I loathe organised tours of any variety, and avoid them on GP.

me too. We might want to do the FDR Memorial. It's amazing at night, there are lots of waterfalls lit from underneath. The Lincoln at night is pretty cool, too.

The FDR Memorial is gorgeous. Which reminds me, I haven't been there since I was about 16; I keep meaning to go back.

Don't forget about Albert Einstein across Constitution Avenue from the Mall...

Most people usually sit in his lap and have their picture taken.

The WWII Memorial may be open by then as well. The official dedication is Memorial Day weekend.

For those who appreciate Gothic architecture, National Cathedral offers tours.

If anyone goes to Arlington Cemetery, make sure you watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It occurs every half hour in the spring and summer, and is one of the most moving events I've ever seen. The view of the metropolitan area is amazing as well.

There are fabulous free concerts and performances at the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage every day at 6 pm. It's easily accessible by Metro--just take the Blue or the Orange Line to the GWU Station and pick up the Kennedy Center Shuttle.

The Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre is also a wonderful place. Gah, I might just go out and act like a tourist this weekend. There are so many terrific things to do.

It's easily accessible by Metro--just take the Blue or the Orange Line to the GWU Station and pick up the Kennedy Center Shuttle.

You can actually walk that -- it's about three blocks. The streets around there get really twisty and confusing, though, and it's really easy to go the wrong way and end up standing somewhere where you can see the Kennedy Center, but can't at all figure out how to get there. (It took me three visits before I was able to get it right on the first try.)

Hil, I went to GW and it took me 3 years before I could figure out how to walk to the Kennedy Center. Normally I have a decent sense of direction, but I was cursed when it came to that. Occasionally, I still have nightmares where I'm wandering around for a lifetime just trying to get to the Center. Pathetic, I know.

We might want to do the FDR Memorial.

Now, that' I'm totally up for. Or DX's suggested wander down the Mall.

Just, no lecturing tour guides for me, please. I've been travelling quite literally since birth and, as an old travellin' fool, I'm set in my no prepackaged info ways.

Hil, I went to GW and it took me 3 years before I could figure out how to walk to the Kennedy Center. Normally I have a decent sense of direction, but I was cursed when it came to that. Occasionally, I still have nightmares where I'm wandering around for a lifetime just trying to get to the Center. Pathetic, I know.

I'm at GW now. The first time, I tried getting there by walking down E street. You can see it right there, but the road just sort of stops. Next time, I tried going down G, then turning onto 25th. I ended up having to walk around in two circles and through a rather large mud puddle before getting there. The third time, I finally figured out that I knew that I could walk directly to the coffee shop at the Watergate from the Kennedy Center, so I tried walking to the Watergate, finding the coffee shop, and then getting my bearings from there. If that coffee shop ever closes, I'll be totally lost.

If that coffee shop ever closes, I'll be totally lost.

And that's why I thank God in heaven for taxi cabs. Even if I STILL can't figure out the zone system.

Weren't we talking excursion for pool and darts on Friday night?

I've been travelling quite literally since birth and, as an old travellin' fool, I'm set in my no prepackaged info ways.

me too. I don't mind tours to get me where I want to go, but once I'm there,leave me alone.