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EXPLORE D.C. | | | | | | | Arlington National CemeteryGeorge Washington Pkwy
Arlington,
VA
22211
703-695-3250 | | | | | Description: Arlington is America's second largest national cemetery and contains the graves of some 300,000 American servicemen and women. Some of the most visited graves include those of President John F. Kennedy, the Challenger astronauts and Audie Murphy, as well as the dramatic Tomb of the Unknowns. The 200-acre site along the Potomac once belonged to Robert E. Lee and was commissioned as a military cemetery in 1864. Visit the informative visitor center and take a self-guided tour or a shuttle tour. Located across Memorial Bridge, less than a mile from the Lincoln Memorial. Parking $1.25/hour. METRO: Arlington Cemetery
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| Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope Leighey House9000 Richmond Hwy
Alexandria,
VA
22309
703-780-4000 | | | | | Description: The groundbreaking architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed this beautiful yet functional home in 1940, using natural materials such as cypress and glass. The results are contemporary and magnificent. Don't miss the geometric stained glass that punctuates the walls. Inside, exhibits educate visitors about Wright's life and work.
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| George Washington Masonic National Memorial101 Callahan Dr
Alexandria,
VA
22301
703-683-2007 | | | | | Description: ALEXANDRIA. The local hero who became a national hero, George Washington, is memorialized with a stately statue in front of this spire-topped building. Made of bronze and surrounded by columns, the statue is a fitting tribute to our first president, who was once a member of this lodge. Inside, visit the Replica Lodge Room to learn more about Washington's life, career and legacy, and head to the ninth-floor observatory for sweeping views of the DC skyline. METRO: King Street
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| George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon,
VA
22121
703-780-2000 | | | | | Description: MOUNT VERNON. Americans and visitors from around the world enjoy traveling the scenic George Washington Parkway to this idyllic, aristocratic estate, once home to George and Martha Washington. Painstakingly maintained, the site includes 500 acres overlooking the Potomac River. The mansion and numerous outbuildings are original and were designed by Washington himself. Guests are encouraged to tour the main house, visit the gardens, learn about farming at the Pioneer Farm, and hike the Forest Trail. Other must-sees include the gravesites of George and Martha Washington, a slave memorial, library and museums. Free walking tours and other seasonal activities are offered daily April through October. Dining and shopping are available as well.
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| 101 Independence Ave SE
Washington,
DC
20540
202-707-5458 | | | | | Description: CAPITOL HILL. Established in 1800 as one of Thomas Jefferson's legacies, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. Three buildings house more than 115 million items in 470 languages, and some 7000 items are added daily. The library has a new visitors center and a 90-seat theater where you can watch an informative documentary about the facility. You'll also find a gift shop, performing arts gallery and special rooms displaying some of the library's important collections. METRO: Capitol South
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| Manassas National Battlefield Park12521 Lee Hwy
Manassas,
VA
20109
703-361-1339 | | | | | Description: MANASSAS. Because of its strategic and logistical importance, Manassas was the site of two important Civil War events, the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. During the first, picnickers looked on as the South defeated the North in 10 hours. A year later, General Lee scored a tactical miracle when he defeated a much larger Union force. Today, loop trails, guided tours and information kiosks provide insight into the heroism and loss experienced by both sides. Quiet, serene, almost pastoral, the park's rolling terrain serves as a chilling reminder of what happens when a nation is divided against itself.
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| Supreme Court of the United States1 First St NE
Washington,
DC
20002
202-479-3211 | | | | | Description: CAPITOL HILL. Home to one of America's most vital institutions, this impressive structure is characterized by its exceptional Neoclassical architecture. While the court term generally runs from October through June, informative exhibits, lectures and movies are presented throughout the year. Since seating is limited, those wanting to attend a court session should arrive early on the Front Plaza. When the Court is not sitting, lectures are presented in the courtroom every hour on the half-hour. N.B. Renovation of the building is expected to continue through 2008, but it will remain open. METRO: Union Station or Capitol South
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| 1733 16th St NW
Washington,
DC
20009
202-232-3579 | | | | | Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Completed in 1915, this imposing structure loosely replicates the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. It was built by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and includes meeting space, a library and historic archives. Among its most dramatic features are the sphinxes flanking the front door (representing Wisdom and Power) and the inside atrium, which welcomes guests with classical detailing and marble columns. Throughout the space, grand design, beautiful materials and rich furnishings transfix awed spectators. A must for architecture aficionados. METRO: Dupont Circle
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| East Capitol and First St
Washington,
DC
20510
202-225-6827 | | | | | Description: CAPITOL HILL. The White House notwithstanding, this domed icon of democracy is the capital city's most significant and, perhaps, most impressive building. Its majestic architecture is a signature aspect of the Washington landscape, and the view from the front steps is unparalleled. Guided tours cover the highlights of the Capitol complex's history and architecture. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guide Service kiosk on the southwest side of the Capitol. As you might expect, the lines tend to be long, so arrive early. METRO: Capitol South
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| Washington National CathedralWisconsin Ave NW and Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington,
DC
20016-5098
202-537-6200 | | | | | Description: WOODLEY PARK. Started in 1907 and completed in 1990, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. It sits on 57 acres and towers over the city. Approximately one-tenth of a mile long, the cathedral contains more than 200 stained-glass windows and has a central tower 301 feet tall. Teddy Roosevelt was an onlooker during construction, and every subsequent US President has attended services here. See spectacular views from the observation gallery, or take a tour and learn about the church's mission, history and architecture. Also plan to visit the Bishop's Gardens, greenhouse, herb cottage and gift shop. Services are offered every day of the week; call ahead to verify times.
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