Friday, February 09, 2007

Washington DC: Museums, Monuments And Multiculturalism

As the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is certainly not lacking of museums, monuments, exhibits, historic landmarks and a fantastic potpourri of cuisine and nightlife. The District of Columbia is vibrant and alive with thousands of college students, passionate non-profits and swarms of local and international government employees. Get a taste of this unique social climate when you book your airfare to Washington DC through one of the region’s major airports: Dulles International Airport (Virginia), Ronald Reagan International (Virginia), and Baltimore/Washington International (Maryland).

The city itself coexists as both the District of Columbia and the city of Washington. When the city was established, it was planned specifically to serve the United States as seat of government. A dispute arose between Virginia and Maryland as to which state would be home to the nation’s capital. Thus, the decision was made to establish Washington DC as an independent, non-state entity. What is most interesting about the city is its inhabitants are rule by the United States Congress, which has ultimate authority over DC and resulting in less government representation for residents than they would enjoy in a state.

The National Mall… but That’s Not All!

Although you will never find yourself short of things to do or see in Washington DC, there are several must visits in the District. A tour of the Capitol Building is a fascinating way to see the several stages of democracy as they emerged over the course of the nation’s history. The building itself was partially burned, along with the rest of the city, in 1814 by British forces and inside you can still see the remains of the old dome and the surrounding new, taller dome. You can also view the first Supreme Court, then housed inside the Capitol. This tour is most exciting because the building is an active part of today’s government, full of congressional interns, staffers and Congressmen.

Take a walk on the wilder side of Washington DC’s Rock Creek Park and visit the famous National Zoo, which is home to America’s famous pandas. Washington DC also offers the very popular Spy Museum, which covers the history of intelligence, espionage and code breaking in the United States and worldwide. The world renowned Smithsonian Institution is the most famous collection of museums and galleries, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the recently added National Museum of the American Indian. From the Smithsonian collection you will have the best view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument at either ends of the grassy Mall.

The Bounty Beyond Washington DC

Many of Washington DC’s attractions are beyond the limits of the District. Once you book your airfare to Washington DC on cFares, plan to explore the outlying areas like Arlington National Cemetery, just across the Potomac in Virginia. Take a bike ride from there down the scenic green waterside of George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon, the home and plantation of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Washington DC is also surrounded by several National Parks and recreation areas, including Shenandoah National Park and Anacostia National Park. Find your airfare to Washington DC today and experience the heart and soul of America’s traditions, culture and democratic institutions.

Top Hotel Deals in Washington D.C.

About the Author: Elyse Morgan, for more information on
Washington D.C. and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to http://www.cfares.com

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Saturday, January 27, 2007

Virginia Is For Lovers - Virginia Travel Information

From Appalachia to the Potomac River, Virginia is diverse as it is rich with history. Revolutionary and Civil War battlegrounds rub shoulders with thriving urban centers and peaceful outdoor sanctuaries. Richmond, Virginia Beach and Arlington are the main points of entry, as well as the northeast neighbors of Washington D.C. and Maryland.

Virginia in the Books

Virginia is also certain to brush up your United States history, as eight Presidents were born here including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Mount Vernon was the home and plantation of George Washington, located on the Potomac River just south of Arlington and Washington D.C. Enjoy the expansive grounds, oceanfront walking paths and stables as well as a new giftshop and quaint colonial restaurant serving traditional food as well as some of George and Martha’s favorites. In Richmond, the Virginia State Capitol Building was designed by Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville was founded by the former President as well.

You will also encounter more Revolutionary battlefields in Virginia than any other state. The Yorktown peninsula is the site of the famous battle that ended the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, Richmond was not only the capital of Virginia but also of the Confederated States. Become surrounded by one of the great moments in United States history at the Appomattox Court House, the site of the Confederate surrender to the Union that ended the Civil War. Travel to Virginia’s northeast county of Arlington to pay respects to some of the great heroes of the nation at Arlington National Cemetery, including the Challenger Space Shuttle Mission, numerous Supreme Court Justices, the Kennedy family and even the mast of the sunken USS Maine from the Spanish-American War.

Voyage Beyond the Virginian Veneer

Once you’ve had your fill of history, get outdoors into some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Eastern Seaboard. The resort city of Virginia Beach is one of the most popular destinations along Chesapeake Bay. At your own leisurely pace, discover the many wildlife refuges, wildflowers, aquariums and seafood restaurants along the stretches of beach. Check out the First Landing Cross as well, the point where English settlers landed in 1607.

Spanning west across the Piedmont region, you will finally come to the Appalachian ranges, cooler temperatures and forested hillsides. The Shenandoah Valley plunges gloriously between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains and offers unlimited outdoor adventure as well as endless Civil War stories. Discover why Virginia is truly for lovers… of everything!

About the Author: Elyse Morgan, For more information on
Virginia and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to http://www.cfares.com

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