This is an interesting spot along the Mount Vernon Trail. There are lips and eyes and an obelisk... read more
This is an interesting spot along the Mount Vernon Trail. There are lips and eyes and an obelisk... read more
My wife and I visited the Promenade Classique while taking a guided tour of Old Town Alexandria... read more
I found this on Trip Advisor, a complete surprise for a long-time resident of Alexandria.
The Promenade, set on the banks of the Potomac, stretches up to an office complex with obelisk, a beautiful water fountain and some very interesting antique sculpture. Find a place on the steps below the water fountain for a relaxing view of the river. Walk on the path around the corner to the north and find yourself standing in front of a miniature Washington Monument. This is a hidden gem among a series of office buildings. Parking is available in the lot during the weekend; otherwise park on Fairfax Street and walk over.
My wife and I visited the Promenade Classique while taking a guided tour of Old Town Alexandria. The Promenade Classique is a 14-ton, 30-foot-tall miniature Washington Monument. It is located at the northern edge of old town, along the waterfront running trail you might pass a small obelisk. Behind it stands a waterfall with what looks like ruins from an ancient sculpture, including huge eyes and lips spraying water. This unique little park is called Promenade Classique, and it stands as part of the TransPotomac Canal Center.
Though water has been cascading from its giant, neoclassical marble lips for more than four years, "Promenade Classique," the sculpture-and-water installation and formal park along the Potomac at the northern edge of Old Town Alexandria, is one of the area's least-known waterfront amenities.
I disagree 100% with the negative comments instructing visitors to stay away from this place. If you have an appreciation for sculpture and landscaped gardens, then the Promenade Classique sculpture garden is worth a visit! The officiant of my wedding told us she has performed several weddings there. The unusual sculpture elements and waterfall make for a dramatic photo backdrop. No, it's not a traditional tourist stop, there aren't restrooms or gift shops, but absolutely worth a stroll to take photos. I visited with 6 year old and a 7 year old and the unusual features of the sculpture garden fascinated them. There's a miniature sized Washington Monument there, plus fantastic waterfront views. The adjacent Tide Lock Park is a lovely stroll where you can view the remnants of the old locks that played a crucial role in Alexandria's early years.
Do not make a special trip to visit this park as the park is part of an office complex. OK for those of us that work in the office buildings around the park but here is nothing to do and there are no amenities. Lots of airplane traffic overhead depending on the direction of the wind so be prepared for jet noise every couple of minutes.
The portion along the river is OK and I walk the path frequently after lunch. There is a little outdoor amphitheater that the city uses for a couple of concerts during the summer. Lots of wedding type parties gather at the park to have their pictures taken at the amphitheater. They may not want their pictures taken there if they knew that the Blue Plains waste water treatment plant is across the river.