Visiting Washington DC and the Capital Region

Washington DC is always an exciting destination. DC with Virginia and Maryland suburbs, is a showcase for the United States of America. It's the season to see the White House draped in winter snow. The National Mall, surrounded by barren trees, offers trails for lunchtime joggers or, with snow, an excellent cross country track. Smithsonian Museums line the streets leading to Capitol Hill and parks are filled with magnificent memorials to former Presidents, National conflicts and important historic figures, offering seemingly endless sights. Enjoy the District's cool winter weather and minimal crowds to see the most popular sights without delays. Don’t miss the newly dedicated Martin Luther King Memorial this January on its inaugural MLK holiday.

Art lovers, be sure to visit the National Gallery of Art for "WARHOL: Headlines – National Gallery of Art" before it closes on January 2nd. Featuring 80 works by Andy Warhol, this exhibit focuses on his creations based on news and tabloid headlines. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is also exhibiting works by Andy Warhol. Featuring 102 canvases, "Andy Warhol: Shadows" is installed edge to edge as Warhol intended and in its entirety. Shadows closes on January 15th.

The Library of Congress celebrates the 60th anniversary of the debut of I Love Lucy with the exhibition "I Love Lucy: An American Legend". Running through January 28th, visitors see the history of I Love Lucy through photographs, scripts and family memorabilia. See this wonderful slice of Americana at the Library of Congress. A destination in and of itself, the LOC is the world’s largest collection of knowledge and culture and is open for guided tours daily.

Winter is an ideal time to head inside and explore your favorite of Washington DC’s 17 Smithsonian museums – be sure to see some favorite exhibits like the Hope Diamond at the Natural History Museum, or the planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is always exciting, as visitors watch millions of dollars being printed and engraved. Washington DC offers no end of fascinating exhibitions and destinations.

Across the Potomac lies the Washington suburbs of Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax among the most recognizable of Virginia’s DC area cities. Northern Virginia is home to destinations like Arlington National Cemetery, across Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate 16-miles south of DC.

There is no better place to celebrate President’s Day 2012 than Alexandria. Join the festivities in Old Town Alexandria the weekend of February 18th and 19th. The 280th birthday celebration of George Washington features the George Washington Classic 10-K race, “Walking with Washington” tours of Alexandria and the George Washington Birthday Parade. Visit historic Alexandria and celebrate Presidents Day where it all began.

Washington DC and the Capital Region Hotel Map