The charms of the U.S. capital go beyond the monuments and museums.

Washington, D.C. is a natural mecca for tourists interested in American politics or history. The Smithsonian, White House and Washington and other Monuments are must-sees for the first-time visitor. But delve a little deeper and you’ll find even more to keep your interest for a second or third trip.

Explore Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, DC. Its prime location along the Potomac River made it a major port and commercial center during colonial times. Today, Georgetown is a vibrant community with lots of upscale shopping and restaurants along its cobblestone streets. Sites in Georgetown include:
* Dumbarton House: Dumbarton House is one of the few stately brick homes in Washington to survive the heady days when the country and its capital were new. The design of the house reflects the shift from Georgian tradition to the Adamesque Federal style that would take hold as the new republic defined itself. From the library to the dining room, through the music room to the parlor to the bedrooms upstairs, visitors to Dumbarton House today see a wealth of furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics that were made and used in the republic's formative years.
* Shops of Georgetown Park: This is a luxury mall that's sure to keep your wallet occupied for an afternoon.
* Tudor Place: Tudor Place is an elegant neoclassical house designed by Dr. William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol. Its collection includes the largest selection of George and Martha Washington objects outside of the Founding Father's home. Also not to be missed are the 5.5 acres of beautifully landscaped garden.

Discover Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood with an active nightlife, located around a small park at the heart of a traffic circle. It contains museums, historic homes and foreign embassies as well as bookstores, and private art galleries. Attractions in the area include:
* The Textile Museum: Weavers and other craftspeople will not want to miss out on the collections: more than 17,000 objects which span 5,000 years. Begun as a private collection in 1925, the museum remains committed to promoting textile art as an art form and to function as a centre of excellence for research, conservation, and interpretation of the textile arts.
* Embassy Row: Massachusetts Avenue is home to many of Washington D.C.'s foreign embassies, and "Embassy Row" is the section of Massachusetts from just north of the White House. Many of the embassies are located in beautiful or unusual historic homes, such as the Chancery of the Estonian Embassy.
* The Women’s National Democratic Club: The Woman's National Democratic Club was founded in 1922, two years after women were granted to vote, to provide a social setting for political dialogue. Men were granted full voting privileges and membership in the club in 1988. The Museum, housed in a beautiful nineteenth century residence, maintains collections of features political campaign memorabilia, portraits, photographs, political cartoons, and antique furnishings. Take in a political discussion while you’re there -- the WNCD hosts many events open to the public.
* Explorers Hall: The National Geographic’s museum offers inviting exhibitions and current scientific research at its museum in the Capital.

Eastern Market
Lay in some supplies for your hotel room (or R.V.) and enjoy lunch at the last of Washington’s 19th century markets to have been in continuous operation since 1873. Designed by architect Adolf Cluss, it was built to provide goods to urban residents and give the sleepy "southern village" a post-Civil-War makeover as a bustling centre of politics and commerce. Now it also includes an arts and crafts market and a flea market.

Alexandria, Virginia
Just across the river (and easily accessible by public transportation), Old Town Alexandria is a quaint historic town with a distinctly southern flavour. With attractions such as the childhood home of Robert E. Lee, a statue of The Confederate Soldier, and the Torpedo Factory, this town is sure to delight the history buff.

Great Falls Park
For visitors who have had enough of the urban landscape, this park offers a welcome look at the natural features of the region. Located 14 miles outside of the city, Great Falls Park sprawls over 800 acres along the Potomac River. The falls cascade into several 20 foot waterfalls, with the steepest fall line rapids of any eastern river. Another attraction is the historic Patowmack Canal.

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