November is the perfect time to take a break from the day-to-day grind, pack a bag and head off to Washington, D.C.  Autumn is especially pleasant with crisp, breezy days, lower crowds and colorful leaves and there are more than enough attractions to keep everyone busy and not break the budget. Spend time walking through incredible museums, strolling through fabulous art galleries and visiting historic monuments.  As an added bonus, with the upcoming Presidential election, excitement will certainly be in the air!  Make plans to visit soon and you’ll be on your way to discovering why this historically and politically significant city should be on your bucket list.

Here’s a small sampling of what to do while in Washington, D.C.:

Smithsonian Institution – No other place in the U.S. does it better!  Spend a day or two wandering through your choice of 19 museums, galleries and special exhibitions. Eleven of the museums are on the National Mall, a park between the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. Learn about dinosaurs and gems at the Natural History Museum, the history of flight at the Air and Space Museum and so much more. Start at the welcome center located in “The Castle”. Admission is FREE at almost of the museums and even at the National Zoo. Full details at: www.si.edu

Lincoln Memorial– Pay your tribute to our beloved 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln, known for his exceptional honesty and the famous Gettysburg Address. Considered one of the top attractions in Washington D.C., visitors are able to view the monument 24 hours a day.   Don’t miss a stop at this awe-inspiring and powerful attraction. A true delight for history buffs.

International Spy Museum– A vast collection of artifacts from famous spies and secret espionage missions throughout the world.  Learn about the role of intelligence operations with special educational exhibits, educational programs and challenging interactive spy experiences.  Visit: www.spymuseum.org

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at the Mayflower is a great choice when looking for accommodations in in Washington DC.  Located on the seventh floor of the elegant Mayflower Hotel, this historic hotel is right downtown on Connecticut Avenue NW and in the middle of all the action.  Steps away from the attractions and museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll be delighted by a stay at this Marriott Vacation Club Pulse property.  This grand hotel features chandelier-lined hallways leading to spacious accommodations and the utmost in contemporary luxury.  A multitude of modern and convenient amenities are part of the package including flat-screen TV’s and complementary high-speed WIFI.  An on-site restaurant, EDGAR serves up top-rated cuisine for the ultimate urban vacation experience.

 

-contributed by Chris Golden