By S. Herlihy
The
Baltimore and Washington D.C. area is located on the Eastern seaboard section of the
United States. Baltimore is a city in the state of Maryland. Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, located in the District of Columbia, which is an area considered under separate jurisdiction from the 50 states. This area has much to offer families and children. Adults and kids alike will enjoy seeing thousands of cherry trees in bloom during April or exploring the many exhibits of the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Best Times to Visit
The Washington D.C. area has four seasons. Summers are hot and humid. Fall and spring are temperate and less humid. Winters are often cold and snowy.
One of the very best times to visit this area is spring during cherry blossom season. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington D.C. In 1965, additional cherry trees were given to first lady Lady Bird Johnson. Since then, the cherry trees have blossomed with vivid pink and white flowers each spring. Cherry trees line many of the streets of downtown Washington. A two-week festival is held every year to celebrate the flowering of the tree, and the festival includes a free parade complete with marching bands and events centered on Japanese culture.
Another good time to visit Washington or Baltimore is during the month of December, when snowfall is frequent and provides a quiet and pleasant blanket that makes the city look prettier. A National Christmas tree is set up on the ellipse in front of the White House. The tree is lit in a ceremony by the president. During the month of December, there are many free concerts with performances of holiday music in front of the tree.
Washington D.C. Attractions
The Washington D.C. area has many important historical and cultural places to visit. The Smithsonian Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the entire world. The museum is actually a complex of several museums. One can see exhibitions about space travel, learn about Native American arts and crafts, see 18th-century folk art and view many dresses that First Ladies have worn during their time in the White House.
The Washington D.C. area is also home to many other attractions. In a single day, you can see an original copy of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, gaze upon the towering head of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, ponder Thomas Jefferson's fierce defense of religious liberty at Jefferson Memorial and explore modern concepts of sculpture at the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The National Aquarium
Baltimore is home to one of the nation's largest aquariums, which is located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area. Visitors can watch dolphins in action, explore the world of the jellyfish and learn about amphibians, tropical fish and invertebrates. The aquarium focuses on exhibits for children, so this makes an ideal trip for families.
Costs
A trip to this area need not be expensive. Many of Washington's most impressive attractions such as the Smithsonian do not charge admission. The area is compact and well served by public buses and trains. A car is not a necessity. Washington and Baltimore are linked by frequent rail service. There are many supermarkets even in tourist areas so that one can purchase ingredients for a simple and inexpensive family lunch.
About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
