Washington DC

[barias4641]

Hi all I am new to the boards and looking for some information I am leaving for vacation in Washington DC and will be staying in Woodbridge, VA from 09/08 - 09/17 and looking for some places to photograph. I am going to do all the tourist stuff but I am also looking for some other ideas of what not to miss. Thanks all in advance.

[Landscaper]

One of the little known and awe-inspiring scenic vistas in the D.C. area is the Great Falls of the Potomac. There are Nation Park Service access areas on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the falls, and both are well worth a look.

In the Northeast sector of Washington, D.C. is the National Arboretum. It is a huge and largely unused park-like setting that incorporates trees and shrubs collected from all over the world.

In the Northwest sector of Washington, D.C. is the National Cathedral. It is, as far as I'm aware, the only cathedral in North America designed to emulate the architectural style of the old European cathedrals, right down to its gargoyles and flying buttresses.

Then there's the National Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Architecturally, its style is Middle Eastern, and quite unlike any other Christian cathedral you're likely to see in the Western Hemisphere.

And finally (on the religious sites), there's the Islamic Center on Massachusetts Avenue next to Rock Creek Park in Northwest D.C., and yes, you can feel perfectly safe visiting it. It's located in the heart of Embassy Row.

Of course, there's the several Smithsonian museums, the most famous of which is the National Air and Space Museum and the newest of which is the National Museum of the American Indian. If you're Causcasian, you'll have a hard time getting out that place with some feelings of guilt.

There are, of course, all the usual patriotic landmarks. If you want your shots to look a lot better than the postcards and the shots taken by tens of millions of other tourists, then the key is to get there before sun-up and also to wait until after sunset.

Good luck and enjoy your visit.

Message Edited by Landscaper on 08-26-2007 02:20 PM

Message Edited by Landscaper on 08-26-2007 02:21 PM