Can anyone suggest something super special to do in DC? I mean something other than the obvious tour of the museums and houses of government - not that that isn't great, it's just that we've done it.
My wife and I are going to Washington DC in Nov. with her brother and his wife. He just announced that he has been asked to go to a Redskin game and leave us on our own! So, so we want to spoil his wife by doing something so cool it will make him jealous!

Are you physically able to do rock climbing? You could try to get a private rock climbing lesson at Carderock Park overlooking the Potomac River near Great Falls. I don't have any experience with this company so I'm not recommending them in particular - it's just an idea.

http://www.adventureschool.com/pr_private.php

If your brother in law had no problem announcing that he is leaving the 3 of you while you were all on a planned vacation b/c he snagged an invite to a football game, then I am doubting there is much you can come up with to make him jealous !!

What do the three of you like ? music? art? or are you looking for something wild like rock climbing or hot air balloon solely to make him jealous?
check out the events at the National Cathedral, see if you can get a special tour/white house/etc thru your congressman, ...or better yet

GET BETTER SEATS FOR THE 3 OF YOU TO THE SAME GAME

If you have any contacts, a tour of the West Wing of the White House.

i understand the spy museum is fun.

also maybe a lunch at www.hotelwashington.com with those great views.

or..washington harbor ( georgetown area). snack at "sequoia" and ferry over to alexandria. bike along potomac there or just visit historic taverns, etc. there. it is a very nice town.

How about a tandem skydive in Orange, Virginia (about 90 minutes from downtown DC)? My daughter did this last year (I watched) and she loved it! I was very impressed with the professionalism of everyone there. Also, be sure to arrange for a video of your jump so you can show it to your BIL and make him jealous. For more info, check out www.skydiveorange.com

If he's a Redskins fan, and bagged a ticket to the game, nothing anyone can do in Washington will make him jealous.

Try to get reservations for the tour of the diplomatic reception rooms at the State Department. It's one of our favorite memories of D.C.

Take the boat and go visit Mount Vernon.Lovely excursion.Paul

Thank you all so much for the ideas. I like all of them. Looks like the Hotel Washington. Looks like the Hotel Washington, unfortunately, closes it's terrace in October.
laphroaig, you are probably right but that won't stop us from trying. Besidees, I see the Eagles beating the skins fairly easily that week.

Try the high tea at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, followed by a stroll down M Street, poking through the shops or hopping on the boat ride to Alexandria, as has already been suggested.

Or go on a Virginia winery tour - tons of fun!

If you really want to go all out, book at the Masion on O Street, a very exclusive Washington experience.

Enjoy!

After last night's game, can't be so sure about the Eagles beating the Skins at FedEx no less. Tea at the Four Seasons is quite nice if you're in to that sort of thing. U could do tea and go to the Spa at the Four Seasons.