Nature Escapes in Washington, DC

Audobon Naturalist Society

8940 Jones Mill Rd. Chevy Chase MD, (301) 652-9188

Free admission

Bird watchers will love visiting the 40-acre grounds of the headquarters of the Audobon Naturalist Society. The grounds contain numerous types of birds as seen in their natural habitat. There is also a bookstore that has books on everything you ever wanted to know about birds and ecology.

C&O Canal National Historical Park (#1 on my list)

1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Georgetown Terminus of MacArthur Blvd., Great Falls, Potomac, MD (Foundry Mall) (Great Falls Tavern) (202) 653-5190 (301) 299-3613 or (301) 299-2026

Admission is $4 per axle

The C&O Canal, another of George's great ideas, was to be a commercial waterway connecting the Ohio and Potomac rivers. It now serves as one of the DC area's most popular parks. Streching from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD, the park is popular with joggers, bikers and canoeists.

April - October, visitors can take a ride down the C&O on a mule-drawn replica 19th century canal boat. There are several notable diversions in the park such as the Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo Park, which has a working carousel (Wed - Sun, May-late Sept) and is the site of festivals and activities for children. One can also rent bikes, boats and canoes at Thompson's Boat Center or Fletcher's Boathouse. See boating section for details.

East Potomac Park

Take Maine Ave. west or Ohio Drive south - Park located between Potomac and Washington Channel

Free Admission

East Potomac Park is a 328-acre park that contains public swimming pools, tennis courts, golf (see golf section), playgrounds and picnic tables. The two most notable features of the park are Hains Point and the Jefferson Memorial. Hains Point is a popular place to picnic and watch planes take off from Washington National Airport. It also has "The Awakening" sculpture of a giant rising from the earth. In April, the park is a popular place to see the blooming Japanese cherry blossom trees that are around the Tidal Basin.

Great Falls Park (# 2 on my list)

Route 193 and Old Dominion Drive, Great Falls, VA (703) 285-2966
Admission is $4 per axle or $2 per person (without vehicle)

Great Falls Park is a 800-acre park that straddles both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the eponymous falls. Inside the park (on the Maryland side) is The Great Falls Tavern, a museum and headquarters for the National Park Rangers that maintain the C&O Canal.

April - October, rangers take visitors on mule-drawn river barge rides down the C&OCanal. Great Falls Park has numerous trails for bikes and hikers, fishing spots and picnic areas that feature scenic views of the park. Areas for climbing and white-water kayaking are also provided. An urban outdoorsman's paradise.

Rock Creek Park (#1 ½ on my list)

Between 16th Street & Connecticut Ave. NW (202) 426-6829

Free Admission

Rock Creek Park is an immensly popular park among Washingtonians. Originally built to defend Washington during the Civil War, four forts remain standing on park grounds. Well maintained bicycle, hiking and equestrian trails run past the forts and other sites, like Pierce Mill, a functional watermill (currently under restoration). More information about trails and park events is available from the rangers at the Nature Center and Planetarium located at 5200 Glover Rd. NW.(202-426-6829). The pretty grounds are also home to a popular 18-hole public golf course. (See Golf Section)

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Take the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (located on west end of Constitution Ave.) to George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Follow signs to parking lot for foot bridge into park.
(703) 285-2598

Free admission

This 88-acre island is a natural preserve dedicated to the 26th President. Another popular park with Washingtonians, 2.5 miles of paths lead through the peaceful grounds.

U.S. National Arboretum

3501 New York Ave. NE (202) 245-2726

Free admission

The US National Arboretum is a 444-acre preserve that contains the National Herb Garden and the National Bonsai Collection. The multi-hued foliage is beautiful and the paths are well maintained. If you need a break from the hectic pace, the US National Arboretum is a nice place to visit.

Saludos!

I was born in New York, raised in Miami, and have been living in this spectacular cultural den for the past two years.

My decision to become a correspondent is totally selfish; I want to gain travel writing experience before I begin my year long journey through South East Asia.

Hopefully, my article will not only be informative but have personality as I take you on a virtual tour and show you Washington through my eyes (let's pray my vision is 20/20!).

How it all began:

My love affair with this magnificent city began on a random visit four years ago.

Having returned from Europe the previous year, I was transfixed by the city's resemblance to Paris.

My eyes were filled with panoramic views of majestic buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and rainbow colored tulips.

Just when I thought I had seen the most beautiful part of Washington, I caught sight of a spectacular cupola rising in the distance - Capitol Hill.

If you are not good at making decisions, Washington will leave you in indecisive limbo.

The monuments are beautiful day and night, with hundreds of fabulous restaurants and a metro that will challenge you to explore even the most hidden treasures.

What's my favorite thing about DC? Free museums!

Into music? Then catch a free concert at the Kennedy Center.

Into more progressive sounds? Then check out these websites for upcoming concerts and hotspots.

Want to just sit and relax?

Then find your way over to the Washington Monument, plop down your backpack, take out your favorite book and watch the world pass before your eyes.

Washington DC's resources are endless, and I will do my best to share them all with you.

Accommodation

Youth Hostels


Capitol Hill Guest House


Hotel Information

Shopping

Sorry — I refuse to send anyone to a mall other than the
Washington Mall but if you cannot resist the urge
sidewalk.com should lead you to some shopping
links.

Miscellaneous

If you have bad knees or are not into walking — here is a
tourmobile site that will take you to all major monuments.
It will cost between $25 — 32 USD, but is worth it if you don't
have much time to spare.

I want my Internet!!!

Cafemyth.com - hottest new cyber café in Georgetown gives students free computer usage with I.D.

3241 M. Street, NW 202.625.6984