A few weekends ago, we decided to brave the cold and head over to Old Town Alexandria to take in the sights and see another historic house, The Carlyle House.
The occasion was the celebration of John Carlyle's 295th birthday, and the flyer promised "18th-Century Dancing!" "Live Music!" "Cake!" and "Soldiers, Muskets and Drilling!" Ah, something for everyone in our family . . . how could we go wrong?
The Carlyle House was built in 1753 by a British merchant. It is described as "architecturally unique" because it is the only stone (sandstone), 18th-century Palladian style house in Alexandria. The tour of the home and grounds did not disappoint.
Neither did our wanderings down some of the nearby streets in historic Old Town Alexandria, a town that dates back to the mid-1700s. Here are a few photos of some of the 300+ year old historic row houses that are still in use today!
Perhaps the most fun, though, was watching the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line practice drilling with members of its Musket Company.
Spoiler alert!!! If you look closely, you might just recognize two of the First Virginia's newest recruits!
Yep, two of us are "livin' the dream," as they say. We came out here to immerse ourselves in history, and these two are doing the proverbial "Full Monty." Owen and I are content, for the time being, to support our soldiers from the sidelines, keeping our technological lifelines within reach at all times while deliberately avoiding the discomfort of simpler times.
Stay tuned for more posts on the adventures of these fearless "old school" adventurers!
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