Washington, DC is established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. Named after the first American President, George Washington, the capital is steeped in history, which is captured in its monuments, museums and memorials.

For over 200 years, the White House has been the home of the President and their families and is often referred to as the most famous address in the country. Now home to the first African-American President, Barak Obama, power and politics continue to be an exhilarating mix.

The city was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, inspired by chic Paris, who created grand boulevards and ceremonial spaces. It has since transformed into a vibrant and fascinating capital renowned for its urban spaces, extensive memorials and grand neoclassical architecture.

The city’s most famous landmarks are in and around the National Mall, spanning from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. The city hosts many festivals, gatherings and performances. On summer evenings, the Mall is a great place to catch an open air concert, movie screening or jazz performance. In the winter, the popular outdoor ice skating rink opens at the National Gallery of Art, overlooking the numerous art sculptures and gardens.

Getting around DC

Washington’s location makes it easy to get to via car, train, bus and plane. Once in DC, navigating around the city is simple, due to its compact nature and grid-patterned layout.

Driving around the crowded streets of DC can be a strain and parking can be even worse. Luckily the city has a great public transportation system. The Metro is an efficient and comfortable system, consisting of rail and buses, which operates throughout the city. The fare you pay depends on the zone(s) you travel in and a flat fee is in operation on the bus system.

The DC Circulator is a new and convenient way to get around town; US$1 takes you from Union Station to Georgetown or to the National Mall.

Taxis are abundant and the capital has one of the highest ratios of taxis per person. Currently, taxis work in a zone system, whereby customers pay depending on the zones they use. Don’t miss…

Tour the three houses of Government

Explore the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court to gain an appreciation of the division of power within the country’s democratic government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance.

Tour the national monuments and memorials

The national monuments are magnificent. The best time to see them is by night when they are illuminated and the area is less crowded. If you are visiting by day, you can take the ‘Hop on – Hop off’ bus tour or join a walking tour.

Visit the Smithsonian

Pick up a map and information on all the museums at the Smithsonian Institution Building, the world’s largest museum complex. There are 19 museums to choose from, ranging from art to space exploration.

Take a walk through Georgetown

Georgetown is the capital’s historic waterfront, always bustling with activity. The area is a shopper’s delight and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality.

Enjoy nature on a bike trail

There are wonderful bike trails to be found amongst expanses of greenery. Hiring a bicycle is easy and a great way to explore the historic C & O Canal and the famous Rock Creek Park; a welcome relief from hectic city life.

Shopping

Find time to add a little shopping to your DC agenda. In addition to quaint neighborhood boutiques, you’ll find some of the top shopping centers and outlet malls in the country.

Georgetown Park is the premier shopping area in Washington, DC. The mall has a wide selection of stores including women and men’s fashion, children’s fashion and toys, jewelry, accessories, books and cards, electronics, music, etc.

Old Post Office Pavilion is a popular attraction; built in 1899 and restored as a shopping destination in 1978.

Here you will find a variety of retail stores, a large food court, a discount-ticket broker, and government offices.

Tysons Corner Center is largest shopping mall in the area, located just minutes from downtown DC. With more than 290 stores, the mall offers an extensive selection of merchandise including everything from high fashion apparel to home furnishings.

Union Station is the most visited destination in Washington, DC with over 25 million visitors a year. Union Station, Washington’s train station and premier shopping mall, also serves as a venue for world-class exhibitions and international cultural events. Where to eat:

Washington is a culinary adventure with just about every type of cuisine imaginable, from Burmese to Ethiopian to American. Here are some of the most popular eateries:

Citronelles

3000 M St. NW

Tel: 202-625-2150

Website:http://www.citronelledc.com

An elegant (and very expensive) restaurant that is one of DC’s most acclaimed. French Chef Michel Richard creates a gastronomic dining experience, with an inventive menu. Favorite dishes include: Abalone served sashimi style; sablefish with miso glaze; short ribs for two, the meat de-boned and cooked sous-vide for 72 hours, then finished in a searing-hot pan and presented medium rare.

Meskerem

2434 18th St NW

Tel: (202) 462-4100

There are numerous budget Ethiopian eateries along the streets of Adams Morgan, but none as pleasing as this one. Diners can sit at messobs (basket tables) on low, carved Ethiopian chairs and tear off little pieces of injera (sour-dough pancakes) with which they can sample a wide range of chicken, lamb and vegetable stews. Don’t forget to taste the homemade honey wine.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

1213 U Street, NW

Tel: (202) 667 0909

Website: http://www.benschilibowl.com

‘Home of the Famous Chili Dog’, give’s a clue as to what to order at this eatery, which has been around since 1958. The chili half-smoke was voted Washington’s signature dish. Ben’s Chili Bowl has a diner style décor, with Formica counters lined with red vinyl barstools. The diner is known to be frequented by celebrities such as comedian Bill Cosby and has even been recently sampled by President Obama.

Earning the distinction “The Sizzle in Southeastern Michigan,” Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti present a lifestyle all their own, where fine dining, great shows, unique offerings, endless shopping, and a Big Ten University offer a myriad of leisure choices.

Amusing Museums

The arts in Ann Arbor are inspired whether it’s a quaint gallery, renowned museum, or University-sponsored event. The area’s abundance of galleries clearly illustrates Washtenaw County’s love affair with the arts. For instance, one of the most respected and oldest community arts organizations in Michigan, the Ann Arbor Art Center features three rotating galleries showcasing original artwork, jewelry, paintings and ceramics.

The University Gallery at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti houses works by students and faculty of the Department of Art, along with exhibitions by other artists. The University of Michigan Museum of Art Off/Site in Ann Arbor provides gallery space devoted to photography, film and video during the historic expansion and restoration of the University of Michigan Museum of Art.

Other area museums feature regional history such as the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County. The museum hosts the “Journey to Freedom” tour that visits area historical stops on the Underground Railroad, including the site where one of Michigan’s first abolitionist newspapers was printed.

At the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the young and young-at-heart find their imaginations ignited inside this nine-gallery museum containing more than 250 interactive exhibits. Featuring the unusual role Ypsilanti played in the history of the automobile, the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection presents vehicles of bygone eras. Visitors also enjoy solving the mystery of the world’s most notorious highway map.

When in Ann Arbor

When it comes to eats in Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s corner deli has spent 20 years searching out a bounty of flavorful foods. Rated “extraordinary by ZAGAT, the deli has been called “a national treasure that locals laud as the best deli in America.” It has also been chosen as “One of the top 25 food markets in the world” by Food and Wine, 2004. The deli serves up thousands of made-to-order sandwiches with premium ingredients.

Visitors also find a well-stocked grocery with farmhouse cheeses, estate-bottled olive oils, varietal vinegars, salami, coffee, and much more. Zingerman’s Next Door is a fun place to relax with a great cup of Joe and a homebaked dessert.

One of Ann Arbor’s premier restaurants, Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant is a hot spot featuring 12 indigenous Ethiopian dishes and a fully stocked bar. Voted Ann Arbor’s premier sports-bar, The Arena serves all-American fare, 24 draughts, four big screen televisions, and 22 satellite televisions. Visitors also found fare ranging from Thai and Vegan to Italian and German cuisine. Whatever the craving, it’s likely you’ll satisfy it at an Ann Arbor eatery.

Sizzle After Six

Comedy, jazz, cocktails, dancing, sports bars – a lively nightlife awaits around Ann Arbor’s corners no matter where you are. Pop into Arbor Brewing Company for award-wining beer or groove to the tunes at Firefly Club, one of the area’s best jazz clubs. At The Arena catch the big game on four HD big-screen and 22 satellite televisions. The well-known Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase has been called by Rolling Stone “one of the best clubs between the coasts.” The club features popular local and nationally known comedians.

Event Full

An exhilarating celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment and community spirit exudes during the Ann Arbor Summer Festival in June. The three-week event offers dozens of performances, events, activities, exhibitions, parties, and more. Attendees enjoy eclectic music, dance, theater, film, visual arts, and family fun.

Then in July, the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fairs, comprised of four award-winning and independently juried art fairs, are held simultaneously throughout the streets of Ann Arbor. The events transform the charming city into one massive outdoor art gallery featuring 1,200 artists and a half million visitors from all over the country.

Later in July, the Summer Beer Festival, hosted by the Michigan Brewers Guild attracts thousands of thirsty attendees who converge at Riverside Park to sample more than 100 beers prepared by breweries throughout the state.

Of course there are plenty of car shows and events like Ypsilanti’s Orphan Car Show and Depot Town Cruise Nights, the Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Festival, and Rolling Sculpture Car Show.

San Diego which is eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in the state of California is a hot destination for tourists from across the globe.

San Diego boasts of a rich military history, sun kissed beaches, lush parks, rocking nightlife, wonderful museums, architectural wonders, open air restaurants, multicultural festivals, charming neighborhoods, shops and galleries along with good quality and affordable lodging and accommodation facilities.

Following is a discussion of what makes San Diego such a hot spot for tourists.

Climate

One can plan a vacation in San Diego in almost any time of the year due to its idyllic climate. As the area has a temperate Mediterranean climate, tourists enjoy a mild, sunny weather throughout the year. Such is the topological diversity of the place that one can enjoy coastal, mountain and desert environments within the span of just one day.

Territory

In eastern San Diego one can find a wide variety of terrain ranging from gentle foothills to the high mountains and the historic mining areas. This part offers nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and dabble in other such adventurous sports and activities.

While traveling in the northern part one can come across plenty of wineries and harvested fields. Along the west, the miles and miles of Pacific Ocean coastline allow the tourists to enjoy water sports such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming.

Art and culture

To witness the artistic side of San Diego, the most visited place is the Balboa Park. This largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is proud of its 15 museums, plenty of art galleries, beautiful and well maintained gardens, theatre houses and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Popular attractions

San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to visitors of all ages from around the world. Major attractions in San Diego are the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World San Diego, 92 golf courses, Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla Village, Del Mar, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and much more.

Lodging

San Diego offers plenty of lodging options matching all pockets. However, for a good San Diego accommodation it is better to book in advance as there might be difficulty in finding one during the peak season.

Cuisine

In San Diego one can taste foods of different cuisines such as Mexican, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Thai, Afghan, Japanese, Indian, Spanish, French, British, Chinese, Persian, Italian and Cuban etc. The culinary delights can be enjoyed throughout the city as there are as many as 6,400 eating establishments here offering a wide variety of lip smacking foods and delicacies. Major restaurant chains are found in almost every district.

No wonder, San Diego is truly a remarkable place for a memorable vacation experience for everyone.