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Things To Do
Sports & Outdoors
More than 400 wineries are located in Washington State, creating wines that reflect the region’s unique characteristics.
Just south of the hill climb to Pike Place Market is Market Cellar Winery, a tiny space that produces 1,500 gallons of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot annually. Tastings can be scheduled on Saturday afternoons. For more information, call 206-622-1880. 1432 Western Ave., Seattle.
Affordable prices and excellent quality make Washington Hills Cellars one of the most reputable wineries in the state. The company emphasizes the intense fruit flavor and unique character of the grapes. By appointment only. For more information, call 509-839-9463. 3534 Bagley Ave. North, Seattle.
Arts Museums & Landmarks
1. One of the most inspiring attractions in the city is the Lincoln Memorial, featuring the statue of the seated Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1922, the monument to the sixteenth U.S. President represents his commitment to tolerance, freedom and civil rights. Inspired by Greek temples, the statue is surrounded by 36 Doric columns, representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. Inscribed on the south wall is the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s second inaugural address is featured on the north wall, and the lower level showcases the Lincoln Museum. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-426-6841. 900 Ohio Drive S.W., Washington, D.C. 20242.
2. The legislative branches of the United States government meet in the U.S. Capitol building, overlooking the National Mall. Tours lead guests through the Statuary Hall, the old Supreme Court chamber, the Crypt and the Rotunda. Stay for lunch at the Senate Refectory. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-225-6827. First Street and East Capitol Street, (East End of the Mall), Washington, D.C. 20001.
3. Located on the shore of the Potomac River, surrounded by Japanese cherry trees, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a Neo-classical monument dedicated to the nation’s third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. Inside, a 19-foot statue of Jefferson is surrounded by his writings, carved into the walls. Admission is free. The memorial hosts the city’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival (March through April). For more information, call 202-426-6841. 900 Ohio Drive S.W., (Tidal Basin), Washington, D.C. 20242.
4. America’s most famous residence, the White House, has been home to every U.S. President except George Washington. After the War of 1812, the house was whitewashed, yet was not called the White House until President Teddy Roosevelt coined the moniker. The 132-room mansion has seen many modifications by its ever-changing residents. For tour information, call 202-456-2121. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20502.
5. The jutting Washington Monument is the symbol of Washington, D.C., a 555-foot marble obelisk that towers over most of the District, Maryland and Virginia. Admission is free. Made from sandstone, marble and granite, the monument honors George Washington, the nation’s first president and commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. For more information, call 202-426-6841 or 800-967-2283. 15th Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.
1. Comprised of 17 museums and the National Zoo in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as well as two museums in New York City, the Smithsonian Institute is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization. More than 142 million objects are featured in the various exhibits. Admission to most of the museums is free. For more information, call 202-633-1000. 1000 Jefferson Drive S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560.
2. Opened in 1993, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum preserves the history of the Holocaust, and serves as the United States’ memorial to those who lost their lives. The museum is recommended for children ages 12 and older. The facilities contain exhibitions, artwork, artifacts and publications relating to the Holocaust. For more information, call 202-488-0400. 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.
3. Each year, more than eight million people visit the National Air & Space Museum, an impressive display of aviation history, geology and space exploration. Included are the Wright Brothers’ Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, a model of the Air France Concorde and the Apollo 11 command module. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-357-2700. Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.
4. Literary minds and Shakespeare lovers congregate at Folger Shakespeare Library, a city favorite for theater, chamber music and baroque opera. A reproduction of an Elizabethan theater and the Grand Hall are both perfect settings for literary events. For more information, call 202-544-4600. 201 E. Capitol Street S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.
Dining
1. A Georgetown neighborhood favorite, La Chaumiere offers a warm French-country ambience amid white plaster walls, exposed wood beams, a stone fireplace and brass hangings. Venison, fish stew and cassoulet are among the regular favorites on the menu. For reservations, call 202-338-1784. 2813 M Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007.
2. Dance the merengue and enjoy tapas at Jaleo, a lively Spanish eatery in the downtown area. Grilled chorizo and garlic shrimp await! For reservations, call 202-628-7949. 480 Seventh Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
3. Café Atlantico, a downtown Latin restaurant, offers tableside guacamole and Minibar, a six-stool bar on the second floor. Patrons can sample “Latino dim sum.” For reservations, call 202-393-0812. 405 Eighth Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
Shopping
Gay Pride Events and Gay Parades in Washington DC
Neighborhoods
1. Downtown
Between Georgetown and Capitol Hill lies the downtown area of Washington, D.C. Ford’s Theatre, Chinatown and various galleries, museums and new restaurants are located in this section. The MCI Center is here, as well as lounges and pubs that punctuate the area.
2. Capitol Hill
Amid restaurants, shops, Victorian row houses and the U. S. Supreme Court is Capitol Hill. Union Station, Washington’s train depot, now houses a shopping mall, movie theater and numerous eateries. Folger Shakespeare Library is also located on Capitol Hill.
3. Georgetown
The capital’s wealthiest and most historic neighborhood is filled with nightclubs, boutiques, cafes, and Georgian and Victorian townhouses. Georgetown University and Dumbarton Oaks are both located on the cobblestone streets of Georgetown.
4. Dupont Circle
The artsy Dupont Circle emanates a cosmopolitan air, and is considered one of the hippest neighborhoods in Washington. Today, the area is home to artists, young professionals and the city’s gay community. Mansions and brownstones have been transformed into art museums, restaurants and embassies, including the Phillips Collection in the exclusive Kalorama section.
5. Adams-Morgan
The bohemian area of Adams-Morgan features distinctive 19th-century apartment buildings, murals, ethnic restaurants and row houses. The nightlife, eclectic cafes and unusual boutiques keep the area young and hip.
6. Foggy Bottom
Home to the Department of State, Foggy Bottom derived its name from the smoke wafting from factories and swampy air coming up from the ground, producing a permanent fog along the waterfront of the city. Nearby is the massive Kennedy Center, with access to the Hall of States, Hall of Nations and Millennium Stage. George Washington University and Watergate also prove important tourist stops in Foggy Bottom. Rides on the Potomac River and a jog around the Rock Creek Park provide a different sort of tourist activity.
7. Lafayette Square
The park and neighborhood surrounding the White House make up the Lafayette Square area. It has been used as a racetrack, zoo and site of many political protests.
8. Airport
The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is approximately four miles southwest of Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River.
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