I have been told that there will be a Black Muslim march in Washington during the October weekend that we will be there. In what way will that affect our visit? If we wanted to go to Mount Vernon would it be difficult getting in and out of the city?

topping

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car? I'm not sure there is public transportation to Mount Vernon except by boat?

If you stay away from the Mall area, you should be fine.

First, it's not a Black Muslim March. it's a Million More March on Oct. 15 which marks the anniversary of the Million Man March. It is correct, however, that Louis Farrakhan is one of the main organizer.

How will it affect tourists? It's hard to tell. They likely aren't going to get a million people. Hotel rooms could be tight, but getting around probably won't be that big of a deal. Washington, D.C. and the local area are experts at handling big crowds and traffic. Marches like his are actually quite common, as well as the Inauguration, Fourth of July, other protests.

The only time I ever seen bothered by events is during Marathons, when there are major street closers that make it dfficiult to cross the river.

I definitely wouldn't reschedule and I doubt it will be that big of a deal.

The various Washington police forces do a fine job with demonstrations and can be counted on doing a splendid job again. I worked a full, uninterupted work day the last Farrakhan March and that one was during the work week.