Best Summer Vacation Experience in Washington, D.C

My best summer vacation was my trip to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2001. My husband and I cruised from Norfolk, Virginia to Washington, D.C. on our boat Mai Thai and spent the month of August at James Creek Marina.

We used to live in Philadelphia, and had taken many trips to Washington, D.C., but those visits were always rushed. This time, we were determined to take it slow, see all the sights and visit all the monuments and museums. And boy, did we visit! We toured Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, most of the Smithsonian museums, the FBI, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. We listened to Jazz at the Sculpture Garden and saw a performance at the Kennedy Center.

A fellow live-aboard boater at our marina, who was working for Senator Tom Dasschle at the time, offered to give us a private tour of the U.S. Capitol. We had the privilege of visiting his work area, which was off limits to the general public. The nation's capital was suffering from a heat wave, so we were very thankful for not having to wait in line under the scorching sun to enter the Capitol.

We enjoyed cruising on the Potomac River to Georgetown, exploring the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and visiting the art galleries at the Torpedo Factory in Arlington, Virginia. We feasted on fantastic blue crabs and oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.

We love Washington, D.C., and have been back several times. This trip was our best summer vacation.

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