Theodore Roosevelt was one of our nation's most beloved Presidents, but he also was an avid outdoorsman and one of the first advocates of conservation. To honor his passion and concern for the outdoors, the Theodore Roosevelt Island Park was established to not only recognize the efforts of this very public figure, but to also provide a natural setting that Teddy himself would have been proud of. A statue of him with two fountains surrounded by columns rightfully acknowledges his efforts to preserve our natural resources. The park itself is 91 acres of natural beauty that is accessible by footbridge from the parking lot, off the north-bound land of the George Washington Memorial.
Considering how much history there is in Washington and its surrounding areas, taking a walking tour will get you even closer to these venues and help you gain an even deeper insight to the lives of the people that shaped history. The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center schedules various informative and detailed guided walking tours of historic Fairfax. Some of the highlights along the way include a handful of the city's oldest structures like the Gunnell House that dates back to 1830, the Old Fairfax Jail that originated back in 1891 and the Moore House that was originally constructed in 1840.
Referred to as "America's attic," the National Museum of American History offers an unprecedented collection of items that numbers to nearly three million entries. Everything from Dorothy's ruby red slippers, to one of the first Kermit the Frog puppets, to Julia Child's kitchen, to an astounding 34-foot Star Spangled Banner, are just a few of the numerous highlights. The kids will love the interactive displays, especially the ones that encourage invention and creativity.
Getting into the Eighteenth Street Lounge may require getting past the very selective velvet rope. This premier nightlife venue doesn't just let anyone in, as it is a favorite haunt of the city's elite politicos, culture vultures and even the occasional celebrity. Once you do make it inside, you'll enjoy the cool, lounge atmosphere and superbly stocked bar. There are occasional live shows, DJs and various theme nights on the weekly calendar that are all worth checking out.