Meade's Heating and Air

Ford's Theatre has a built-in drama all its own. This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln, and that unsettling episode still resonates in the structure today. Take a tour that retraces the incident, and you can also get a look at some of the interesting backstage areas. And if you are visiting for a performance, the excellent acoustics and inviting seating arrangement will ensure that whether you are watching a play or a musical production, the entertainment takes on a deeper significance when you consider that you are sitting within some truly historic walls.

Habana Village is layers of fun...literally! This is an unbelievable four-story nightlife destination. Find your place on the floor to dance the salsa, merengue, tango or samba to add more than just a little spice to your evening. If you aren't quite sure of the steps, there are lessons available to help you find your groove. There isn't much time to be off your feet, but if you do need a bit of a breather, there are excellent lounges on the third and fourth floors that will revitalize your spirit. The specialty drink at Habana Village is the mojito, a tasty mix of rum, sugar and crushed mint leaves that will help you get dancing again, too.

Deciding that you will take a day to see the Smithsonian Institution is allowing too little time, as the Institution is much wider in scope than you may have originally thought. It actually encapsulates 19 museums as well as the National Zoo, all home to must-see exhibits and attractions. Some of the more popular stops within the Smithsonian include the National Air and Space Museum, the national Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian. The depth and breadth of everything here justifies the time and space that it takes to see it all.

The Tiny Jewel Box is actually an ironic name for this multi-story boutique that offers an amazing array of souvenirs and gifts. A good part of the inventory is acquired through area estate sales, and that means that you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces like broaches, earrings and an always-changing assortment of antique jewelry. Also, new diamond and platinum items are on display for you to view. Plus, don't miss some of the other gift ideas like sweaters, crystal candlesticks and painted coffee mugs that will please that one friend of yours who always seems to be difficult to buy gifts for.