Off the beaten path in greater metro Washington, DC
tangek
Georgetown University graduate and frequent DC traveler
14 Jan 2008
based on 4 votes
A few ideas of things to do in the greater DC area
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Washington DC, Arlington, McLean, Alexandria, Annapolis, Mount Vernon
- Category: Other
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Students, Budget travellers , Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: Washington, DC, bicycle, offbeat, Potomac, outdoors, Georgetown, day trip, ice skating
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| Stroll around campus like an alumnus!! Look for the Village A apartment complex, and walk up the metal stairs to the top. Walk along the roof while enjoying a view of the Kennedy Center, the town of Georgetown, Rosslyn, and the Potomac River. Visit Dahlgren Chapel in the small courtyard behind Healy tower. Support the students by purchasing a beverage or snack at Vital Vittles in the Leavey Center, and then take the elevator to the 2nd floor esplanade to look out over the campus -- you'll see sunbathers on the esplanaded lawn in warmer months. When leaving campus, stop by the "Exorcist Stairs" at Prospect & 36th Streets. You can also drop by the Tombs restaurant across the street for a pint with "fellow" Hoyas. |
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2. Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
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| Small undeveloped island park in the Potomac River, accessed from the Arlington side just south of the Key Bridge. Excellent views of Georgetown and the Kennedy Center. Great stop on a bicycle ride along the Potomac down to National Airport. |
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| Small park on the Potomac River immediately north of the runway at Reagan National Airport. Accessible by car or bicycle. Absolutely amazing views of airplanes landing overhead. |
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| Even if you don't plan to ride the train to DC, be sure to visit Union Station, one of the most beautiful stations in America. The Rotunda is so spectacular that it is rented out by Georgetown University for a senior class ball each year. The area is also featured in one of James Patterson's Alex Cross novels. Tip: just a short walk outside you'll find popular Irish pubs such as the Dubliner and Kelly's Irish Times filled with locals and students. |
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5. National Gallery of Art
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| While this museum is "on the beaten path," check their program calendar for free concerts in the West Gallery's Garden Court. The setting is intimate and classic -- you'll feel like you're listening to classical music in Greece or Italy's ancient courtyards. |
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6. Great Falls National Park
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| National Park just outside the Washington Beltway (495) with trails and an observation point over a wide, rocky waterfall in the Potomac River. Great views. For an even better experience, go to the park on the Maryland side of the falls for a boardwalk through a nature preserve to view the falls. |
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| Old town south of Washington, DC on the Potomac River. Lots of fun to stroll around the historic town, view the river, shop its boutiques, and visit the restaurants. For a nighttime visit, take the walking Ghost Tour! |
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| Great day trip to the Maryland capital town just 30 minutes outside Washington, DC. Visit the historic capital building and tour the Naval Academy. Just outside town, view the enormous Chesapeake Bay Bridge, an engineering marvel. |
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9. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
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| Visit George Washington's historic home. Bring the kids in the warmer weather for outdoor demonstrations. Walk along the peaceful Potomac River. |
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10. Lebanese Taverna Restaurant
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| Stop by this restaurant for excellent hummus, labna, kebabs, etc. Their homemade pita is warm and fluffy. In the winter months, follow dinner with an ice skating session in the rink right outside the restaurant. Parking downstairs is just $1.00 / hour. If you don't have the right clothing, the shopping mall at Pentagon City is right next door. |
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Compliment tangek
