Visiting Washington DC and the Capital Region

Washington DC, capital of the United States of America, a showcase for US history buffs and proud Americans. The National Mall, a national park, is the center piece of downtown Washington DC. The Lincoln Memorial, close to the Potomac river looks north across the reflecting pool to the iconic Washington Memorial and beyond to the National Capital Building. The White House, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, sits across Constitution Avenue from the mall draws throngs of visitors. You can call your state representatives office in Washington DC for special White House tour tickets.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, one of the largest and most popular events of the summer, runs June 24th through 28th and July 1st through the 5th. A free event held outdoors on the National Mall, the 2010 festival highlights the rich indigenous populations of Mexico and the lives of Asian Pacific Americans. Enjoy music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations, crafts and discussions of cultural issues throughout the Folklife Festival.

There is no better place to celebrate the fourth of July than in Washington DC. The 2010 theme for Independence Day festivities is Stars and Stripes Forever. War memorials and monuments dot the National Mall, making a spectacular backdrop for a full day of celebration. America's 234th birthday begins with the traditional parade along Constitution Avenue. Featuring marching bands, floats, giant balloons and well-known personalities, the parade is fun for the entire family. An concert on the Washington Monument grounds, features special guest artists gets the evening entertainment started. An unforgettable fireworks show tops off the evening. Set against the National Capital building, you may feel like you are in the movies.

Among the special Smithsonian exhibits that run through the summer you can see One Life: Echoes of Elvis at the National Portrait Gallery. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Elvis' birth, the exhibit runs through August in the One Life gallery. The new First Ladies Gallery at the National Museum of American History opened The Modern Gown Gallery: A First Lady's Debut in March. Part of the permanent exhibit, eleven inaugural ball gowns are featured including Michelle Obama's 2009 floor length white chiffon gown.

The Best Western Georgetown Hotel & Suites is ideal for travelers to Washington DC and the National Mall area. Within walking distance of many sites and close to Metrorail stations for convenient transportation throughout the Capital City. For travelers arriving by air at Dulles International Airport, the Best Western Dulles Airport Inn is convenient. The Best Western Capital Beltway, just outside downtown Washington DC, is situated near the beltway - perfect for automobile travelers who want to visit sites in the greater Washington DC metro area.