On
the outskirts of the city is the National Arboretum ( 3501 New York Ave.,
NE ) , a 446-acre estate where one can find one of the widest selection
of flowers and trees in the area. The Arboretum also hosts one of Washington 's
most unusual landmarks, a series of majestic Corinthian columns that look much
older than they really are. If you're not in the mood to walk, the Arboretum offers
40-minute tours on its tram for a small fee. You can stay nearby the Arboretum
at Ramada Limited, which is also nearby National Airport . A
few miles away is Mount Vernon , home of George Washington. The multi-acre plantation
and tour of his house offer much explore. And if you are feeling adventurous,
rent a car and take a two-hour drive west to the Shenandoah mountains or the Appalachian
trial. The views provide a look of opportunities for pictures, there are hiking
paths for all skill levels, and you might even catch a waterfall. Although
one could spend days in just a small section of D.C., the city has much more to
offer. One of D.C.s hippest museums is the International Spy Museum (
800 F Street, NW ; Gallery/Chinatown Metro stop). The museum has a comprehensive
history of spying, including the story of how it played a critical role in World
War II. The Red Roof Inn ( Chinatown ) is a few blocks away. Outside
the city, you can take the Metro to the King Street stop (blue, yellow lines)
and spend a day exploring Old Town Alexandria , VA.
Stroll the quaint cobblestone streets, visit an antique
shop, and pick up some homemade ice cream to eat at the waterfront. Finally,
if you have the time, we recommend taking a car and visiting the Inner Harbor
Area in Baltimore , MD. Baltimore , a 45-minute drive from Washington D.C. Baltimore
is home to the area's best seafood and many attractions, such as the excellent
National Aquarium, the Inner Harbor shopping plaza, and the Baltimore Orioles.
Washington D.C. has as many attractions as politicians.
You won't have a problem finding interesting things to do. Choosing which of the
city's attractions to see, however, is a different matter. Getting
Around in D.C. The District of Columbia is divided
into 4 quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. In the center
where the four quadrants meet is the U.S Capitol. Numbered
streets run north-south. The numbers get lower as you drive towards the center
and higher away from it. Lettered streets run east-west (there are no J, X, Y,
or Z streets) and follow the same pattern. After Z, the streets are two syllable
names, then three-syllable names as you travel out farther from the center. Avenues
named for U.S. States run diagonally, often meeting at traffic circles and
squares. The diagonal avenues can be confusing.
If you don't have good directions, stick to navigating by the letters and numbers.
It will take a little longer, but its less confusing. <<--Back | 
