I recently embarked on a trip to the east coast of the United States with my mom, a destination that is rarely on my itinerary. While I usually only pass through the area during layovers, this time I made it my mission to soak up all that the east coast has to offer, with a particular focus on exploring the charming states of Maryland and Virginia.

Let me tell you, this trip was nothing short of amazing! Everywhere I turned, I discovered quaint small towns, each with their own unique character and charm. From strolling the streets of Annapolis to soaking up the history in Williamsburg, I was mesmerized by the incredible beauty of the region.

What’s more, I was surprised to learn that I had been missing out on this experience all this time! I couldn’t believe that it had taken me so long to finally see these incredible places. But now that I have, I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of the east coast’s hidden gems. So if you’re looking for your next adventure, I highly recommend adding the east coast to your bucket list!

Our first stop was Alexandria, Virginia.

From the moment I stepped foot in Alexandria, I knew that this place was special. It had a certain je ne sais quoi about it that left me utterly enchanted. With its narrow streets, brick sidewalks, and well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings, Alexandria exuded an unmistakable European flair that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Now, here’s the kicker: I had never even heard of Alexandria before this trip! It was only thanks to a recommendation from a friend that I decided to take a chance on this charming little town, and boy was I glad I did. It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of D.C, and a refreshing change of pace.

So, armed with our trusty rental car, my mom and I made our way to Alexandria on the first day of our adventure. And let me tell you, it was love at first sight. Every boutique, every specialty shop, every nook and cranny of the town had something unique and exciting to offer. I simply couldn’t get enough of this place, and I promise you won’t be able to either!

It was a cool and crisp November morning, and the weather was just perfect at a comfortable 55F with no rain in sight. My mom and I knew we were in for a treat as we set out to explore the charming town of Alexandria, and boy were we in for a ride!

We strolled down the picturesque Kings Street towards the waterfront area, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting town. It was simply amazing to see so much character and history preserved in every brick and stone. And the best part? We had the town all to ourselves since we got there early in the morning, with only a handful of people around. It was like we had our own private paradise!

As we explored the town, we hopped around from one shop to another, admiring the mix of boutiques and chain stores. And of course, we couldn’t resist popping into a few coffee shops that we recognized. As we walked around, we spotted the trolley that would take us to various locations in Old Town. We were excited to take advantage of this opportunity, but unfortunately, we had to wait for more than 15 minutes. So we decided to head back to Maryland (our base) to meet the rest of the family for dinner.

But wait, that’s not all! The adventure was far from over. One of the things that I absolutely loved about this trip was the drive to and from Alexandria. If you ever get the chance to explore the east coast, I highly recommend renting a car like we did. The drive was simply one of the best views I’ve ever seen! We passed through lush green trees, winding roads, and beautiful million-dollar homes that kept us occupied and mesmerized.

It truly felt like we were in a completely different part of the United States, and in many ways, we were. The east coast has so much to offer, and I can’t wait to explore more of it. So if you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you awestruck, make sure to add Alexandria to your travel bucket list!

To be continued…