First Night of Alexandria Event Celebrates 2011 in Washington DC!
If you can’t make it to Washington DC for Christmas, don’t worry, the city is still packed with celebrations for New Year’s Eve. Take the family to DC this year to see all the festivities on December 31, including the exciting First Night Alexandria, celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. The event packs in fireworks, kids’ activities and delicious cuisine from all kinds of vendors. Dress warm and watch the fireworks as the nation’s capital rings in 2011! Before planning all your activities, be sure to reserve your Washington DC hotel, so that you’ll have a room waiting for you when you get there.
In addition to this stupendous New Year’s event, you can dive into the history of DC with a historic tour of Mount Vernon and Old Alexandria. As you’re traveling along with your motorcoach, you’ll be able to stop at historical places like the Mount Vernon House and the Christ Church. You’ll even be able to tour the inside of the Christ Church as long as a service is not in session. You’ll see other extraordinary pieces of architecture as well from your coach, including Old Town Alexandria, Fort Washington and the Pentagon.
Sign up for another exciting educational journey with the Monticello – Thomas Jefferson Country Tour, which takes you to many of the places where our third president resided. You’ll see sights such as the splendid University of Virginia, Michie Tavern, and Monticello, a house that sits in a scenic area of the mountains. Learn the many skills and talents that former president Thomas Jefferson had, such as architecture, artistry, craftsmanship, music and eloquent writing.
Washington DC Brightens with the National Christmas Tree Lighting!
On December 9th, Washington DC will celebrate its 87th National Christmas Tree Lighting in coordination with the Pageant of Peace. The city’s White House Ellipse Visitor Pavilion will display lit trees from each of America’s states and territories every day after the National Christmas Tree Lighting until New Year’s Day. Visitors are more than welcome to come out and view all of the city’s great holiday displays and festivities during this time. If you’d like to stay for the entire celebration, be sure to book one of the warm and cozy DC hotels.
You can see more of the city as it lights up with Christmas decorations with tours like DC After Dark, which take you to some of the most popular memorials and highlights of the city. The tour lasts approximately three hours, and you’ll be able to stop at famous places such as the Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. These are just a few of the landmarks you’ll see. There are more than 10 famous other sights you’ll view from up close in your motorcoach.
There’s even more great DC architecture available to see at night, and you can view it by taking the DC The Lights! Tour, which starts out at the Old Post Office, dating back to 1899. From here, you’ll be able to look up at the skyscraping clock tower, reaching up 315 feet. Afterward, you’ll head to the US Capitol Building, where your tour guide will give you an extensive background of the building and people that have served there, as well as answering any questions you may have. As you continue, you’ll see many other famous memorials, including the Vietnam and WWII Memorial. Enjoy the rich history of DC as it’s bathed in city lights!
DC Craftsmen Ready for Sixth Annual Downtown Holiday Market!
Not long after Thanksgiving Washington DC will light up for the Christmas season, and you can be a part of it by visiting the Downtown Holiday Market, which runs from December 3 – 23. Setting up near historic areas like the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the downtown market will be filled with over 150 craftsman and artists. You’re welcome to travel the streets to find the perfect deals and ideal gifts for your loved ones, such as pottery, picture paintings and endless crafts. The area will have stages set up for entertainment as well, and Christmas lights will line almost every artisan’s tents, bringing holiday cheer to DC. You can spend additional time at the festival if you book DC lodging beforehand.
Don’t forget – there are many other venues to see Washington DC as well, and the city offers several quick stop-and-go’s at its historic points with tours like the City Sightseeing Double Decker Hop On/Off Pass. You can spend an entire day touring the city or just a few hours, depending on your schedule. The bus stops at 25 places and you can see memorials like the Arlington Cemetery, National Archives, National Gallery of Art, Fords Theatre and Union Station. The list goes on, and buses depart every 30 minutes from the stops.
If you’d like to explore DC’s attractions in authentic historic transportation, you can travel on the Old Town Trolley Narrated Hop On/Hop Off Tour. The trolley travels around the heart of DC’s memorials, making stops at places like the Washington National Cathedral, White House, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and others. Your tour makes 17 stops total and includes unlimited on and off privileges on the trolley. Bring your camera along to snap photos of your family and friends.
You won’t soon forget your experience in Washington DC, especially since the Christmas season is almost here. Bring the family along for a truly memorable time!
Washington DC Commemorates Freedom During Veterans Day
On November 11, Veterans Day, Washington DC will celebrate the lives of veterans all across the country who have fought for the freedom of Americans. To better honor those who served, ceremonies will take place at individual memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Visitors and DC citizens are welcome to attend any of the ceremonies to pay their respect to veterans both past and present. If you would like to make a trip up to Washington DC during this special event, you can book one of the DC hotels.
You can find other activities to do while you’re in the area as well, including photo tours like the Washington Photo Safari Full Day. Gather your day’s supplies for an exciting walkthrough of places like the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, White House Iwo Jima Memorial and more. Because your guide is a professional photographer, he or she can assist you in answering questions about photography and techniques along the way. No matter what type of camera you have, you’ll be granted plenty of opportunities to take excellent shots.
In addition to taking pictures, you can see where Hollywood pictures were shot with the On Location Tours Featuring Washington DC TV and Movie Sites. Travel on a streamlined coach bus for a trip through DC to explore more than 30 different sites where movies and shows were filmed. The tour explores everything from large budget films like Mission Impossible III to mysterious TV shows like the X-Files. Listen as your guide gives you the rundown of how each movie and show was filmed.
As you can see, Washington DC has attractions fit for the youngest child to the oldest grandparent. Take the entire family with you on your vacation to this fabulous city.
Honor Veterans with a Visit to Mount Vernon
Celebrate Veteran’s Day in a special way this year by visiting George Washington’s Estate in Mount Vernon. This November 11th event features a performance by an all-veteran’s barbershop chorus known as the Harmony Heritage Singers and a ceremonial wreath laying at the tomb of George Washington. As the first commander-in-chief of this country, George Washington commands a great deal of respect even after his passing. There is no better way to celebrate Veteran’s Day than to be at a ceremony honoring one of America’s first veterans.
Continue your own private remembrance of George Washington and other veterans with the Mount Vernon by Candlelight Tour while you’re in the area. During your guided candlelight tour you will learn about Washington’s family celebrations and how family and friends were entertained at the mansion while you enjoy the ambiance of the candlelight. Later, you will be entertained outside by an open fire. Handmade chocolate, hot apple cider, and freshly baked cookies will be provided as refreshment while everyone is invited to join in learning how to dance the Virginia Reel. Costumed actors will demonstrate, so you can just follow their lead. At the end of the tour, you will be presented with a complimentary copy of Martha Washington’s Great Cake recipe.
Don’t forget to enjoy the many attractions of DC while you’re visiting. The Washington DC Power Pass will give you access to multiple popular attractions in the area like the Museum of Crime and Punishment, Old Town Trolley, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. In total, there are over 15 different activities, tours, and attractions available to you with this pass. You can customize your pass to fit your time in Washington DC by choosing the 1, 2, 3, or 5 day pass.
Popular Washington DC Vacation Activities
Washington DC has such a huge variety of things to see and do, that it can be a little confusing to plan a vacation for the area. If you need help, there’s no better way to get it than from people who have visited Washington DC before you and already know which places to visit. These are some of the most popular activities in Washington DC, and you won’t want to miss a single one!
City Sightseeing Double Decker Hop On/Off Pass
This tour is the most popular among guests who plan to visit Washington DC. The unique set up of the tour gives guests the chance to explore the area’s best sights and attractions at their leisure. You will board the double decker bus and be taken to over 25 different stops around the city where you can choose to get off the bus to view places like Union Station, Capitol Hill, or Arlington Cemetery. You can choose to stay at the stop for as long as you like before boarding a bus to move on to the next stop. If you want to visit the city at your own pace, this is the tour for you!
If you’re looking for a popular guided tour experience, check out the DC in a Day Tour. This day long tour is narrated so you get interesting stories and facts about the places you see. Your tour will stop at six different locations briefly along the way and take you by many other attractions that you will view from the bus. Some of the places you will see and hear about include the FBI Building, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial. This tour is a fun learning adventure that you will enjoy every step of the way.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – Hanover, MD
Another popular activity in the Washington DC area is the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. This dinner and show gives you the chance to let loose and enjoy great food. The tournament is placed in the time of lords and ladies and features jousting, sword fights, and other medieval contests for your enjoyment. While you watch the contests, you will enjoy a feast of roasted chicken, spare rib, and other delicacies fit for a king. This dinner and show combination is a hit with people of all ages who are visiting the area!
Museums and Shopping Offer the Perfect Getaway in Washington DC
If you’ve ever visited Washington DC, you know that it is a city filled with interesting museums and places to shop. On your next trip to the area, make sure that you don’t miss out on some of the most interesting museums and shopping opportunities the city has to offer. These three options are sure to add something special to your getaway.
National Museum of Crime and Punishment
Your first stop in DC should be the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. This museum has many interactive displays and exhibits that cover the history of crime and punishment dating from medieval period to present law enforcement. Some of the exhibits you will see as you explore the museum include a high speed chase simulator, an FBI shooting range, and even a computer hacking station. This museum also features a life-sized police station, a lie detector, and an electric chair. The Crime and Punishment Museum is something out of the ordinary that fascinates people of all ages.
After you’ve learned all about crime and punishment, head over to one of DC’s other unique museums, Madame Tussauds. This museum gives you the chance to see life-like busts of both historic and present day figures. You may see Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, George Washington, and other famous faces during your visit. This museum even gives you a behind the scenes to show you how they create such life-like wax figures. It’s a fun experience for pictures and learning.
Make sure you don’t forget to go shopping while you’re in DC. Tyson’s Corner Shopping Tours will give you the chance to browse over 300 specialty shops and stores at your own pace. You will see stores like The Body Shop, Banana Republic, and Shaw Jewelers on this fun shopping tour. Your tour includes a rewards savings book worth $200 in savings, a goodie bag from Sephora, and many other special offers and features. It’s the fun shopping experience you deserve on your vacation!
President to be at the Washington DC National Book Festival!
The National Mall in Washington DC will be hosting the 10th annual National Book Festival on September 25, where visitors will be able to see President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, as they chair the event. Famous authors like Katherine Paterson, Scott Turow, Gordon S. Wood, and more will be there as well for visitors to talk with and learn more about their books. The event lasts from 10-5:30, so you’ll have plenty of time to browse through your favorite authors’ works. You can look through our list of hotels in the area as well.
As far as the rest of the city is concerned, you can easily tour famous historical sites and monuments by taking tours such as the DC in a Day Tour, which stops at places like the US Capitol, World War II Memorial, and Ford’s Theater. You’ll be able to see many more sites from your luxurious motorcoach transportation. Prepare to learn and discover with this great experience that lasts approximately nine hours.
You can see DC in a different light with the DC After Dark tour. See the city and its monuments lit up and stop at places like the Vietnam Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and much more. You can even see the US Capitol building, which turns a subtle shade of green at night. You’ll become enthralled with the sites of the city with this interesting tour that combines city lights and skyscape darkness.
See the incredible Washington DC and all the important opportunities that accompany it, such as shopping, history, and pleasant dining.
Come Together for Abbey Road on the River in Washington DC
If you are a fan of The Beatles, you will definitely be a fan of Abbey Road on the River where you can hear over 50 bands from all around the world come together at the Gaylord National Resort beginning September 2. This music-fest has grown to become the largest tribute to The Beatles in the world and includes five days filled with love, peace, and music. There will be over 50 concerts per day from tribute bands such as Mop Tops, Sgt. Peppers, The Hard Dazed Knights, and more!
To get the most out of this fantastic tribute to The Beatles, you’ll want to stay for more than just one day. If you need a great place to stay during your trip to the Washington DC area, we have several great hotels to choose from. For a selection of hotels in the Washington DC area, click here.
After you’re finished experiencing all the great music at Abbey Road on the River, take some time to see tributes to more stars when you visit Madame Tussauds Washington DC. At Madame Tussauds you will see great wax figures of people such as Jennifer Lopez, Geoge Clooney, Abraham Lincoln, Jackie Kennedy, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Johnny Depp, and more! Also learn how these amazing figures were created when you see the Behind the Scenes exhibit.
A fantastic way to relax and enjoy some of the magnificent monuments of Washington DC is to take the 2.5 hour Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour where you can experience the beauty of the monuments after dark. You will be transported in a trolley to popular monuments in the DC area by an interesting and knowledgeable guide. Sights you will see along the way include FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Korean War Veteran’s Memorial, and more.
Capitalize on the Arlington County Fair Near Washington DC!
Plan a late summer getaway in the Washington DC area from August 18-22 to participate in enjoyable arts and crafts at the Arlington County Fair. It’s a unique experience, complete with an environmentally-friendly “Rainforest Rescue” show, kids zone, and even racing piglets. The fair includes amusement rides like an enormous Ferris wheel and fun carousel. Reserve your nightly lodging near the fair today.
During your DC vacation, you may want to try out the Six Flags America, located near the edge of the nation’s capital. You’ll delight in the fabulous range of rides and attractions available including the leg dangling Mind Eraser and the 140-foot-tall Tower of Doom. There’s also plenty of water rides if you want to cool off, and each one is wildly different from the next. Live shows are also available to watch.
For a little variety, hop aboard the DC Ducks for a comprehensive tour of the city on both land and water. The duck will take you to all the highlights of DC, including the National Mall, Washington Monument, the Korean War Memorial, and plenty of other sights. Learn and laugh with your tour guide as he / she shares pertinent information while telling a few jokes.
August is just around the bend, so be sure to plan your summer activities ahead of time. See what makes Washington DC such a great place to live!
