Historic Del Ray: The Town of Potomac

We often do custard runs in Del Ray on summer evenings, but it's been quite a while since we have taken the time to check out Del Ray's historic buildings and landmarks. Let's go!

• What we'll do:

• Starting from the Farmer's Market, we'll walk a big clockwise loop around town, going as far east as La Grande Ave, south to George Washington School, west to Commonwealth Ave, and north to E Raymond Ave. Along the way we'll get a look at lots of historic homes of many designs, some dating from the 1890s, and some more recent Art Deco and Streamline Moderne commercial buildings. And maybe even some things that aren't there anymore, like a bank building-turned-restaurant, the St Asaph Racetrack, and the Washington-Virginia Railway.

• The total distance is 4.2 miles and should take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how long we linger at each point of interest. The surface is flat and mostly paved throughout. This is an easy hike.

• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/jld9858

• How to get there:

• Driving: From VA-1/Richmond Highway (either direction), turn west onto Custis Ave and drive four blocks west to Mount Vernon Ave. Turn right, and the Farmer's Market is on your right a block and a half along. (It's across the street from Dairy Godmother's!) There is plenty of free parallel parking around the neighborhood.

• Metro: The current station reconstruction makes Metro a difficult option. But from Braddock Road Station, walk 0.2 miles west on Braddock Rd, turn right onto Mount Vernon and walk 0.9 miles north. See https://goo.gl/maps/APAAxoc7Q4N2

• What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, patience, and your furry friend if desired (leashes required). Make sure to bring sunscreen!

• Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a slight chance of showers and light west winds. Updates: http://tinyurl.com/ovnojef

• 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.

• Administrative stuff:

• There are restrooms at Stomping Ground, Swing's Coffee, and the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.

• The Del Ray Farmer's Market will be open for business on Saturday, so look for the group by the historical marker.

• If you hang around until noon, the Dairy Godmother's Flavor of the Day is Mozambique!

• Notes:

• Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305, (703) 746-5556

• Swing's Coffee Roasters, 501 E Monroe Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, (703) 370-5050

• Stomping Grounds, 2309 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, (703) 364-8912

• Town of Potomac Historical Association, https://tinyurl.com/y528jlhh