Scottish Christmas Walk from Jones Point Park

Details

Let's check out the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town! The parade features marching units, Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and more. The parade will take place rain or shine.

❶ What we'll do:

From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll take a brief look down the Potomac from the Jones Point Lighthouse before walking north to Founder's Park, passing by three historical sites that underscore Scottish influence on the early development of Alexandria:
- The Old Presbyterian Meeting House, built by Scottish pioneers in 1774
- The Ramsay House, built in 1724, home of Alexandria's first mayor
- The Carlyle House, built in 1752, home of one of the city's founders
After returning south along the riverfront to the Torpedo Factory, we'll head west to the corner of King and Fairfax streets to find an optimal viewing spot to watch the parade, starting at 11 am. (The parade has 10 blocks to march before arriving at King and Fairfax streets, so we'll have plenty of time.)
At attendee discretion, depending on your individual tolerance for skirling bagpipes, head back individually south along Lee Street to our starting point in Jones Point Park.
This is a loop hike of about 3.5 miles and should take 2-3 hours, depending on how long you want to hang out watching the parade. The surface is fairly level and mostly paved. This is an easy walk.
Google map: https://tinyurl.com/yckvma25

❷ How to get there: The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 1 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. See https://goo.gl/maps/Z7nvmmR3XwC2

❸ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 39F, with a 14% chance of showers and 10 mph NW winds. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/yc4vjjnm

❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). The layered look with a hat and gloves is recommended. Keep in mind it will get very chilly (wind chill 31F) while standing still watching the parade.

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff:

There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, and Ramsay Visitor Center.
Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!!

❼ Notes: