The Potomac River offers several fine opportunities for water sports and great aquatic fun. Enjoy a day of sailing and get a look at DC from a truly amazing vantage point. There are several marinas on the Southwest Waterfront, Old Town Alexandria, and Arlington that are great starting points for your time on the water. Lessons are available at the Washington Sailing Marina which is located just south of the Reagan National Airport.
C & O Canal Boat Rides offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to get closer to nature while learning some interesting history about the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It begins as a history lesson in the 1870s when these waterways were used for trade, and that era is highlighted as you pass several historic buildings as the tour progresses. Beautiful foliage and even some trails can be seen from the boat, as the 1 hour canal boat ride is both an historic and visually appealing experience sure to delight visitors who are out to learn as much as they can about this area of the country.
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.
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.