By Isabel Prontes
The nation's capital city, Washington, DC, is a wonderful place to visit as a tourist. However, right outside of Washington, DC there are fun activities to partake in as well. From the towns and cities of Northern Virginia and to Maryland, the Washington DC area leaves people with no shortage of great recreational activities for having a terrific time on the weekend.
Shenandoah National Park
This sprawling national park is a great escape location for people living in Washington DC, since it's located a mere ninety minutes away (in the "west" direction) from the Capital Beltway. If you want to see magnificent panoramic scenery (of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and much more) and revel in nature and serenity, the Shenandoah National Park makes an ideal and extremely convenient option. Be sure to check out the mesmerizing skyline alongside the aptly named Skyline Drive, and also make sure to hike along the legendary Appalachian Trail.
Brookside Gardens
Located at Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, Maryland, this Washington, DC area garden spans fifty acres and displays a wide array of azaleas, roses, aquatics, and even butterflies. Be sure to check out the astounding tropical plant collection inside of the glass covered conservatories. Brookside Gardens makes a quick weekend getaway option from the fast-paced, urban lifestyle of Washington, DC. Children and adults alike will enjoy these gardens.
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
This is George Washington's famous Mount Vernon Estate, located in Mount Vernon, Virginia. This is a well-know, scenic tourist attraction for the DC area, which glides alongside the breathtaking Potomac River. Visitors can go inside of the mansions, stroll through the gardens and explore the museum, and learn a lot about American history and the first United States president as well.
Tyson's Corner
Shopping at the vast shopping mall Tyson's Corner in Vienna, Virginia is a great way to have fun on the weekend. Located just outside of Washington, DC, this is Virginia's biggest shopping center, with a large variety of stores and restaurants, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Movado, California Pizza Kitchen, TGI Friday's and many more. This is an excellent and extremely diverse weekend shopping for people in the Washington, DC area.
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About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
