The IPAC Conference Planning Committee is delighted to welcome you to charming Old Town Alexandria, Virginia! Located on the Potomac River and mere minutes from Washington D.C., Old Town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1749 as a colonial tobacco port, it is also the place that George Washington called home (his Mount Vernon plantation is just nine miles down the road).

While Old Town’s cobblestone streets, historic attractions and 18^th-century buildings will transport you back to another time, it also boasts a modern and eclectic dining, shopping, museum, arts, and theatre scene.  At the center of the town is the mile-long King Street; recognized as one of the “Great Streets” in America. Though walkable, visitors can also take advantage of the free King Street Trolley.

Clustered along King Street and near the beautiful Old Town waterfront, you’ll find everything from chic boutiques and shoe stores, vintage clothing and décor shops, to bustling restaurants and bars. With cuisine for every taste, King Street boasts Irish bars, fine dining, speakeasies and international fare. Many of these spaces are located in historic storefronts or old shipping buildings, providing an even more unique dining experience.

With no limit of things to do in and around Old Town, you may well want to extend your stay. And because Alexandria is only a few short minutes via train or car to our nation’s capital, you will also have access to national monuments, museums, and all of the rich history that Washington, DC provides. For more information on exploring DC, click here for the official tourism site. We look forward to seeing you here!

ALEXANDRIA VISITOR’S GUIDE AND INFO

Visitors who want to learn more about the city and various events to plan ahead, should head to the “VisitAlexandriaVA” website where they will connect you with an array of information, events and things to do.  The Old Town “Trip Advisor” page also details a number of things to do and see, including photography, boat and walking tours, as well as day trips to Mount Vernon plantation and other destinations of interest.

GETTING TO THE HOTEL

There are three airports in the DC area, but DCA is by far the closest and easiest at only 15 minutes from the hotel. The other options are Dulles (44 minutes) and BWI (1 hour 10 minutes).

The Westin Alexandria nearest metro station is King St- Old Town station and is two stops away from DCA/ Ronald Regan Washington National Airport. To get to the Westin from the airport take the blue line in the direction of Franconia Springfield or yellow line in the direction of Huntington and get off at King St- Old Town. It’s only a six- eight minute walk to the hotel from there!

PARKING DETAILS

For those who will be driving in to the conference, there are a number of different parking options at and around the hotel. Parking at the Westin Alexandria is $15 for the day and $34 overnight. There are also plenty of parking garages within walking distance as well:

• Colonial Parking: 2050 Ballenger Ave; $10 Daily Max
• Colonial Parking: 1925 Ballenger Ave; $10 Daily Max
  
• Colonial Parking: 1800 Duke St: $14 Daily Max