Fort Myer Base Guide

Surrounding Area

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area is made up of the District of Columbia and the adjacent areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia. Living and working in this community affords many opportunities to visit some of the most unique and exciting places our country has to offer.

DC Nationals
Washington Nationals RFK Stadium 2400 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C.
202-675-5100
washington.nationals.mlb.com
Baseball is back! The newest major league baseball team is centered right here in Washington, D.C.

Ford’s Theatre and Lincoln Center
511 10th Street NW between E & F streets, Washington, D.C.
(202) 347-4833 for tickets or(202) 426-6924 for tour information
www.fordstheatre.org
Metro: Metro Center
Theatre entrepreneur John T. Ford leased the First Baptist Churchin 1861 and converted it into amusic hall. ‘‘Ford’s Atheneum” grewin popularity and was poised fortremendous success when thebuilding was destroyed by fire. Undaunted, the entrepreneur immediately began reconstruction and opened Ford’s ‘‘New Theatre” in August 1863. On the evening of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, his wife and two guests attended ‘‘Our American Cousin.” That night, John Wilkes Booth fired a shot that plunged the nation into mourning and a theatre into darkness. John Ford tried to reopen the theatre but threats of arson closed its doors. The government bought the theatre in 1866 and over the next 90 years it was an office building, warehouse and museum. Tours are given daily, except when rehearsals or matinees are in progress, but the museum remains open. Admission is free, except fortheater performances.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.
Metro: Smithsonian
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a landscape of four outdoor rooms with granite walls, statuary, inscriptions, waterfalls and thousands of plants, shrubs and trees along the famous Cherry Tree Walk on the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. Each of Roosevelt’s four terms in office areportrayed by American sculptors whose works in bronze bas-relief andsculptured figures relate memories of the man and his times to an enclosed landscape emphasizing ornamental trees and shrubs native to themid-Atlantic region. There are park rangers available from 8 a.m. tomidnight every day except Christmas.

Georgetown
www.georgetowndc.com
Metro: Foggy Bottom
West of Rock Creek Park from the Potomac River and North to Massachusetts Avenue

Georgetown is located in the old Colonial section of Washington, D.C. and is the oldest part of the city. This area will delight you with its shopping boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. Be sure to visit the Old Stone House on M Street — the oldest standing house in Washington, as well as Georgetown University and the historic C & O Canal.

Jefferson Memorial
Ohio Drive on the south bank of the Tidal Basin at the south end of 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 426-6841
A monument to our third president, this 19-foot bronze statue stands beneath a rotunda inscribed withpassages from the Declaration of Independence and some of Jefferson’s other famous writings. Open daily except Christmas. Park rangers are in attendance from 8 a.m. to midnight.

John F. Kennedy Centerfor the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 467-4600 or (202) 416-8341for Group information
www.kennedy-center.org
Overlooking the Potomac River in the nation’s busiest arts facility, presenting more than 3,300 performances each year for audiences numbering more than 2 million, the KennedyCenter continues to fulfill his visionby producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater andmusicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages. The Kennedy Center contains the Opera House, Concert Hall, Eisenhower Theater, the Terrace Theater, Hall of Nations, and the American Film Institute Theater. The Millennium Stage presents free performances in the Grand Foyer every night at 6 p.m. Free tours are given 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle available from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro.

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC
(202) 707-8000
www.loc.gov
Metro: Capitol South
Housing more than 84 million items in 470 languages, the Library of Congress is one of the world's largest library systems. Congress established the library in 1800 for its own use, but has extended its services over the years and the library is now open to the general public. Guided tours are given Monday through Saturday. The library also features rotating exhibits, concerts, poetry readings, and public lectures.

Lincoln Memorial
West End of The Mall
Near 23rd Street NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 426-6895
The classic Greek temple memorial is located at West Potomac Park. This grand memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool and, inside, the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president is flanked by inscriptions ofhis Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address. Open daily, 8 a.m. to midnight. From the nearest metro, Foggy Bottom-GWU, walk 8 blocks south along 23rd Street NW.

National Air and Space Museum
6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 633-1000
www.nasm.si.eduMetro: Smithsonian
Open daily, except Christmas, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 24 - Sept. 2 General admission is free. Exhibits include the Wright Brothers’ flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Langley Theater showing IMAX films, the Einstein Planetarium, as well as hundreds of other aviation and space exhibits. Cafeteria and restaurant facilities are available.

National Gallery of Art
6th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
(202) 737-4215
www.nga.govMetro: Archives, Federal Center, SW,or Judiciary Square.
Take a taste of the finer things in life and view the collection of Renaissance paintings, Dutch masterworks, French impressionism, as well as 20th century paintings and sculptures in this national gallery. Open daily. Closed Christmas and New Years Day.

National WWII Memorial
(202) 619-7222 (Park Service)
www.nps.gov⁄nwwm
The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is amonument to the spirit, sacrifice, andcommitment of the American people. The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis.

It is located on 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, and is flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. Open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C.
(202) 456-7041
Metro: Farragut West, McPherson Square,or Metro Center.
Construction on this hallowed residence began in 1792 and ended amongst much patriotic fanfare in 1800. Though never inhabited by George Washington himself, The White House was neverthelessconceived by the Father of Our Nation as a Holy Fortress from which to guard against the tyranny of ‘‘big government” and ‘‘social programs.” The President’s house is one of the most popular sights in D.C. Only the public rooms on the ground floor and the state floor may be visited, and the hours are limited. The White House may be closed at various times due to security concerns and special events.

VIRGINIA
Virginia is home to a wealth of interesting historical sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, theIwo Jima Memorial, the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon andthe Manassas National Battlefield Park, offering history lovers a never-ending choice of places to visit.

Air Force Memorial
www.airforcememorial.org
The Memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaringskyward to a height of 270 feet, isdedicated and given to the nation by the Air Force Memorial. Sitting on the 3-acre promontory adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and a short walk from the Pentagon.

The Memorial honors the millions of men and women who haveserved in the U.S. Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the U.S. Signal Corps, the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces. It pays tribute to the dedication, sacrifice and contributions of those who pioneered the skies, those who shape the air, space and cyberspace victories of today, and those who will continue to do so in the future.

The Memorial hosts a paved ‘‘Runway to Glory” at the site entrance, a larger-than-life bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription walls located at either end of a central lawn and a glass contemplation wall that reflects the missing man formation, the final tribute given to fallen airmen.

Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Bridge and Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA
(703) 607-8052
www.arlingtoncemetery.orgMetro: Arlington Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery has a number of fascinating sites to visit, including the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Amphitheater, Arlington House, and the grave of President John F. Kennedy. Outside of the Tomb of the Unknowns, there is a changing of the guardevery half hour in the summer and every hour the rest of the year. The cemetery is open to visitors daily; April - September, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; October - March, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Great Falls National Park
Georgetown Pike and Old Dominion Drive
Great Falls, VA 22066
(703) 285-2965
http:⁄⁄www.nps.gov⁄gwmp⁄grfa⁄
Great Falls National Park is one of the capital area’s most scenic views of the Potomac River. This 800-acre park has extraordinary views of Great Falls, 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C., with 15 miles of hiking trails and 5 miles of horseback riding and biking trails. The park is known for two things: its scenic beauty at the head of Potomac River fall line and the historic Patowmack Canal.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA
(540) 371-0802
www.nps.gov⁄frsp
Approximately 110,000 casualties occurred during the four majorbattles fought in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, VA, making it the bloodiest ground on the North American continent. In 1927 the U.S. Congress established Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Memorial National Military Park to commemorate the heroic deeds of the men engagedat the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Today the park also includes the historicstructures of Chatham, Ellwood, Salem Church, and the ‘‘Stonewall” Jackson Shrine.

Marine Corps Memorial
Iwo Jima Statue, Arlington, VA
202-619-7222
Metro: Rosslyn
Based on Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of six Marines raising the stars and stripes American flag on Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima, this 78-foot memorial, created by Felix de Weldon, commemorates all the Marines who have died in battle since 1775. Open daily, 8am-midnight. Route 50 at Arlington Boulevard & Ridge Road.

Monticello
Charlottesville VA
(434) 984-9800 (recorded information)
(434) 984-9822 (public affairs)
www.monticello.org
Explore Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home, gardens, and plantation. Located in the Virginia Piedmont, Monticello is about two miles southeast of Charlottesville and approximately 125 miles from Washington, D.C.; 110 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia; and 70 miles from Richmond, Virginia. The Monticello Visitors Center is open March 1 - October 31: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; November 1 - February 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monticello and the Monticello Visitors Center are open every day of the year, except Christmas.

Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
(703) 780-2000
www.mountvernon.org
This Georgian-style circa-1743 mansion was the home and plantation of George Washington, located on the south bank of the Potomac River, 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. Guided tours of the grounds and gardens are conducted daily from April through Labor Day. Open daily: April - August, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; March, September and October, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; November - February, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: adults $13, seniors $12, children 6 - 11 $6; children under 5 are free.

Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Hwy 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
(540) 999-3500 or (800) 778-2851
www.nps.gov⁄shen orwww.visitshenandoah.com
Take a drive along the winding roads of the beautiful 105-mile Skyline Drive that offers one of the finest scenic trips in the East. The drive twists and turns throughout the 80-mile long park that ranges from two to 13 miles wide. 70 overlooks allow any lover of nature to stop and view the Blue Ridge, Piedmont, and Shenandoah River Valley.

On the top of the drive, the park has even more tremendous foliage awaiting exploration either by foot or horseback. At the head of the Whiteoak Canyon grow hemlocks that are more than300 years old. Fall is the ideal time to visit the park, as the autumn colors envelop the scenery. The park is open year-round, with lodging and cottage accommodations. The park headquarters is located five miles east of Luray on US 211.

Wolf Trap Farm Parkfor the Performing Arts
1624 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 218-6500
Filene Center – (703) 255-1900
Theater-in-the-Woods –(703) 255-1827
The Barns of Wolf Trap –(703) 938-2404
www.wolftrap.org
Located at America’s National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap’s majestic Filene Center provides the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area with a magical outdoor venue for world-class performances of every genre. Operated in partnership with the National Park Service, the Filene Center houses over 90 performances annually from late May to early September, as well as a variety of educationprograms, artist master classes,special events and a yearly Holiday Sing-A-Long for families and friends throughout the community.

MARYLAND
The State of Maryland surrounds almost three-quarters of Washington, D.C. and is a cornucopia of interesting places to visit. From life on the Chesapeake Bay with its tasty fresh crab; to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis that prepares young men and women to become professional officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps...From the great city of Baltimore with its Major League football andbaseball teams; to the Eastern Shore with its beautiful beaches and shoreline, Maryland offers the chance for an exciting new excursion every weekend.

Antietam National Battlefield
1 mile north of Sharpsburg, MDon Route 65.
(301) 432-5124
www.nps.gov⁄anti⁄
General Robert E. Lee’s firstinvasion of the North culminated with the Battle of Antietam, in Maryland, which took place on Wednesday, September 17, 1862, just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia.

The Visitor Center at Antietam houses the museum, an observation room, a 134-seat theater, bookstore, and research library. Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Labor Day to Memorial Day, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An all-inclusive park entrance fee of $4.00 per adult, $6.00 per family, is required. Ask about Military Group rates.

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
One of America’s oldest seaports and one of the world’s newest travel destinations, Baltimore Harbor was established in the seventeenth century. Baltimore Harbor has a rich maritime heritage and today is complemented by exciting attractions such as the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.

The Inner Harbor is close to Fells Point and Little Italy with water taxis providing the opportunity to view the Baltimore’s dramatic skyline on a leisurely cruise as well as transport to other exciting city locations.

Maryland Science Center, Davis Planetarium and IMAX Theater
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-685-5225
www.mdsci.org
Located in the inner harbor, the Science Center makes science fun forchildren and adults alike. The centerfeatures exhibits about the Chesapeake Bay, hands on scientific experiments and more. The IMAX Theater features a five-story high screen and 38 surroundspeakers - it’s larger than life. On floor explainers, constantly changing IMAX films, traveling exhibits, special events and promotions mean that a visit to the Maryland Science Center is always different.

National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street Pier 3
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-576-3800
www.aqua.org Visit the Nation’s premieraquarium, the National Aquarium in Baltimore. With an exciting all-new Dolphin Show ‘‘PLAY!” now open and more than 10,500 marine andfreshwater animals, this is one stop that you can’t miss! Journey deep into the heart of the Amazon River Forest, come face to face with the stunning creatures that make a home in the Atlantic Coral Reef, glance into the eye of a menacing shark in our Open Ocean exhibit, and so much more! Best time to visit is before11 a.m. Discount tickets may bepurchased through recreation⁄ticket offices on local military bases.