Off Campus Entertainment at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia

The college life is something every person should experience in their life. Most campuses have plenty of options for their students to do things on campus. George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia is not one of those campuses. Most of their student base are commuters so finding things to do on campus isn't really an option. Thankfully there are plenty of things just off of campus to keep any student busy. One place you have to visit at least once while going to GMU is Old Towne Alexandria.

Old Towne Alexandria is located just south of Washington DC. It is in Alexandria, Virginia. If you can't find something to do in this city then you won't find it anywhere. There is such a wide array of attractions that every person will find something to fall in love with. It's also a great place to take out of town guests who come to visit.

If you enjoy history and museums there are tons here to get your fill. The entire town has old buildings that really help you imagine how it looked when it was first built. The Fort Ward Museum is a great one to visit if you are at all interested in the civil war. They have lectures, exhibits, tours and plenty of other things to get your fill of civil war. The Lyceum was built in 1839 and has been many different things since them but now serves as Alexandria's history museum. Gadsby's Tavern Museum is one of my favorites. This one takes you on a tour of the hotel and tavern that welcomed many famous people in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Some famous people that frequented this establishment include John Adams and James Madison.

If you're not much for museums and history then maybe shopping is your forte? Here you can take a stroll down King Street and find any store imaginable. There are a handful of antique stores with unique items inside. You'll find art stores, florists and even a spa. There are plenty of neat little shops that carry little knick knacks that will make your shopping experience very memorable.

If you enjoy eating (who doesn't?) then you can find it here. You will find all different types of restaurants from American to Irish and Indian. I have been to about a dozen different restaurants in Old Towne and had great food and great service at all of them.

So, get out and do something off campus! Load up a car full of friends and pick a nice sunny day to get out and see some local attractions. The nicest thing about Old Towne Alexandria is that everything is within walking distance. If you're coming from campus get onto South 495. Take the Telegraph Road Exit. Merge onto Duke Street. Turn left onto Callahan and then right onto King Street and you'll find yourself right in the middle of everything. Just find a parking spot and have fun!