Do What thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The White House The US Capitol
Do What thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The White House The US Capitol |
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Whether you hate or love our political leaders, are a King or a Heretic, it goes without saying that there are plenty of VERY interesting things to do in the Washington DC area. It is hoped many of you will extend you stay in the DC area to take advantage of some of these attractions. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. The local accommodations coordinator may be able to offer some help, please email accommodations@notocon.org. Local Reston AreaSee the Venue page including the Reston Town Center. Note that the Sheraton Reston Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service anywhere within 2 mile radius, but this does not include a Washington Metrorail station. Nearby RestonThe almost brand new (less than 2 years old) National Air and Space Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the Smithsonian Institutes, is nearby Dulles airport and is a must see for aerospace and technical enthusiasts. It includes the first Space Shuttle ever flown (Enterprise - OV101), an SR-71 black bird, the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" and hundreds of other historical aerospace vehicles. For shoppers, the fairly close by Tysons Corner Center and the more upscale Tysons Galleria (better known as Tysons II) malls are recommended. For live entertainment, you can't beat the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts located just six miles from the Sheraton Reston. As America's National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap includes something for everyone with performances ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to orchestra, dance, theater, and opera, as well as innovative performance art and multimedia presentations. Bring your picnic basket! For those looking to venture a bit further away, take the civil war history tour that visits the famous Battles of Bull Run. Downtown DCMost downtown tourist locations are accessible through the Washington Metrorail System, although the Sheraton Reston Hotel unfortunately does not shuttle to a metro station. The White House is an obvious favorite, but you will need to plan well ahead and contact your Senator or Representative for a visit. The United States Capital building is another favorite to visit. Between these two is the National Mall with its treat of mall monuments including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument the Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the very new National World War II memorial. The Smithsonian Institutes is the world's largest museum complex, boasting a collection of 14 separate museums in downtown DC that cater to almost every conceivable taste. The cursed Hope Diamond is at the Museum of National History. The downtown version of the National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building, is still very impressive, despite its limited space compared to the Dulles Airport site. For artistic types, the National Gallery of Art is impossible to beat. Are you a 007 or even a John Dee? Washington is the spy capital of the world. Our spies tell us the CIA has a secret museum. But not to worry. They have also spied on the International Spy Museum and advised it is a much better alternative. If you want to see a truly impressive Grand Lodge featuring the Ark and a Templar Chapel, see the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Guided tours daily. Doctors and health care workers might want to visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine at the Walter Reed Medical Center. For authentic Moroccan dining including live belly dancing, a WBO favorite is the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant. Reservations are a must! For theater, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts can't be beat and has many offerings, some during the days. Plus there are 9 other major theaters in the downtown area. Elsewhere in VirginiaLuray Caverns in Virginia's lovely Shenandoah Valley is the largest cavern complex on the east coast and contains the world's only Stalacpipe Organ.. Heading further south, Virginia has an abundance of wineries and hot springs. Elsewhere in MarylandAnnapolis, Maryland is one hour away and in addition to being the capitol of Maryland, it is better known as America's sailing capital. Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay is something everyone should do once. The U. S. Naval Academy is located here. The seafood is superb almost anywhere in the MD, VA or DC, but if your going to visit the east coast, you simply must have some sweet Maryland Crab, and the best place to get it is in Annapolis. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is about 30 minutes away. BeachesYes Virginia, the east coast has great beaches. But fair warning, August is prime hurricane season and has caused some problems in the past, so have some contingency plan just in case. Virginia Beach/Norfolk AreaVirginia Beach is a 4 hour drive from the DC area and has any seashore amenity you might want. It is also one of the major new age centers on the east coast as exemplified by the Edgar Cayce Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE). Historical buffs should at least spend a day in Historic Williamsburg. Nautical/military types should visit the Norfolk Naval Station for tours of major ships including Aircraft Carriers and the Nauticus which includes the Battleship Wisconsin (BB64) and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally for those who would rather be a Prince or Princess instead of a King or Queen, Bush Gardens Williamsburg (3 hours away but highly recommended) and Paramount's Kings Dominion (2 hours away) are on the way. Ocean City, MarylandOcean City is 4 hours from DC, and is called The East Coast's Number One Family Resort, because it is a little quieter and tamer than Virginia Beach. General Area Guide LinksOther interesting generic area guide links include: |
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Love is the Law, love under will.Last updated Sunday, September 8, 2004 12:30 AM EDT
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