Hope Diamond and the National Gem Collection
They say a diamond is a girl's best friend. Imagine taking your date to the world's greatest collection of gems on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. More than 7,500 individual gemstones, ranging from less than a half-carat to almost 23,000 carats, fill the cases in in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals. Harry Winston's gift of the Hope Diamond inaugurated the stunning series of spectacular gifts that transformed the National Gem Collection from a fine to a truly fabulous one. The National Museum of Natural History is located at 10th Street & Constitution Avenue, and is open daily 10 am 5:30 pm. The closest Metro Station is the Smithsonian Station on the Blue and Orange line.
Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
On July 1 2006, the $283 million renovated Patent Office Building, home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery opened its doors to the public. The two museums and their activities are now known collectively as the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. The Reynolds Center Grand Opening festival was alive with music, food and family activities. The Grand Opening Family Festival featured costumed characters from the collections, gallery tours, performances, free ice cream and live music on every floor of the building.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are located in a National Historic Landmark building at the heart of Washington's vibrant new downtown, a few blocks from the National Mall. The building is a piece of art that perfectly ...
Virginia Beach is a popular beach resort city three and a half hours south of Washington, where the state of Virginia meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city contains 51.3 square miles of water, which takes form in the dozens of rivers, bays, lakes, marsh areas and fingers of water that flow into the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Linking the Chesapeake Bay and James River estuaries is the Hampton Roads harbor, one of the finest natural harbors and home port to the world's largest naval base. Here, the Intracoastal Waterway begins at mile marker 1. From Virginia Beach, recreational boaters can travel as far north as Boston, Mass., and south to Brownsville, Texas.
Virginia Beach's mild climate encourages a long visitor season, and travelers are delighted to discover that spring comes early and fall stays late. These months...
Arriving in a blaze of thunder and lightning, the Nor'easter of 2006 transformed our nation's capital into a large white-blanketed playground that was a magical experience for the young and young of heart. Take a tour with Denali and Frosty to learn the secrets of snowman building and having wintry fun on our National Mall.
1n 1620, a small group of English colonists, popularly known as the "Pilgrims," sailed from from the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, England, to the shore of what is today known as the town of Plymouth (formally New Plimouth and Plimoth) in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States.
Chesapeake Bay fishing season opens officially on April 16, when Maryland's spring trophy rockfish season comes in, but a group of young men had a hard time waiting, particularly when it's Christopher Kalisz's bachelor party and word spreads that big fish are biting around the Calvert Cliffs Power Plant.
With more than ten miles of broad Atlantic beach, vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland has endless diversions that appeal to all: sand, waves, people watching, snoozing, beach combing, and more! Most people hang out at the beach during the day and stroll along the boardwalk during the evening. All along Ocean City's real wood plank boardwalk you will find plenty souvenir, beach, and sundry shops. Also, there are rides, arcades, games of chance, and food of all kinds. The fishing in Ocean City is great year around! Ocean City has some spectacular festivals throughout the summer, including an explosion of fireworks and activities for the Fourth of July and the ever-popular Sunfest to close out the summer. Ocean City is truly a getaway geared towards the whole family.
40th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian's Folklife Festival kicks off on the National Mall Friday for its 40th year.
This year's evening concert series is titled "Been in the Storm So Long," and features African American musical traditions from the region devastated last year by Hurricane Katrina.
An estimated half a million people overcame the elements and gathered in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 230th anniversary of America's independence. Pyro Shows, Incorporated of LaFollete, Tenn. was contracted by the National Park service to launch 33 tons of fireworks above the Washington Monument. The 20 minute show went on without a hitch. Spectators were dazzled by a myriad of spectacular fireworks effects that painted the sky, red, white, and blue. Cheers and applauses went on long after the show.
To truly experience our Nation's Capital, you must see it from the tallest structure in Washington, DC. The Washington Monument rises 555 feet above the National Mall and offers the best view of the city. The Washington Monument was erected to honor the greatness of the city of President George Washington. The first cornerstone was placed on July 4, 1843, and was finally completed on December 6, 1884. The obelisk design was Mills' interpretation of city designer Pierre L'Enfant's centerpiece for the capital city. Fifty flags surround the base of the Monument, one to symbolize each state in the Union. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 4:45 pm daily. It is free to get in, but you do need to get free tickets to reserve a time.
Location: 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Metro: Federal Triangle (BLUE and...