WASHINGTON, DC

Yes, Washington, DC is home to the United States Capital, Congress and President of the United States.

But it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the country – with wide, inviting boulevards, gorgeous marble buildings and monuments, and wide expanses of parks. There’s also plenty to do – in addition to visiting famous American historical sites.

Founded in 1790, Washington DC (the DC stands for District of Columbia), is located  between the states of Virginia and Maryland. The site was chosen because at the time it pretty much sat in the middle of the 13 original states. Unfortunately, that location also was atop a swamp of the nearby Potomac River. The swamp was filled in, but when you hear that Washington DC is exceptionally muggy and hot in summer, believe it!

But don’t let humidity keep you from visiting. Yes, you should be sure to check out the White House (you can take a tour); the Capitol building; the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson monuments. But be sure to visit the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. These free (U.S. residents’ tax dollars at work) museums will take you at least a week to visit to do them justice. Several museums make up the Smithsonian; just about all of them are located on the National Mall (between the Capital building and the Washington Monument). This is the largest museum complex in the world.

From the National Museum of American History (see one of President Abraham Lincoln’s hats and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball gown, among many other artifacts), to the National Air and Space Museum (ever touch a rock that came from the moon?), you’ll have the opportunity to see so many wonderful items (the real Hope Diamond is on display in the Museum of Natural History) and learn so much about the United States, you may not “need” to visit any other city in the country.

While in the city, be sure to visit the incredibly simple but moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. A visit to the  National Archives also is in order. You’ll be able to see the actual Declaration of Independence document, complete with signatures – quite faded and barely legible – of the original signers.

A visit to the National Zoo (again, free) to the gorgeously sumptuous Union Station (complete with shops and eateries), to a walk along Embassy Row (where countries from around the world have set up their embassies), to a walk along Georgetown’s cobblestone streets, to a night of theater at Ford’s Theatre (where the viewing box where President Lincoln was assassinated is draped in black bunting), will round out your Washington, DC visit.

Come in early spring for one of Washington’s most incredible “happenings” – the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Cherry trees near the city’s Tidal Basin and Washington Monument burst into flower late March through early April. The trees –3,000 of them – were a gift from Japan to the U.S. in 1912. More than 90 special events take place during the festival, including a parade, Japanese street fairs and so much more.