Discovering YOU Magazine April 2019 Issue | Page 33

Mall” when I was here years ago, and it’s still the same today. If you’re visiting with a group of people, the best way to see Washington DC is on an escorted bus tour, or you can use the regular bus system that goes down Pennsylvania Avenue which is a great way to get around the city with different bus stops in different neighborhood, where most of the monuments are located.

The “BLUE Line” is the only METRO bus line servicing the cemetery area. For Instance, you will find different bus stops everywhere that are color coded which takes you through different neighborhoods. If you wish to visit the National Mall for example, you may be riding on the Blue, Red, Orange, Silver or another color route altogether. If you’re going to take a bus, find out what color bus stop you need to be waiting at that will take you to the attraction you wish to see, because not all buses travel the same routes! This is something you need to find out ahead of time.

Now, if you like walking, you can book a FREE walking tour with a group of other tourists where you will see different Abraham Lincoln landmarks, Historic Georgetown, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, Embassy Row, US Capitol, Old Town Alexandria, and others. Washington D.C. has multiple FREE attractions unlike many other cities I have visited in my travels. The best things in life are FREE as they say! There are more than 100 FREE things to see and do there that are top notch attractions if you have the time.

VACATION AND TRAVEL

Also if you wish to take a FREE tour of the “White House”, which I did at one time years ago, you will need to contact your member of Congress and submit a tour request up to 3 months in advance, and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. There is a list of requirements needed that are strictly enforced like no flash photography, a proper form of ID is needed, as well as many other things you will need to be aware of ahead of time. You need to research the regulations listed if you request a tour.

Now, outside of Washington DC is the home of “President George Washington” called, “Mount Vernon!” This is located 16 miles south of Washington DC on a 45 acre estate. There is a lot to see there which comes with a cost to tour this estate.

Also in nearby Virginia is the “Arlington Cemetery” where you can see famous gravesites with an outstanding view of Washington DC from the elevation of this cemetery. Over at the visitor center are maps to help guide you around. You will see, “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” with a changing of the guard ceremony

Washington Monument