Old Town Excursion (12/27/2016)

Anytime my best friend Brooke is in town, she and I like to hit up differnent spots in Old Town, Virginia.  Yesterday, we casually strolled through Alexandria. Our first stop was a rustic Italian restaurant called Landini Brothers. ​Old Town is beautiful during the holidays as are the restaurants. Landini Brothers' decor was very festive: lights, garland, and wreaths were strategically placed around the stair hand rail and above the chandeliers. The low lighting and Christmas carols, created a nice ambiance for dining guests.  I appreciated the authenticity of the dishes that the chefs created and used, fresh, homemade pasta, fresh herbs, and fresh bread (yum!)  After lunch we boutique hopped and picked up a few trinkets along the way from one of our favorites, 3 Sisters. ​The store is so adorable! It's along a tree-lined brick sidewalk; you can't miss it because their bright fuchsia sign swings high above the boutique. 3 Sisters is two levels of girly goodness! The store associates are very kind and attentive and the accessories and clothing are unique, quality items.  You know that you're going to come away with something special.

​It has become a tradition for us to end our outings with a good cup of coffee. In light of that, we stopped at a corner gelato and coffee shop called, Dolci Gelati.  ​Normally, I'm a black coffee (sugar, no cream) or caramel macchiato kind of girl, and Brooke is more of the Vanilla Latte or White Chocolate Mocha type, but we decided to venture out and try the coffeehouse's specialty blend called a "Salty & Dirty Caramel Chai Latte."  It starts off with salted caramel gelato and is mixed with espresso, steamed milk and chai. It is a perfect blend of sweet and spice and the caffeine kick is really nice.  This is not the type of drink that you want to guzzle. It is one that should be gently nursed and enjoyed. Drink it slowly. I promise you, it will be an experience. Dolci Gelati is a true artisanal Italian treasure in Alexandria.

3 Sisters
213 King St
​Alexandria, VA 22314

Dolci Gelati Gelato Shop
107 N Fairfax St
Alexandria, VA 22314