Going to Washington DC & Virginia (Williamsburg) March 12- 18 Where is the best place to shop for my wife and 17 year old . Looking for outlets and bargains.
Also how do you get a Whitehouse Tour (Canadian)
Thanks For Any Advise

The Pottery Factory in Williamsburg is well-known re shopping for bargains. Huge place that has pretty much everything you can imagine.

Also, as you are driving from WMsburg to D.C., close to D.C. you will come to an exit for Potomac Mills outlet center (I think it is exit 158?). BIG outlet center, like the other big outlet chains

Potomac Mills south of DC has the only IKEA store in the state, and it is fun to tour. Their cafeteria is good inexpensive place ot eat too. On route 60 - Richmond Road - in Williamsburg you will find the Williamsburg Pottery www.williamsburg pottery.com, the Prime Outlets Mall www.primeoutlets.com, and the Williamsburg Outlet Mall. Keep driving down Route 60 to the Candle Factory, Needlework & Quilt shop, Basketville, check out these and more local shops. Have fun! Be sure to talk to folks, most of the local Virginia folks are talkative and friendly. Here is a driving tip for a more scenic trip: take 295 toward Virginia Beach off I-95 when you are south of Ashland, VA - then take 295 to ROUTE 60 EAST instead of going 64 east. Much less traffic, rural drive, and you will cruise past all those shops and malls I mentioned. Be on the lookout for deer, there are lots around here (between Rihcmond and Williamsburg).

You've gotten some good shopping advice here. Potomac Mills is one of the best outlet malls around.

Now as to getting a White House tour - I'm hate to say but they're closed to the public again as anaother letter containing a potent poison was received by a member of Congress.

e-mail or call the Canadian Embassy for help with the tour- if the reopen for tours, that is your best bet!

If you have the time, visit Martinsburg, WV - about 1.5 hours West of DC. The whole town is a basically a large outlet center.

Thanks to all for the advice. Sounds like there is lots to see and do there.
Question - Is the Washington Zoo a must see? If so how much time would it take?
Thanks Ron
(still digging out after 36 inches of snow fell in Nova Scotia)

The Washington Zoo is pretty good, but I wouldn't call it a "must see" other than the pandas. Those are animals that you don't see at many zoos around the world.

The Natl. Zoo is v-e-r-y spread out, and it takes a long time to walk it. Also, some of the terrain is very hilly. Like the above poster, I'd say it isn't a must see unless you just have an extra day. It is free admission and you could easily just go in to see the pandas if you are nearby on the metro.