North America Travel Guide

NORTH AMERICA

2009-06-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

Overview

North America is the third largest continent, with a surface area of 24,221,490 sq km. It is located in the northern hemisphere, between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean and to the north of South America. North America's highest point is Alaska's Mount McKinley, which rises to 6,194 m (20,320 ft) above sea level.

Regions

North America consists of three large nations and one large island territory that covers most of its area. They are Canada, the United States of America (USA), Mexico and Greenland. There are also seven smaller nations at its southern extreme (collectively known as Central America), and around two dozen island nations and territories of various sizes in the Caribbean and one isolated French territory off the Canadian Atlantic coast. Although the Central American and the Caribbean regions are technically part of the North American continent, they are commonly listed separately from their larger neighbors to the north and hence the distinctive region names for both cultural and geographical reasons.

Countries and Territories

Mainland North America

Territories

Greenland (Self governing part of Denmark)
Bermuda (British overseas territory)
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (Overseas department of France)

Central America

Caribbean

Other territories

Anguilla (UK)
Aruba (The Netherlands)
British Virgin Islands (UK)
Cayman Islands (UK)
Guadeloupe (France)
Martinique (France)
Montserrat (UK)
Netherlands Antilles (The Netherlands)
Puerto Rico (USA)
Turks and Caicos Islands (UK)
Virgin Islands (USA)

Get around

By air

Because population centers are often widely spaced, most long-range travel is by air, with an extensive network of major hubs and smaller regional airports, usually supplemented with car rental services to cover local travel (see "By car").

By bus

There is prolific long range bus service across most of the US and Canada, but travel times are exessively long (on the order of three to five times as long as a direct trip in a personal vehicle) and many stations are relatively unsafe. Most bus service is useful only for travelling within a dense metro area or along major commuter routes and is then limited or unavailable outside of business hours.

By car

Most travel in Canada, the United States, and Mexico is by personal vehicle. Almost all highways in Canada and the United States are well maintained, with amenities such as gas, food, and lodging ranging from adequate to very convenient to excessive. If you experience an emergency that endangers your life, safety, or property, you will be able to dial 911 from a compatible cell phone on almost any major highway and reach an operator at any time. Vehicle and medical insurance issued in either Canada or the U.S. is usually valid in the other, though the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer. Canada and U.S. insurance coverage in Mexico is sometimes limited or not honored. Again, the wise traveller will confirm with their insurer.

Car rental agencies are available at almost every airport. Usually a major credit card and proof of liability insurance is required. Some agencies offer short term insurance and additional coverage.

By train

Although it once held much of the continent together, and remains useful for local travel in many metro areas, intercity train travel now ranges from relatively convenient in the Northeast Corridor, to manageable in California, to sparse in other parts of the country. If you prefer to travel by rail, it's still possible (depending on where you go), but it offers neither speed nor convenience. As noted above, the exception is the Northeast Corridor area, which links Washington, D.C. to Boston with frequent stops in intermediate cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, New Haven, and Providence. It is explained in detail on the Rail travel in North America article.

See

Some of the best Scenic areas include
Rocky Mountains
Lehigh Valley
Caribbean
Yellowstone

Itineraries

SAINT-PIERRE AND MIQUELON

2009-06-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Overview

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon [1] are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland and Labrador. First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Islands

Saint-Pierre - the smaller island, the only significantly populated town (the capital), and the central area of activity.
Miquelon - the larger island (actually three of them, connected by drifted sand) and village, Basque and Acadian history, and a large amount of wildlife, small farming operations and summer homes.

Understand

Saint-Pierre was a site for settlement by the French in the early 17th century, later abandoned under the Treaty of Utrecht, and returned to France in 1763 at the end of the Seven Years War. As well, the islands became a place of refuge for Acadian deportees from Nova Scotia. Saint-Pierre figures frequently in North American British-French relations. As well, it profited heavily from US Prohibition, which did not affect this area, technically part of France. It was depopulated and repopulated frequently, and now remains the last vestige of Imperial France within North America.

Like its northern neighbour, Newfoundland, it is a key fishing centre close to the Grand Banks, some of the world's richest fishing grounds. However, as in Newfoundland, the decline in cod stocks has seriously affected the fishery. As a result, tourism is becoming increasingly important to the economy. As a travel destination, St-Pierre et Miquelon is ideal for those interested in historical and cultural discovery, eco-tourism and the French language. Beyond its history, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon is a wonderful destination because of its mild refreshing climate, its beautiful landscapes, the quality of the air and the warmth of its inhabitants.

As a part of the European Union, the area has much in common with Europe, but also with its Canadian and American neighbours.

Get in

Despite being part of the European Union, immigration procedures are different. Canadians and Europeans will need passports, and all other nationalities will need passports and/or visas. Check with your local French consulate or embassy. Most travelers are only given a cursory inspection when entering the island of Saint-Pierre.

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By plane

Air service to Saint-Pierre is available via Air Saint-Pierre through:

By car

Travelling by car to Saint-Pierre requires driving through Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and taking the ferry.

From Argentia, take Highway 100 northeast until the TransCanada Highway 1. Take 1 northwest to Highway 210. On 210, head southwest until Highway 220. Take 220 to Fortune.

From Port aux Basques, take Highway 470 west to TransCanada Highway 1. Take 1 east until Highway 210. On 210, head southwest until Highway 220. Take 220 to Fortune.

As the island of Newfoundland is home to a moose population of over 100,000, do drive slowly and cautiously, especially when driving at night. Remember that hitting a moose is not like hitting a deer--a moose is a tall beast, and your car will hit its legs, knocking the brunt of its weight into the windshield and you. This is the last thing you want to have happen.

By bus

If you are going through Newfoundland via Port aux Basques, DRL Coachlines Ltd. offers daily scheduled passenger coach services between St. John's & Port Aux Basques on the island. DRL's head office is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but they can be reached toll-free at 1-888-738-8091. If you wish to reach their office in St. John's, call 1-709-738-8088.

Another bus service from Port Aux Basques to St. John's is Newhook's Transportation. Call them at 1-709-726-4876.

In either case, you'll need to get off the bus a short time after Clarenville to head southwest towards Fortune and the ferry to Saint-Pierre.

By boat

Marine Atlantic ferry service runs from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador (on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland), throughout the year, and to Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador (about 90km from St. John's), during the summer. The duration of the ride depends on the weather and water conditions, so patience is of the essence. It is advisable to call Marine Atlantic ahead of time to make a reservation (call 1-800-341-7981). If you are bringing a U-haul or something other than a passenger vehicle, you will likely be considered a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles can only make reservations by doubling the usual fare. It is cheaper to simply take your number, wait in line and hope for the best.

In general, Marine Atlantic Ferries cater to your every whim, carrying food, alcohol, gift shops, cinemas and sleeping accommodations. There will be lots for you to do.

Once in Newfoundland, drive or take a bus to Fortune (see By car & By bus). From here, you'll leave your car and take the ferry to Saint-Pierre with SPM EXPRESS.

Get around

Given the compact size of Saint-Pierre, it is generally easy to get around on foot. Those intimidated by the town's notorious sloping streets may find a rented scooter may be a more friendly option. There are also a number of taxi services that offer guided tours of Saint-Pierre. Avid renters, be warned that there is less than a handful of rental cars on the island.

The nearby islands of île aux Marins, Langlande, and Miquelon may be accessed via ferry. île aux Marins and Langlade are inhabited only during the summer months and lack amenities such as taxis, hospitals, or internet service. The town of Miquelon is considerably smaller than Saint-Pierre and therefore has fewer hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Talk

The French spoken in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is very similar to that spoken in Normandy, Brittany, and Paris. The islanders are quite proud of their linguistic heritage.

Due to its proximity to English-speaking Canada, Saint-Pierre has become a popular destination for anglophone students wishing to become immersed in French language and culture.

The islands have a specialized language teaching facility named the FrancoForum, owned and operated by the local government in Saint-Pierre. Staffed by professional French instructors, the institute offers a variety of courses for both students and teachers wishing to improve their fluency.

The FrancoForum is best known for hosting Le Programme Frecker, a 3-month French immersion program offered to students at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. The program, which began in 1975, was originally housed in a small building at the center of town. In 2000, an agreement was reached with the Conseil Général in Saint-Pierre to relocate the program to the newly built FrancoForum.

Buy

Like France, the official currency is the Euro, but in Saint-Pierre, it is also common for Canadian & American dollars to be accepted by merchants. Also like France, you will find that nearly everything is on the expensive side, with the notable exceptions of wine and cigarettes.

Eat

French cuisine is standard in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Those who love seafood should look into the Seafood Festival that is held every year in mid-August in the small town of Miquelon.

Sleep

Probably one of the best hotels in Saint Pierre is the Hotel Ile de France which offers comfortable rooms and wireless internet service along with a restaurant and bar. It is located right in the centre of town at 6, rue Maître Georges Lefèvre.

Another 3 star hotel in Saint Pierre is L'Hôtel Robert down by the harbour—a couple blocks west of where the Ferry from Newfoundland docks. It features a small museum dedicated to the Prohibition Era and a souvenir shop.

Stay safe

There is very little crime in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and this destination should be considered one of the safest possible in North America.

Stay healthy

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon pose very few health threats. Be warned that the weather is often very chilly and a sweater comes in handy, even during the summer months. If a serious injury should occur, there is a small hospital located in the town of Saint-Pierre. Patients who require special treatment are usually sent to larger, better-equipped hospitals in Canada.

Contact

Comité Régional du Tourisme (Tourism Office)

Place du Général de Gaulle BP 4274 F97500 Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Tel. + 508 41 02 00 Fax + 508 41 33 55

WYOMING

2009-06-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Overview

In the heart of the Rockies, Wyoming is known as the ‘Cowboy State‘ and was the home of ‘Buffalo Bill‘ Cody. It is the ninth-largest state in the USA and has the smallest population.

The spirit of the Wild West is alive and kicking in Wyoming, with its open spaces, rugged country and breathtaking scenery. Geographical attractions include 11 major mountain ranges, prairies, grasslands, parks, forests, lakes and rivers.

Wyoming [1] is a state in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America.

Regions

Cities

Buffalo
Casper
Cheyenne - The State Capital, and largest city.
Dubois
Gillette
Lander
Laramie - Home of the University of Wyoming.
Jackson
Rawlins
Sheridan
Rock Springs

Other destinations

Jackson Hole -- Ski resort area near Jackson
Cody - Near the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
East Yellowstone - Wapiti Valley - Near the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Devils Tower National Monument
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park

Understand

Wyoming is extremely rural and the least populated US state. Vast expanses of uninhabited land separate many of even the smallest towns, while the largest of cities in Wyoming (such as Cheyenne and Casper) would be considered small towns in many other states. Wyoming offers a wealth of outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities among its many world famous mountain ranges and national parks.

Talk

English is the mother tongue of 93.6% of the Wyoming population.

WISCONSIN

2009-06-11T23:31:00.001-07:00

Overview

Located in the Great Lakes Region of the Midwest, Wisconsin is bordered to the east by Lake Michigan, to the west by the St Croix River, and to the north it is separated from Canada by Lake Superior. This is a beautiful state, with over 15,000 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

Its varied countryside also includes sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, northern forests and rich, southern farmland. Wisconsin is famed for its hospitality and friendly atmosphere and is known as the beer capital of the nation. Milwaukee, on the southeast shores of Lake Michigan, is the state's largest city.

Wisconsin [1] is a state in the Midwest in the United States of America. Wisconsin borders Illinois, and Iowa to the south, Minnesota to the west, and Michigan to the north. To the east lies the long Lake Michigan shoreline and in the northwest a smaller Lake Superior shoreline. Wisconsin is known nationwide for its dairy heritage, or as "America's Dairyland". Being home to two Great Lakes, thousands of inland lakes and waterways, the state could easily be called the nation's "waterworld" instead. The southern portion of the state is mainly agricultural and urban while the northern half is mostly rural and forested and is more similar in appearance to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The central region acts as a transition zone with both forests, farm land and small cities. The state's largest city and urban area is Milwaukee located in southeastern Wisconsin. In south-central Wisconsin lies the state capital Madison. Green Bay is listed as the state's third largest city. Wisconsin is a popular Midwestern travel destination both in the summer and winter months.

Regions

Southeast Wisconsin
Southeast Wisconsin is the state's most populous region. The major cities are Kenosha, Milwaukee (Wisconsin's largest city), Racine, and Waukesha. The popular summer getaway destination of Lake Geneva is also included in this region; as well as the scenic areas of the Kettle Moraine, and Lake Country, Waukesha Co.

Southwest Wisconsin
The major cities are La Crosse and Madison (capital city and campus of the University of Wisconsin).

Northeast Wisconsin
The major cities are Appleton (Houdini central), Green Bay (home of the intensely beloved football Packers), and Oshkosh.The popular summer getaway destination of Door County is also included in this region.

North Central Wisconsin
The major city is Wausau, gateway to the northwoods.

Northwest Wisconsin
The major cities are Eau Claire and Superior.

Cities

Other destinations

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Ice Age National Scenic Trail - hiking trail that spans the state
Wisconsin Dells - tourist destination
Door County - tourist destination

Understand

Talk

Wisconsinites speak with a dry Midwestern accent and tend to emphasize their vowels. Perfect examples include the words "roof" and "Wisconsin"!

People in the southeastern part of the state commonly refer to a drinking fountain as a "bubbler". Also note that unlike most of the Midwest, Wisconsinites in the eastern part of the state (especially the Milwaukee area) refer to soft drinks as "soda" rather than "pop".

It's common for people in many parts of the state to refer to ATM's as "Tyme Machines" (named for what was the most common type of ATM in numerous areas meaning Take Your Money Everywhere). Most people in the state also tend to refer to parking garages as "parking ramps".

Time

Wisconsin is in the Central Time Zone, as are all neighboring states except Michigan, which is in the Eastern Time Zone (with the exception of a small portion of the Upper Penn. which borders Wisconsin also in the central time zone).

Get in

By air

Unless flying to Milwaukee or Madison, it is often easier to enter Wisconsin by making a connection in another state. Midwest Airlines[2], with a hub in Milwaukee, serves most Wisconsin cities and is known for its excellent service but has limited service nationally. The most comprehensive service from a hub/hubs to Wisconsin is provided by Northwest Airlines [3] through either Minneapolis or Detroit. United [4] also provides frequent service to the southern two thirds of the state via Chicago O'Hare. American [5] has a substantial number of flights from Chicago O'Hare as well. Other carriers providing less frequent service include Continental (Cleveland and Newark), Delta (Cincinnati and Atlanta), Frontier (Denver) and US Airways.

Milwaukee handles a very limited number of flights from Toronto and some Mexican destinations. Travelers originating international will find the greatest number of flight options if they opt to make connections through Chicago O'Hare. Connections from international services are also available through Minneapolis and Detroit as well as Cincinnati.

By boat

These services are only available from late Spring through early Fall.

Lake Express, [6]. Car ferry between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Muskegon, Michigan. Two and a half hour trip.

S.S. Badger, [7]. Car ferry between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. Four hour trip.

By bus

Greyhound and Megabus serve Milwaukee, Madison, and other cities. Check their websites from services, schedules, and fares.

By rail

Amtrak connects Chicago to Milwaukee via the Hiawatha service. The Chicagoland Metra also has a line that stretches up all the way to Kenosha.

Get around

General

Getting Around Wisconsin Without A Car: A Public Transportation Guide (pdf) [8].

Automobile

Unless there is a sign saying otherwise, it is legal to make a right turn after stopping for a red light.

Bus

Greyhound busses provide travel throughout the state, along all major cities and towns along I-43, US 45, I-90, I-94, and more, servicing among others Appleton, Brookfield, Eau Claire, Fond du lac, Green Bay, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Racine, Stevens Point, Waukesha, Wisconsin Dells, and more.

Plane

Wisconsin has two international airports, Mitchell International in Milwaukee (MKE), which is a hub for Midwest Airlines and Austin Straubel International in Green Bay (GBR). Regional airports with scheduled service exist in Madison (MSN), Appleton (ATW), Wausau (CWA), Rhinelander (RHI), La Crosse (LSE), and Eau Claire (EAU). Service to the far western "Indianhead" region of the state can be found across the Minnesota border in Minneapolis (MSP) and Duluth (DLH). Travel by air within Wisconsin has become rather impractical in the last 25 years. Unless traveling to/from Milwaukee, travel between Wisconsin cities by air requires a connection in Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis or even Detroit. It is usually faster and less expensive to travel within the state via automobile.

Train

Amtrak has two lines that service the state. The Hiawatha has 7 daily roundtrips between Milwaukee and Chicago, with additional stops outside of Racine and at Mitchell Field Airport. The Empire Builder runs once daily, and effectively parallels I-94 to Chicago coming all the way from Seattle, Washington. The Train station has recently been remodeled into a nice clean and modern looking building located downtown.

See

Milwaukee has a number of good attractions:

Milwaukee Public Museum-has exhibits like a butterfly room, European village, and rainforest replica. There is also an IMAX theater

Milwaukee Art Museum-is an impressive lakefront building designed to resemble a sailboat, and contains much great art

Maier Lakefront Festival Park-This is where the world's largest music festival, Summerfest, is held. Other festivals are held here as well.

Miller Brewery Tours - The Miller brewery, 4251 West State St, a couple miles west of downtown, offers tours and samples.

Additionally, the city has many neighborhoods such as Bay View, Brady Street, Bronzeville (Martin Luther King Dr.), Riverwest and Third Ward which are known for shattering the stereotypical "beer, brats and bowling" views of many outsiders. These areas tend to pride themselves on their racial and/or social diversity and each are home to an eclectic mix of ethnic restaurants, shops, clothing boutiques, bars and nightclubs.

Madison is the state capital. The capitol building as one of the world's largest domes. The University of Wisconsin has several small museums and a large hill crowned by Bascom Hall. Connecting capitol square and the university is State Street, with many shops and ethnic restaurants. Other attractions include the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, UW Arborteum, and Henry Vilas Zoo.

Wisconsin Dells has many touristy attractions:

Noah's Ark - world's largest waterpark

Mt. Olympus-Competing water and go-gart park

Wisconsin Ducks & other tours-The Ducks and other boats provide tours of the scenic bluffs along the rivers of the area

Mini Golf Courses-There are many, like Pirate's Cove

Door County is a scenic peninsula with numerous sites. Peninsula State Park is the third largest in the state and has beaches, campsites, a lighthouse, and an observation tower high on a bluff. There are several other lighthouses, and wineries. The county is also well known for its cherries, and there are many stands selling them. Boats run to Washington Island off the northern tip, through and area littered with shipwrecks.

Do

Tourism is one of Wisconsin's largest industries, relying on Illini and others who enter during the summer for fishing and its parks and recreational facilities such as those in Wisconsin Dells, those entering during the fall for a very popular hunting season, and Winter for ice-fishing, ice-sailing, ice-skating, skiing, snowmobiling, and more.

If you look at your left hand, palm facing away from you, it looks like the shape of Wisconsin. Door County would be your thumb, a peninsula extending into Lake Michigan. Door County is well known as a vacation destination for family outing (esp. family reunions) and laid-back vacations. It has numerous apple and cherry orchards, boating on Lake Michigan, and many B&Bs.

Noah's Ark is "America's largest Waterpark" in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells is full of waterparks, amusement parks, shopping and shows. It also includes Tommy Bartlett's Watershow, one of the world's greatest waterski shows. Wisconsin Dells is also famous for its ducks, truck-like vehicles that can travel on land and sea that travel from lake to lake and along the rivers of "the Dells" to demonstrate the sights and nature.

Hiking, bicycling, and in the wintertime, cross country skiing are popular overland activities. Wisconsin was one of the first states to begin conversion of abandoned railroad right-of-ways into bicycle trails. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail traverses all parts of the state, extending for more than 1,600 km (1,000 miles), and offering evidence of Wisconsin's recent natural history. The most popular segments of this trail, since they are nearest to large urban centers, are in the Kettle Moraine region.

Eat

As a consequence of the large German immigration to Wisconsin, German meals found their way into the local eating habits. Bratwursts are common and well liked, with Sheboygan claiming to be the home of the bratwurst. The Bratwurst is a state delicacy served during summer cookouts, preferably boiled in beer prior to being grilled.

The modern hamburger was said to have been first served as a meatball-like product when its creator realized they stayed on the bun better if flattened. It was first sold at a Seymour, WI fair.

Frozen custard is also a Wisconsin delicacy not found often outside the Midwest. Frozen custard is similar to ice cream (it is NOT yogurt!). It is unique in that there is far less air in it (making it less "fluffy" and far more smooth and creamy). It contains egg, making it richer and creamier. It has an inappropriate reputation as unhealthy relative to ice cream when in fact most frozen custards have less calories, less fat and less sugar, being "less healthy" only in that it has slightly more cholesterol than ice cream.

Wisconsin and the surrounding area is famous for its dairy products, and there are various regional specialties following this theme. Even fast-food chain restaurants in this region often give the option of fried cheese curds as a side in addition to the more common french fries.

Drink

Alcohol Drinking Age

The alcohol drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. However, persons under age 21 and over the age of 16 who are with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse (if the spouse is 21 or over) may, at the discretion of the establishment, be sold and allowed to drink alcohol beverages. Ninteen and twenty year old military members can drink and purchase alcohol in bars and restaurants.

Beverages

Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Brewers - both the baseball team and numerous breweries. Until Pabst closed its Milwaukee brewery and began contracting out its production during the late 1990s Milwaukee was the brewing capital of the nation. Although only one major brewer (Miller) remains in the city, it's brewing heritage lives on in the large number of micro-breweries and brewpubs it has to offer. Some more famous "small" breweries in Wisconsin include Point (located in the college town of Stevens Point), City (formerly G Heileman), New Glarus, Berghoff, Leinenkugel (in Chippewa Falls) and Sprecher (the latter also makes many fine sodas). Many restaurants and bars have their own local breweries inside the facility such that patrons can see the tanks as they eat.

Grays Brewing is well know for its sodas using real grain sugar (rather than the fine, processed sugar used almost everywhere else in all American food) which gives the flavor a unique and outstanding flavor. Gray's makes primarily fruit-flavored sodas and reuses (not recycles) its bottles, so bring 'em back.

Point Brewing is now offering various sodas, including rootbeer, diet rootbeer, cream and other flavors. The tour of the brewery is said to be quite fun and extensive and concerts are held in the summer (Rock the Brewery).

Sprecher Brewing also is well known, and is gaining recognition nationwide, for its sodas, particularly its root beer and unique labels such as Orange Dream, Raven Red, etc. A Root Beer or Orange Dream float with vanilla Frozen Custard is about the best beverage one can find.

Sleep

Wisconsin offers the usual assortment of chain motels, usually located just off the interstate highways, as well as a number of larger resorts. Bed & Breakfasts-- from the one bedroom in a home to large, historic, buildings, and inns are also popular. Some areas, such as Baraboo also specialize in casino hotels.

Get out

Chicago, Illinois, is located just south of the southeast corner of Wisconsin.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula lies to the northeast of Wisconsin.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are located about 20 miles west of Wisconsin.

WEST VIRGINIA

2009-06-11T23:30:00.001-07:00

Overview

Surrounded by the Appalachians, the mountain state of West Virginia has a history of coal mining, poverty and physical isolation. Today, however, tourists flock to this beautiful region to enjoy historic sightseeing, Appalachian music and crafts, and an abundance of recreational sports, including skiing and other winter sports, mountain-biking, white-water rafting, hiking and fishing.

West Virginia [1] is a state in the Southern Region of the United States of America. It's often called the "Mountain State", being the only state in the USA to lie completely within a mountain range (in this case, the Appalachians). West Virginia is bordered by five states, on the south and east by Virginia, Maryland to the north and east, the north by Pennsylvania, the north and west by Ohio and Kentucky to the west.

Originally part of the state of Virginia, the residents of the counties that became West Virginia split from the rest of the state in part due to a disagreement over the issues of slavery and secession. These counties elected to remain with the Union, and the new state was born on June 20, 1863. The population of the state today is around 1.7 million people. The capital city is Charleston, and the state motto is "Mountaineers are always free."

Regions

Metro Valley - The state's urban center which includes the capital. This region borders Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.

Ohio Valley - Bordering the Ohio River and the western panhandle of the state.

New River and Greenbrier Valleys - The southernmost part of the state, with whitewater rafting and beautiful parklands.

Mountains and Lakes Country - West Virginia's technology corridor, bordering the south of Pennsylvania and the central part of the state, with lots of lakes, rivers and streams.

Potomac Highlands - Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains and the Monongahela National Forest, with much of the state's skiing and caving, this region contains an important part of the state's Civil War heritage.

Cities

Beckley — home to Tamarack ("the best of West Virginia") and an exhibition coal mine
Bluefield — West Virginia's highest city, nestled in the East River Mountains
Charleston — the state capital and cultural center
Fairmont — home of the original pepperoni roll
Harpers Ferry — a major Civil War site and West Virginia's most popular tourist destination
Huntington — location of Marshall University
Morgantown — stomping grounds of the West Virginia University Mountaineers
Parkersburg — location of Blennerhassett Island
Wheeling — Victorian architecture and a popular casino

Other destinations

Blackwater Falls State Park — the most photographed location in West Virginia, running through a gorge along the Blackwater River
Monongahela National Forest — over 919,000 acres of forest stretching from near Elkins to Richwood

Understand

The gold-domed Capitol building in Charleston, on the banks of the Kanawha River

Once considered the southernmost of the North, the northernmost of the South, the easternmost of the West, and the westernmost of the East, West Virginia is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Ohio River to the west. Rich in natural resources, physical beauty, and traditional culture, West Virginia's charm is that of being "off the beaten path". West Virginia is a destination for white water rafting, kayaking, skiing, climbing, golf, mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading. It is the only state that is entirely contained in Appalachia. Its location between the mid-west and eastern seaboard of the United States means that over 60% of the United States population lives less than 500 miles from West Virginia.

West Virginia is abundant in natural resources, being primarily known as a major producer of coal since the 1800s — in fact, it's the number-two coal producing state in the US [2]. However, it has never been a particularly wealthy state, particularly outside the larger towns; per capita income is quite low, and the poverty levels are some of the highest in the nation. From the point of view of the traveller, this isn't necessarily a negative. The people in rural areas may not have much material wealth, but they're down-to-earth, grateful for what they have, and very friendly and hospitable, and this attitude toward life generally applies to people in the larger cities as well. You'll receive a very warm welcome, as long as you respect their Southern politeness and try to return it in kind (which means: be patient, smile, engage in small talk, and no jokes about hillbillies or inbreeding).

As a visitor, you'll find that West Virginia has a lot to offer. There's beautiful natural scenery, quaint mountain towns, delicious down-home country food, traditional handicrafts, lots of pioneer and Civil War history, outdoor activities of the rollicking and stately varieties, and great cultural opportunities. The pace of life is slow and relaxed, but with so many exciting things to do, West Virginia is a wonderful destination for a quiet getaway or a weekend adventure.

Talk

Given its position as a boundary state between the North and the South, your perception of the West Virginia dialect will probably depend on where you're from. People from the North think that West Virginians have a Southern accent, whereas people from the South perceive them as speaking a more Northern dialect. Nevertheless, most West Virginians do have at least a bit of a Southern twang, particularly if you venture into the more remote mountain communities.

There is no single West Virginia dialect. In areas of the state which border Ohio and Pennsylvania, the pronounciations tend to be more northern, with the primary marker being the long "I" sound. Some will voice the dipthong "aye" in the northern style, while others make the "ah" sound. Those in the interior of the state speak in a manner more like people from Kentucky or southern Virginia.

Variations in dialects can be traced to immigration patterns. The coal fields of the southeastern part of the state were the destination of miners immigrating from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In the more industrialized areas along the Ohio River, the immigrant population was comprised of large numbers of eastern European immigrants.

In the most southern part of the state, there are communities which are almost entirely African-American. During the mine wars of the late 1800s, mine owners hired former slaves from the southern states to replace striking miners. Because these communities tend to be segregated (by choice), the dialects of the southern slaves live on in their speech.

Get in

By car

There are three main interstates in West Virginia: I-64 crosses the lower third of the state from Kentucky into Huntington, through Charleston and Beckley, and then past Lewisburg into Virginia. I-77 moves up the western third of the state, from Virginia into Bluefield, through Charleston and then past Parkersburg into Ohio. I-79 begins in Charleston and continues through Morgantown into Pennsylvania.

Interstates that only cross a piece of West Virginia include I-70, which crosses from Ohio to Pennsylvania through the northern panhandle, past Wheeling; I-68, which branches off I-79 near Morgantown and passes through Preston County into Maryland; and I-81, which crosses from Virginia into Maryland and Pennsylvania through the eastern panhandle, past Martinsburg.

By bus

Greyhound [3] stops in Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg and Wheeling.

By train

Amtrak [4] offers two routes that pass through West Virginia.

The Cardinal route — between New York and Chicago tri-weekly — stops in White Sulphur Springs (WSS), Alderson (ALD), Hinton (HIN), Prince (PRC), Thurmond (THN), Montgomery (MNG), Charleston (CHW) and Huntington (HUN).

The Capitol Limited route — between Washington, D.C. and Chicago daily — stops in Harpers Ferry (HFY) and Martinsburg (MRB).

The Maryland Rail Commuter [5] ferries passengers between Martinsburg and Washington, D.C. on weekdays.

By plane

West Virginia is served by one major airport:

Yeager Airport (IATA: CRW), [6] in Charleston. Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways offer over 70 flights daily to 10 major cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

There are over 30 smaller airports in the state, seven of which offer regular commercial flights to other cities:

Harrison/Marion Regional Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg. Continental offers daily flights to Cleveland.

Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) [7] in Lewisburg. Delta and US Airways offer daily flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, New York and Washington, D.C.

Mercer County Airport (BLF) in Bluefield. Colgan Air offers daily flights to Washington, D.C.

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB) [8] in Parkersburg. Continental offers daily flights to Cleveland.

Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) [9] in Morgantown. Continental offers daily flights to Cleveland.

Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) [10] in Beckley. Colgan Air offers daily flights to Washington, D.C.

Tri-State Airport (HTS) [11] in Huntington. Delta and US Airways offer daily flights to Charlotte and Cincinnati.

Get around

By car

The best way to see the state is definitely by driving, as West Virginia is generally lacking in reliable statewide public transportation. Many towns are basically inaccessible except by car, as is some of the best scenery. But be careful — off the main highways, the roads often loop around the mountaintops, which makes for some stunning views but also requires careful driving. Hairpin curves around mountain roads are not to be taken at high speeds, and the smaller country roads don't always have guard rails. Many such turns are also at steep inclines - make sure you engine brake and obey all speed limit signs. Do not follow too closely to coal trucks, lest your windshield be cracked by falling hunks of coal.

By Motorcycle

Motorcyclists will tell you that the best way to see the state is definitely by motorcycle. The warnings about hairpin curves and smaller country roads do apply, but those roads are motorcycling nirvana - endless curves and elevation changes. The state even encourages motorcycle tourism, offering pamphlets with suggested tour routes.

By bus

Although there aren't any statewide bus lines, many of the metropolitan areas have their own inter-area bus systems.

Lakefront Lines [12] also offers a daily service between Parkersburg and Charleston.

By train

There are several scenic train lines, if you want to view some of West Virginia's picturesque landscapes from the comfort of an excursion train:

The Cass Scenic Railroad [13] offers trips on a restored locomotive near Marlinton in Cass.

The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad [14] has several picturesque lines that travel through the eastern part of the state.

New River Excursions [15] offers fall foliage trips through the New River Gorge Valley.

The New River Gorge Mystery Train [16] boards passengers primarily in Huntington, Charleston, Beckley and White Sulphur Springs for scenic day, overnight or weekend trips to West Virginia beauty spots or historic destinations in the eastern US.

The Potomac Eagle [17] in Romney follows the course of the Potomac River on weekends from May through September, and daily for three weeks in October.

See

The beautiful natural scenery. Just driving around backwoods West Virginia, with its hills and creeks and rivers and forests and mountaintop vistas, is a wonderful experience in and of itself. There are lots of out-of-the-way wonders to be discovered, and quite a few scenic routes, including the Coal Heritage Trail from Bluefield to Beckley, the Midland Trail along route 60 from Huntington to White Sulphur Springs, and the Highland Scenic Highway from Richwood to north of Marlinton.

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge near Davis. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia.

The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs near Lewisburg, is probably the best-known resort and spa in West Virginia. It's a beautiful white building on 6,500 acres of land with golf courses, shops, and even a once-secret underground bunker for the President to use in the event of an international crisis.

Harpers Ferry was the site of a raid on the US Arsenal by abolitionist John Brown in 1859, an event that was a precursor to the Civil War. Today there's a national historic park on the site.

West Virginia University in Morgantown has museums, an arboretum, and a loyal football following.

Visit the Victorian downtown, scenic Ohio River waterfront and Oglebay Park in Wheeling. In nearby Moundsville, you can see the country's largest Adena burial mound, with an adjacent museum explaining the culture and customs of this Native American tribe.

The Swiss village of Helvetia, founded in 1869, with Swiss-themed events and festivals during the year.

Paranormal buffs might enjoy visiting Point Pleasant, site of the famous Mothman sightings in the 1960s. There's a Mothman festival every September.

The state capitol, Charleston, boasts a gold-covered Capitol Dome and some of the best cultural activities in the state.

The nation's oldest five-and-dime store, Berdine's Five and Dime, is located near Parkersburg in Harrisville.

Blennerhassett Island is a historical state park near Parkersburg with a mansion, wagon ride tours and nature walks.

History buffs will also enjoy touring Jackson's Mill Historic Area, which has links to the family of Stonewall Jackson, near Weston.

West Virginia is the site of the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud; the Hatfield family cemetery, with a marble statue of patriarch "Devil Anse", is near Logan.

The Civil War Discovery Trail, which covers 32 states, has 14 sites in West Virginia.

Do

West Virginia's rugged nature lends itself well to outdoor sports like fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, biking, camping, golfing, windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving. However, much of West Virginia's outdoor tourism comes from two particular sources:

If you like to hit the slopes, there are several popular ski resorts in the state:

Alpine Lake, near Terra Alta
Canaan Valley, near Elkins
Elk River Touring Center, near Marlinton
Snowshoe Mountain, near Elkins
Timberline, near Elkins
Winterplace, near Beckley

White-water rafting is also extremely popular and can be done on several rivers in the state, although the most popular — and the most commercial — are the New River and the Gauley River near Fayetteville.

West Virginia also has an abundance of caverns and underground grottos to tour.

Lost World Caverns near Lewisburg
Organ Cave near Lewisburg
Seneca Caverns near Elkins
Smoke Hole Caverns near Elkins

There are 48 state parks and forests in West Virginia; some of the notable ones are:

Berkeley Springs State Park near Berkeley Springs, with its warm mineral-water spas.
Cathedral State Park near Aurora is a national historic landmark with old-growth forest.
Hawks Nest State Park near Fayetteville features a tram up to a lodge overlooking the New River Gorge.
Pipestem Resort State Park near Princeton has scenic overlooks of the Bluestone Gorge.
Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Weston is home to the Stonewall Resort, one of West Virginia's premier resorts and conference centers.

On Bridge Day, in October, you can also go BASE jumping or rappelling from the scenic New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville, the longest steel-arch bridge in the western hemisphere.

Explore West Virginia's coal heritage by driving the Coal Heritage Trail from Bluefield to Beckley, where you can visit the Exhibition Coal Mine.

Buy

Being a coal state, West Virginia gift shops routinely stock coal sculptures, which are surprisingly lightweight and make for a unique souvenir. However, they're frequently tacky (with googly eyes glued onto bears, turtles, what have you), so you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for the really nice ones.

A major West Virginia industry is handblown glass, with several very nice factories whose wares can be found in gift shops statewide. Some of the major ones are below, although other prominent local glass factories and sales outlets can be found in Weston, Morgantown and Wheeling.

Blenko Glass near Huntington
Fenton Art Glass near Parkersburg
Hinkle's Dying Art Glass in Buckhannon

If you're looking for a one-stop-shop to peruse a variety of local specialties, there are a couple of really good markets in the state:

Tamarack is a statewide collection of handmade crafts, art and cuisine showcasing the best of West Virginia. It's located in a large complex near Beckley, and is well worth a stop if you're travelling up I-77 and want to purchase something really nice from the state.

The Flatwoods Factory Outlet Stores near Sutton is home to Poplar Forest, a cooperative representing over 200 juried West Virginia artists and craftsmen.

Eat

Traditional West Virginia cooking is broadly similar to Southern cuisine, but it's technically part of the Appalachian style of cooking, which was mostly subsistence-based, meaning that people ate what they could grow or catch themselves. This style of cooking emphasizes wild or cultivated plants, berries, nuts, wild game and corn. While this does mean that some West Virginians eat opossum, squirrel and raccoon, you won't find them on any restaurant menus (unless you visit the Roadkill Cook-off in Marlinton). Foods like fried chicken, sausage, cornbread, green and pinto beans, greens, squash casserole, mashed potatoes, fresh cucumbers and onions, ripe tomatoes, pickles and berry cobbler are commonly found throughout the state.

The pepperoni roll is an unexpected little West Virginia specialty that was reportedly invented in Fairmont in 1927, and was often used as a miner's lunch in early days. It's a soft bread roll with pepperoni baked inside, yielding a moist and spicy snack; variations include slices versus strips of pepperoni, the inclusion of cheese (pepper jack, mozzarella or provolone), tomato sauce and banana peppers. They're popular throughout the state, ubiquitous in convenience stores, and can be found from small family bakeries up through local eateries. Country Club bakery, the reported home of the original pepperoni roll, is still making them.

One of West Virginia's most famous (or infamous?) foods is the ramp, or wild leek, a wild onion similar to a scallion that is much beloved in the area, even though the flavor is so potent that the garlicky scent will linger on a person for days after consuming them. There are even ramp festivals throughout the state in spring, with the best-known being held in Elkins, Richwood and Helvetia. Usually served family style, typical offerings include ham, fried potatoes, stewed and raw ramps, and soup beans.

As with many country communities, home canning is a popular activity in West Virginia. You'll see lots of home-canned vegetables, pickles, jellies and jams for sale around the state, with apple butter being a particular favorite. In fact, West Virginia's state fruit is the apple — specifically, the yellow Golden Delicious, which was discovered in West Virginia and has been grown in the state since 1912. There are apple butter festivals every September near Logan and October in Berkeley Springs and Salem, as well as apple festivals in October in Martinsburg and Clay, the home of the Golden Delicious.

West Virginia has lots of mountain streams brimming with river fish, and the brook trout — the state fish — is commonly found on local menus.

Local specialties

Buckwheat from Preston County, used (along with local pork) to make their famous annual buckwheat cake and sausage dinners in September.

Swiss cheese from Helvetia, a local tradition since the 1800s.

Drink

Although most people probably think of home-distilled whiskey and moonshine when they think of West Virginia, the state has a burgeoning wine industry these days. Wineries can be found all over the state; some also produce specialty products like mead and fruity melomel, and cooking wine made from ramps. A small selection of wineries is below:

Forks of Cheat Winery in Morgantown
Kirkwood Winery in Summersville
Lambert's Vintage Wines in Weston
Roane Vineyards in Spencer
Wolf Creek Winery near Lewisburg

However, if you really want to sample local moonshine, you can still get it at legal distilleries in the state:

West Virginia Distilling Company in Morgantown
Isaiah Morgan Distillery in Summersville

West Virginia also has a number of microbreweries, including:

Blackwater Brewing Company in Davis
Mountain State Brewing Company in Thomas
North End Tavern & Brewery in Parkersburg
West Virginia Brewing Company in Morgantown

Sleep

Along with the usual assortment of hotels and mom-and-pop motels, West Virginia has a number of fine resorts and spas if you're looking for luxury accommodations.

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia's best-known hotel.

Coolfont Resort in Berkeley Springs.

Stonewall Resort in Roanoke.

Snowshoe Mountain and Timberline Four Seasons Resort near Elkins.

The Resort at Glade Springs [18], 255 Resort Drive, Daniels, Phone: 800- 634-5233. Located in Daniels, West Virginia, this resort spa offers quality lodging accommodations and vacation activities. Choose between golf, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and ski vacation packages for an ideal outdoor vacation to West Virginia.

Canaan Valley Resort, [19] in Davis is set on 6,300 acres of land along the Monongahela National Forest. The West Virginia resort is surrounded by 18 miles of trails and offers various activities including golf, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Canaan Valley Resort also offers secluded lodges, complete with a fireplace and full kitchen, and campgrounds.

Stay safe

Be careful when driving on mountain roads, especially in the winter. The roads can be very steep, hairpin turns are common, most roads outside main traffic routes are unpaved, and if you're driving in the mountains, you may find yourself on the edge of a very steep drop with at most a guardrail to protect you. In the winter, West Virginia is susceptible to fairly large snowfalls, which can make the roads treacherous if not impassable, particularly if your car doesn't have good traction on the inclines.

As you're driving, you'll also notice road signs at certain locations advising you to be alert for rockfalls in the vicinity. Many of the roads in the state were cut right through the mountains, giving you interesting geological sights as you drive, but bad weather and erosion can lead to rocks coming loose and tumbling down onto traffic below. It's not at all common, but it does occur, so pay attention to the signs and keep alert.

If you're in the state to partake of its outdoor adventures, be sure you follow the usual precautions. During hunting season, wear hunter's blaze orange clothing if you go into the woods. If you're canoeing or whitewater rafting, be sure to keep a lifejacket on. And if you're into extreme sports, don't take unnecessary risks; more than one experienced BASE jumper has perished at the annual Bridge Day festivities, most recently in 2006.

Unleashed dogs are abundant, especially on back roads. Carry a large walking stick and pepper spray when hiking and don't venture uninvited onto posted property.

In the woods, it's also wise to take precautions against insect-borne diseases. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are both spread by ticks, and West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, both of which are common in West Virginia forests. Fortunately, the diseases themselves are fairly uncommon in the state, but it never hurts to stay safe. Wear long clothes that cover your skin, use a good insect repellent, and check your body for ticks as soon as you return indoors.

Stay out of abandoned coal mines, which can be full of hazards such as rotten timber supports, unstable ground, rats, snakes, undetonated explosives, blasting caps, explosive methane gas, and pockets of "blackdamp" or air without enough oxygen to support life.

In terms of natural disasters, West Virginia is quite a safe place to be. Earthquakes are practically nonexistent [20], it's far enough inland that hurricanes are rarely a major problem, and the mountain range seems to discourage tornadoes from forming, although the state does average about two per year. [21] The most common type of natural disaster in the state is flooding, which can be a serious problem, so pay attention to news bulletins during periods of heavy rain, and stay away from affected areas. [22]

Get out

On the eastern and southern border, Virginia, of which West Virginia was originally a part, has Shenandoah National Park and Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson.

To the west, Kentucky is rich in horse related attractions, including the Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Derby.

Three states are on the northern border. Ohio has the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the only Y-shaped bridge in the world. Pennsylvania is the home to five-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and to the Gettysburg Battlefield. Maryland is where The Star Spangled Banner was written and is home to the US Naval Academy.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

2009-06-11T23:29:00.001-07:00

Overview

'DC' stands for ‘District of Columbia', not a state, but an administrative district and the seat of government for the United States, created specifically to avoid having the capital city in any one state. Washington, DC is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined streets, white marble buildings and, unlike most other US cities, no skyscrapers, giving it a more European air.

The city has an abundance of museums and national monuments, most of which charge no admission. The most famous building is the White House, home of the US President. In the spring, the cherry blossoms lining the tidal basin of the Potomac River add a festive feel to this beautiful city.

DC is the centre for visiting diplomats and has one of the largest concentrations of hotel and motel rooms in the country. Tourism is the leading private industry and business interests are increasingly attracted by the many light-industrial, high-tech and research companies now moving into the region.

The ‘Metro area' refers to the District of Columbia and surrounding counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, D.C. is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Washington, D.C., [1], formally the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States of America. It is a planned city, designed specifically to house the federal government, and is not part of any state. Its history, beautiful architecture, and excellent cultural centers attract millions of visitors each year. Washington, D.C., is bordered by the states of Virginia and Maryland.

Districts

Virtually all of D.C.'s tourists flock to the Mall—a two-mile long, beautiful stretch of parkland that comprises many of the city's monuments and museums—but the city itself is a vibrant metropolis that often has little to do with monuments, politics, or white, neoclassical buildings. The Smithsonian is a can't miss, but don't trick yourself—you haven't really been to D.C. until you've seen some of the neighborhoods.

Downtown (The National Mall, East End, West End, Waterfront)
The center of it all: The National Mall, D.C.'s main theater district, Smithsonian and non-Smithsonian museums galore, fine dining, Chinatown, the Verizon Center, the Convention Center, the central business district, the White House, West Potomac Park, the Kennedy Center, George Washington University, the beautiful Tidal Basin, and the new Nationals Stadium.

North Central (Dupont Circle, Shaw, Adams Morgan-Columbia Heights)
D.C.'s trendiest and most diverse neighborhoods and destination #1 for live music and clubbing, as well as loads of restaurants, Howard University, boutique shopping, beautiful embassies, Little Ethiopia, jazz on U Street, and lots of nice hotels.

West (Georgetown, Upper Northwest)
The prestigious, wealthy side of town, home to the historic village of Georgetown with its energetic nightlife & fine dining, the National Zoo, the National Cathedral, Dumbarton Oaks, the bulk of D.C.'s high-end shopping, more of Embassy Row, American University, and plenty of nice dining strips.

East (Capitol Hill, Brookland-Takoma-Petworth, Anacostia)
Starting at the Capitol Building and Library of Congress, and fanning out past grandiose Union Station and the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, to the less often visited neighborhoods by Gallaudet and Catholic Universities, historic black Anacostia, D.C.'s "Little Vatican" around the National Shrine, the huge National Arboretum, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, bohemian nightlife in the Atlas District, and a handful of eccentric neighborhoods to explore.

Understand

A city of many names Washington, D.C., is known to locals as simply D.C. or the District, and it is rare to hear it called anything else. The full title Washington, D.C., and the official name, District of Columbia, are rarely used unless the speaker is trying to clearly distinguish the city from the state.

Washington, D.C., was established in 1790 by the United States Congress, as a federal city exclusively under the control of the national government. The District of Columbia was originally carved out of both Virginia and Maryland. The land ceded by Virginia was returned to that state in 1846; the city's current territory is comprised of only land ceded by Maryland. The city was subsequently named for George Washington, who selected the city's exact location on the Potomac River. Designed by architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant, Washington was built to have wide avenues radiating from traffic circles, providing for maximum open space and landscaping. Laws to regulate building heights provide Washington with a low skyline devoid of skyscrapers present in other cities.

Relatively few residents are native Washingtonians. Most recent census figures report that about 50% of the population has relocated in the past 5 years. Virtually all cultures, languages and religions are present and accepted. Spanish-speaking Washingtonians are overwhelmingly Central American, mostly from El Salvador. Most of D.C.'s African immigrants are of West African origin, but there are also significant and visible Somali and Ethiopian communities. Most of the city's native born population is comprised of African-Americans, who are in turn a clear majority within the District. In the immediate metro area, a whopping one third of the population is foreign born.

The District of Columbia is under the ultimate control of the U.S. Congress. Since 1973, city residents have been able to elect a Mayor as well as representatives to the D.C. City Council. However, Congress retains the right to overturn laws passed by the city council. The nearly 600,000 citizens residing in Washington, D.C., do not have voting representation in Congress because the District is not a state. As a reminder to visitors that D.C. residents are taxed but are unable to vote for Congress, District license plates feature the slogan "Taxation Without Representation"—the slogan used to denounce British rule before the Revolutionary War.

D.C. suffers from some very serious cultural divides within its population. The city is a sometimes uncomfortable blend of the semi-transient professional population and permanent residents. But the huge divide is racial and economic, between the city's poorer east side, which is in large areas nearly 100% African-American, and its wealthier west side (west of Rock Creek), largely white. This divide has caused some tension as a citywide wave of neighborhood rebuilding and improvement is riding in the wake of young professionals, whose tight budgets and distaste for long daily commutes have in recent years driven them to move into poorer D.C. neighborhoods in search of low rent and easy access to city amenities.

Culture

D.C. has been and remains one of the nation's most significant centers of African American culture. Until the 1920s it was home to the largest black population of any city, and the first black-majority city in the country. It is home to Howard University, one of the most important historically black colleges. U Street was known as "Black Broadway", with Duke Ellington performing in many of its venues. D.C. has been the hometown of many other significant African-American figures of history and culture, including Fredrick Douglass.

Washington, D.C., is also a center of deaf culture, as hometown to Gallaudet University, one of the few universities in the world with a primary mission to educate the hearing impaired. The District is also home to one of the country's most prominent GLBT communities, centered around Dupont Circle.

Planning your visit

Before heading to D.C., research which events will coincide with your visit. Major international conferences, political events, or protests can hinder your sightseeing tour in dramatic fashion, and also send lodging prices through the roof. From Thanksgiving to New Year's is a much calmer time to visit, when the U.S. Congress takes its extended vacation. This means fewer official visitors, elected officials, and their staff members; transportation becomes less crowded and there are overall fewer people in the city.

Get in

By plane

Washington, D.C., is served by three major airports.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA), [2] located in Arlington, Virginia on the west bank of the Potomac River just south of the city, is the closest and most convenient. Walkways connect the concourse level of the B and C terminals to the Washington Metro rail's Blue/Yellow Line platform; the walk from the A terminal to the metro takes 5 to 10 minutes, or you can take a shuttle bus to the main (B-C) terminal. To get downtown (10 minutes), take the Yellow Line toward Mt Vernon Square/UDC (off-peak toward Fort Totten). For destinations to the west, take the Blue Line toward Largo Town Center. A taxi trip to downtown costs about $15.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD), [3] is located at Dulles (pronounced Dull-ess), Virginia, 26 miles west of downtown Washington. To get into the city, the most convenient option may be the Washington Flyer coach [4], which operates every half hour to and from the West Falls Church Metro (Orange Line). It takes 20-25 minutes and costs $10 one way or $18 round trip. The Metro rail service from West Falls Church to downtown D.C. takes another 20-25 minutes. The cheapest option is the 5A Metrobus, an express bus which makes stops at Herndon, Tysons Corner, Rosslyn (Blue and Orange Lines) and downtown L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, and Orange Lines). It generally departs every 40 minutes on weekdays and hourly (though not on the hour) on weekends and takes 50-60 minutes to the city; the fare is $3 each way. Ask the people at the information booth in the lower level of the airport terminal, near the baggage claim, which bus will be coming sooner. They also can direct you to the bus stop. (5A timetable and map (pdf): [5]) A taxi trip to downtown costs about $50.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI), [6] is in Maryland and is 30 miles north-east of D.C. and 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore. Metro operates the hourly B30 express Metrobus to the Greenbelt Metro Station (Green Line). It boards on the lower level outside the International Pier. The fare is $3.10 each way and it takes about 30 minutes. The driver does not provide change. The Metro rail service from Greenbelt to downtown takes another 25 minutes approximately. A taxi trip to downtown Washington costs about $60. There are also train services via MARC or Amtrak from BWI Rail Station. From BWI Airport, a free "Amtrak/MARC" shuttle bus runs from the airport terminal to the BWI Rail Station. MARC [7] local rail operates weekdays to New Carrollton (Orange Line) for $5 each way, or Washington Union Station (Red Line) for $6. Amtrak [8] provides access to Union Station (from $13; 30-35 minutes) and to nearby Alexandria, Virginia near the King Street Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines (from $27).

By train

Amtrak services arrive from all over the country, particularly the Northeast Corridor (Boston-to-Richmond). All stop at downtown Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, on Metro's Red Line — a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol steps. Amtrak's Capitol Limited comes from Chicago, passing through Pittsburgh, before arriving in D.C. A few lines also stop in adjacent Alexandria, Virginia, very close to King Street Metro, on the Yellow and Blue lines. If you are coming from the south, it might be easier to stop there, depending on your destination.

Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) [9] provides service to Baltimore, via either the Camden or the Penn Line. The two lines run to separate parts of Baltimore with different stops along the way, and limited reverse service from Washington. Only the Penn Line stops at BWI Airport. The MARC Penn line shares trains, tracks and ticketing with Amtrak on the high-speed Northeast Corridor between Washington Union Station and Baltimore Union Station, which also serves New Carrollton and BWI Airport. Only Amtrak runs on weekends. MARC also provides service on the Brunswick line towards western Maryland, all the way past Harpers Ferry, with stops also at the Rockville and Silver Spring, in Maryland. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) [10] provides rail service from the southwest, starting in Virginia suburbs of Manassas and Fredericksburg, for those who do not wish to drive into the metropolitan area.

By car

Washington, D.C., is primarily served by I-95 from Baltimore, MD or Richmond, VA. I-95 South is particularly bad on Friday afternoons and any time people are likely to be going to the beach. Other interstates of note are:

I-495 is the D.C. Beltway (or simply "the Beltway"). The Beltway is reviled across the nation for its traffic congestion (particularly during rush hour, when it rivals the Cross-Bronx Expressway in New York City as the most miserable highway in the United States). On the East side of the city, I-495 follows I-95. Particularly bad spots include:
- the inner loop (clockwise) between I-66 and I-95 and also approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the morning rush (Virginia)
- the inner loop (clockwise) between the western VA/MD border through the merge with I-270
- the outer loop (counterclockwise) between I-95 Springfield and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge during the afternoon rush (Virginia)
- the outer loop (counterclockwise) in Maryland between I-95 and I-270.

Again, only travel on the Beltway during rush hour if you absolutely, positively cannot leave your car and walk.

I-270 connects I-70 in Frederick, MD to I-495 in Bethesda, MD.
I-395 connects downtown with the I-495/I-95 interchange in Northern Virginia.
I-295 connects downtown with I-495/I-95 at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Southern Prince George's County, MD.
I-66 starts at the western part of downtown and goes 75 miles west, ending near Front Royal, VA.
Route 50 traverses the city from east to west, heading east toward Annapolis, MD and Ocean City, MD (the latter by way of the Bay Bridge), and west across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge into Northern Virginia and parts west.
The Baltimore-Washington Parkway (also "B-W Parkway") starts at I-295, crossing central Maryland, passing near Baltimore-Washington International Airport and terminating in Baltimore.

Inside the beltway, I-66 is HOV-2 only eastbound from 7AM to 9AM and westbound from 4PM to 6:30 PM. The HOV-2 restriction applies to the entire highway, not just specific lanes. US-50, US-29, and the George Washington Parkway are the alternatives.

Interestingly enough, while MD/DC 295 (the Baltimore-Washington Parkway) will take you from Maryland right into the city, it doesn't allow you to directly connect to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway westbound. You can exit at Pennsylvania Avenue Eastbound and follow the throngs making illegal u-turns to then be facing westbound (towards downtown) or proceed to Howard Road and then cross the Anacostia River on South Capitol Street, which takes you to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. I-295 Northbound does connect to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway Westbound. The converse is also true: the Southeast-Southwest Freeway Eastbound does not connect to DC 295 Northbound- it only connects to I-295 southbound. To gain entrance onto DC 295 Northbound, stay left on the Southeast-Southwest Freeway and exit onto Pennsylvania Avenue, which will then let you turn left and enter 295 North.

By bus

Greyhound, [11]. The stop for Washington, D.C., is at 1005 1st St NE, which is a few blocks north of Union Station (where you can catch the Red Line Metrorail). Current fares are around $20 (or $35 for a return ticket) from New York City. Please note that these prices require a 3 day in advance purchase. There are other Greyhound stations located in Silver Spring, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

Apex Bus, [12]. The stop for Washington, D.C., is on 610 Eye St. NW. Prices are $20 ( or $35 for a return ticket) from New York City. No advance purchase is required.

Vamoose Bus, [13]. At $25, Vamoose runs from Penn Station in New York to Bethesda MD, (10 steps from the Washington Metro), [14] , which will take you all over the city, and continues to Arlington VA; also Metro accessible. The buses are very clean, and stop right on the street, avoiding the chaos of D.C. bus terminals, and the New York Port Authority. Make sure to make a reservation online because this service is popular!

Megabus [15] provides service from New York City; fares start at $1 when ordered far enough in advance. Buses arrive and depart at the southeastern corner of 11th St NW and G St NW, in front of an entrance to the Metro Center metro station.

BoltBus [16] provides service from New York City; fares start at $1 when ordered far enough in advance. Buses arrive and depart at 11th St NW and H St NW, near Metro Center.

Goto Bus, [17]. You can search several carriers through this site. Sometimes discounts are given from this site.

A number of independent bus companies [18] run between New York City and Washington, D.C..

Get around

City layout

The city is split into four quadrants of unequal size, whose boundaries extend from the United States Capitol building: Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW). City roads are laid out in a grid, with east-west streets primarily named with letters, and north-south streets named with numbers. Further, diagonal avenues named primarily after states extend from traffic circles and squares.

Due to the fact that street names extend into all four quadrants, all street addresses include the quadrant suffix to indicate its location (e.g. M Street NW). The Northwest quadrant is the largest and home to most places of interest to visitors, although a few major tourist locations fall into the other three quadrants; for example, Union Station and the Supreme Court are in the Northeast quadrant, the Tidal Basin and Bureau of Engraving and Printing are in Southwest, and the Library of Congress is in Southeast).

The grid has a few peculiarities which are a legacy from Pierre L'Enfant's 18th century plan for the city. There is no J Street in Washington because at the time, the letters I and J were easily confused and often considered to be the same letter.

Public transportation

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, known as WMATA [19], operates the city's public transportation system. The hub-and-spoke rail system is integrated with an extensive bus system. A car is often a hindrance in the District, particularly for tourists; public transportation is often the fastest way to get around.

The city's subway system is most commonly referred to as "the Metro." The system includes five intersecting rail lines, which stop in most major neighborhoods and multiple locations downtown. The Metro system is widely considered to be safe, reliable, and clean. Metro publishes a pocket guide indicating which line and stop to take for various landmarks.

There are several rules and tips to keep in mind while traveling on Metro:

Absolutely no food or drink is allowed on trains or in stations. Metro employees and police officers will ask you to dispose of any food before entering. Violators are subject to fines or arrest.
On escalators, it is customary to stand to the right to allow other passengers to pass on the left side.
Allow riders to exit a train before attempting to board.
Do not attempt to prevent sliding doors from closing. Unlike elevator doors, train doors do not re-open automatically.

Metro rail lines are color-coded. In some areas, two different color train lines may share the same track. Additionally, trains may terminate before reaching the end of the line, especially during rush hour. Therefore, be careful to note both the color and final destination indicated on the electronic displays and train cars before boarding.

Red Line — forms a long "U" from suburban Montgomery County, Maryland through downtown D.C. Attractions on the Red Line include the Union Station (Amtrak), the Verizon Center, the National Zoo, and the National Basilica. Every other outbound Red Line train terminates at the Grosvenor and Silver Spring stations on weekdays from 7-9:30AM and 4-6:30PM.
Yellow Line — links Fort Totten station to Alexandria via the Washington Convention Center, the Verizon Center, the 14th Street Bridge, and Reagan National Airport. Yellow Line service operates between Mt. Vernon Square and Fort Totten stations EXCEPT on weekdays from 5-9:30AM and 3-7:00PM.
Green Line — forms a "C" linking Greenbelt and Suitland, Maryland through downtown D.C. Destinations include the University of Maryland, Columbia Heights, U Street, the Southwest Waterfront, Nationals Stadium, and historic Anacostia.
Blue Line — links Largo Town Center, Maryland to Franconia, Virginia through downtown D.C. Destinations include the city of Alexandria, Reagan National Airport, Arlington Cemetery, Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom, the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and RFK Stadium.
Orange Line — links Vienna, Virginia to New Carrollton, Maryland through downtown D.C. Destinations include the Wilson Boulevard entertainment corridor, Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom, the National Mall, RFK Stadium, and the New Carrollton Amtrak station.

Metrorail Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday: 5AM to Midnight Friday: 5AM to 3AM Saturday: 7AM to 3AM Sunday: 7AM to Midnight

When riding Metro late at night, be aware of when the last train leaves each particular station. This information is available both online and within Metro stations. All trains continue to the end of their respective lines, even after the system has technically closed; there is no need to worry that a train will stop before you reach your destination. The last train in each direction will pause at major transfer stations to allow riders to board the appropriate line.

The Metro fare system [20] is complicated and varies based on the day, time, and distance of the trip. During peak times, weekdays between 5-9:30AM and 3-7:00PM and weekends from 2AM to closing, fares cost between $1.65 and $4.50. At all other times, fares cost between $1.35 and $2.35. Posted guides will help you calculate the appropriate fare.

Fares are paid by purchasing a farecard at automated machines within stations. Riders use the card at the faregates once to enter the system and again to exit. Riders must have enough money on their farecard in order to leave the system. A number of flat-rate Metro passes [21] are available that give riders an unlimited number of trips within the system for a set number of days. These passes eliminate the need for riders to calculate their own fares and are available in each station at many of the automated machines that sell standard farecards.

Parking is available at many suburban stations for a flat cost of $4.50-4.75 per day, depending on the station. The Anacostia, Franconia-Springfield, Largo Town Center, Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, Shady Grove, and New Carrollton metro stations accept payment with a credit card. All other stations require the use of a commuter "SmarTrip" debit card in order to leave the lot. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays.

Bus system

Once intimidating to visitors, Washington's bus system has become more visitor-friendly and reaches destinations that are not adequately served by the Metro. Bus service also provides travelers the opportunity to experience some of D.C.'s eclectic neighborhoods and nightlife.

There are two general types of bus services in Washington, D.C. The first is known as the D.C. Circulator [22], which is funded by the city government and WMATA. These buses are akin to shuttles since they operate on a predictable fixed route and schedule. All D.C. Circulator routes run every 10 minutes and cost $1 per trip. There are currently five routes:

Georgetown-Union Station — provides east-west service between Georgetown and Union Station from 7AM to 9PM daily. Attractions include Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, the K Street Corridor, Mt. Vernon Square/Chinatown, and Union Station. Additional night service is provided from 9PM to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 9PM to 2AM on Friday and Saturday between Georgetown and Farragut Square (17th and K Streets).
Convention Center-SW Waterfront — provides north-south service between the Southwest Waterfront and the Washington Convention Center from 7AM to 9PM daily. Attractions include Mt. Vernon Square, Chinatown, the National Mall, L'Enfant Plaza, and the Main Avenue fish market.
Woodley Park – Adams Morgan – McPherson Square — provides limited-stop service between the Woodley Park Metro Station on the Red Line, Columbia Heights and U Street Stations on the Green/Yellow Lines, and McPherson Square Station on the Orange/Blue Lines from 7AM to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 7AM to 3:30AM on Friday and Saturday. Attractions include Woodley Park/National Zoo, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, U Street, the 14th Street Corridor, Logan Circle, and the White House. These neighborhoods are home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, art galleries, local theaters, and nightlife in Washington.
Union Station – Navy Yard — provides north-south service between Union Station and the Washington Navy Yard from 6AM to 6PM Monday through Friday. Attractions include Union Station, the United States Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, Eastern Market, and Nationals Park. Extended and weekend service is provided on Nationals' game days.
Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop — provides loop service along the perimeter of the National Mall from 10AM to 6PM on weekends only.

The second form of bus service is a traditional system known as Metrobus. While commonly avoided by many tourists, Washington's bus system provides service to neighborhoods that are not easily accessible using the Metro or D.C. Circulator. Most routes, including those listed, cost a flat fare of $1.35. While the route numbers and schedules may seem complicated, there several buses that provide reliable and direct service along many well-traveled corridors. The list below is in no way exhaustive but provides information on routes that run approximately every 10-20 minutes:

16th Street Line (route numbers S2, S4) [23] — provides north-south service on 16th Street NW between the Silver Spring Metro Station on the Red Line and downtown Washington. Attractions include the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Fitzgerald Tennis Center and the Carter Barron Amphitheater at Rock Creek Park, Columbia Heights, Meridian Hill Park, the U Street Corridor, Scott Circle, the K Street Corridor, the White House, McPherson Square Station, Metro Center Station, and Federal Triangle Station. An additional bus, known as the S9, provides limited-stop service between Silver Spring Metro Station and McPherson Square on weekdays.
U Street-Garfield Line (route numbers 90, 92, 93) [24] — provides service to notable neighborhoods in Northwest Washington and Capitol Hill on their way to Anacostia in Southeast DC. Attractions serviced by these routes include the Woodley Park Metro Station, Adams Morgan, the U Street Corridor, Shaw/Howard University, Gallaudet University, the H Street "Altas" District, and Eastern Market. Unlike the Woodley Park – Adams Morgan DC Circulator route, the 90s buses provide service through Adams Morgan along 18th Street and the entire length of the U Street Corridor.
Massachusetts Avenue Line (route numbers N2, N4, N6) [25] — provides service along Massachusetts Avenue between Friendship Heights Metro Station and Farragut West Metro Station. The bus provides an excellent view of the nearly 60 embassies located along Embassy Row. Additional attractions serviced by all the listed routes include the American University, the Washington National Cathedral, the Naval Observatory (the Vice President's residence), the Kalorama neighborhood, Dupont Circle, the K Street Corridor, and downtown Washington.

Taxi

Washington, D.C., taxicabs use standard time and distance meters to calculate fares. The cost is $3.00 for the first 1/6th of a mile and 25 cents for each additional 1/6th of a mile. The maximum fare within Washington is $19.00, excluding standard fees such as $1.50 for each additional passenger 6 years or older, and a 25% fee during declared snow emergencies. There is no longer any standard rush hour fee; however, meters do charge 25 cents for each minute stopped in traffic or traveling under 10mph. Cabs do not typically accept credit cards, so having the appropriate fare in cash is required. All D.C. taxicab meters have the ability to print receipts on request.

Taxicab drivers are required to take passengers anywhere within the Washington Metropolitan Area. D.C. cab fares for interstate trips are the same as the standard rates, except that there is no maximum fare. Please note that with the exception of rides to and from the airport, it is illegal for non-D.C. cabs to pick up passengers within the District; the same rule applies for D.C. cabs in Maryland or Virginia.[26]

By car

Driving in D.C. can be difficult. Downtown Washington's roads are well-signed and organized on a relatively predictable grid, but driving in the District is somewhat of a challenge even for native Washingtonians. Limited parking, ruthless parking enforcement, street direction changes, congestion, and street closures are all good reasons to take Metro.

Local opposition prevented the construction of interstate highways through Washington, steering resources instead towards building the Washington Metro system. The two freeways that feed into the city from Virginia, I-66 and I-395, both terminate quickly. Washington and its innermost suburbs are encircled by the Capital Beltway, I-495, which gave rise to the expression "Inside the Beltway."

Washington boasts several scenic drives:

Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street NW toward the Capitol
Rock Creek Parkway, which follows Rock Creek, then the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial
Reservoir Road from Georgetown to the Clara Barton Parkway, continuing to the Capitol Beltway
Embassy Row, Massachusetts Avenue from Scott Circle to Wisconsin Avenue
the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which follows the Potomac on the Virginia side

By tour

Washington, D.C., has a number of tour operators that can offer a good alternative to taking on city traffic and parking hassles. These companies are:

Old Town Trolley [27]
Tourmobile[28]
D.C. Ducks [29]
Monuments by Moonlight [30]
Bike the Sites [31]
Capital Segway [32]
City Segway Tours [33]
Washington Walks [34]
Washington D.C. Party Shuttle [35][36]

See

If you are sightseeing, chances are you are on The Mall. The National Mall is a unique National Park, filled with an intense concentration of monuments, memorials, museums, and monumental government buildings instantly recognizable to people all over the world. The White House, the US Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, the Air and Space Museum, the National Natural History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the International Spy Museum, the National Portrait Gallery—just a few of the top national attractions here, all within walking distance of each other. The tourist-designated sights are just half of the attraction here, though—to walk down the National Mall is to thread the halls of world power in the modern era. Here the world's most powerful politicians and their staffs fill the grand neo-classical buildings of the three branches of US Government, where they make decisions every day that reverberate in the remotest corners of the world.

There are ample maps along the Mall, especially by metro stops, but the place is so jam-packed with things you'll want to see, you should probably take a map with you to avoid missing highlights, obscured by other highlights. For a more detailed & larger map than the Wikitravel version, print out the official National Mall map (pdf) [37]. The Mall is deceptively large, and a walk from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial or the Tidal Basin will take a while and may wear you down a bit. Plan ahead what you want to see and concentrate your activities in one section of the Mall for one day. The eastern section, home to the majority of the museums is covered in the National Mall article, as is the western portion of the Mall and the Tidal Basin. The White House is located in the West End, and Capitol Hill gets its own article.

While the Mall has more than enough sights to keep a traveler busy for a while, the city itself has plenty of big attractions for a visitor who wants to leave behind the sandy paths and flocks of tourists and pigeons of the Smithsonian. The National Zoo in Woodley Park is one of the nation's most prestigious; the nearby National Cathedral is an awe-inspiring mammoth. Embassy Row is an impressive stretch of some 50 foreign-owned historic and modernist mansions along Massachusetts Avenue throughout Dupont Circle and Woodley Park. The historic neighborhood of Georgetown is another great sightseeing destination, full of beautiful old colonial buildings, the 300+ year-old Jesuit campus of Georgetown University, a pleasant waterfront, and the infamous Exorcist steps. By car (i.e., taxi) you can get to some of the capital's more far flung and less frequented attractions, like the magnificent Catholic National Shrine in the Northeast, the National Arboretum in the Northeast, or the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in northeastern Anacostia.

Itineraries

Washington (D.C.) in four days

Do

Activities

The Washington Zoo is an excellent zoo which is an informative and free day out. Be prepared to walk if you wish to cover the whole zoo, it's said to be up to 10 miles. The staff are enthusiastic and always willing to help. Easily accessed from the subway, 500m walk from the closest stop (Woodley Park-Zoo). Be sure to pay a visit to Tai Shan the Giant Panda.

Parks

The District is home to many large parks that offer hiking and biking. Many of the downtown parks are crowded with soccer, football, rugby, kickball, baseball, and ultimate frisbee players. Most parks are covered in their respective districts (see especially the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens), with the exception of the following three very large parks:

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park, ? +1 202 895-6070 (fax: +1 202 895-6015), [38]. Rock Creek, if you look on a map, is evidently the district's central respiratory system, bisecting the district north of the Anacostia River, and covering nearly 2,000 acres of thickly forested hills. It's a national park, full of deer (who overpopulate, due to lack of predators), squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, birds, and even a few coyotes. The paved biking/running trail is one of the nation's best, and it extends all the way from the Lincoln Memorial way out into Maryland (it also connects with the Mount Vernon trail in Northern Virginia. But there are tons more paths, from the hiking trail network to bridle paths, to be enjoyed.

To see the Rock Creek Park in greater detail, the official map is available here (pdf): [39].

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road NW, ? +1 202 895-6070, [40]. W-Su 9AM-5PM. Deep inside the park, the Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits, guided nature walks, an "observation beehive," and a full planetarium. All free.

Rock Creek Golf Course, 16th St & Rittenhouse St NW, [41]. dawn-dusk daily. 18 holes of golf in Rock Creek Park. 9 holes: $16, 18 holes: $23.

Archibald-Glover Park

Roosevelt Island

Festivals

There are plenty of regular festivals throughout the year, many of them on the National Mall. Some highlights include:

National Kite Festival (springtime)
National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March/early April) [42] Note that Washington's cherry blossoms do *not* necessarily bloom during the festival -- the bloom varies every year, depending on the winter weather. When the blossoms are out (and they don't stay out for long -- a good rain will wash them away), Washington is at its very prettiest. The best place to enjoy the blossoms is around the Tidal Basin. You will pay top dollar to visit during cherry blossom season.
A Capitol Fourth [43] (July 4th) A day of parades and other events, capped off by fireworks over the Potomac River and a large orchestral concert on Capitol Hill.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival [44] (late June and ending around July 4th) This annual festival normally has three topics: a country, a region of the USA and another subject, which varies from year to year. Previous festivals have featured the country of Oman, the ancient Silk Road and music in Latino culture.
Political Protests (year-round)
Screen on the Green (Mondays, July and August) Classic films, often with a political angle, are shown for free on the Mall. Watching 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' with the capital dome in the background is classic D.C.

Learn

D.C. has a long list of highly accredited universities. It's a political town, and the best known institutions are undoubtedly those with the political connections—Georgetown University, George Washington University, and the Johns Hopkins SAIS program are arguably the best academic programs period for those looking to cozy up to the Washington elite, and to launch a public career. They are also excellent bets for international students looking for a politics-oriented exchange program, as their international politics programs are consistently ranked among the world's best, producing world leaders from kings to African finance ministers (and a Bill Clinton for good measure). Other large and well respected institutions include American University, Catholic University, and the University of the District of Columbia, as well as universities with a more specialized focus: Gallaudet University, the world's only university for the deaf; Howard University, one of the nation's most esteemed historically black universities, and the prestigious and highly exclusive National Defense University for the military elite.

Work

Certain career fields find a natural home in D.C. While everyone knows this is where politicians go, you can also find a fair share of diplomats, lawyers, lobbyists, journalists, defense contractors, and civil servants. Good fields for international visitors to pursue include the various NGOs, national lobbying groups, and for the select few, embassies and consulates. Many ambitious young people come to Washington for an internship, and the huge student-aged population peaks in the summer.

With so many high powered career types out to change the world, the need for child care is obvious. Nannies, mostly placed through agencies, provide child care to many of Washington's elite; the city has the highest proportion of in-home child care in the country. U.S. citizen nannies are especially sought out as government types carefully follow employment law to avoid problems with security clearances or negative publicity. Wages for legal U.S. residents with experience can top $800 per week, room and board included.

Buy

Few think of D.C. as a major shopping destination, but it will surprise you, having shrugged off its time-old, politically-influenced, staid and bland culture over the past ten years. Beyond the expected souvenirs, the district's fashion scene has grown by leaps and bounds. The most exciting boutique, eclectic, and vintage shopping is to be had in Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and the U St strip, with Georgetown being the more traditional, established, and famous of the three. For more traditional upscale shopping, the meccas are in Georgetown, and Friendship Heights. Both of the latter are also excellent destinations for gift shopping, both the trendy-eclectic and the high-end.

Another recent surprise in the city has been the explosion of a large, cutting-edge art scene. Its heart beats just north of Logan Circle, but Georgetown retains the largest quantity of art galleries. The latter is the more popular for casual buyers, as the Logan Circle boutiques are contemporary and universally expensive. Both make for great browsing, though.

Book Hounds will find much to enjoy in the over educated western portions of the city. Borders and Barnes & Noble have a lock on the bulk of the business, but specialty shops abound. Favorites include Kramerbooks, Lambda Rising, and Second Story Books in Dupont Circle, as well as some great options in Capitol Hill and the East End. If you are willing to make the trek, Politics & Prose in Chevy Chase has a rightful claim to be the city's favorite.

As you would expect, there are endless souvenirs found by the National Mall and the nearby East End, much of them sold by street vendors, and even more of them a bit cheap and hokey. A better bet are the Smithsonian museums, which have universally excellent gift shops.

Lastly, the city's one big market, Eastern Market on Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill, is a favorite Sunday afternoon shopping destination for antiques, secondhand books, local produce, and works by local artists, photographers, and craftspeople. Even if you're not buying, it's a good time.

Eat

Ethiopian cuisine Ethiopian food is a D.C. staple, owing to its large Ethiopian community, and indeed, this is one of the best cities in the world to try the cuisine. For the uninitiated, Ethiopian food is a wild ride of spicy stewed and sautéed meats and vegetables served atop a plate covered with a spongy bread (injera). You eat the dishes with your hands, using an extra plate of injera as your sole "utensil"—rip off a piece of the injera and use it to pick up your food. It's proper in Ethiopia to only use the tips of your fingers in this exercise, and with good reason: you'll have a messy meal otherwise. It's also perfectly proper to feed your date, making this a fun cuisine if you know your date well. Without a doubt, the best places to try Ethiopian food are in Shaw, which includes D.C.'s own Little Ethiopia.

Washington has a little bit of everything, from really good inexpensive ethnic takeout (no problem getting Ethiopian or Afghani or Jamaican food here) to high-dollar lobbyist-fueled places that will cause your credit card to burst into flames. Most of the high end cuisine is available in Penn Quarter, Georgetown, and Dupont Circle—all offering dining experiences from steakhouses packed with powerful suits to a science-powered, six-seat restaurant offering a $120, 30-course meal.

For cheaper dining, there are endless options scattered around the city. The two most notable "ethnic" enclaves include wonderful Ethiopian food in Little Ethiopia, and some solid Chinese in what remains of D.C.'s disappearing Chinatown. Salvadoran cuisine is near ubiquitous throughout the northern reaches of the city, with an unbelievable concentration of pupuserías in Columbia Heights (pupusa = thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, fried pork, refried beans, or all sorts of other things). But truly, you can find just about any cuisine you want in this city if you look for it—D.C.'s international might draws representatives from all corners of the globe, and they all need ex-pat cafes and restaurants to haunt. A few cuisines seem to be missing (notably Southeast Asian & Korean), but they are just across the D.C. borders in Maryland and Virginia (see below).

But despite having cuisines from all over the world, D.C. seems to lack a cuisine of its own. The city, realizing this, went through a brief period of soul-searching, wondering why it lacked any unique regional culinary traditions, and realized it indeed has one: the D.C. hot dog stand. They're everywhere, especially around the Mall, and sell the unique-to-D.C. half-smoke. Local lore lacks convincing explanation of why it's called a half-smoke. Despite vendors' claims to the contrary, it's not possible to smoke meat "halfway," and in any rate, they're not smoked, they're grilled. And yes, they are sometimes split in half, but more often not. No need to worry about this too much though, it's a tasty grilled sausage, with a firm "snap" when you bite into it, on a hot dog bun, and often topped with chili. Most hot dog vendors are a mere shell of the half-smoke greatness served out of WWII-era aluminum shacks. If you want a true, quality half-smoke, you'd best visit Ben's Chili Bowl on U St, which is universally understood to serve the best.

Drink

Whichever bar or club scene you favor, D.C. has it aplenty. The hottest clubbing spots are in Adams Morgan around 18th Street, Dupont Circle, and nearby Logan Circle. Adams Morgan's scene is the edgiest (and likely most exciting) of the three, and draws a really young, diverse crowd. Dupont Circle's scene is probably the biggest and most established, with sometimes frighteningly upscale clubs catering to extremely wealthy foreign clientele's, as well as a more happy-go-lucky gay scene. Logan Circle is less established as a nightlife hotspot than Dupont, but they otherwise resemble one another.

If these destinations are all a little too high-octane, you should definitely explore the clubs around U Street and 14th Street in Shaw, which cater to an older, diverse, and self-regardingly more sophisticated crowd. Shaw's also a fantastic destination for live jazz, with the echoes of Ellington ringing out from nearly every last restaurant, bar, and not a few world-class music venues on a Saturday night. Georgetown is another major nightlife destination, although the emphasis here is less on dancing, more on drinking. It's got tons of bars, most of which have a "privileged" & sometimes rowdy collegiate atmosphere. And back on the topic of live jazz, Georgetown is home to the city's most prestigious venue, Blues Alley.

But that's hardly the end of things. D.C. at the end of the 90s and into the current decade went from being one of the blandest, shut-down-at-ten-o-clock American cities to having a thriving nightlife scene pretty much city-wide. Aside from the north of downtown neighborhoods listed above, Barracks Row, Woodley Park, and Chevy Chase each have their own nice "strips," mostly filled with upscale bars, that are worth visiting. The downtown nightlife is lacking, to put it mildly. Foggy Bottom, despite the huge quantity of students, remains pretty quiet, K Street shuts down altogether, and the Penn Quarter is a den of tourist traps. If you're looking for nightlife downtown, research carefully.

Long lacking anything even resembling a bohemian neighborhood, a successful Adams Morgan club owner decided to manufacture one along H Street around the newly renovated Atlas Theater in the Near Northeast. The result is strange. It would at the least be very premature to call it "bohemian," but the Atlas District is plenty interesting. It's a poor, relatively rough neighborhood, and is dead quiet most of the week, but then there are a handful of crazy dining/clubbing options that fill the street on Friday & Saturday nights. The biggest attraction has to be the Palace of Wonders, a vaudeville/sideshow/burlesque bar with sword swallowing bartenders & a "museum of oddities," but there's also a pirate bar and a surprisingly cool rock club.

Gogo clubs (the funk/hip-hop genre, not dancing in 60's miniskirts) were probably D.C.'s most distinctive nightlife scene, concentrated in Anacostia, but today all indoor gogo performances have been banned in D.C. east of the river, due to a backlash at the staggering number of homicides occurring at clubs and events. If you're looking for live gogo today, look for big outdoor events, check to see whether Chuck Brown is performing (he performs all over the place), and maybe check out the Takoma Park Station in a homicide-free section of the Northeast.

Sleep

Most tourists in D.C. look for accommodations close to the Smithsonian, and accordingly the East End (Penn Quarter area) is where most tourists wind up. There are lots of restaurants and nightlife options in the immediate area, you can walk to The Mall, and you'll feel like you're at the center of town.

But keep in mind that proximity to The Mall is really not so useful as proximity to a Metro stop. For a more authentic Washingtonian experience, visitors might prefer to stay in one of the numerous hotels just a little further north in Dupont Circle or near Logan Circle. Both of these neighborhoods are real hot spots among locals for their upscale dining and nightlife scenes.

The West End also offers upscale hotels close to The Mall, which cater especially to the business travelers who bustle along K Street during the day. The downside to the West End is that the downtown commercial area is deserted after dark. A bit further west is Georgetown, which is perhaps D.C.'s most charming neighborhood, with a wealth of smaller, expensive hotels in the midst of a great dining and nightlife scene. Take note, though, that Georgetown lacks a metro stop (to keep out the riffraff), so you'll find yourself taking taxis or buses to get to The Mall and to other neighborhoods.

It's worth noting that Washington is a relatively small city, acreage-wise, and it's very easy and quick to stay in the close-in suburbs and take the metro into town. You can save meaningful cash this way; suburban hotels are often substantially cheaper and D.C.'s hotel tax is an eye-popping 14.5%. Parts of Arlington and Alexandria, as well as Bethesda and Silver Spring, have easy subway access into the District, and are worthwhile destinations in their own right.

Contact

As in most of the United States, internet cafes are a rare phenomenon. All public libraries provide free wifi and public terminals, but the capital has fewer libraries per resident than your average city. Generally your best bet for internet will be to find a local coffee shop, nearly all of which offer free internet (and a nice place to relax). Failing that, drive down some residential streets and you'll probably pick up an open internet connection. You can also just hang outside a hotel, or even inside the lobby, and take advantage of the wifi they provide their guests.

The one telephone area code throughout the district is 202, although you will also see a lot of MD (301) and VA (703) area codes. Pay phones are nearly extinct, with one handy exception—all metro stations have several.

Stay safe

While Washington rivaled New Orleans for the Murder Capital title of America in the early 1980s-1990s, violent crime has since fallen dramatically. Washingtonians regularly warn against any forays into the Northeast and Southeast sections of the city, but this is a bit overblown. Certain neighborhoods in these areas are the main contributors to D.C.'s high murder rate, but as a visitor to the city you are extremely unlikely to be victim of a homicide—the vast majority of homicide victims in the U.S. are acquainted with their murderer long before the crime.

The trickiest aspect of staying safe in D.C. lies in the fact that the most dynamic neighborhoods, sporting great nightlife, dining, and diversity, are home to the majority of the city's muggings. Muggings are a serious problem in the North Central neighborhoods of Shaw/U Street and Adams Morgan-Columbia Heights. That's not to say that visitors should avoid these areas—on the contrary, it would be a shame to miss out on them—but that visitors should be vigilant. In particular, avoid walking at night on side streets—stick to the well-lit main commercial strips, travel in groups, maintain a basic level of sobriety, and you shouldn't run into trouble.

Cope

Note that when visiting federal buildings and museums, you will pass through metal detectors and have your bags inspected. Some buildings (such as courts, etc) even ban mobile telephones and recording devices. To tour federal buildings, such as the Capitol and The White House, you will usually have to go through the hassle of arranging an appointment or tour in advance (at least they're free!). Tours of the Capitol building and the White House can be arranged by contacting the office of a Congressman or the the Capitol Visitor Center [45].

Security here has no sense of humor. If you so much as utter the word "bomb," you will be in for a bad time. You give implied consent for your property and person to be searched when entering a government building or public event (sports, music). If you are not comfortable with the searches, you can always elect to not enter.

If all this security and procedure is starting to wear you down, get out of the city center and unwind. You'll find a slower pace on the waterfront, especially on Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill or Georgetown. As far as parks go, the Dumbarton Oaks gardens in Georgetown or Roosevelt Island just east of the Key Bridge (from Georgetown) are both great getaways. Better yet, leave the city altogether and take a leisurely stroll in Old Town Alexandria, followed by a relaxing meal.

The Metro trains and buses have the strictest rules you'll find in the country. Food and drink of any kind are prohibited, and this rule is strictly enforced. Fare evasion is a criminal offense and you can get charged with a C-Class misdemeanor for doing such. Even if the police don't catch you, you'll find yourself at odds with the locals, who support these rules wholeheartedly.

For health emergencies, the George Washington University Hospital [46] is located on Washington Circle in Foggy Bottom, adjacent to the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This is where Vice President Dick Cheney went in 2004 for his irregular heartbeat, where the President would go in event of a medical emergency. Other hospitals in the city include the Howard University Hospital [47], the Georgetown University Hospital [48], the Washington Hospital Center [49], and the Children's National Medical Center [50].

Embassies

D.C. is home to more embassies than any other city in the world, and any country without one will have consular representation one way or another. Most are housed in beautiful old buildings (or impressive modern ones), especially those most prominently located along Embassy Row on Massachusetts Ave through Dupont Circle and Woodley Park. If you just want to visit one for the heck of it, try ringing the buzzer of one from a small, lesser-known country—they may well let you in and give a little tour! (Don't try this for countries on bad terms with the U.S., though.)

Afghanistan, 2341 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 234-3770, [51].
Albania, 2100 S Street NW, ? +1 202 223-4942, [52].
Algeria, 2137 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-2800, [53].
Angola, 2108 16th St NW, ? +1 202 785-1156, [54].
Antigua & Barbuda, 3216 New Mexico Ave NW, ? +1 202 362-5122, [55].
Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 238-6400, [56].
Armenia, 2225 R Street, ? +1 202 319-1976, [57].
Australia, 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 797-3000, [58].
Austria, 3524 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 895-6700, [59].
Azerbaijan, 2741 34Th St NW, ? +1 202 842-0001, [60].
Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 319-2660, [61].
Bahrain, 3502 International Dr NW, ? +1 202 342-0741, [62].
Bangladesh, 3510 International Dr NW, ? +1 202 342-8372, [63].
Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 939-9200, [64].
Belarus, 1619 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 986-1606, [65].
Belgium, 3330 Garfield St NW, ? +1 202 333-6900, [66].
Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 332-9636, [67].
Benin, 2124 Kalorama Rd NW, ? +1 202 232-6656, [68].
Bolivia, 3014 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 483-4410, [69].
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2109 E Street NW, ? +1 202 337-1500, [70].
Botswana, 1531-1533 New Hampshire NW, ? +1 202 244-4990, [71].
Brazil, 3006 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 238-2700, [72].
Brunei, 3520 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 237-1838, [73].
Bulgaria, 1621 22nd St NW, ? +1 202 387-0174, [74].
Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 332-5577, [75].
Burundi, 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 212, ? +1 202 342-2574, [76].
Cambodia, 4530 16th St NW, ? +1 202 726-7742, [77].
Cameroon, 2349 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-8790, [78].
Canada, 501 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ? +1 202 682-1740, [79].
Cape Verde, 3415 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 965-6820, [80].
Central African Republic, 1618 22nd St NW, ? +1 202 483-7800, [81].
Chad, 2002 R St NW, ? +1 202 462-4009, [82].
Chile, 1732 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 785-1746, [83].
China, 2300 Connecticut Ave NW, ? +1 202 328-2500, [84].
Colombia, 2118 Leroy Pl NW, ? +1 202 387-8338, [85].
Congo (Republic) Chancery, 4891 Colorado Ave NW, ? +1 202 726-5500, [86].
Congo (Democratic Rep), 1800 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 234-7690, [87].
Costa Rica, 2114 S St NW, ? +1 202 234-2945, [88].
Cote D'Ivoire, 3421 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 797-0300, [89].
Croatia, 2343 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 588-5899, [90].
Cyprus, 2211 R St NW, ? +1 202 462-5772, [91].
Czech Republic, 3900 Spring of Freedom St NW, ? +1 202 274-9100, [92].
Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, ? +1 202 234-4300, [93].
Djibouti, 1156 15th Street NW Suite 515, ? +1 202 331-0270, [94].
Dominica, 3216 New Mexico Ave NW, ? +1 202 364-6781, [95].
Dominican Republic, 1715 22nd St NW, ? +1 202 332-6280, [96].
East Timor, 3415 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 965-1515.
Ecuador, 2535 15th St NW, ? +1 202 234-7200, [97].
Egypt, 3521 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 895-5400, [98].
El Salvador, 2308 California St NW, ? +1 202 265-9671, [99].
Equatorial Guinea, 2020 16th Street NW, ? +1 202 518-5700, [100].
Eritrea, 1708 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 319-1991, [101].
Estonia, 2131 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 588-0101, [102].
Ethiopia, 3506 International Dr NW, ? +1 202 364-1200, [103].
European Union, 2300 M St NW, ? +1 202 862-9500, [104].
Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 240, ? +1 202 337-8320, [105].
Finland, 3301 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 298-5800, [106].
France, 4101 Reservoir Rd NW, ? +1 202 944-6000, [107].
Gabon, 2034 20th St NW Suite 200, ? +1 202 797-1000, [108].
Gambia (The), 1156 15th St NW Suite 1000, ? +1 202 785-1399, [109].
Georgia, 1615 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite 300, ? +1 202 387-2390, [110].
Germany, 4645 Reservoir Rd NW, ? +1 202 298-4000, [111].
Ghana, 3512 International Dr NW, ? +1 202 686-4520, [112].
Greece, 2221 Massachusetts Ave. NW, ? +1 202 939-5800, [113].
Grenada, 1701 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-2561, [114].
Guatemala, 2220 R St NW, ? +1 202 745-4952, [115].
Guinea, 2112 Leroy Pl NW, ? +1 202 483-9420, [116].
Guinea-Bissau, 15929 Yukon Lane, ? +1 301 947-3958, [117].
Guyana, 2490 Tracy Place NW, ? +1 202 265-6900, [118].
Haiti, 2311 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 332-4090, [119].
Holy See (The), 3339 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 333-7121, [120].
Honduras, 3007 Tilden Street NW Suite 4-M, ? +1 202 966-7702, [121].
Hungary, 3910 Shoemaker St NW, ? +1 202 362-6730, [122].
Iceland, 1156 15th St NW Suite 1200, ? +1 202 265-6653, [123].
India, 2107 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 939-7000, [124].
Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 775-5200, [125].
Iraq, 1801 P St NW, ? +1 202 483-7500, [126].
Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 462-3939, [127].
Israel, 3514 International Dr NW, ? +1 202 364-5500, [128].
Italy, 3000 Whitehaven St NW, ? +1 202 612-4400, [129].
Jamaica, 1520 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 452-0660, [130].
Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 238-6700, [131].
Jordan, 3504 International Drive NW Lot 6, ? +1 202 966-2664, [132].
Kazakhstan, 1401 16th St NW, ? +1 202 232-5488, [133].
Kenya, 2249 R Street NW, ? +1 202 387-6101, [134].
Korea, 2450 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 939-5600, [135].
Kosovo, 900 19th St NW, ? +1 202 265-8000.

Kuwait, 2940 Tilden St NW, ? +1 202 966-0702.
Kyrgyzstan, Suite #600, ? +1 202 338 5141, [136].
Laos, 2222 S Street NW, ? +1 202 332-6417, [137].
Latvia, 4325 17th Street NW, ? +1 202 726-8213, [138].
Lebanon, 2560 28th St NW, ? +1 202 939-6300, [139].
Lesotho, 2511 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 797-5532, [140].
Liberia, 5201 16th St NW, ? +1 202 723-0437, [141].
Liechtenstein, 1300 I St NW Suite 550W, ? +1 202 216-0460, [142].
Lithuania, 2622 16th Street NW, ? +1 202 234-5860, [143].
Luxembourg, 2200 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-4171, [144].
Macedonia, 1101 30th St NW, ? +1 202 337-3063, [145].
Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-5525, [146].
Malawi, 2408 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 797-1007.
Malaysia, 3516 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 572-9700, [147].
Mali, 2130 R St NW, ? +1 202 332-2249, [148].
Malta, 2017 Connecticut Ave NW, ? +1 202 462-3611, [149].
Marshall Islands, 2433 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 234-5414, [150].
Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Pl NW, ? +1 202 232-5700, [151].
Mauritius, 4301 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 441, ? +1 202 244-1491, [152].
Mexico, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ? +1 202 728-1600, [153].
Micronesia, 1725 N Street NW, ? +1 202 223-4383, [154].
Moldova, 2101 S Street NW, ? +1 202 667-1130, [155].
Mongolia, 2833 M Street NW, ? +1 202 333-7117, [156].
Montenegro, 1610 New Hampshire Avenue NW, ? +1 202 234-6108.
Morocco, 1601 21st Street NW, ? +1 202 462-7979, [157].
Mozambique, 1990 M Street NW Suite 570, ? +1 202 293-7146, [158].
Myanmar, 2300 S St NW, ? +1 202 332-9044, [159].
Namibia, 1605 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 986-0540, [160].
Nepal, 2131 Leroy Pl NW, ? +1 202 667-4550, [161].
Netherlands, 4200 Linnean Ave NW, ? +1 202 244-5300, [162].
New Zealand, 37 Observatory Cir, ? +1 202 328-4800, [163].
Nicaragua, 1627 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 939-6570.
Niger, 2204 R St NW, ? +1 202 483-4224, [164].
Nigeria, 3519 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 986-8400, [165].
Norway, 2720 34th St NW, ? +1 202 333-6000, [166].
Oman, 2535 Belmont Rd NW, ? +1 202 387-1980.
Pakistan, 3517 International Court NW, ? +1 202 243-6500, [167].
Palau, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ? +1 202 452-6814, [168].
Panama, 2862 McGill Terr NW, ? +1 202 483-1407, [169].
Papua New Guinea, 1779 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 805, ? +1 202 745-3680, [170].
Paraguay, 2400 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 483-6960, [171].
Peru, 1700 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 833-9860, [172].
Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 467-9300, [173].
Poland, 2640 16th St NW, ? +1 202 234-3800, [174].
Portugal, 2125 Kalorama Road NW, ? +1 202 328-8610, [175].
Qatar, 4200 Wisconsin Ave NW, ? +1 202 274-1600, [176].
Romania, 1607 23rd St NW, ? +1 202 332-4848, [177].
Russian Federation, 2650 Wisconsin Ave NW, ? +1 202 298-5700, [178].
Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 232-2882, [179].
Saint Lucia, 3216 New Mexico Ave NW, ? +1 202 364-6792, [180].
Saint Vincent/Grenadines, 3216 New Mexico Ave NW, ? +1 202 364-6730, [181].
Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 342-3800, [182].
Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 234-0540, [183].
Serbia, 2134 Kalorama Rd NW, ? +1 202 332-4686, [184].
Sierra Leone, 1701 19th St NW, ? +1 202 939-9261, [185].
Singapore, 3501 International Pl NW, ? +1 202 537-3100, [186].
Slovakia, 3523 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 237-1054, [187].
Slovenia, 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 667-5363, [188].
South Africa, 3051 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 232-4400, [189].
Spain, 2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW, ? +1 202 452-0100, [190].
Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 483-4025, [191].
St. Kitts and Nevis, 3216 New Mexico Ave NW, ? +1 202 686-2636, [192].
Sudan, 2210 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 338-8565, [193].
Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 460, ? +1 202 244-7488, [194].
Swaziland, 1712 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 362-6683, [195].
Sweden, 1501 M St NW, ? +1 202 467-2600, [196].
Switzerland, 2900 Cathedral Ave NW, ? +1 202 745-7900, [197].
Syria, 2215 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 232-6313, [198].
Tajikistan, 1005 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 223-6090, [199].
Tanzania, 2139 R Street NW, ? +1 202 939-6125, [200].
Thailand, 1024 Wisconsin Ave NW, ? +1 202 944-3600, [201].
Togo, 2208 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 234-4212.
Trinidad and Tobago, 1708 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 467-6490, [202].
Tunisia, 1515 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 862-1850.
Turkey, 2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 612-6700, [203].
Turkmenistan, 2207 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 588-1500, [204].
Uganda, 5911 16th St NW, ? +1 202 726-7100, [205].
Ukraine, 3350 M St NW, ? +1 202 333-0606, [206].
United Arab Emirates, 3522 International Ct NW, ? +1 202 243-2400, [207].
United Kingdom, 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 588-6500, [208].
Uruguay, 1913 I St NW, ? +1 202 331-1313, [209].
Uzbekistan, 1746 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 887-5300, [210].
Venezuela, 1099 30th St NW, ? +1 202 342-2214, [211].
Vietnam, 1233 20th St NW Suite 400, ? +1 202 861-0737, [212].
Yemen, 2319 Wyoming Ave NW, ? +1 202 965-4760, [213].
Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts Ave NW, ? +1 202 265-9717, [214].
Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Ave NW, ? +1 202 332-7100, [215].

Get out

Alexandria

Alexandria is located south of Arlington along the Potomac River, yet inside the 10 mile square boundary of what used to be the District of Columbia. The main street of Alexandria's Old Town is King Street. Old Town's cobble stoned steets have nearly 4,000 buildings dating from the 1800s and 1700s, with some dating back to the 1600s and is filled with shops and good restaurants. Some tourists use Old Town (or other parts of Alexandria) as a "home base" for D.C. trips and it's a popular weekend destination. Tour boats that go north to D.C. and south to Mount Vernon leave from Old Town. Many hotels in the area run free shuttle buses to the King Street Metro.

Arlington

Arlington County is located directly across the Potomac river from Washington and part of the original area of the District of Columbia. Today it is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Metro system seamlessly integrates Arlington with Washington; it can be cost advantageous and more convenient to stay at an Arlington hotel when visiting Washington, D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery [216] is located adjacent to the Pentagon. Closes at dusk. This national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you really want to experience the cemetery, which is enormous and hilly, spring a few bucks for a Tourmobile tour. There is also a large parking garage here that is a good place to dump your car and then catch the subway or Tourmobile into D.C.
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - 1100 South Hayes St., Arlington. A large upscale mall, accessible via the Pentagon City Metro station. Additional shopping and an outdoor skating rink during winter is available at Pentagon Row, accessed by going through the food court on the lower level of the mall, and though an underground walkway.
Pentagon is just across the Potomac River from downtown D.C. in Arlington. While lingering is not recommended for security reasons, you should know it is the largest government office building in the world, and covers 6 zip codes (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Joint Staff, and Department of Defense). Group tours are still available by advance arrangement, but the military no longer hosts other tours. The Pentagon Memorial [217] is open 24 hours to visitors on the Washington Boulevard side, where Flight 77 hit. Photography is allowed at the memorial, but not permitted anywhere else on the Pentagon grounds. If you take photos anywhere else on site, you may face a 4 hour interrogation by the Pentagon Police and will probably be asked to delete the images. On a lighter note, the interior courtyard is irreverently referred to by employees as "Ground Zero," as it was ostensibly the target of a number of Soviet missiles during the Cold War.

Other Northern Virginia destinations

Annandale is D.C.'s Koreatown, with some of the best Korean BBQ (open 24hrs!) you'll find anywhere outside Seoul. There's no metro stop, so this is a hard place to get to, but the meals are phenomenal.
Charlottesville, located a couple hours southwest of Washington, D.C., is home to the University of Virginia, as well as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of President James Monroe.
Great Falls Park [218] is an impressive national park with several fast moving waterfalls of the Potomac River and hiking trails, minutes from the beltway. Kayaking and rock climbing. Accessed from the Maryland and Virginia sides off I -270.
George Washington Memorial Parkway [219] runs along the Virginia side of the Potomac River between Mount Vernon and Great Falls. The section near Old Town Alexandria is pleasant for walking, jogging or cycling on paths paralleling the main motorway as far as Reagan National Airport. For the motorist, there are scenic turn-outs along the Parkway north of the airport, all the way to where it meets the Beltway at its north end.
Manassas National Battlefield Park [220], near the outlying suburb of Manassas, preserves two major battlefields of the US Civil War. Visitor center ($3 fee, Park Pass applies) open 8:30-5 7 days; walking and driving tours of First and Second Manassas battlefields, respectively. A nice escape from the city hubbub, particularly in fall and spring (walking the grounds in the summer heat and humidity can be an ordeal).
Mount Vernon [221] was the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The mansion overlooks the Potomac River.
Reston - Nice restaurants & shops
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - National Air and Space Museum. 14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy. Chantilly, VA 20151 +1 202 357-2200. [222] Located near Dulles International Airport, this museum houses many air/spacecraft, including the SR-71 "Blackbird" spy plane, the Concorde supersonic jet and the space shuttle "Enterprise". Admission is free. Parking is available for $15/vehicle.
Tyson's Corner Center - McLean - two malls Tysons I & Tysons II (not connected), Tysons II is more upscale - Tysons I has a larger selection of stores. America's 12th largest retail and office district, scheduled to get Metro service in 2013.

Baltimore

Baltimore's Inner Harbor is home to the National Aquarium, the U.S.S. Constellation, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. During the spring or summer, Camden Yards is a good place to see a baseball game, and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum is near the ballpark. The Fell's Point neighborhood also has many popular bars and restaurants. From spring to fall, you can take a water taxi from the Inner Harbor to historic Fort McHenry.

Suburban Maryland

Annapolis - the Maryland state capital is home to the Naval Academy. It's historic district has numerous shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Annapolis is a good place to go for a sail on the Chesapeake Bay.

Bethesda - suburban city served by the Red Line with shopping and tons of upscale restaurants.

Great Falls Park [223] - an impressive national park with several fast moving waterfalls of the Potomac River and hiking trails, minutes from the beltway. Kayaking and rock climbing. Accessed from the Maryland and Virginia sides off I -270. Includes C & O Canal National Park, a scenic hiker-biker trail from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland.

Kensington - The amazing annual Christmas light display at the massive Mormon Temple (which looks a lot like the Emerald Palace of Wizard of Oz fame) is a must see. That and antique row.

Takoma Park - bohemian Victorian suburb (straddling the D.C. line) with eclectic shops near Metro, and the Takoma/Langley International Corridor on University Blvd.

Silver Spring - suburban downtown with the American Film Institute's Silver Theatre, as well as restaurants and retail. Home to Discovery Communications. Fading second hand stores, ethnic restaurants and music shops being replaced by upscale, urban redevelopment with parks, fountains and well-known eateries.

WASHINGTON STATE

2009-06-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Overview

Washington State, bordering Canada and the Pacific Ocean, offers some of the nation's finest scenery for outdoor recreation. It has the second-highest population of any western state, yet visitors can travel from any city centre to peaceful countryside within minutes.

The Snake and Columbia rivers flow through eastern Washington before joining to cut a passage through the Cascades, the north-south mountain range that dominates the centre of the state, rising to 4,392m (14,411ft) at Mount Rainier.

There are many fine beaches and small resorts on the Pacific coast. Much of the state is covered by coniferous forest. Activities include yachting on Puget Sound, hiking along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and mountain climbing in the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains.

Often referred to by its full title, Washington State, to distinguish it from Washington, D.C., Washington [1] offers rugged coastline, mountains, volcanoes, and hundreds of coastal islands to explore. The Cascade Mountains bisect the state, with the damp forested coastal areas to the west, and pineforests, deserts and irrigated farmland of the Columbia River Plateau to the east.

Regions

Columbia River Plateau

North Cascades

Olympic Peninsula
on the west coast, with rain forests against a spine of dramatic mountains

Palouse

Puget Sound
with Seattle, the state's largest city; King County, filled with the Seattle metropolitan area; and the islands and waters between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula

Rocky Mountains

San Juan Islands
a scattering of forested islands in the serene waters adjacent to British Columbia. Ferries, private boats, kayaks, and orca (whales) criss-cross the waters, while float planes and bald eagles soar overhead

Southwest Washington

Cities

There are many cities in Washington; these are some of the more popular.

Bellevue - Fifth largest city in state. Major commercial center on Eastside of Lake Washington with a quickly growing downtown.
Bellingham - Home of Western Washington University. Near Canadian border.
Olympia - State capital and hub of the fast growing South Sound area
Seattle - the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Home of the University of Washington.
Spokane -- Second largest city in Washington, unofficial capital of the Inland Empire.
Tacoma - Third largest city in state. Major port and several good museums downtown.
Vancouver - Fourth largest city in Washington. Across Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.
Walla Walla - at the heart of southeast Washington's blooming wine country
Yakima -- Located in the Yakima Valley, the major agricultural and wine region of the state.

Other destinations

Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park - Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the story of the 1897-98 stampede to the Yukon gold fields and Seattle's role in this event
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail - Between May 1804 and September 1806, 32 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery.
Mount Rainier National Park - 14,410 feet volcano. Contains more snow and ice than all other Cascade range volcanos combined
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted and life in the area was altered for better and for worse
Nez Perce National Historical Park [2] - consists of 38 sites to the east of Lewiston; most in Idaho, but some in Washington.
North Cascades National Park - Home to 50% of all glaciers in the lower 48 states
Olympic National Park - Temperate rain forest, rugged Olympic Mountains and wild coastline
San Juan Island National Historical Park - here in 1859 the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a dead pig

Understand

Drive on the right side of the road! Oncoming traffic comes from the left and you must cross oncoming traffic when turning left. An international drivers licence will usually allow you to drive legally for a few months.

The drinking age in Washington is 21 years old. This goes for buying alcohol as well.

You must be 18 years of age to legally smoke. Understand that it is ILLEGAL in Washington state to smoke in a workplace, restaurant, bar, bowling alley, non-tribal casino, and (technically, though everyone does it) bus stop. Smoking is also banned within 25 feet (8 meters) of a door or window that can open or a ventilation intake.

The western part of the state, particularly the Seattle Metro is very liberal (Democrat), the eastern part of the state, generally divided by the Cascade mountains is seen as conservative (Republican). Adjust your conversation topics accordingly, though you would be wise not to bring up politics at all because it often leads to "passionate" debate.

Talk

Most people in Washington speak English with a Pacific Northwest accent. This accent is considered very similar to general American. Washingtonians generally have little to no problem understanding different accents of the English language.

Washington is the thirteenth most populated state, but by comparison has the fifth highest Asian population. You may be able to find a Japanese or Chinese speaker, especially in the Seattle area. There is also a large Hispanic population. In some small towns east of the Cascades more than 50% of households speak Spanish at home.

Get in

By plane

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, (IATA: SEA), called "SeaTac" by locals, connects Seattle to all regions of the world, with especially frequent transpacific routes. Alaska Airlines provides something approximating discount air fare to and from the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.

Spokane International Airport, (IATA: GEG). Most flights go to Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Boise, Oakland (across from San Francisco), Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix and Minneapolis. One flight to Chicago.

Portland International Airport, (IATA: PDX) is just one mile across the state line in Oregon. For SW Washington this is the nearest major airport. One non-stop from Tokyo.

Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR) is in Canada 27 miles (44 km) from the border. You will have to go through US customs at Blaine, Washington. For US residents, going through customs twice probably isn't worth it, unless you want to see the Vancouver area also. For Canadians wanting to go to the San Juan Islands, it's the best choice. Also has lots of international flights.

Yakima Air Terminal (IATA: YKM) is a commuter airport with turboprop aircraft, but the largest in the center of the state. Connections are via Seattle-Tacoma.

Bellingham International Airport (IATA: BLI) is a commuter airport with mostly turboprop aircraft about 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, Canada.

By train

Amtrak has 3 routes into Seattle's King Street Station. These are Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight, which serve the West Coast from Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles, and the Empire Builder which serves destinations to the East, running through Spokane, northern Montana, Fargo, St. Paul, Milwaukee, and arriving at Chicago as its terminus.

By car

From British Columbia

Interstate 5 and the Peace Arch [3] crossing is the main land port-of-entry to Washington from Canada. However this is only one of five land crossing points between the Lower Mainland region of BC and the Northwest Cascades region of Washington. See the Get in — by car section of Northwest Cascades region article for details.

From Oregon

Interstate 5 (and Interstate 205) provide access from the greater Portland area. Interstate 82 / US 395 provides access from eastern Oregon to the tri-cities area of Eastern Washington. For a more scenic entry, try taking US Route 101 along the Washington and Oregon coast, but be aware for the numerous speed traps in the small cities.

From Idaho

Interstate 90 is the main route in via Coeur D'Alene, but US 2 provides access to the northern parts of Idaho and Washington.

By bus

Get around

Greyhound Bus Company [[4]] has the largest bus route system in the state, mostly along the Interstates 5 and 90.

See

Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens

Do

Visit the San Juan Islands, famous for sailing, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, bicycling and fine vistas and sunsets.
Go sea kayaking with the orca whales in the San Juan Islands. Day trips and multi-day camping tours led by biologist guides. Sea Kayaking with Whales in the San Juan Islands
Go bird-watching and see some of the 400+ species of birds with a local birding guide who knows all the best locations. Birding Tours in Washington
Go hiking in the Ape Caves
Go skiing at Mount Baker
Go rock climbing at Frenchman Coulee
Tour wineries in Washington's wine country
Pick farm fresh produce at Yakima Valley farms

Eat

Locally grown produce and seafood.

Drink

Specialty coffee (high quality Arabica coffee beans roasted with greater emphasis on taste and freshness, brewed with dripped water or "espresso" steam) arguably has its birthplace here. Starbucks and Tully's are apparent brands that most associate specialty coffee with Seattle. However, many small local companies are the ones that have paved the way (and continue to do so) in pioneering the specialty coffee industry. When you visit Seattle, be sure to check out these renowned coffee roasters (in no particular order):

Espresso Vivace, Caffe Vita, Zoka Coffee, Victrola Coffee, Stumptown Coffee, Caffe Appassionato, Caffe Umbria, Caffe Fiore, Fonte Coffee, Pura Vida, Vashon Island Coffee, Lighthouse Coffee, Caffe D'Arte, Tony's Coffee/Caffe Ladro, Top Pot Donuts & Coffee, Batdorf & Bronson, Mukilteo Coffee, Moka Joe Coffee, Pioneer Coffee

Washington is also the home to well-crafted local wines and "microbrewery" beers.

Stay safe

Much like any state in the United States, Washington is generally very safe. The chance of you running into any trouble is very, very unlikely.

The police number in Washington (and the entire United States) is 911.

Avoid being out alone very late at night. This is especially true in dark and unlit places where you are an easy target for any crime or other illegal activity.

Always be confident, or at least fake confidence. Obviously, pick pockets and such tend to target people who look vulnerable.

Avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry and other expensive items which might catch a robber's eye.

VIRGINIA

2009-06-11T23:26:00.001-07:00

Overview

Virginia stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It is one of the country's most historic and scenic states. Driving trails link more than 250 Civil War sites across Virginia. Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War, has many fine old buildings and cultural options. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown (the birthplace of the USA) make up the three points of Colonial Virginia's historic triangle in the state's southeastern corner.

Shenandoah Valley, with its caverns, waterfalls and popular resorts, is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains to the west. Norfolk is an important Atlantic seaport and home to the world's largest naval base. The Chesapeake Bay is a complex ecosystem with a long history of pirates and shipwrecks. Today it has thriving oyster farms and is popular for fishing, swimming, boating and sailing. The first wine was made in Virginia in 1608, and now the state's growing wine industry boasts over 100 wineries.

The Commonwealth of Virginia [1] is a state in the South of the United States of America. The state was one of the original thirteen British colonies and is the twelfth most populated state in the USA.

Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and the west by the Appalachian mountains, with expanses of farmland in between, Virginia has much to offer history buffs and lovers of scenic landscapes. Virginia's three largest cities are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake.

Virginia is bordered by the states of Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and the District of Colombia.

Regions

	Northern Virginia, the populous area bordering Washington, D.C., is influenced by the city's culture.
	Eastern Virginia includes such tourist hot-spots as Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia Beach.
	Central Virginia is home to Richmond, Virginia's capital city, and features historic sites from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
	Southwest Virginia, also known as Virginia's highlands, is a mainly rural region defined by its Appalachian heritage.
	Shenandoah Valley is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region to enjoy nature at Shenandoah National Park.

Cities

Richmond

Arlington

Alexandria

Fredericksburg

Norfolk

Roanoke

Virginia Beach

Williamsburg

Winchester

Other destinations

Blue Ridge Parkway
Shenandoah National Park
The College of William and Mary
James Madison University
Luray Caverns
Monticello
Mount Vernon
Natural Bridge
Skyline Drive
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
Yogaville

Understand

"Virginia Is For Lovers" [2] is the enigmatic motto of the Virginia tourism council. What makes Virginia particularly suited for amour remains something of a mystery, but the state does have many great features: beaches, forests, some of the oldest towns in North America, and proximity to the Mid-Atlantic and the deeper South. [The "Virginia is for Lovers" motto was created by the tourism council to convey the idea that Virginia has a wide variety of activities and destinations to cater to almost any taste or interest. For example, "Virginia is for lovers of history", "Virginia is for lovers of nature", etc.]

Virginia is one of the thirteen original colonies, and one of the first states to ratify the Declaration of Independence. It is known as the "Mother of States" as its original territory included West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. It is also known as the "Mother of Presidents," as eight U.S. presidents were born in the state: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.

What is known today as Virginia has been inhabited for many hundreds of years by people of European descent. Jamestown, Virginia (near Williamsburg) is the site of the first lasting British settlement in the New World, dating to 1607. Native American tribes from Virginia, such as the Powhatan, had some of the richest native cultures in the Colonies.

In colonial times, Virginia was settled mainly along the rivers that empty into the Chesapeake bay. The settlers relied on slave labor to grow cash crops, such as tobacco, and relied on trade from England for basic needs. While settlers primarily from England, Scotland, and Ireland settled along the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James Rivers, many German settlers migrated into Virginia from Pennsylvania along the Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861 and has a strong Civil War heritage, as well as a strong sense of Southern pride and feeling of independence that exists in much of the state (especially the capital Richmond) even today.

Following the Reconstruction after the Civil War, Virginia's economy shifted toward growing food crops in the north of the state, while the southern interior of the state continued to grow tobacco on smaller farms. The major shipyards at Norfolk continued to grow in importance as a major coal port and a naval base.

Following the growth of the US Federal Government during and after World War 2, Northern Virginia grew at an astronomical pace as government workers and contractors settled across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Today, Virginia's economy is dominated by military bases dotted all over the state, government contracting agencies, and residents who commute into Washington, DC. Virginia Beach serves as a popular summer vacation spot and the Appalachian Mountains offer outdoor recreation. Virginia is also a popular destination for history buffs as Virginia was a major player in much of America's history.

Talk

English is spoken by majority of residents. In rural areas and farther south, you may experience what is commonly known as “southern accent”. This accent generally does not stop fluent English speakers from understanding the person but non fluent English speakers may experience problems. Most people can deliberately speak in non accented English upon request but find it difficult to do so for extended length of time. As with all places, locals may have non standard words to refer to places, actions and people. Locals are generally understanding of tourists not understanding these words and will clarify upon request.

Get in

Virginia like all states in United States can be entered freely by people who are either American Citizens or by other people who have been allowed entry into United States. People from other countries should see the United States of America article for more information about entering from foreign counties.

By plane

Virginia has many major airports servicing its main cities. Northern Virginia (the Washington DC suburbs) is serviced by Washington-Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (or, simply "Washington National" or "Reagan" for short). Washington National airport is by far the best airport in Northern Virginia due to its proximity to the Washington Metro Rail system and lower volume. Washington-Dulles Airport is better for international flights. However, its shuttles which transport passengers between the concourses, called "Mobile Lounges," make moving through the Dulles Airport a major hassle. Some concourses are connected via moving walkways and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is working on an underground rail system to link the concourses.

For Central and Southern Virginia destinations, Richmond International Airport offers flights to and from many major cities East of the Mississippi and in Texas.

For Eastern Virginia, especially the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Portsmouth area, Norfolk International Airport offers flights to and from cities all over the U.S.

Other smaller regional airports service Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg. Flights from these airports generally only go to large hubs such as Atlanta or Washington DC.

By train

Amtrak offers passenger rail service to many Virginia cities, including Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and Staunton. For destinations in Northern Virginia, the best stops are Union Station in Washington, DC and the Fredericksburg station.

Amtrak offers commuter rail service via the Virginia Railway Express. Major stops are in Manassas, Franconia-Springfield, and Fredericksburg.

Getting into Virginia from Maryland and Washington, DC is very easy via Metro Rail and Metro Bus.

By car

Virginia is connected by secondary roads and Intserstate highways to the surrounding states.

Interstate 81 is the main route from Tennessee and continues through Virginia into Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Interstate 66 connects Northwestern and Northern Virginia with Washington, DC.
Interstate 95 runs north-south through Vrignia connecting Washington, DC to Fredericksburg and Richmond, on to North Carolina.
Interstate 495 encircles Washington, DC with part of its route going through Northern Virginia. Where I-95 intersects with I-495 at the southern-most end of I-495, Interstate 395 continues northward into DC while I-95 traces the same route as the eastern half of I-495. Thus, if you are to take I-95 from Richmond to Baltimore, MD, you would merge onto I-495 going East and North until I-95 splits off from I-495 on its north side to reach Baltimore.
Interstate 64 runs east-west through Virginia, connecting the Hampton Roads area with Richmond and Charlottesville. West of Charlottesville, it joins I-81 at Staunton. The two highways split at Lexington, with I-64 going through the western mountains until entering West Virginia.

Get around

Travel around Virginia is primarily(like the rest of the US) by car.

Amtrak trains run from Norfolk/Newport News to Richmond and out to the western panhandle. Trains also run north and south between Richmond and the Northern Virginia/DC area. A third major line runs from the western panhandle, north through Charlottesville, and up to Northern Virginia.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE), a commuter rail line, serves Washington, DC from points as far a way as Fredericksburg and Manassas.

The Washington Metro has several rail stations in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County.

Hitchhiking is slow-going in Virginia. Rides are hard to come by and the Virginia State Police are notorious for hassling travelers (hitchers and motorists alike). Your best bet is either to stick to the state roads in the mountains, or to stick to rest stops on the major highways.

See

Crabtree Falls in Nelson County
Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County
Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington
Peaks of Otter in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular spot for hiking and fishing. Home of the famous Peaks of Otter Lodge.
D-Day Memorial in Bedford

Do

As one of the original thirteen colonies Virginia offers numerous opportunities for those interested in history:

Mt. Vernon (George Washington Residence)
Monticello, Poplar Forest, and UVA (All dealing with Thomas Jefferson)
Appomattox Court House (Site of Civil War Surrender)
Berkeley Plantation (Home of Benjamin Harrison and others)
Agecroft Hall (1600 style setting Castle)
Maggie Walker Historical Site (Home to Maggie Walker)
The Historical Triangle (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown)
The College of William and Mary (Jefferson's alma mater)

In addition, visitors might choose to go to Theatre IV for some great authentic plays. Byrd Theatre is always the place to see old and modern movies at rates not topping $4. Or take a stroll down to Carytown, the "Georgetown of Virginia".

Golf

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia golf promises great beauty and geographic diversity. A mild climate, year-round golf and a variety of package plans adds to the allure of golfing in Virginia.

Throw in some of the best resort courses in the nation and new daily fee courses designed by some of the most noted golf course designers, and you've got the winning combination for an enjoyable golf getaway. Six resorts rank among America’s top 100. Dozens of its courses, crafted by world-famous designers, are part of every list of the country’s finest places to play.

Eat

The Virginia Department of Agriculture lists producers on its Virginia Grown website [3] , and there are dozens of seasonal food and drink festivals [4] across the state. Quality processed foods made in Virginia are promoted through the Virginia's Finest [5] program.

Most of the signature dishes of the state are common to Southern/American cuisine. Country ham is a cured specialty frequently served at holiday meals and breakfast with the largest producers based around Surry county. In the Southeast is the county of Brunswick, one of several locations that claims itself to be the birthplace of Brunswick Stew [6]. The Highland County Maple Festival [7] celebrates local maple syrup producers high up in the Blue Ridge mountains, the lines for the Ruritan's pancake breakfast's are super long, though with a friendly atmosphere, and can be avoided by dining in an area restaurant/inn. Do try the maple doughnuts made with nutmeg and fresh maple syrup.

The Chesapeake Bay region produces some of the nation's best seafood, especially crab and oysters.

Drink

Tap water is safe to drink.

Virginia law requires you to be 21 to buy alcohol or consume alcohol. Photo ID will be required to prove age.

Beer and other alcoholic drinks are available from most restaurants and bars, with purchase prohibited between 2 and 6 a.m.. Variety of what is available differs from restaurant to restaurant and when in doubt people should check menu or with a waiter to see what is available.

Beer, wine, and malternatives/alcopops are sold at most grocery and convenience stores, but cannot be purchased between midnight and 6 a.m.. Certain counties in Virginia prohibit Sunday sale of alcohol, mainly the south west counties. When in doubt, check with local county police department or simply ask store owner.

Hard Liquor is only allowed to be sold by Virginia ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) stores. More information about these stores and other alcohol related information can be found at their website. [8]

Cheerwine, a regional cherry flavored soda, can be purchased in convenience stores in the more southern parts of the state.

Wineries

Virginia is home to over 130 wineries, spanning from the Eastern Shore to the Heart of Appalachia. Wherever you are in Virginia, there's a winery nearby. Virginia’s many wine trails across the state make visiting wineries easy and fun! Wine events statewide offer wine tasting, food, music, art, shopping and activities, such as grape stomping and hot air balloon rides.

Virginia Wine Travel [9]
Virginia Wine Festivals [10]

Stay safe

Certain cities in Virginia have crime problems, in particular, the City of Richmond. However, most places in Virginia like the rest of US are safe. Check with locals to determine what areas you should avoid. Standard safety rules apply: Stay in groups as much as possible, trust your instincts and do not flash around cash or large value items. If you need urgent medical, fire or police assistance, all areas participate in 911 program.

Get out

Washington Dulles Airport is major international airport and probably best place to catch a flight to exit the US. Dulles also has large amount of Domestic flights along with Richmond International.

VERMONT

2009-06-11T23:24:00.001-07:00

Overview

Vermont is a state that is best enjoyed outdoors. Although it is the only New England state without a seashore, its border with Lake Champlain more than compensates. The largest city, Burlington, affords magnificent views of the water, and has many sporting and recreation areas.

Vermont is the USA's third-largest ski state, with 16 alpine resorts and just under 30 for cross-country skiing. Cruise down country lanes to picturesque villages, with white-steepled churches, covered bridges and hillsides ablaze with brilliant colours in the autumn. In the spring, sugar maples are tapped for their famous maple syrup, second to none.

Vermont [1] is located in the New England region of the United States. The Green Mountain State is known for its beautiful fall foliage and its maple syrup. It is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.

Regions

Northeast Kingdom

Northwest Vermont
Includes the Vermont part of the Champlain Valley.

Central Vermont

Southern Vermont

Cities

Other destinations

Understand

Orientation

Vermont is the second smallest state in terms of population (it has 609,000 residents) and the sixth smallest in geographic area. Lake Champlain, the nation's sixth-largest freshwater body lies at the northwest border with New York State and Canada. The state is split east-west by the Green Mountains, which are popular for recreational activities. The eastern border with New Hampshire is defined by the Connecticut River. Vermont is the only landlocked state in New England which leads to its often being short-changed in guides to the region. Its highest point is Mount Mansfield at 4,393 ft, and its lowest point is Lake Champlain, at 95 feet.

The state is extremely rural, its valleys littered with farms. Its largest city is Burlington, pop. 38,889. Among the state's major exports are cheese, maple syrup, marble, slate, and granite. Tourism is also a very large industry in Vermont, as skiers travel from Boston, New York, Canada, and elsewhere to ski resorts up and down the Green Mountain spine during the winter. In summer, the many bed and breakfasts fill up with couples and families wanting to visit the state's small towns and wild areas. Vermont's autumn foliage is known for being the most spectacular in the country, and possibly the world. It occurs quite early -- usually mid-September to mid-October. The only time that the visitor might try to plan around is "Mud Season" (March-April), when unpaved ground becomes unwalkable during the thaw. Even Mud Season has its charms, though.

History

Vermont was the 14th state admitted to the United States. It was not among the original 13 colonies because of a border dispute between New Hampshire and New York which was originally resolved in New York's favor. Vermont residents, led by Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, fought New York's land claims tooth and nail until declaring independence and soon thereafter being admitted to the union. Vermont attracted settlers during the early nineteenth century, but population remained stagnant as flatter land to the West grew in favor. Significantly deforested by upland sheep farming during the 1800s, the forest has regrown (now covering 80% of the state) since dairy became the predominant form of agriculture. Vermont's urban areas have always been minuscule compared to the Northeast; the rural state, once seen as the most conservative in the nation, is now considered politically independent, progressive and protective of its environment and rural character.

Natural History

The Appalachian Mountains that enfold Vermont were most likely created during the Taconic Orogeny, when the North American plate collided with the African plate approximately 550 to 440 million years ago. The mountains have subsequently been eroded by ice, water, and wind, such that they are rather humble in their current state (they are suspected of having reached the heights of the Himalayas). Today Vermont is home to many wild habitats and their constituent flora and fauna, including northern deciduous forests, coniferous forests, wetlands, farmlands, powerline greenways, and patches of tundra (most notably on Mount Mansfield). Notable fauna include the black bear, moose, and the pileated woodpecker.

Talk

The Vermont dialect uses broad “a” and “e” sounds for vowels. Also, words that end with “r” get an “uh” sound, and one-syllable words are turned into two syllables. Here are some examples of Vermont speak: cow would be “kyow”, that is “tha-at”, there would sound like “they-uh” and idea is “oi-dea”. If you are not a native Vermonter, you will likely be called a “flatlander”.

Get in

By plane

There are flights to and from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (O'Hare), New York City (LaGuardia, Kennedy), Newark, Philadelphia,Washington DC (Dulles and National), and Detroit to the Burlington International Airport (BTV).
Rutland State Airport (RUT) has two flights a day to Boston Logan and one on weekends.
Another alternative is the Manchester Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire as it serves as an alternate hub for all of northern New England and is a 2 hour or less drive to just about anywhere in Vermont.
Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport [2] (IATA: YUL) (formerly Dorval Airport) is another alternative.

By train

There are two Amtrak trains that service Vermont:

The "Vermonter" with daily service between Washington, D.C., New York and St. Albans, Vermont makes nine stops in Vermont.
The "Ethan Allen Express" with daily service between New York and Rutland, Vermont.

By car

Driving access to Vermont is Interstate 91 that runs north-south and Interstate 89 that runs northwest-southeast.

By bus

Vermont Transit has service to Boston, MA, Albany, NY and Montreal, Canada as well as various other New England locations.
Bonanza (888) 751-8800 has service from New York City to Bennington, Vermont.
Adventure East (718) 601-4707 has service from Manhattan to Vermont ski resorts.
Dartmouth Coach (800) 637-0123 has service from Hanover, NH (convenient to White River Junction, VT) to Boston South Station and Logan Airport.

By boat

Ferry service is available from three locations in Vermont that provides access to New York across Lake Champlain from Burlington,VT to Port Kent, NY, Grand Isle, VT to Plattsburgh, NY and Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY.

See

Vermont State House

Vermont State House, 115 State St., Montpelier. This golden-domed building is the most notable in the capital and is the meeting-place of the Vermont Legislature. The building is open to the public.
Burlington Waterfront and Church Street, Burlington. This charming pedestrian and waterfront area along Lake Champlain is home to galleries, shops, and restaurants where you can find live music, an excellent sampling of local micro-brews, and great people-watching. Home to what may be Vermont's only "urban" nightlife.
Fall Foliage During September and October, Vermont's wooded mountains burst into fiery color. Hotels, restaurants, and roads fill quickly during this season, so make reservations early. Columbus Day weekend is usually the most crowded. The small geographical size and rural character of the state make it easy to view foliage from almost any location. Bus and bicycle tours will often guide tourists to the best foliage-viewing areas. Several ski resorts in the region offer foliage-viewing ski-lift rides to mountaintop overlooks. Foliage season begins in mid to late September, with color increasing day by day until "peak" around the first or second week of October. During peak, most deciduous trees will display some color change. Maples will blaze orange and red; birches, ash, and aspen will glow yellow; and oaks will turn a warm purplish-brown. After peak, the leaves drop and color quickly fades from the hillsides over the next week or so. Foliage change is partially triggered by cold, so "peak" will arrive sooner in the north of the state and at higher elevations, moving south and down during the season. Bring warm clothing and an umbrella, as the New England weather can be unpredictable.

Do

Skiing and mountain activities

Ascutney Mountain Resort, Brownsville, Phone: +1 802 484-7711, E-mail: info@ascutney.net, [3].
Bromley, in Manchester.
Jay Peak, Jay, Phone: +1 802 988-2611, E-mail: JayPeak@together.net, [4].
Killington Resort, in Killington.
Mad River Glen, in Waitsfield.
Magic Mountain, Londonderry, Phone: +1 802 824-5645, [5].
Mount Snow/Haystack, in Mount Snow.
Okemo in Ludlow.
Pico Mountain, in Rutland.
Smuggler's Notch, Jeffersonville, Phone: +1 802 644-8851, E-mail: smuggs@smuggs.com,[6].
Stowe, in Stowe.
Stratton Mountain, in Jamaica.
Sugarbush, Warren, Phone: +1 802 583-6300, [7].
Suicide Six, in Woodstock.

Eat

Maple syrup products and cheddar cheeses are the foods for which Vermont is most famous.

There are many outstanding restaurants throughout Vermont that use local produce and participate in the Vermont Fresh Network ([8]). Burlington, the largest population center in the state, has the most variety of restaurants, but there are gems hidden even in the smallest towns, like Hardwick and Plainfield.

Drink

Microbreweries

Vermont is home to some very original and high quality breweries. When in the Green Mountain State, stop by for a tour or look for titles from some of these fine companies:

Magic Hat Brewing Co., 5 Bartlett Bay Rd., South Burlington, +1 802 658-BREW (2739), [9].
Long Trail Brewing Co., Jct. Route 4 and 100A, Bridgewater, +1 802 672-5012,[10].
Trout River Brewing Co., 58 Broad St./Route 5, Lyndonville, +1 802 626-9396, [11].
Harpoon Brewery, 336 Ruth Carney Drive, Windsor, +1 802 674-5491, [12].
Switchback Brewing Co., 160 Flynn Ave., Burlington, +1 802 651-4114.
Three Needs Brewery & Taproom, 207 College St., Burlington, +1 802 658-0889.
Vermont Pub & Brewery, 144 College St., Burlington, +1 802 865-0500, [13].
Rock Art Brewery, 234 Wilkens St., Morrisville, +1 802 888-9400, [14].
Shed Restaurant & Brewery, 1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe, +1 802 253-9311.
Alchemist Pub & Brewery, 23 So. Main St., Waterbury, +1 802 244-4120, [15]. Very good beer, but only available at the brew pub. Just in Waterbury from the Stowe exit on the Interstate. They also have an excellent selection of single malt Scotch.
Green Mountain Cidery, 153 Pond Lane, Middlebury, +1 802 388-0700 x115, [16].
Otter Creek Brewing & Wolavers Organic Ale, 793 Exchange St., Middlebury, +1 802 473-0727, [17].
Bobcat Cafe & Brewery, 5 Main Street, Bristol, +1 802 453-3311.

Stay safe

Vermont has one of the lowest crime rates of any state in the country. Outdoor hazards are much more common. Avoid wilderness areas during hunting seasons (November) when accidental shootings can occur. Always stay on marked ski trails while skiing. The areas around resorts may be trackless wilderness, and the cold is potentially deadly. Use good outdoor safety practices when hiking, boating, and biking.

Get out

The northern part of Vermont is close to Montreal. There are also nearby mountainous areas in New York (the Adirondacks), New Hampshire (the White Mountains), Massachusetts (the Berkshires), and Maine (the Speckled Mountains), all of which have their unique charms.