More antiques await across King on North Washington in the turn-of-the-century building that houses a cornerstone of Alexandria’s collectibles scene. Since 1982, Studio Antiques and Fine Art, at No. 524, has offered a remarkable collection of 19th- and 20th-century European and American paintings, and 18th- and early 19th-century English and American furniture. Vintage accessories include lamps and chandeliers, walking sticks and Oriental porcelain, but the real treat is the collection of antique boxes and tea caddies. There always are 40 to 50 tea caddies from the 18th and 19th centuries on display, such as a circa 1800–20 Regency blond tortoiseshell example with silverplate, ball finial and radiating pewter stringing and velvet-lined interior ($6,250).

Owners Lois Boyles and Richard Totoiu elegantly display their inventory in three floors of room settings. Even more impressive, though, is their attention to detail: Each of the 250 paintings typically on view has an extensive tag that lists its price and gives information on its age, origin and condition. Such background on the works makes Studio Antiques a popular destination for art lovers who want to be educated. The paintings, mostly oil on canvas and priced from $1,000 to more than $10,000, are the main focus here, and notable works include: J.C. Frisch’s “Town Scene with Canal,” 19th-century ($3,650) and George McCord’s “Sunset on the Hudson River: The Columbian Caravels,” 19th-century ($14,500).

Heading back toward King, turn left onto Cameron Street to visit the exquisite Boxwood Antiques and Fine Art at No. 303. Situated in an 18th-century townhouse, Boxwood offers Colonial, Regency and Federal furniture as well as an extensive selection of 19th- to mid-20th-century American, English and Scandinavian Impressionist and traditional oil paintings ($500–20,000). While here, don’t miss the selection of Cape Ann School works, like Emile Albert Gruppé’s oil-on-canvas “Five pound Island, Gloucester.”

Leaving Boxwood, turn right and take Royal Street across King to 114 South Royal, where you’ll delight in the American primitive antiques offered by Wayne Fisher’s American Design. Fisher’s shop may be small, but it packs a visual punch with three centuries’ worth of Americana: antique weathervanes, quilts, baskets, folk art, early painted furniture and paintings.

Now return to King for a fine art must-see. For eight years, Principle Gallery at No. 208 has showcased stellar works of American regional, figurative, still life and Russian art by living artists. In the rear of this cheerful, bi-level gallery, Janet McKenzie’s oil-on-canvas “The Journey of Women,” 2000, dominates at 54 inches by 42 inches ($6,500). McKenzie, who recently found fame with her “Jesus of the People” that won the “Jesus 2000” contest, is known for her arresting figures and large canvases.