Coming to Arlington (Washington, D.C. across the river!) is unlike visiting any other place in the United States. Even in New York City, I bet a higher percentage of the population speak English as their native language than in Arlington Virginia! A cross section of the entire world is what you will find in our area - a very diverse, vibrant and tolerant community of about 3 million people plus thousands of tourists - so I figure most of you will experience some culture shock. You will be coming to the Capital of the free world, and it is NOT cheap. Two things you don't cut corners on around here is your personal safety and the safety of your car. Pay the $18 per day parking - it's cheaper than replacing your car or having to fetch it from some impoundment lot!! If you come into BWI airport, just budget two hours and $45 to get to Crystal City. If you come on the 4th of July, remember that at least 500,000 other people will be gathering on the Mall (the federal area between the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial) for the national celebration and fireworks at the Washington Monument. They will be clogging the Metro stations more and more as the day wears on, and it will take 2-3 hours to empty the city after the fireworks. However, there's no place like D.C. - anywhere! You are safe, day and night, on the Mall and in the underground Metro (subway) system. Also, Pentagon City Mall, and Crystal City itself. It is okay to travel around by yourself, but it is even better to take a buddy. The Smithsonian closes around 5:00 pm each day, but a walk along the Mall, visiting the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials or the Capitol all lit up at night can be beautiful. The area also has 700 miles of bicycle trails. There is good bicycle riding along the Potomac River all the way to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. And of course, good biking along the Mall! There is also a place to rent kyaks (near Dykes Marsh) if you want to sample the Potomac. If you want to see the ocean, the Atlantic is about a 2 1/2 hour drive , but don't plan on spending the night at the beach that weekend without an advance reservation! There are 4 factory outlet centers at Rehobeth Beach, and no sales tax in Deleware, and Assateague Island at Ocean City in Maryland has those little ponies. If you are only staying a few days for the Convention, you will have more than you can possibly see just visiting the Mall (Smithsonian, Capitol, Memorials, etc.) and shopping at the Pentagon City Mall. All are accessible by subway and you will be safe. Parking is free along the Mall starting at 10:00 am, but spaces go fast. Don't even think about parking illegally. We drive like most people play hockey, so stick with Metro to get around! Probably why we have some of the highest car insurance rates anywhere! Happy trails! Carol Beigel, RPT Greenbelt, Maryland 10 miles East of the White House
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