Our family is going to the D.C. area for about a week around the 4th of July. We'll actually be staying near Charlottesville, Virginia for part of the stay. There is so much to do in Virginia and D.C. Could you please give me the top 5 or so places that we shouldn't miss? Are there any special events during that week that are "must see" as well ? We're considering the July 4th parade in D.C. Is there a location for viewing that's better than others ? Thanks for your help.

Don't miss the fireworks at Washington monument on the 4th. We sat on the hill near the capital. The great thing to see is the mass of people - Blankets spread out over the entire area not more than 3 inches apart. Arrive fairly early and ride the metro back to your hotel afterwards.

Hi:

While I do not live in Washington anymore I grew up in the suburbs and spent 15+ years in the area. Washington has everything you could ask for. Surprisingly, it's very inexpensive. All of the museums and tourist attractions are free. I certainly concur with the previous reply. The annual 4th of July fireworks display is something you won't want to miss. The 4th can be an all day affair with various activities occurring on the mall and concluding with the fireworks display. I would also suggest a visit to the various Smithsonian museums (especially the air and space museum, the Washington and Lincoln monuments and the Vietman Memorial(very moving. The Washington National Zoo is also considered one of the top zoos in the US. If you prefer shopping, don't miss the boutiques (along w. restaurants/bars) in the Georgetown section of D.C. I would encourage you to make use of the Metrorail system as much as possible. It;s convenient to all major attractions and very easy to use. I believe you can still purchase a daily family pass for $5-6 which allows unlimited rides for a family of 4. One last thing-- Washington can be very hot and muggy. Be preapred.

Hope you have a great visit to my favorite city in the US.

Larry

I agree with the above messages: don't miss the fireworks or the Air and Space Museum. Also, spend half a morning at the Library of Congress; even the most "jaded" teen has to be impressed with the ceilings! I think the White House is a must for every one at least once; be forwarned that you will have to stand in line to get in, so plan to go early one day when it is cooler to be standing in line. A nice bistro to eat al fresco, if it is not too humid, is Mr. Smith's on M street in Georgetown (you can also eat indoors. There is every kind of restaurant imaginable! Restaurant prices run the gamut, but tend to average out as other major metropolitan cities. Enjoy!

See if your local National paper/magazine stand carries the monthly magazine Washington, and pick it up before you leave. It will give you up to date events. Also, if you can get a copy of the Sunday Washington Post the week before you leave, you'll get some good ideas!

Washington Post is on the Internet at www.washingtonpost.com---then click on the section you want to see. Please take the kids to Georgetown--a very different part of D.C. and a beautiful university--one of the oldest in the U.S. At Prospect and 36th there's a downstairs pub called the Tombs (part of the 1789 restaurant) which has a lot of appeal to teens and young adults. Ditto the Aerospace Museum, but I don't know about the White House as it takes a lot of time. All the memorials are great, and as parents of teens, for yourself, go to the Vietnam Memorial--quite an experience since you will remember. We were just there--it will be hot and muggy, but that's Washington! You can rent a canoe on the C&O canal in Georgetown if you want some exercise. Wonder if they still have the paddleboats at the Reflecting Pool---haven't been to D.C. for a long time in summer---only Fall, Winter and Spring---Summer's not prime time, but it is when the kids have vacation. Charlottesville is also great---Montecello is wonderful and you can take a boat from D.C. to Mount Vernon. Depends on your teens how involved with history they are. Have a great 4th!! No better place to spend it, but be prepared to perspire!!