Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4. OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
This lovely old city center, across the Potomac just beneath the capital, retains the
charm and hospitality of its illustrious past while giving visitors all modern conveni-
ences, including a metro station (King Street on the yellow and blue lines). Alexan-
dria is noted for its historical and archeological museums,
Gadsby's Tavern
, the evoc-
ative system of Civil War forts and defenses at Fort Ward, and its captivating resid-
ential architecture, civilized shops, and restaurants.
View photo
5. BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
This mammoth basilica, dedicated in 1959, incorporates more than 60 chapels and
oratories that retell the diverse history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United
States. Conceived in the grand style - it is the largest Roman Catholic church in the
western hemisphere - the building combines Byzantine and Romanesque features,
creating an intensely decorative but substantial effect. The interior is simply over-
whelming in its grandeur, whatever your faith. There is also a cafeteria serving break-
fast and lunch on the site, which is convenient because there are few nearby restaur-
ants. Tours available.
400 Michigan Ave, NE • 202 526 8300 • Open Nov-Mar:
7am-6pm daily; Apr-Oct 7am-7pm daily • Dis. access
Google Map
View photo
6. U STREET, NW
For much of the 20th century, U Street, NW was the main street of this bustling
and prosperous African-American neighborhood. Opened as a movie theater in 1922,
the
Lincoln Theatre
has now been refurbished and presents performances of every
kind. Next door is the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, turning out great simple food for
capacity crowds. The legendary jazz musician
Duke Ellington
played his first paid
performance at True Reformer Hall at the junction of 12th and U Street, NW. The
poignant sculpture and plaza of the
African-American Civil War Memorial
commem-
orates African-Americans who served in the Civil War.
View photo
