Our Nation's Capital, home of Naval District Washington, is teeming with historical landmarks that symbolize our American history, patriotism and Naval tradition. Buildings constructed during the time of our founding fathers now stand as focal points in the administration of our government, and, more importantly, some of the most interesting locations to visit in the country, if not the world.

Museums take us back to this illustrious past, giving us an opportunity to view the artifacts and lifestyles of some of our more prominent American leaders, as well as historic milestones that have forever changed our lives. Washington, D.C. is the leader in points of historical interest in our nation.

Washington, D.C.
202-789-7000
http:⁄⁄www.dchomepage.net
The District of Columbia, named for George Washington and Christopher Columbus in 1791, is seat of the federal government and the nation's capital. This 63-square-mile city boasts a population of more than a half million residents with hundreds of sights and points of interest that attract visitors from around the world. The city's climate is described as humid subtropical with the temperature in winter averaging 34 degrees and 77 degrees during the summer, although these are subject to wide fluctuations.

Maj. Pierre L'Enfant designed Washington D.C. in 1791. It was the first city planned for a specific purpose. L'Enfant laid out the city around numerous circles and squares connected by straight boulevards. The layout has often been described as reminiscent of a series of wagon wheels. This design, often described as brilliant, allowed for growth; however L'Enfant could not have foreseen the advent of automobiles in a nation of more than 230 million people. Four sections make up Washington, northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. Any address is always followed by an abbreviation of the appropriate section of town - NE, SE, NW and SW.

Washington has one of the most comprehensive and attractive public transportation systems on the East Coast, with Metro at the top of it all. The Metro not only connects the numerous sights in the city with each other, but the subway also branches out to parts of Virginia and Maryland. For more information regarding the Metro or to find the closest stop to a particular sight, call 202-637-7000.

National Air and Space Museum
6th St. and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, Va.
202-357-2700
www.nasm.si.edu
The National Air and Space Museum is open daily, except Dec. 25. General admission is free.

Exhibits include the Wright Brothers' flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Langley Theater IMAX films, the Einstein Planetarium, as well as hundreds of other aviation and space exhibits. Cafeteria and restaurant facilities are available. The new construction of the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport opened in December 15, 2003. The new facility will display hundreds of additional artifacts and offer events, educational programs, IMAX films and more. More information about planning your visit to the new facility is gradually being added to this which opened to the public December 2003 will enable visitors to view many of the artifacts currently at the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland and observe NASM staff restore aircraft and spacecraft. Closest Metro is Smithsonian.

Jefferson Memorial
900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
202-426-6821 or 202-619-7222
A monument to our third president, this 19-foot bronze statue stands beneath a rotunda inscribed with passages from the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson's other famous writings. Open daily except Christmas. Park rangers are in attendance from 8 a.m. - midnight.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20566
800-444-1324 ⁄ 202-467-4600
www.kennedy-center.org
Overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. the nation's busiest arts facility, presenting more than 3,300 performances each year for audiences numbering more than 2 million. The Kennedy Center continues to fulfill his vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages.

The Kennedy Center contains the Opera House, Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, the Terrace Theater, Hall of Nations, and the American Film Institute Theater. The Millennium Stage presents free performances in the Grand Foyer every night at 6 p.m. Open daily for public viewing, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For group tour information, call 202-416-8341. Shuttle available from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro.

National Gallery of Art
6th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, D.C.
202-737-4215 o www.nga.gov
Open daily. Closed Christmas and New Years Day.
Take a taste of the finer things in life and view the collection of Renaissance paintings, Dutch masterworks, French impressionism, as well as 20th century paintings and sculptures in this national gallery. Nearest Metros are Archives, Federal Center, SW, or Judiciary Square

Lincoln Memorial
900 Ohio Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024
202-426-6841
The classic Greek temple memorial is located at West Potomac Park.

This grand memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool. Inside, the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president is flanked by inscriptions of his Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address. Open daily, 8 a.m. - midnight. From the nearest metro, Foggy Bottom-GWU, walk 8 blocks south along 23rd Street N.W.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500
202-456-2121
Construction on this hallowed residence began in 1792 and ended amongst much patriotic fanfare in 1800. Though never inhabited by George Washington himself, The White House was nevertheless conceived by the Father of Our Nation as a Holy Fortress from which to guard against the tyranny of “big government“ and “social programs“

The President's house, one of the most popular sights in D.C. Only the public rooms on the ground floor and the state floor may be visited, and the hours are limited. The White House may be closed at various times due to security concerns and special events. Nearest Metros are the Farragut West, McPherson Square or Metro Center.

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20540
202-707-8000 o www.loc.gov
Housing more than 84 million items in 470 languages, the Library of Congress is one of the world's largest library systems. Congress established the library in 1800 for its use, but has extended its services over the years. The library is now open to the general public. Guided tours are given every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The library also features rotating exhibits, concerts, poetry readings, and public lectures. The nearest Metro is Capitol South.

National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008
202-673-4717
www.natzoo.si.edu
Highlights include the Great Flight Cage, Amazonia and the Great Ape House. Visit creatures ranging from giraffes to boa constrictors to big cats to the new panda bears. Open daily, except Christmas. From May 1 - Sept. 15 - animal buildings are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the grounds are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Sept. 16 - April 30, animal buildings are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and grounds open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Closest Metro is Cleveland Park or Woodley Park-National Zoo.

MARYLAND
Captain John Smith first explored Maryland in 1608. Since that time the state has furnished the nation with some of its most brilliant diplomats and patriots. Famous Marylanders include Benjamin Banneker, Francis Scott Key, Edgar Allen Poe and Upton Sinclair and Babe Ruth. The bravery of Maryland troops in the Revolution won the state its nickname, “The Old Line State.“ Named after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I of England, Maryland is the eighth smallest state in the union with a total area of 10,460 square miles.

Two hundred Europeans settle Maryland in 1634 and the state has flourished ever since. Maryland was the seventh of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution on Apr. 28, 1788. In the War of 1812, a British fleet attempted to seize Fort McHenry in Baltimore. During a 25-hour bombardment on Sept. 13-14, 1814, American troops successfully defended the fort, inspiring Marylander Frances Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became our national anthem. The historic sights of Maryland are a great attraction for tourists and residents alike. Call 1-800-543-1036 for Maryland tourist information.

Annapolis
www.annapolis.gov
Founded in the mid 17th century, Annapolis has been the capital of Maryland since 1695. It was the first peacetime capital of the United States. Since 1845, it has been the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. Tours are available at the State House, where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1784 that officially put an end to the American Revolution, just weeks after receiving George Washington's resignation. The State House, built in 1772, is located in the center of Annapolis and was the first capitol of the United States. Today, it is the oldest state house still in legislative use in America. For further information regarding tours, call (410) 974-3400.

United States Naval Academy
121 Blake Road, Annapolis, Md. 21402-5000
(410) 263-6933
www.nadn.navy.mil
Visit the U.S. Naval Academy and walk the grounds of the world-famous higher institution for U.S. Naval officers and home for approximately 4,500 midshipmen and women. Established in 1845, the academy displays parades, concerts and other various events every year during “Commissioning Week,“ finishing off with midshipmen graduation in late May. The Naval Academy Museum features 300 years of American Naval history. The center is open daily. Guided walking tours of the grounds are offered through the visitor center. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

VIRGINIA
800-VISITVA
www.virginia.gov
Virginia has a total area of 40,767 square miles and enjoys a climate described as mild and equable. The temperature in Norfolk averages 41 degrees in the winter and 76 in the summer.

Named by Sir Walter Raleigh in honor of Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen of England, Virginia was the 10th of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution, on June 25, 1788. The Europeans first established a permanent settlement in Jamestown in 1607. For more travel information about Virginia, call 1-800-VISITVA.

Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Bridge and Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Va. 22211
703-607-8000
www.arlingtoncemetery.org
Tomb of the Unknowns, Amphitheater, Arlington House and the grave of President John F. Kennedy. The Memorial Amphitheater. Changing of the guard at the tomb every half hour in the summer and every hour the rest of the year. Many other famous Americans are buried at the cemetery along with 175,000 fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from every war and conflict in our history. A guided tour bus runs daily.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
757-253-3350
www.buschgardens.com
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an action-packed, European-themed park with 17th century charm and 21st century technology, boasting more than 100 acres of unparalleled fun and adventure for the entire family. “America's Most Beautiful Theme Park'' is home to the world's top-rated roller coasters, more than 40 thrilling rides and attractions, eight mainstage shows, a wide variety of award-winning foods and world-class shops, and a magical children's area.

Located three miles east of historic Williamsburg, Va., and 150 miles from Washington, D.C., the park is open weekends in March, daily April 6 through Sept. 3 and then weekends until end of October.

Luray Caverns
970 U.S. Hwy. 211 West, Luray, Va. 22835
540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
Open daily. Located near the Shenandoah National Park, the Luray Caverns is one of the largest caverns in the East. The caverns feature the world's only stalacpipe organ, which produces music of symphonic quality from the rock formations. The temperature in the caverns averages 54 degrees, so be sure to dress appropriately. Luray Caverns is open every day of the year. Guided tours depart about every 20 minutes.

Mount Vernon
George Washington Memorial Parkway, 16 miles south of Washington, D.C.
703-780-2000
www.mountvernon.org
This Georgian-style, circa-1743 mansion was the home and plantation of George Washington. Located on the south bank of the Potomac River. Guided tours of the grounds and gardens are conducted daily from April through Labor Day.

Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Hwy 211 East, Luray, Va. 22835
540-999-3500 ⁄ 800-778-2851
www.nps.gov⁄shen
www.visitshenandoah.com
Take a drive along the winding roads of the beautiful 105-mile Skyline Drive that offers one of the finest scenic trips in the East. The drive twists and turns throughout the 80-mile long park that ranges from two to 13 miles wide. Some 70 overlooks allow any lover of nature to stop and view the Blue Ridge, Piedmont, and Shenandoah River Valley.

On the top of the drive, the park has even more tremendous foliage awaiting exploration either by foot or horseback. At the head of the Whiteoak Canyon grow hemlocks that are more than 300 years old. Fall is the ideal time to visit the park, as the autumn colors envelop the scenery.

The park is open year-round, with lodging and cottage accommodations. The park headquarters is located five miles east of Luray on US 211.

The Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge, Va. 24578
540-291-2121 ⁄ 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
Located in the Natural Bridge Village, see the bridge that nature built and the Indians worshiped. The limestone arch, 215 feet high, 90 feet long, and up to 150 wide, caught the eye of Thomas Jefferson. In 1774, he bought the bridge and 157 surrounding acres from King George III for 20 schillings, or approximately $2.49 in modern currency. Self-guided tours are conducted daily every hour. Along with admission to the bridge, the ticket includes a musical presentation performed nightly under the bridge and entrance to the caverns.

U.S. Marine Corps Memorial
See the largest statue ever cast in bronze, which honors all U.S. Marines who have died in combat since 1945. It is located at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Va. Within striking distance of the National Cemetery, this statue depicts the raising of the U.S. flag on Mt. Suribachi, Feb. 23, 1945. The statue was modeled after a photo taken by Pulitzer-prize winning photographer Joe Rosenthal. The memorial also features a sunset parade concert performed Tuesday evenings from May to late August. Call (703) 285-2598 for more information.