|
Things to do in the Area After registration on Wednesday afternoon, you may wish to take in some of the local sights. Very nearby is the Marine Corps Museum (20 minutes away), and Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington (30 minutes away). Both close at 5 p.m. Or take a trip to Old Town Alexandria (45 minutes away) with its numerous historic sites and restaurants. Just a few are listed here: Christ Church. Located at Cameron and North Washington Streets. It was completed on 1773 and attended by Robert E. Lee and George Washington. Historic gravesites. Open 9-4 except Sunday. Info at 703-549-1450. Gadsby Tavern Museum; located at 134 North Royal Street. Museum offers an outstanding example of colonial architecture. Museum hours 10-5 pm. Tavern restaurant very close at 138 North Royal Street (reservations required). For info 703-548-1288. Servers wear authentic late 18th century attire. Torpedo Factory Art Center. Located on the waterfront at 105 North Union Street. Formerly manufactured torpedo parts for the U.S. Navy; now home to 200 artists, their studios and galleries. No charge. hours : 10-5 pm daily. www.torpedofactory.org There are many historical sites within easy walking distance. For general information about Alexandria see www.AlexandriaGuideonline.com Just a few of the restaurants in Alexandria are the Fish Market, at 105 King Street, very near Alexandria waterfront. Nationally famous. Specialty is seafood; medium prices. 703-836-5676. www.fishmarketoldtown.com and the Wharf, at 119King Street; one block from the river. Specializes in seafood. Higher priced. 703-836-2836. www.wharfrestaurant.com. For more information on things to do in Alexandria, see their website. The museums of the Smithsonian are located in downtown Washington D.C. Among the most popular are the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. These museums close at 5:00 p.m., and parking can be tricky, but they are worth the trip. Also available downtown are the many monuments, such as the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials and the Washington monument. The Vietnam War memorial, the new World War II memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial are near the monuments. All of these can be viewed up until dark. Again, parking can be a challenge but there are parking garages within walking distance of the sites. If you visit downtown D.C., Alexandria, or Mt. Vernon during the afternoon, you will probably want to plan to have dinner after your visit and avoid the rush hour traffic out of town. The return to Leesylvania during that time will be grueling, to say the least. So plan to spend the evening at a local restaurant, and start your journey back after 7 p.m. Shopping nearby: Other sights: See the Prince William County website for more information
|