy Cider. Costumes recommended. Prizes for the most festively dressed human participants. Plus doggie costume contest! 100% of the registration fee will be donated to the nonprofit ALIVE! in Alexandria.
Nightmare at Barkhaus
October 29, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Barkhaus, 529 E. Howell Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Barkhaus double dog dares all the pups and their parents to join the 3rd annual Halloween party. The event will include a costume contest and spooky food and drink specials. Costumed pups and humans highly recommended.
Eerie Entertainment
The Little Theatre of Alexandria Presents “Design for Murder”
October 15 to November 5, 2022, Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m.
Admission: $21 to 24 per person
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
A fun, suspense-filled evening of theatre filled with murder, romance and comedy. A once-wealthy mother and son struggle to keep up appearances at the old mansion, but when a maid is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. This is a fast-paced, highly tense who-done-it that treats the audience to a remote mansion, a sleazy blackmailer, a trench coat-clad detective and even a dark and stormy night.
Raven’s Night at the Birchmere
October 29, 2022, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $35 per person
The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305
704-549-7500
birchmere.com
Dress up to spend Halloween weekend at The Birchmere for a unique event featuring fusion belly dance, live music, a costume contest and a pre-show carnival. This year’s theme, “Underworld,” brings the most iconic demons, witches and wizards to the stage—a “magical” night and a feast fit for all fandoms.
Poe in Alexandria at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
October 30 and 31, 2022, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Enjoy evening with America’s earliest master of the macabre, Edgar Allen Poe. Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum to re-create Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before his death. This year’s performance will include short stories, poems, musings, literary criticism and a comic essay never before performed at The Lyceum. Keltz’s performance has been lauded by The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, The Poe Museum in Richmond, and the Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. Reservations are recommended. Doors open at 7:30; performance begins at 8.
Nightly Spirits
October through December 2022, Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 to 10 p.m.; 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Admission: 21 and over at $25 plus tax
Tours meet at The Alexandrian, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
nightlyspirits.com/old-town-tours/
Listen to the secret and spooky lore of Alexandria’s haunted past while sipping a beverage. Ghosts wander the streets of Alexandria and haunt local establishments, and you can here about them here. 21 and over. Private tours also available, for all ages.
Poison Specialty Tour at the Apothecary Museum
October 7 and 21, 2022, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
October 16 and 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person, $12 for OHA members
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105–107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
This one is super creepy to me. Kinda disturbing as I read it actually. But I’ve never gone. So I don’t know firsthand. So I’m sharing it anyway. This is incase you want to explore the sinister side of medicine. The ‘creepy and disturbing’ tour explores several different types of poisons, their historic uses at the Apothecary and what’s known today. 18ish+
Let us know if you do anything on our bootiful list! And if you loved it! 👻
Love your blog! Fabulous info!
Awe! Thanks gorgeous! You’re the best! ❤️