Dimensions Weekly Mens Lifestyle Magazine

If you’re planning an April getaway, chances are you’re considering either basking in the sun in some tropical locale or, on the other end of the spectrum, perhaps a last shot at the slopes before retiring your skis for the season. Here’s another thought…. How about a stimulus package for your love life? Or comprehensive reform for your relationships? We’re talking about a romantic, fun and, dare we say, enlightening campaign in our nation’s capitol.

Washington, D.C. is a fabulous city to visit, with so much to see and do. Everything you could possibly want in a vacation – hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, outdoor activities, transportation – are absolutely top notch. And, as it happens, April is Cherry Blossom time in Washington. Each year, between the end of March and mid-April, nature puts on a spectacular show when the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees come into full, romantic bloom. A quiet walk on the pathway around the famous Tidal Basin offers a breathtaking view of these gorgeous trees as well as the Lincoln Memorial. This annual display has become so well known in fact, that D.C. now celebrates with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which this year runs from March 27 through April 11, 2010. Detailed information on the schedule of events and discounted hotel packages are available from the official website: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

But that’s just the beginning. Here is a sampling of some other great ideas – and all of them are free. Remember, intellectual stimulation is sexy!

Federal Landmark Buildings
Every U.S. citizen should take the opportunity to visit these amazing buildings, view the stunning architecture, and get a real sense of this country’s great founding.
- White House
- Library of Congress
- Bureau of Engraving & Printing
- National Archives
- The Pentagon
- Supreme Court

Monuments and Memorials
Located mostly outdoors, these wonderfully diverse edifices are impressive and moving tributes to significant persons and events in U.S. history.
- Lincoln Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Washington Monument
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- African American Civil War Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- FDR Memorial

Museums
No dusty, boring old museums here. These are truly fascinating showcases where the subject material comes alive. Pick and choose from an endless list of special interest exhibitions, including

- National Air and Space Museum
- U.S. Navy Museum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Museum of Natural History
- Museum of American History
- Museum of the American Indian
- National Gallery of Art
- National Portrait Gallery
- Hirshhorn Museum

These are all free, but if you’re willing to spend a bit on admission, the possibilities go on and on. Of course, there is the granddaddy of them all, the Smithsonian. Its famous Arts & Industries Building is a not-to-be-missed time capsule of our popular culture. Two more fun museums are the International Spy Museum and the Newseum.

As you can imagine, with VIP guests and tourists coming from all over the world, hotel accommodations and restaurants include some of the finest anywhere, with choices to match every taste and budget.

Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, sophisticated metropolis that offers so much to the curious. A trip here surely will leave you feeling inspired with a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for this great country. It’s no wonder that so many visitors return again and again. For more information on planning a trip, visit the official website at www.washington.org.  

-DW | Travel

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