International Nanny Association’s 2007 Conference
Guide to Alexandria and Washington Establishments
After your conference sessions, take advantage of the opportunity to explore historic Alexandria and the metro DC area. There are lots to do and see in both cities. Visit Old Town Alexandria and step back in time at the city’s renowned historic sites. Stroll the preserved cobblestone streets; browse antique and specialty shops; catch a show at the world-famous Birchmere music hall; or dine on the scenic Potomac River. The hotel’s close proximity to Washington offers the opportunity to also take in the city’s popular sights. For easy reference, we’ve compiled useful information to help you plan ahead for your trip. Also check out the comprehensive listing of Alexandria restaurants.
Alexandria: Establishments Located Near the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
The hotel is located less than 1 ½ mile from several restaurants, food establishments and drug stores. For your convenience, we included a list of businesses and an area map.
Strip Mall 1 (SM 1)*
Exit Hotel through rear on the main lobby level; pass upper parking lot gate; cross Beauregard Street and turn left; head south (past Clyde’s Restaurant) approx. 3 blocks.
- Subway Sandwiches
- McDonald’s
- Dairy Queen
- Starbuck’s Coffee
- Haao Thao (Thai Cuisine)
- Giant Food Store
Strip Mall 2 (SM 2)*
Exit Hotel through main entrance and veer towards the street on the right (Mark Center Drive); turn left and cross Seminary Road; once across go right and take the walking path over
I-395; SM 2 is just off Seminary Road (at Kenmore Avenue) on the other side of I-395.
- Hunan Restaurant (ground floor of office building on corner)
- Quizno’s Sub
- Roma Pizza
- CVS
- 7-Eleven
- Magruder’s (grocery store)
Strip Mall 3 (SM 3)
Located .08 of a mile from Hotel; take Beauregard Street going north (past Northern Virginia Community College) to King Street; TGI Fridays is on the corner on your left.
- TGI Fridays
- China Delight
- Domino’s Pizza
Strip Mall 4 (SM 4) – Crossroads Place
Located 1.03 miles from Hotel; across from the Skyline Office Complex; take Beauregard Street going north (past Northern Virginia Community College)
to King Street; turn left (King Street will soon turn into Leesburg Pike); SM 4 will be on your right.
- Olive Garden
- Edy’s Chicken and Steak
- CVS
- Subway Sandwiches
- Dairy Queen
- Hunan East Restaurant and Bamboo Buffet
- Pizza (2 restaurants)
- Great American Steak and Buffet
- Starbucks
- Giant Foods and World Market
Others on map (not in strip malls)
- Clyde’s* (Celebrates the water sporting life with seasonal American food, great “happy hour”); directions on map.
- Copeland’s (New Orleans style cuisine); take Beauregard Street north for .08 of a mile to King Street where you turn right; restaurant will be 4 lights down on your right (ground floor of the Alion Building) at Park Center Drive.
- 5 Guy’s (fun, inexpensive, rated as having the best burger for your money in the area); take Beauregard Street north for .08 of a mile to King Street; 5 Guys is on the right corner.
- 7-Eleven* – Closest store is located within the Southern Towers Apartment Complex which is directly across from the Hotel; exit Hotel through main entrance and veer towards the street on the right (Mark Center Drive); turn left and cross Seminary Road; once across go right through the parking lot; you will next pass the Sherwood Building and the 7-Eleven is to its right- next to the BB&T Bank.
*Within easy walking distance of the hotel

Washington: Common Sightseeing Questions Answered
What are the hours of operation for the museums and monuments?
You may visit most memorials up until midnight. See the National Park Service Web site for information: www.nps.gov. Typically, most Smithsonian museums are open until 5:30 p.m. During the summer months, some buildings are open later.
Are free passes or tickets offered to some popular sites?
Several popular sites offer free passes/tickets on a first come, first served basis.
- The Capitol Building: Beginning at 8:15 a.m., Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., same-day tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Head to the Capitol Guide Service kiosk near First Street and Independence Avenue SW. For more tour information call 202.225.6827 or logon to http://www.aoc.gov
- The Washington Monument: Free same-day tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis at the kiosk near the monument's base at 15th & Constitution Avenue, NW starting at 8:00am. Advance tickets are available (2.00 service fee) through the NPS by calling 1/800-967-2283. For security reasons do not bring bags, backpacks, etc. larger than 18"x16"x6". Food and liquids are not allowed. For more information, phone 202-426-6841.
- Want to see money being printed?
Head to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing and take advantage of the free tours that are offered Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Same-day tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:00 a.m. You can obtain a ticket from the ticket booth on Raul Wallenberg Place. Also visit the exhibits and shops, which are open on the same days from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Located at 14th & C Streets, S.W. Phone 202.874.3019 or http://www.moneyfactory.com
- Visit the Cultural Development Corporation Web site, which includes the Insiders Arts Guide of free, cheap and off-the-beaten-path arts and cultural events: http://www.culturaldc.org
Interested in visiting the White House?
Unfortunately, individuals cannot purchase White House tickets at this time. If you wish to take a tour, you must submit your request to your member of Congress approximately one month and up to six months prior to your D.C. trip. The tours are typically self-guided and run from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you have additional questions, call the White House Visitors Center at 202-456-7041 or logon to www.whitehouse.gov .
What is the best method of getting around in Washington?
According to the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, Metrorail and Metrobus provide the most efficient way of getting around the city and the metropolitan suburbs. For fare and route information, visit www.metroopensdoors.com
What’s going on in DC during May?
Logon to the Washington, D.C. Convention & Tourism Corp. site: www.washington.org