Washington D.C. Boasts History & Fun

A trip to Washington D.C. should be filled with history. Featuring iconic monuments, fascinating museums, and amazing history around every corner, Washington D.C. is filled to the brim. Check out some of our favorite stops in the historic city!

Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Tour

On your vacation, see the city through the eyes of its most distinguished citizen – George Washington. The Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Tour unveils Washington’s history as you’ve never seen in history books. First, make a stop at George Washington’s stately home – Mount Vernon. You’ll get the chance to see the beautifully kept main house, the outbuildings, slave quarters, kitchen, greenhouse, and gardens. Venture onto the Forest Trail for a breathtaking photo op of the city. Next stop is Christ Church at North Washington Street, which is the oldest Episcopal congregation in Alexandria. Built in 1773, the church is heralded for its intricate décor and breathtaking preservation. The church’s edifice was designed by James Wren and reflects the classic Colonial Georgian style that is prevalent in the area. The tour concludes with a bus ride throughout Old Town Alexandria and Fort Washington. You’ll love learning all about one of America’s Founding Fathers on this amazing tour. For more information about the tour, visit this link.

Monticello – Thomas Jefferson Country Tour

A quick bus trip to Charlottesville, Virginia takes visitors to the world of America’s third president – Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson began building the large plantation when he was 26 on 5,000 acres of land that he inherited from his father. He modeled the home after “modern” trends in French architecture that he discovered during his travels as the first U.S. Secretary of State. Even though the structure was completed by 1809, 41 years after construction began, Jefferson continued to work on the house until his death in 1826. Uriah P. Levy purchased the estate in 1834 and, being a huge admirer of Jefferson, chose to repair, restore, and preserve the home in Jefferson’s memory. Almost a century after Jefferson had passed, the estate was purchased by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation who continues to operate the home and its grounds as a museum and educational institution. Visitors are invited to see the home, which boasts a massive library, an ornate parlor, Jefferson’s bedroom and cabinet, and a breathtaking entrance hall, to name a few. The gorgeous house is a must-see stop in Virginia! For more information, visit our website.

History & Adventure Abound in Washington D.C.

Kick off your summer with a trip to the nation’s capital! On a trip to D.C., you’ll have the chance to see famous United States monuments and memorials, fascinating museums, amazing shows, and much more! Check out some of our very favorite activities in the area.

Gettysburg Tour

Start your trip off with a fabulous tour of nearby Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where you’ll enjoy a narrated history of the Battle of Gettysburg, a visit to Cemetery Ridge, a tour of George Washington Shriver’s home, and more! The tour lasts approximately 10 hours so don’t make any other plans for the day, other than breakfast and dinner, in order to fully appreciate the history of this site. Upon arrival, you will see the Gettysburg Diorama, one of the most impressive miniature military dioramas in the United States. The diorama gives a very detailed, interactive history of the Battle of Gettysburg through sound and lighting effects. Then, head outside to see the real thing. As you wander the battlefield, your tour guide will tell you the story of the largest battle ever fought on United States soil. You’ll also have the chance to see the location where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on Cemetery Ridge. Enjoy lunch at General Pickett’s before you finish exploring the battleground including George Washington Shriver’s restored farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings. This tour is jam-packed with history! For more information, visit our website.

Six Flags America

Get your adrenaline kick in Washington D.C. with a stop at Six Flags America where more than 50 thrilling rides excite the daredevil within, amazing shows entertain young and old, and delicious food delights. First, hop aboard “Apocalypse,” the 10-story stand-up adventure, and you’ll lose your voice screaming. Young kiddos will love the chance to get behind the wheel on a nostalgic tour of yesteryear in classic roadsters on the “Great Race Antique Cars.” Fly 20 stories high at 75 mph just like Superman on the “Superman: Ride of Steel.” Cool down on “The Penguin’s Blizzard River” as you careen down two giant flumes on a massive raft. Looking to cool down more? Visit Hurricane Harbor, which is located inside the park, for exhilarating water rides! All this and more awaits at Six Flags America! For more info, follow this link.

For a full list of activities and attraction in Washington D.C., visit our website. http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/activity/

Planeteriums, Murder-Mystery Dinners, and More in the Nation’s Capital

Hello to all DC visitors out there!

As the calendar finally switches over to April, the shows and attractions in our nation’s capital have reached full force. You can see the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Spy City Tour and International Spy Museum, or ride the DC Ducks for a unique experience of the city. Of course these aren’t the only attractions in the city; there are multiple things to do, sights to see, and sounds to hear. Here are just a few more of the options available for DC.

Washington DC Murder Mystery Comedy Dinner Show at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse

Come figure out ‘whodunit’ with this audience participation murder mystery show. You’ll receive an amazing four-course meal all while enjoying five short-scripted scenes. Use your clue dossier to ask questions to the participants and even bribe them for more clues! At the end of the night, you will submit your solutions form, and the person who best solves the crime will be given a prize.

Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air & Space Museum

Visit the Einstein Planetarium and voyage from Earth to the end of the known universe while visiting everything in between! You’ll have your choice between two different shows, including the Infinity Express, where you will go through the Milky Way galaxy, powered by all-new dome technology; or try the Stars Tonight, Live – Open Your Eyes to the Skies, where you’ll learn all about the stars that are visible in the night sky, see constellations, and any other current celestial highlights. Come visit the Planetarium for an exciting and educational experience.

These are just a small percentage of the activities and shows available in the Washington DC area. Get started on your vacation to DC and book some activities today!

What’s Up in Washington DC?

March is in full swing now and that means the traveling season is upon us. It’s time to start planning your amazing vacation to the Nation’s capital today. Of course you will need a hotel, and what trip is complete without some show or activity tickets? Well we here at Vacations Made Easy have you covered! You can choose from pre-made packages with your choice of hotel, or visit our site and create your own custom package. Here are just a few of the top packages that we offer in the Washington DC area.

Washington DC Attractions Vacation Package

With this package, you’ll get to enjoy some of the hottest attractions in the city, and stay at the hotel of your choice for four nights. You’ll also receive tickets to Six Flags America, where you can take a range of family friendly rides, a waterpark, and of course, thrilling rollercoasters. Next, your tickets will get you to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. At the museum you will see a wide range of displays and interactive exhibits that focus on the history of crime from medieval times to present day. Finally, you will take the Taste of DC Bus Tour, where you will ride around and see the city’s most famous sites including the White House, US Capital, World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and more. This tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. Take a look for more information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages/WashingtonDCAttractionsVacationPackage.cfm

Washington DC Family Vacation Package

This package gives you a family friendly option for your vacation. You’ll receive three night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and admission to the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, and a 3-day Washington DC Power Pass. The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament includes a four course meal fit for a king, and a performance where knights battle for the heart of the lovely lady Princess Catalina. And the DC Power Pass includes admission into roughly 20 options for activities in the area, and has discounts and line skipping at select city attractions. For more information, check out http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages/WashingtonDCFamilyVacationPackage.cfm

Choose between these and more pre-made packages, or create your own package by choosing from the many amazing activities in the area. Create your own and see our packages at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/vacationPackages.cfm

Time for Christmas in Washington DC

The holiday season is officially upon us. The conclusion of Thanksgiving means that it’s time to dust off our Christmas decorations and start planning gift shopping because Christmas is coming! In Washington DC, the city celebrates in style. Since 1923, the United States has lit a Christmas Tree in Washington DC to symbolize the beginning of the holiday season. The decorations vary from year to year, but the tradition is always present. In 1954, the White House created a “Pathway of Peace,” featuring 56 trees to represent the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York,Pennsylvania to light up the grassy area south of the White House. Every year, organizations from across the country send special ornaments to adorn the tree. This year, the ceremony will take place on December 6 starting at 4:30pm. The entertainment will include James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface”Edmonds, Colbie Caillat, and Phillip Phillips. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is illuminated every evening from dusk to 11pm until January 1. Volunteer choirs and dancers will be held nightly on stage by the Christmas tree starting at 6pm on weeknights and 4pm on weekdays and lasting until 8:30pm every night.

Spy City Tour & International Spy Museum

Uncover the capitol city’s most thrilling tales aboard the Spy City Tour ending with admission to the International Spy Museum. This 2.5 hour tour takes its passengers all over the city to 25 of the most famous espionage sites on an interactive mission. Previous high-level intelligence officers offer secrets about stories that are relatively unknown. The tour even offers an interactive mission that is perfect for young spy enthusiasts looking to sharpen their skills or seasoned spies who are looking to hone their skills. Want to know more? Head to Washington DC to find out! For more information about ticket prices and tour times, visit our website.

Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour

Washington DC transforms into a whole new city once the sun goes down. The monuments magically glow in the same way that a city glows when it has been taken over by Christmas lights during the holiday season. To see the city in style, hop aboard the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley for an entertaining, historical, and professional tour. Your tour guide will share some of the city’s most enchanting tales about ghosts in the nation’s capitol and historical anecdotes that you won’t learn anywhere else. The characteristic trolleys stop at nearly all the favorite monuments in the city including the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument, and much much more! You haven’t seen the nation’s capitol until you’ve seen it at night! For more details about the tour, check out our website.

Browse through hotel listings on our website to find the perfect home away from home before you start planning your vacation! With so many options, you will have no trouble finding a hotel in a great location featuring the amenities you desire.

Fall Sightseeing in Washington, D.C.

The cooler temperatures and changing foliage make fall the perfect season for sightseeing, and there are plenty of things to see in Washington, D.C., from famous monuments to important historical sites.

Old Town Trolley Narrated Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Knowledgeable tour guides share stories and history about the capital city’s most prominent destinations on this trolley tour. The tour visits the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, the war memorials, Union Station, the U.S. Capital, the White House Visitor Center, and many more popular destinations. Feel free to disembark from the tour if you’d like to do some in-depth exploring, then hop back on one of the old-fashioned trolleys to see the rest of the city.

DC After Dark Tour
For a different perspective on the monuments and memorials of Washington, D.C., take a look at the famous landmarks after the sun goes down. At night, the monuments are lit by special spotlights and take on a whole new appearance. This 3 hour tour is fully narrated by experienced drivers.

Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Tour
After seeing the city’s wealth of monuments and tributes to the founding fathers, take a look at the life of George Washington as you tour his historic home, Mount Vernon. You’ll see the house itself as well as the gardens and outbuildings, including the kitchen, greenhouse, and slave quarters. There is also a four-acre working farm with a reproduction of George Washington’s sixteen-sided barn. This tour also visits the picturesque town of Alexandria, with views of the Christ Church, Fort Washington, and the Pentagon.

You’ll need somewhere to stay on your next adventure in Washington, D.C., so take a look at our selection of cozy hotels in the area.

Enjoy Brewfest in Washington DC

Head out to nearby Centreville, Virginia, for the Northern Virginia Brewfest on October 20 and 21! The weekend will be devoted to sampling beer at the Bull Run Park. Several breweries are participating in the event so guests will be able to sample all kinds of different brews throughout the day. Several local restaurants will be providing delicious food. Entertainment will be provided by local bands. Guests will also have the chance to check out several local vendors and businesses in booths at the event. Brewfest is even family friendly! The kids will love the inflatables, face painting, and much more while you enjoy the entertainment, food, and drinks!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

On your vacation, take a trip back in time, not to the birth of America as usual in Washington DC, you’ll be traveling to medieval Spain! At Medieval Times, you will witness an epic battle between six brave knights while you enjoy a delectably, hearty feast. You’ll be seated in color zones to support one knight throughout the show as he battles to win the hand of Princess Catalina. Cheer for your knight as he competes in jousting, hand-to-hand combat, and horseback riding among other competitions. At the end of the competition, the winning knight will be announced amongst the cheers of the crowd. While you are entertained, you will enjoy a delicious meal including creamy tomato soup, a juicy oven roasted chicken, a yummy herb potato, a tender spare rib, and a tasty pastry to finish off the meal. To enhance the medieval experience, visitors will be served their food without utensils. Medieval Times also offers a vegetarian meal. For an unforgettable experience, you will not want to miss the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament! For tickets prices and show times, click here.

DC It All! Tour

See the entire city aboard the DC It All! Tour! This professional tour aboard a comfortable bus will not only drive you past all the amazing historic sites and monuments in the city but you’ll also have the chance to disembark the bus at several sites. The tour begins with a viewing of the one of the oldest post offices still standing in the US, which resides on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. You’ll also stop by the US Capitol Building, the National Mall, the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and much more! Historic monuments, buildings, and sites are around every corner in Washington DC and the DC It All! Tour will show you almost everything! For tickets and times, follow this link.

There is no shortage of lodging options in Washington DC. Stay in a modern hotel downtown with views of the entire city. Pick a comfy hotel with a huge pool for the kids. Book a historic hotel outside of the city. Wherever you choose, you are sure to have a fantastic stay in Washington DC!

October Brings the NOVA Fashion Week to Washington DC

October 10 marks the beginning of the NOVA Fashion Week in the greater Washington DC area. Since 2009, Fashion Week has been presenting the collections of seasoned designers as well as giving students an opportunity to make their debut. The show takes place October 10 to October 13 at the Artisphere, a brand new urban arts center across the river from Washington DC in Arlington, Virginia.

Open Top Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour

If you want a convenient and fun tour of the whole city, then this sightseeing tour is perfect! Passengers will love the fun of the Double Decker bus because of the awesome 360 degrees views of the capitol city of the United States of America. A ticket will grant you rides to several memorials and museums throughout the city including the US Capitol Building, the Air & Space Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, and the WWII Memorial to name a few. You choose your itinerary and the Double Decker Bus will do the driving. With buses stopping at each destination every 30 minutes, you decide how long to stay at attractions through the city. For more information about tickets and tour options, visit this link.

Crime Museum

After a thorough tour of the city, head to the Crime Museum for a look into how detectives have solved mysteries and murders throughout history. This unique museum traces the history of crime and justice from medieval times to the technology of now. This interactive museum allows you to solve the crimes with hands-on activities and exhibits that are perfect for the detective in you. Want to experience the rush of committing the crime? Try your luck at cracking a safe or experience the trill of a high speed police chase in a simulator. The museum also gives you a behind-the-scenes look of how a police station is run, including a look at a real jail cell. This museum is a must-see for true CSI or Law and Order lovers! For information on ticket prices and other exhibits featured in the museum, visit this link.

With a variety of hotel options in the greater Washington DC area, you will be sure to find a place to spend the night. Stay in the city limits of Washington DC or trek to nearby Arlington, VA.Check out all the great options at this link.

Visit VegFest in Washington, DC

The DC VegFest is coming up in Washington DC! On September 22, visitors can enjoy the free outdoor festival designed to celebrate vegetables and vegetarians in the DC area. Come on down to the nation’s capital to enjoy cooking demo’s, speeches, a kid’s play area, and, of course, delicious veggies! The event will be held at Yard’s Park.

DC After Dark

After the festival, go on a journey to see the nation’s capital lit up under a blanket of stars on the DC After Dark Tour! The three hour tour will take you on a trip to see DC’s historical monuments aglow from their very own spotlights. You will see the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the White House to name a few stops on the jam packed tour. Other popular tours in the area include the Open Top Double Decker Bus Tour giving you a fantastic vantage point to view the city, the DC Segway Tour, which gives you a chance to pilot your own segway through the city streets, and the Capital City Bike Tour, a beautiful to view the city like a true resident of the area. Follow this link for more information on DC sightseeing tours.
Mystery Dinner Playhouse

Next head to nearby Arlington, VA, to play a fabulous game of “whodunit” at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse. Audience members will enjoy a delectable four-course meal while the actors present a show! There will be five short-scripted scenes set throughout the theater and you will be a part of the action. You will have the chance to grill the actors with questions, bribe them for answers, and even accuse them of crimes. At the Mystery Dinner Playhouse everything is a clue so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled in order to solve the mystery! Follow this link for show times and ticket information.

With a variety of hotels, suites, and inns for the greater Washington DC area, you will be sure to find the perfect spot to spend the night. Your options include a stay in the city of Washington DC or in nearby Arlington, VA. Choose from an abundance of hotel options at all price ranges or choose a vacation rental to extend your stay. Check out all the great options by clicking here.

Unique Activities in Washington DC

With the presidential election coming up on November 6, all of this talk about politics can be a bit overwhelming. For a bit of political relief, come see some of the more unique highlights of Washington DC instead of taking part in the usual activities. On September 9, take advantage of the opportunity to see 5 time Tony Award nominee Rock of Ages. This upbeat musical includes spot-on renditions of favorite songs from the 80s. Don’t miss your chance to see this world renowned musical at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Mystery Dinner Playhouse

The Mystery Dinner Playhouse in nearby Arlington, VA provides a unique dinner and show experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering four-course meal where your servers are the “suspects” in five different skits. As you dine, you’ll try to figure out who did what with only the subtle hints given by your servers. Be sure to pay close attention, you never know what may be a clue at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse. At the end of the show everyone will fill out a form explaining who did what. The person who best solves the mystery will win a prize! This dinner and show is perfect for every size group, and will provide some comedic aid from all the politics. For more information about the Mystery Dinner Playhouse, click here.

Crime Museum

At the Crime Museum, visitors will see how crime, and the techniques we use to fight crime, has evolved over the past several decades. Learn how DNA testing and more modern technology helps solve current crimes as well as cold cases from the past. There are numerous interactive displays such as a computer hacking station, a high speed chase simulation, test-firing a weapon at the FBI shooting range, and many more. If you love the show America’s Most Wanted with host John Walsh, you will have the opportunity to visit the set of this riveting show. This unique museum is very educational and will give every visitor a better understanding of the criminal justice system from past to present. To learn more about the Crime Museum, click here.

Washington DC City Segway Tour

If you still want to see the traditional sights of Washington DC but want to do it in an untraditional way, try out the Washington DC City Segway Tour. Comfortably cruise on your innovative segway through DC with a very informative guide as you see and learn about attractions such as the White House, Washington Monument, State Capitol, Smithsonian Castle, and many more. If you want to find out more about the Washington DC City Segway Tour, click here.

There are also several hotels in Washington DC perfect for your vacation needs. For more information about lodging in the Washington DC area click here. 

 

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