Your itinerary looks jam packed. I echo what others have said that your trip to Eastern Market will likely be disappointing, since the charm comes with crowds, which will likely not be there in February. I drove by last weekend and it looked pretty lifeless.

That said, the one nice thing about Eastern Market or the Cathederal is that they will be your only opportunities to be in neigborhoods to see the "real" Washington where people really live and breathe and not see other tourists.

A trip to DuPont Circle or the neighborhoods near Eastern Market or the Cathederal will give you chance to see a different side of Washington.

Hey MR_AR,

The attendant at the car rental place should provide you with a map of downtown DC so you can navigate to Mt. Vernon. I think he/she might also be able to mark on the map the directions jnn has given you. They'd be the ones I'd use too. The trickiest part will probably be getting in the proper lane on the bridge to make the exit to to Mt. Vernon. The Mt. Vernon website has a good description (it's blurb 2):

www.mountvernon.org/visit/directions/drive.asp

Once you're on Geo. Washington Parkway South, it's pretty much a straight shot. Although North and South are marked, you will know you're going the correct direction if the Potomac River is on your left. Once you hit the city of Alexandria, the GW Parkway will become Washington Street. Continue straight on Washington St. through Alexandria and on the other end it will magically become the Geo Wash Parkway again. Stay on the Parkway (10 minutes or so) and you will come to Mt. Vernon. There will be signs.

Wish I could help you with the Capitol but I can't. I've read that others get there at 8 am but don't take that as gospel.

AR,
Get to the ticket kiosk (Independence Ave & 1st st) by 8:30 am to get your timed tickets to see the Capitol. Ticket kiosk opens at 9:00 am. Tours available from 9am-3:30pm. You can choose an entry time that is convenient for you.

As far as restaurants, check out washingtonian.com or the washingtonpost.com. They have great restaurant reviews

Thanks to all who posted, and helped make our trip successful. We have just arrived home today after flying overnight from DC. We managed to do and see everything that we wanted, although in a different order as nobody told us that Monday was President's Day!!! (therefore no Capitol etc). I will write a report tomorrow when the jetlag has been sorted. Thanks to all once again.