I am going on vacation to the D.C.-Baltimore area. What MUST I do there?

[Shell Beau]

[demnan]

1. Visit the Capitol Building

and Sanctuary Hall. Easily the most interesting place in D.C. Also the National Archives building is beautiful.

[Shell Beau]

3. I am pretty sure we are visiting the capitol building. I know we

are going to the White House.

[Jara sang]

4. Statuary Hall

sorry:hide:

[Jara sang]

2. Capitol tour, National Archives, Library of Congress

Annapolis is a cool town.

[Zuni]

15. Thanks! Annapolis is MY town

I run Naptown with an iron fist

[LynneSin]

5. Visit the Holocaust Museum

Most of the stuff in DC are free to do. If you want to visit the White House or Congress, you can get passes from your senator or representative (of course I see you're from Mississippi - hope you have a decent representative). One time when I went to DC, I contacted Tom Carper's office and he hooked me up with a variety of passes to get into various government buildings. You don't need to go through your elected officials but if you don't you have to try and get the tickets that day and sometimes it can be busy.

But without a doubt, go see the Holocaust museum and take plenty of tissues. You start on the 4th floor and there is a video you watch at the beginning about the rise of Hitler and propaganda in Germany. Some of that is all to familiar with what's going on today

[Shell Beau]

8. I definitely want to see that. I will be sure to take some tissues.

:cry: We already have passes to the White House luckily.

[LynneSin]

12. also, at least one sunny day take a walk on the mall....

...you think you cry when you visit the Holocaust - you'll be bawling when you get to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. I also suggest getting over to the FDR memorial so you can mourn the loss of the New Deal (or at least it will be if Bush gets his way). But that memorial is fabulous complete with a history of FDR as president

[Shell Beau]

19. We already planned on seeing the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

What I know for sure we are doing: Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry, Some caves in West Virginia, Six Flags in Baltimore, White House, Smithsonian Zoo, the Nationals vs. Oakland baseball game, and we have more days to fill, so all these suggestions are very helpful.

[The White Tree]

52. In Gettysburg if you can

Eat at the Dobbin House. They dress in perod dress and the restaurant is in the Basement. Also in Gettysburg a ghost walk is a must thing to do unless you are opposed to that type of thing. My sister in law used to do them for a company affiliated with the Jenny Wade house. She also manages one of the museums there.

Also, if you get a chance stop in my hometown - Frederick, MD. It just received an award for one of the top Main streets in America. If you do, park downtown and walk mainstreet and you can admire some of the realistic paintings that one of our local painters did on the sides of several buildings. Many people remark upon their realism. Frederick was the home of Francis Scott Key and has a museum of Civil War medicine. It has great restaurants and shopping all locketed in the downtown area, antiques, etc and is more or less centrally located to all the sites that you mention here.

Depending on when you are coming, there are lots of events that may be going on as well.

Harpers Ferry is also a great place. Make sure you walk accross the railraod bridge for a view back to the town as well as climbing the path past the old church that goes to the rock outcrop where George Washington observed that the view was, "worth a trip accross the atlantic." If you can check out some of the shops just above the historical area. They are mostly owned by local artisans and have unusual stuff.

One last thing to do if you have the time. In Maryland just a little ways north of DC is the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center of the Chesapake and Ohio Canal National park. Here is a link:

<http://www.nps.gov/choh/pphtml/facilities.html>

The Great Falls are actually a series of cascades and rapids on a two-thirds of a mile stretch of the Potomac. The river drops about 76 feet over this distance. None of the individual falls exceeds a 20 foot drop.

The have trails that go out to an island overlooking the falls. It is a breathtaking site and the island itself has an unusual ecology. The C&O canal is there as well, with the locks and there is a museum. They used to have barge rides but apparantly are not doing them this year due to repairs. There is a Virginia side of the park as well but the Maryland side has more features and better access. Also the ride in goes past the homes of many of the richer DC powerbrokers.


Sounds like your going to have a great trip. Enjoy.

[Lilith Velkor]

66. Bring tissues for that too.

While you're nearby, check out the Albert Einstein memorial right across Constitution Ave. It's my favorite.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. Try and get there early...passes are given out before, and they run out.

It also gets very crowded and overrun, so you end up losing some of the impact of it. :hi:

[Shell Beau]

37. Good idea!

:hi:

[Blue-Jay]

6. Take a Cessna tour of the capitol!

[Shell Beau]

9. Great idea!!!

:spank:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

7. Eat crabs in Maryland

[Shell Beau]

10. Will certainly try those! Mmmmm!

[sundog]

14. seconded

I grew up on the Bay :9

[Zuni]

16. really, so did I

where are you from? I am from 'Naplis

[sundog]

18. yeah.. Calvert Co... bout 15 minutes away

good spot... 20 minute drive to DC too...

I got the best of both worlds... city & nature :)

[Zuni]

25. I went to a party in lothian on Saturday

not quite in Calvert County yet, but still way out in bumfuck for a city dweller like myself.

[Jara sang]

27. Where? Md or Va?

So did I! I got salt water coursing through my viens!

[seemunkee]

40. Avoid Buddy's in Annapolis. Worst place to have crabs in Ann.

Try this place. It's out of the way but right on the water and they have their own holding tanks.
http://www.cantlers.com/
I'm sure you will get other suggestions but it's one option out of many.

[Zuni]

45. I used to work at Buddy's years ago

The place stinks--literally. And it is infested with mice, or at least it was

[sundog]

57. we used to just get them ourselves

couple of crab nets & a pot

boiling them can be a bit scary though :scared:

[kwassa]

67. Cantlers is fun, a real crabby crab place

[AlGore-08.com]

11. Frommers has suggested itineraries based on how many days you're there

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/washingtondc/0035020017.html

[Shell Beau]

13. Very helpful! Thanks!

[Radio_Lady]

17. Wish I could join you for those spicy crabs --

I haven't had them since the 1980s when we visited Baltimore (BALL-mer)-- Washington area!

[Shell Beau]

20. Well I've never had them, so I am looking forward to it!!

:9

[Democrat 4 Ever]

43. I was in DC two weeks ago. Be prepared for armed guards

everywhere. You will need to get a ticket or permission to tour the Capitol. You can go through your representative or a Senator but there is also a kiosk on the grounds where you can sign up for a tour. (Don't think they allow any roaming around by yourself any more.) There were literally armed guards across the steps of the Capitol every 4-5 feet.

The National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of American Art are closed for renovations until July 2005.

The Library of Congress is breathtaking - it is a do not miss (The Jefferson building not the modern one). I went through twice - the thought that kept hitting me over and over again while roaming around the halls is, "How did such a wonderful country that can create something this beautiful get so messed up?"

Hit the Smithsonian's Natural History and American History. Go to Union Station and the Supreme Court - all easy walks between each other. There is major construction going on around the Capital Building (the infamous over budget "visitors" center). Not sure what exactly is going on at the Washington Monument but it is completely fenced off with the grounds one big dust bowl. Think you have to walk around the entire site to get to the Lincoln Memorial, Tidal Pool, Viet Nam Memorial, etc. I toured the White House but was very disappointed. Huge crowds herded through very quickly, hot, couldn't see anything, unfriendly atmosphere (like our whole bunch was just out of town, unwanted visitors they just wish would go home and quit messing around in THEIR house! - just MHO)I'm going to hold out for a private tour from John Lyman or Toby Ziegler one day.

DC is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Enjoy your visit, I am very envious!

[Shell Beau]

48. Thanks!

I have never been before, as a matter of fact, I have never been anywhere near there. I haven't traveled the country as much as I'd like. I will thoroughly enjoy this! I am going to get all I can out of this trip!!!

[Debbi801]

21. Smithsonian, which ever museums interest you. For light entertainment...

visit the National Zoo in DC.

In Baltimore, steamed crabs, the National Aquarium (although pricy), Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the Visionary Arts Museum.

Debbi

[Shell Beau]

23. We are doing the zoo.

I just love to see all those different animals. Our zoo is mediocre, so I am thrilled to be going to a decent zoo!!!

[The White Tree]

31. In DC, a little known spot, is the nations oldest aquarium

The National Aquarium is located in the Department of Commerce Building on 14th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue NW.

The nation’s oldest aquarium, the National Aquarium in Washington DC is located just one block away from the Washington Monument and within comfortable walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums.

It is in the basement. It is not very large and could be done in less then an hour and is very cheap. They have Aligator, Shark and Pirahna feedings as well.

Daily Events
Animal keeper talks and animal feedings occur every day at 2 p.m.
Schedule
Sharks: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Piranhas: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
Alligators: Friday

[Shell Beau]

42. Cool!!

[spooky3]

59. not to be a downer, but be aware that the Zoo has had

some management problems over the past few years. Rare animals have died due to mistakes and neglect, and the grounds aren't as nicely kept as you might like. The director has stepped down. I hope they have resolved all the problems and the many volunteers have been able to help them with the maintenance. It's still well worth going, a very pretty place in a nice part of town.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

77. Baltimore has an excellent zoo

but there is an admission fee of $15.

http://www.baltimorezoo.org/

The Baltimore Aquarium is wonderful! Admission is about $18.

http://www.aqua.org/

[seemunkee]

22. Vietnam memorial, the new American Indian museum

Air and Space museum. Free performances on the Millenium stage at the Kennedy Center at 6:00.
Holocaust museum, if you have young kids this can be kind of rough.
Sculpture garden in front of the Hirschorn museum.
The insect zoo at the natural history museum
Imax Jazz cafe friday evening
U street jazz clubs on the weekends. Be sure to get a chili dog at Ben's chili bowl.
Adam's Morgan neighborhood for good restaurants

[Jara sang]

28. New American Indian Museum is not that great.

It is cotempary stuff if you like that, which i do, but a lot of people are disappointed in it.

[The White Tree]

34. I hope not. I'm probably going there tomorrow.

[Jara sang]

50. It is really more of a craft shop.

On the first two floors they "funnel" you into these "crafts shops" The exhibits are mostly on the third and fourth floor. They rotate an exhibit featuring two Native American contemporary artists on the top floor. There is also an exhibit that outlines the subjugation of Native Americans throughout history, that wasn't that great. If you go there looking for exhibits about the American frontier or the "old west" you won't see it. The kids probably won't like.

[The White Tree]

54. Thanks for the info

I don't have kids with me this time, just my wife and I and maybe my sister-in-law.

I did read somewhere about how they had decided to sell high cost gift items at this museum and that it was really contributing to their bottom line. It's a shame though if they made the museum that way on purpose.

[cally]

80. The Salmon at the Native American Museum

is great. They have a cafe with traditional foods. It was fairly expensive but it was good.

[seemunkee]

36. I enjoyed it. The building itself is worth seeing

Both the outside landscaping and the inside rotunda. The cafeteria was pretty good for a museum, with native American foods being served.

[Rabrrrrrr]

24. Must? breathing, eating, and getting enough water

are the real must-dos. Also, obey the law.

You will also still be affected by gravity, so you must stay on the ground or floor.

Beyond that, I would say you must go into DC and check out the capital area with the monuments and stuff, and the huge art museum (American Museum of Art? Can't remember the name). I would love to get back to DC and see the Vietnam Memorial (tells you when the last time I was there!) and the new WWII Memorial, and the holocaust museum.

And if you go to Baltimore, you must have a crab cake.

[The White Tree]

26. In Baltimore -

The National Aquarium is usually a must. They are working on a new major exhibit though so construction out front of the build may cause some problems with admission. You have to get time-entry tickets to enter. The aquarium is in the Inner Harbor where everyone goes.

Also, I'd recomment the Walters museum and the American Visionary Museum. You can look them up on line. Also the Maryland Science Center can be fun. They have Imax movies.

For nighttime entertainment there is a complex called - The Power Plant Live that has a number of restaurants and venues that play live music. In particular I'd recommend The Rams Head Live and the Improv. Also check out the Barns and Noble Bookstore whihc has a neat fishtank on the second level and is in a historic building on Pier 5 (I think).

If you are more adventuress head over to Fells Point on the water Taxi. It is a little more seedy but has great bars. Also, in the summer months the Pier Six Concert Pavillion is a great place to see a show. It has one of the best atmospheres for hearing a live concert when it is a nice day out.

Also I read recently that Baltimore was developing guided tours of many of it's lesser visited neighborhoods. I'd check with a tourism office. They were to have many themed tours.

[Zuni]

29. You forgot Ft. Mchenry

you know, where the National Anthem was written.

But Fells Point is a must.

[Shell Beau]

30. Awesome! I am really interested in the Aquarium. New Orleans

has The Aquarium of America's and it is wonderful. I hope we can sqeeze that in.

[The White Tree]

32. I've been to the New Orleans Aquarium recently

It is really good. I'd rate it better but the Baltimore Aquarium has lots of things you won't see there. The Amazon exhibit is particulary excellent (as is the one at the National Zoo).

[Shell Beau]

39. I am so fascinated with anything Amazonian!! I can't wait!

[Zuni]

44. they have lots of pirhanas in the rain forest

At least they used to. Haven't been to the aquarium in a long time. When I go to Ballamer, I usually end up drunk in Fells Point

[Shell Beau]

49. Well I may too. I had the opportunity to see piranhas at the

New Orleans aquarium and was fascinated.

[Zuni]

35. East Baltimore St---"the Block"

your family will thank me when you get there :evilgrin:

[Burma Jones]

38. Go see an Orioles Game at Camden Yards

Take a trip to Gettysburg, visit the site where Lincoln made the Gettysburg Address, be emotional.
Have a few drinks in Annapolis
Have a few drinks in Adams Morgan
Have a few drinks in Fells Point
Visit the Capitol
Visit Arlington Cemetery
Catch a show at either the Black Cat or the 9:30 club in DC or Fletcher's in B'more
Go to the National Archives
Stare in disgust at what they've done to the area around the Washington Monument
Go to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and take the short stroll to the Lincoln Memorial, read the speeches (Gettysburg Address and second Inaugural Address) they have engraved there and mourn what has happened to our nation. Then stroll over to the FDR Memorial, then stroll over to the Jefferson Memorial.

See whatever Smithsonian Museum is interesting to you

Bring Comfortable Shoes.

[Shell Beau]

41. Maybe you should be a travel agent. You

seem pretty well organized. Maybe I'll just follow this plan you gave me and I won't have to worry about anything! Thanks!! ;-)

[Burma Jones]

47. Nah, I just Grew up here

and I bore easily.......

[OldLeftieLawyer]

46. Visit the Vietnam Wall at night

It's a completely different experience. I go over there on sleepless nights, and have had the most extraordinary moments.

Hit the entire Smithsonian - a brilliant gift to our citizenry - nowhere else in this country can you see so many wonderful things FOR FREE! Your tax dollars are work (in a good way).

[Shell Beau]

51. Thanks! I am going to take it all in. It will probably be

emotional and I am not a real emotional person, but I am packing the tissue.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

64. Forget the tissue

Yes, it'll be emotional, but not in the way you're planning, I think.

Outrage.

[proud2BlibKansan]

53. Holocaust Museum

must see

[Bridget Burke]

55. I haven't been to DC in a while....

Apparently the Bush administration has not been good for the city. I'd agree on any part of the Smithsonian that interests you (if it's open)--the Freer & Sackler Asian Art collection is lovely & the Natural History collection has dinosaurs, etc. Also the Air & Space Museum, if you're interested.

Glad you're going to Harper's Ferry. Yes, it's historical--but it also has great natural beauty.

The Library of Congress shows Beaux Arts architecture at its most ornate.

Even for those not particulary religious, the National Cathedral is amazing--High Gothic--tastefully run by the Episcopalians. And the (Roman Catholic) Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is flamboyant neo-Byzantine.

The Adams-Morgan area was (still is?) multicultural--interesting restaurants, shops, etc.

[supernova]

56. See the statue of Einstein at the OAS

It's in a little garden by the OAS (Organization of American States) off Constituion Ave.

It's one of my fav sculptures ever.

He's sitting on a bench, laughing, rather child-like, and the floor of the piece is a map of the cosmos. :-)

[Lilith Velkor]

69. And you can sit on his lap!

Half the time he's got kids climbing all over him. Friendliest monument in town.

[spooky3]

58. Washington Post website has lots of suggestions plus

some restaurant ratings.

Also, you're welcome to PM me for restaurant recommendations (wide range of prices and types).

There is a really good, extremely casual place in Bethesda to eat crabs. Nothing fancy, just put on your bib and eat them. Here's a short review:

http://www.washingtonian.com/Dining/Profiles/BethCrab.html

My dad likes the Air & Space Museum; my mom likes the Torpedo Factory (artists' studios, crafts for sale) in Alexandria.

Walking around Old Town Alexandria and sipping a cool drink by the Potomac is nice.

[Shell Beau]

82. Awesome! Thanks!

[Andy_Stephenson]

60. When will you be here?

dates...

[Shell Beau]

74. Well we will be staying in West Virginia for a few days, then on to D.C.

It will be the week of June 6.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

78. Where in West Virginia?

Harpers Ferry is very convenient to DC, and one of the most beautiful places in the area.

[Shell Beau]

81. Martinsburg. My mother-in-law lives there.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

87. Then you'll be very close to Harpers Ferry...

It's well-worth visiting! There's also a good restaurant in the town of Bolivar, which kind of blends in to Harpers Ferry. It's called The Anvil, and is moderately priced. It's a nice place to go if you want to take your mother-in-law out to dinner.

I'm not sure where you'll be staying in MD, but there are a couple of
museums in the College Park/Greenbelt area that are not crowded, but offer interesting exhibits. The College Park Airport museum is located at the nations oldest continually running airport. Its exhibits are focused around the early history of flight, and the work that the Wright Brothers did in the area. Admission is something like $3 for adults, and an extra $1 to ride in a glider simulator, which is a blast!

The Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt has a wonderful museum which is kind of like the Smithsonian Air and Space museum in miniature. There's no admission fee and no crowd to be reckoned with.
They offer a number of interactive exhibits, which especially appeal to the kids.

Not far from Goddard is the National Wildlife Museum which is on the grounds of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge. They have a beautiful interactive exhibit, some lovely hiking trails and offer tram rides of the grounds on weekends. Here's their website: http://www.fws.gov/patuxent/vcdefault.html

Ooo...One more fabulous place to visit is the National Capitol Trolley Museum. They have a large collection of trolley cars, many from Washington's old DC Transit system. They also offer rides along a mile of track for a nominal fee. Here's their site: http://www.dctrolley.org/

Enjoy your visit! :-)

[EstimatedProphet]

61. Go see the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

If you can go see one museum, make it that one. It's absolutely HUGE, and very well done.

[RobinA]

62. Depends on Where You're From

If you can get back to Washington in a few years, I would avoid the Mall 'til another time. The security nonsense is a travesty and completely destroys this beautiful place. I'd avoid the Capital for reasons of security hassle as well. The Smithsonian is not to be missed, National Cathedral, Zoo, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Alexandria. Great Falls is an interesting side trip.

[northzax]

70. can I sak how you'd do the Smithsonian

without hitting the Mall? :)

[RobinA]

84. Stick To The Streets

avoid all monument areas. I'm not saying don't set foot on the Mall, just leave actually "doing" it until the terrorism/security thing dies down. Which might take a few years, granted.

I was there last summer and just thanked god I had been there before we turned into a third world dictatorship. Frankly, I'm one who would rather see a hole blown in the side of the Jefferson Memorial (my favorite) by a terrorist bomb than police standing around concrete barriers in riot gear. The place is meaningless as part of a police state.

[Snellius]

63. Air & Space Museum and National Gallery

are my favorites. Whatever you do around the mall, plan your walking route with frequent rest stops and be prepared to pass out from the exhaustion. Walking so far in DC's humid summer heat can be an ordeal. The distances immense. Go early in the morning as possible to avoid the sun and the lines.

[bleedingheart]

65. I liked Adams Morgan (sp?)...and the National Zoo as well

I do recommend going to the Holocaust museum for the first half of a day and then recovering the rest of the day...it was very emotional for me..

[kwassa]

68. The Frederick Douglass house in Anacostia

It is really very interesting, set high on a hill with a view of all of DC.

[northzax]

71. most of what others have said

and some new things:

Go see the Nats at RFK
Go to the Eastern Market on Saturday
Visit the African-American Civil War Memorial, followed by a nice Belgian Beer at Bohemian Caverns across the street (half price on Tuesdays)
Have a drink on the roof of the Hotel Washington (expensive, but the best view in town)
Rent a paddleboat on the tidal pond
go to Lincoln at night
Hit the Udvar-Hazy Annex at Dulles (if you like Air and Space, you'll love this) beware, it costs to park.
take the Metro, remember, walk left stand right.
Go to the Sackler for the Asian Art.
Go to the Ripley Center for the "Close up and Black" show of African american movie posters
Go see Toulouse-Lautrec at the National Gallery East Wing.
sit by the fountain in the Sculpture Garden
Find the old columns at the Arboretum
Drive up the B-W Parkway to see the sign for the "George Bush Center for Intelligence"

[NMMNG]

72. Definitely the Smithsonian museums

There are sixteen, plus a zoo--can't run out of things to do there!



http://www.si.edu/

[MrScorpio]

73. Georgetown

I'm the Mayor of Georgetown, BTW

[Shell Beau]

75. Wow! Everyone has been very helpful.

I am very excited about my trip and can't wait to see some of the things you all have suggested!! Thanks!

[carpetbagger]

76. Tips on the area.

I lived in Maryland and West Virginia for 15 years (Suburbs of DC, Baltimore, Harpers Ferry).

In DC: Others have pointed out the obvious, but a few things are worth repeating...

1. Albert Einstein statue right across from the Vietnam Wall. It's probably the best statue I've ever seen that catches the essence of the subject. playful, inquisitive, benevolent, wise, it's all there. In a statue.

2. Smithsonian. There's so much stuff there, the best thing is just to go right past anything that doesn't absolutely fascinate you. You can spend an entire day, open to close, in a single museum, without taking time for lunch, watching IMAX, listening to a program, or spending any time in the shops. Easily. The Zoo may disappoint. It's a good zoo, but not on the level of Miami, San Diego, chicago, or even our local zoo in San Antonio.

3. Go to Arlington Cemetary if you have the time. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy Grave. Download some kinda map with famous dead people before you leave. Also, Arlington House, at the top of the hill, was RE Lee's home prior to being confiscated, and is probably the easiest to see of any of the old southern houses.

4. Washington National Cathedral in NW. It's one of the world's 10 largest cathedrals. cathedral.org has some pictures that don't really capture the whole thing. The crypt chapels are impressive.

Harpers Ferry: I can't add superlatives to the place. What I will say is that Antietam is not far from Harper's Ferry, and you can see the main parts of the battlefield in two hours, then go through Shepherdstown WV, down WV 230, and around to HF, or go in reverse.

PM me if you have any specific questions about eastern WV. If you're going to some caverns, you're probably going to be close enough to go to Seneca Rocks, which is fantastic.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

79. I love the Seneca Rocks area!

Gorgeous countryside in WV... :hi:

[northzax]

85. you can knock our Zoo all you want

technically, it's your zoo as well...but we gots Pandas. and they actually move, unlike the last set of Pandas.

[hyphenate]

83. In Baltimore,

go shopping at the Inner Harbor--it's funky.

In D.C., I love the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History and the Jefferson Memorial.

[NoSheep]

86. Watters(sp?) museum in Baltimore.

[Lannes]

88. Check out the Georgetown area

Lots of great places to hang out,eat,listen to music.

[katinmn]

89. The Post Office Museum is surprisingly good

Has good info and artifacts beginning with the Pony Express, and if you have even a minor interest in stamps, you'll get blown away by the gift shop.

I don't know if anyone mentioned the National Archives but that is worth a stop, too, if you want to see the actual Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Have fun. Washington DC is a wonderful place to visit.

[grasswire]

90. Eat Bertha's Mussels

Seriously. That's the place to go in Fells Point, Baltimore (Bal-mer).

2. Old Town Alexandria Virginia -- cobblestone streets where King Street meets the Potomac River. Eat at the Fishmarket, a legendary spot, then shop. Lots of other good restaurants, too. Great walking.

3. Mount Vernon. 'Nuff said.

4. Colonial Williamsburg/Yorktown -- this would take an overnight side trip, but I can't see going to the D.C. area without making this stunningly beautiful and historic stop. The whole Tidewater area including Chincoteague, Assateague, etc., is beautiful. If you cross the big bridge at Norfolk you can drive up Maryland's famed Eastern Shore, and you could even visit the little island of Tangier, where the few descendants of settlers still speak a sort of Elizabethan English.

5. IN the District, there's a WONDERFUL event at 8th and I streets N.E. on Friday nights at the Marine Barracks. It's a full dress parade on the grounds. You have to get tickets in advance -- make reservations here: http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/Newmbw/