ATTENDEE PROSPECTUS skateisi.org/conference

A-LIST ATTRACTIONS IN DC AREA DC’S ORIGINAL ‘OLD TOWN’ Alexandria

King Street Stroll Old Town’s main street, bursting with almost 200 independent shops and recently named “one of the best Indie boutique scenes on the East Coast.” You can hop on a free trolley that runs from one end to the other. See Visitalexandriava.com

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Home Explore the first president’s picturesque, riverfront estate, with working farm and visitor facilities — just 8 miles south of Old Town. Visit mountvernon.org

Torpedo Factory Art Center Browse the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios situated in a former World War II munitions plant along the banks of the Potomac River. Visit torpedofactory.org

Museums on Market Square View the historic collections at three museums situated on the quaint square in front of Alexandria City Hall: Gadsbys Tavern Museum, Carlyle House and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. See visitalexandriava.com

Helpful Websites

Visitalexandriava.com Virginia.org

THE NATION’S CAPITAL Washington DC

National Monuments and Memorials Walking the two-mile National Mall is the best way to visit most of the monuments: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and DC War Memorial.

White House

Self-guided tours of the White House are free but require advance planning. Requests must be submitted through your congressional representative at least 21 days in advance — the earlier the better. The White House Visitor Center offers exhibits and a 30-minute video. Visit whitehouse.gov

U.S. Capitol The Capitol Visitor Center, featuring an exhibition gallery, theaters, cafeteria and gift shops, is open to the public. To explore the historical areas of the Capitol, you must participate in a guided tour. For information on reserving free tickets, go to visitthecapitol.gov

U.S. Supreme Court Visitors may tour public areas of the building on their own and enjoy a variety of educational exhibitions, lectures and programs. Court sessions are also available to the public on a first-come, first served basis. Visit supremecourt.gov

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts A living memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy, the center offers both a free tour and evening performance daily. Check the venue’s scheduled June performances in advance. Visit kennedy-center.org

Washington National Cathedral Sixth largest cathedral in the world, its gothic architecture, stain-glass windows and medieval- style garden induces jaw-dropping “oohs and ahhs.” Visit cathedral.org

Arlington National Cemetery Final resting place for many of our country’s greatest heroes and former presidents, the cemetery offers tours and welcomes visitors to walk the grounds. Be sure to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit arlingtoncemetery.mil

Smithsonian Museums

Nineteen museums, plus the National Zoo! Lucky for visitors, they’re all free and near Metro stops. Visit si.edu/museums

Library of Congress The world’s largest library welcomes visitors to a mesmerizing world of history and breathtaking architecture and art. Free guided public tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building are offered. Guided tours are available to larger groups only with advanced reservations. Visit loc.gov

National Archives A history buff’s playground, the awe-inspiring National Archives houses America’s most important documents, including the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Visit archives.gov

Helpful Websites

Washington.org Thedistrict.com

Sources: travelnews.com; visitalexandriava.com, virginia.org; traveltips.usatoday.com, washington.org, theculturetrip.com; Section written by: Eileen Viglione; Photos courtesy of visitalexandria.com, washington.org and Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.

SPRING 2018

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