Black Northern VA Can’t-Miss Experiences
Queen City
Take in an artistic tribute to the former African American neighborhood of Queen City at Metropolitan Park.
Learn MoreOld Town Alexandria
Peruse local shops and dine down King Street as you explore this historic waterfront neighborhood.
Learn MoreMount Vernon Trail
Walk, bike, or run along this scenic 18-mile trail that'll take you from George Washington's estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Learn MoreNorthern Virginia’s historic charm is getting a fresh spin with Black restaurants and businesses celebrating the rich culture of the area. Start off your day at Cameron Cafe, a cozy neighborhood spot that’s been serving up coffee, bites, and good vibes since 2010. From there, wander over to Old Town Alexandria, where cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and boutique-lined King Street invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Just steps away, the Alexandria Black History Museum offers a powerful look into the city’s African American heritage. With brunch spots like Hen Quarter to curated boutiques like Harambe Books & Artwork, this historic district has a way of turning a quick stroll into an afternoon adventure.
If you’re craving a bit of the outdoors, lace up your sneakers or hop on a bike and hit the Mount Vernon Trail. The scenic 18-mile path winds along the Potomac River, connecting iconic sites like George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington. It’s a stunning way to experience the area’s natural beauty and rich history, all in one ride. Throughout Northern Virginia, you’ll find Black-owned businesses bringing flavor, art, and style. NOVA may be known for its historic charm, but it’s the culture, community, and creativity that give it life.
NOVA Heart & Soul Itinerary
Experience must-see attractions, vineyards, shopping destinations, and natural splendor just south of our nation's capital.1799 Prime Steak & Seafood
With its sun-drenched veranda and enclosed patio with stunning views of the Virginia countryside through floor-to-ceiling windows, 1799 is…
Alexandria African American Heritage Trail
Explore Black history in Northern Virginia as you take in the trails along the scenic Potomac River—all you'll need is your phone.
Alexandria Black History Museum
Located in the heart of the Parker-Gray Historic District, the Alexandria Black History Museum documents the contributions of African…
BRIX American Bistro
Welcome to Brix. Our goal in opening Brix is to offer our Great Falls and neighboring communities a place where you can take your family or…
Cameron Cafe
Enjoy a drink, a small bite, or even live music at this Black-owned neighborhood cafe.
Dama Pastry & Cafe
This family-owned restaurant has been enchanting Arlington with the flavors of Ethiopia for over 20 years.
Delaplane Cellars
We are a small, boutique family winery focused on hand-crafted, artisanal wines primarily from a carefully selected handful of the most…
Della J's Delectables
The name, Della J's Delectables, was inspired by my mother, Della, who along with my father, Lee, provided the inspiration for everything we…
Demarcus Alexan Engraving
Men’s shoes and custom jewelry for men, women, and kids
Enjera Restaurant
Dine on classic and fresh dishes from Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
From Wisconsin-style frozen custard to elaborate sweet creations like the Peach Cobbler Donutwich, Goodies has something to satisfy your…
Great Falls National Park
For a peaceful hike, a family outing, an exploration of the area’s rich history, or all of the above, the 800-acre Great Falls Park is a…
Harambee Books & Artworks
Harambee Books & Artworks, an independent bookstore based in Old Town of Alexandria VA, serves the Washington DC metropolitan area with a…
Hen Quarter
You will find exceptional dishes on this menu from jerk chicken, to gumbo, to crab cakes, to short ribs.
IDIDO'S Coffee & Social
At Idido Coffee house, our mission is to consistently provide quality coffee, pastries and healthy light meals while exceeding customer…
Kaldi's Social House
From the house-made pastries to the highest quality coffee beans, this industrial chic coffee shop takes care to make sure customers have a…
La Fromagerie
Enjoy small plates, cheese and charcuterie, and seasonal entrees at this wine bar and bistro.
Makeda Ethiopian Cafe
Vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers will all find something to devour at Makeda, where fresh ingredients and friendly service are high…
Manna Bistro & Bakery
With its authentic Ethiopian food, Manna Bistro & Bakery in the heart of Centreville is a local favorite for both vegans and meat lovers…
Manumission Tour Company
Manumission Tour Company curates guided cultural heritage tours designed to highlight Alexandria’s extensive African American History…
Mason Neck State Park
Mason Neck State Park is located on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay, Belmont Bay and the Potomac River. In addition to being an active heron…
Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine
Named Best Ethiopian Food by Northern Virginia Magazine. One of the Washington DC area's best Ethiopian restaurants that has developed a…
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail that stretches from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt…
National Air & Space Museum
"Woooow!" That's a common statement from visitors when they enter the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Located…
National Landing Water Park
Choose from a variety of eateries at this urban park just off the Mount Vernon Trail.
Old Town Alexandria
The brick-lined sidewalks of this historic neighborhood will lead you to a variety of local restaurants, charming shops, and the scenic views…
Out of the Bubble Bakery
Out of the Bubble bakery is always dairy free, always nut free, vegan friendly with gluten-free options! We have developed amazing recipes…
Penny Post
Stock up on stationary, gifts, notebooks, and more to remember your trip and spur your creative projects.
Preservation Biscuit Company
Ultra-comforting housemade biscuits baked fresh and dressed up with all the best fixins! It has been quite the journey, and we are thrilled…
Queen City
The thriving African American neighborhood of Queen City was razed to accommodate the construction of the Pentagon. Learn more about the…
Roosevelt Island Park
What was once neglected farmland is now Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to the outdoorsman President that he likely would have loved to…
Salamander Middleburg
Located on 340 picturesque acres in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country the resort is just 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. and…
Social Burger
Social Burger isn't your average fast food place. Not hardly. We're a local and family owned business - not a franchise. We also bring a…
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist…
W & O.D. Railroad Trail
This 45 mile long paved trail runs from Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA. Once a railroad line, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail…
Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center is a massive adaptive reuse project which re-purposes the former Lorton Prison into a remarkable arts center…
YUP Handcrafted
Crocheted apparel, jewelry, and knitwear.
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meet the curators behind heart & soul
Tashira
It’s all fashion on Tashira’s corner of the internet. So, what keeps her going in the DC Metro area? Find out more as she takes us through her Alexandria City Guide. Tashira Halyard—known to her online community as Tashira Garcon—is an attorney, equity consultant and fashion content creator. She’s a breast cancer survivor who seamlessly blends style, self-care and social justice into her brand “Politics & Fashion.” Her Instagram and YouTube channel are hubs for not only fashion inspiration, but also a rapidly growing sisterhood.
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