Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia

Masonic Memorial SDDC Foreign Service Institute Landmark Mall

Hoffman Complex. The Hoffman Complex in Alexandria houses the business operations of a number of Department of Defense (DOD) units. The complex comprises Hoffman Building I and Hoffman Building II. The military’s MTMC and PERSCOM divisions are among the DOD units headquartered in the Hoffman Buildings. Visit http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/hoffman.htm.

Fort Belvoir. Fort Belvoir is a thriving community that is home to Army soldiers and their families, various Department of Defense agencies and the DeWitt Army Community Hospital. Visit www.belvoir.army.mil.

George Washington Masonic Memorial. The George Washington Masonic Memorial honors America’s most famous Mason, George Washington. The memorial is located a mile from the Potomac River and overlooks the nation’s capital. It was completed in 1932 and stands 333-feet tall. Free tours of the Memorial are offered daily to the public, excluding major holidays. Visit www.gwmemorial.org.

Army PERSCOM. The U.S. Army PERSCOM, also known as U.S. Total Army Personnel Division follows the careers and lives of the Army’s active duty, reservists, guardsmen, veterans and their families by helping individuals transition from one post to another within the armed forces with regard to promotions, benefits and entitlements. This little known entity was developed to streamline Personnel Commands under one headquarters in Virginia. Visit http://www.usarmy.com/army-perscom.html.  [Top]

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). The SDDC serves to provide transportation support and logistics to American military forces during times of war and peace. The SDDC serves as a liaison between commercial carrier and government shippers. SDDC maintains contracts and agreements with the carrier industry to deploy and distribute personal property, supplies and personnel worldwide affiliated with the Department of Defense. Visit www.sddc.army.mil/Public/Home.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the USPTO is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce that processes trademark and patent applications, provides trademark and patent information, and examines and registers trademarks. The department has been in operation for over 200 years for the purpose of promoting and protecting American ideas and ingenuity. Visit www.uspto.gov.  [Top]

Foreign Service Institute. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the primary training institution for United States foreign affairs officers and support personnel. FSI prepares American diplomats and others to advance U.S. foreign affairs interests in Washington, D.C. and overseas. More than 50,000 people from the State Department, other government agencies and the military participate in FSI training programs each year. Visit www.state.gov/m/fsi/.

U.S. Army and MWR Command. Formerly known as the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center, the U.S. Army and MWR Command (FMWRC) provides family, morale, recreation and welfare programs for active and reserve Army personnel, DA civilians, retirees and their family members. Sports, travel, recreation and creative pursuits are just a few opportunities offered through FMWRC. Visit www.armymwr.com/.  [Top]

Landmark Mall. Shop for the latest fashions at Landmark Mall in Alexandria. The shopping center features over 120 nationally-recognized stores such as Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. Restaurants and entertainment for children like Kiddie Rides keep the whole family entertained. Landmark Mall is open daily. Visit www.landmarkmall.com.

Springfield Mall. Springfield Mall is one of the biggest shopping centers in the Alexandria and the Washington, D.C. areas. Hundreds of stores, an AMC movie theater, restaurants and entertainment are all conveniently located in this hip center of town. Visit www.springfieldmall.com.  [Top]