Arlington National Cemetery : Among the 1,000 white headstones are the graves of John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Robert Kennedy, William Howard Taft and Oliver Wendell Holmes. The hourly changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a stirring sight. The cemetery is open from 8AM - 5PM, October through March and 8AM - 7PM, April through September. Arlington, Virginia 22211; (703) 692-0931.Black History Month Celebration (February) : Special events, various Smithsonian Museum exhibits and cultural programs celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the quality of American life. Smithsonian Institute; (202) 357-2700.Chinese New Year's Parade (January) : More than 10,000 spectators come to watch. Traditional lions, drums, and dragon dancers make their way through DC's downtown streets in a parade to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. On "H" Street, NW between Fifth and Eighth Streets; (202) 724-4091.National Cherry Blossom Festival (March - April) : Washington's historic monuments are framed in springtime splendor when more than 6,000 Japanese cherry trees bloom in late March/early April. The Cherry Blossom Festival parade is an annual highlight to mark the event with princesses, floats and VIPs. Other events include free outdoor concerts, the Japanese Lantern Lighting Ceremony and the Cherry Blossom Ball. National Cherry Blossom Festival Committee; (202) 737-2599.National Christmas Tree Lighting/Pageant of Peace (December) : In a special holiday celebration with seasonal music and caroling, the giant Christmas tree near the White House is lighted by the President. From then until New Year's Day, the Ellipse is the site of nightly choral performances, a nativity scene and a spectacular display of lighted Christmas trees representing each State of the Union.National Independence Day Celebration (July) : The Nation's capital celebrates July 4th in grand style. Events begin at 10AM with a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. At 12PM, a parade begins down Constitution Avenue. At 4PM a variety of entertainment follows on the Washington Monument grounds. At 9:15PM the evening closes with an annual fireworks display over the Washington Monument. All events are free. (202) 619-7222.Old Town Alexandria : Old Town, the historic riverfront district of Alexandria, was founded as a tobacco port in 1749 by Scottish immigrants. Having survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Old Town has emerged as a prosperous town with a strong historic identity. For all its quaint historic charm, it sizzles with New Orleans jazz, sprouts exotic restaurants, relishes street musicians and avant garde art, and supports more than 200 specialty shops and art galleries. Located across the river from Washington, DC, five minutes from National Airport. Starting at Metro Station at King Sreet, the western edge of Old Town, you can begin a 16-block stroll towards the waterfront, past restaurants, galleries and boutiques. Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King Street; (703) 838-4200.Pentagon : One of the world's largest office buildings (3.7 million sq. ft.). The headquarters for the Secretary of Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Tours are available on the half hour 9:30AM - 3:30PM, Monday through Friday. Closed federal holidays and weekends. Arlington, Virginia; (703) 695-1776.Smithsonian Museums : The world's largest museum complex with 14 museums and the National Zoo. Museums include National Air and Space, National Museum of American History, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History. All of the museums are open from 10AM - 5:30PM everyday, except Christmas. Admission is free. Smithsonian Information Center, 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20560; (202) 357-2700.US Holocaust Memorial Museum : The museum tells the story of the Holocaust in its 3-floor permanent exhibition. Highlights include the "Tower of Faces", the actual barracks building from Auschwitz, videotaped witness testimony, and the "Hall of Remembrance". Open from 10AM - 5:30PM daily. Advanced reservations required. 14th Street & Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC; (202) 653-9220.White House : Home of every President except George Washington. The tour includes the ground floor library and china room, the State Floor's East, Green, Blue and Red rooms and the State Dining Room. Open from 10AM - 12PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets required April through October and distributed from the Ellipse Kiosk beginning at 8AM. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20500; (202) 456-7041 (tape). - White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 202-456-7041.
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