A wedding present from George Washington to his adopted daughter, Eleanor Nelly Parke Custis, and her husband, Lawrence Lewis, Woodlawn was built between 1800 and 1805 on land originally part of the Mount Vernon estate. The house has a tremendous view of the Virginia countryside and of Mount Vernon in the distance. William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol, designed the Georgian mansion, which is open for tours of the recreated period rooms and formal gardens. Combination tickets include the nearby Pope-Leighy House, which sits on the same property.
The award-winning Old Town Trolley Tours covers more major capital sites than any other. The attractions include the National Mall, Georgetown, the National Cathedral, and Arlington National Cemetery. The trolleys travel in a continuous loop. Riders can join the tour at any of 19 stops. Stay aboard the entire two hours and listen to an informative narrative, or hop off for a closer look at an attraction. Trolleys roll by every 30 minutes, so you can simply re-board and continue the tour.
Odyssey Cruises is a well-established name in providing luxurious and elegant cruise experiences to discerning customers. Their beautiful boat is a true delight with its elegant decor. Unique glass walls and ceilings provide an amazing, unobstructed view of the sights. Dine on the river in their classy dining room, and relax as you feast on the innovative and delicious fare while watching city's most beautiful monuments flicker away before you. A wonderful choice for a romantic evening out on the water, you can dance to soothing Jazz played by the live band as you watch the sunset over the Potomac. The restaurant has a lovely selection of wines and cocktails to accompany their refined menu, making for a pleasant experience.
Nestled in the heart of Maryland's scenic countryside, Cedarville State Forest invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. Traverse the forest's network of winding trails, which meander through towering hardwoods and tranquil meadows. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse array of flora and fauna that call Cedarville home. Cedarville State Forest also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including picnicking, camping, and horseback riding. Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying a picnic lunch in one of the forest's scenic picnic areas, or pitch a tent and spend the night beneath a canopy of stars at one of the forest's campsites.
Popularly known as the Pension Building, the National Building Museum plays a pivotal role in narrating the history of design, engineering, construction, urban planning and architecture in the United States of America. A non-profit organization, the museum hosts a number of exhibitions, festivals and public programs that endorse the exchange of ideas and information across people of all sections of society, across the globe. Located in a monumental structure with a design based on Italian Renaissance palaces, the brick, and terracotta building is grand and contains a massive 15-story interior with eight Corinthian columns that are 75 feet (23 meters) high. The museum's space has also been the site of inaugural balls and a popular Christmas television special. An iconic tourist attraction, a visit to the capital city is certainly incomplete without a tour of the National Building Museum.
Nestled in the northern part of the city, James Hunter Park is a serene picnic spot, very popular as a dog-friendly park with designated area for pets. It was established in the memory of James B. Hunter III, who served as the state county board official between 1990 and 1997. The park is also home to some beautiful gardens, open terraces and water fountains.