Holiday Inn Arlington At Ballston LOCAL AREA

Discover the United States' diverse history and honor the sacrifice of American service members at the Arlington National Cemetery. With nearly 400,000 veterans from all wars buried here, this historic cemetery offers 639 acres to explore. Stop at the Visitor Center near the entrance before visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, the Eternal Flame of President Kennedy's grave, and Arlington Mansion.

Home to 132 rooms, 28 fireplaces, and eight staircases, this presidential residence began construction in 1792 under the oversight of George Washington, but it wasn't until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt finally named it "The White House." Learn more about the White House's important history with a walking tour, available by reservation between 30 days to six months in advance.

Explore the world's most extensive collection of historic air and spacecraft, including Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. Entrance to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is free but visits to the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater or the Albert Einstein Planetarium cost a fee. To get there from our hotel, take the Orange Line Metro to L'Enfant Plaza.

Designed by Maya Lin, the wall is inscribed with 58,000 names of dead or missing soldiers. The wall is open to the public 24 hours a day. Information can be found at the ranger station nearby, open 8:45a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Take the Orange Line Metro to Foggy Bottom. www.nps.gov/vive

In November of 1800, U.S. Congress met for the first time in the newly completed portion of the building designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874. General tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Special tours are also available. Visitors enter through the newly completed underground visitor center on the East Front at First Street and East Capitol Street, N.E. Take the Orange Line Metro to Capitol South. www.aoc.gov

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is dedicated to protect ecologically important lands and waters around the world. The worldwide offices are located within walking distance, a short 3 blocks from the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston. Guests can also utilize the complimentary hotel shuttle. A negotiated rate for Nature Conservancy is available through your intranet, subject to availability. Visit www.nature.org for more information.

Enjoy a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra, watch a play, or visit the Millenium stage for one of the many free events. The Kennedy Center offers something for all ages and interests. Visitors can get to the Kennedy Center by car and park in the garage, or take the Orange Line to Foggy Bottom. The Kennedy Center provides shuttle service from the Foggy Bottom Station. Visit www.kennedy-center.org for more information.

Ballston Quarter is a true urban village filled with people who want to live where they also work and play—people who want to live life to the fullest. Everything you need is just footsteps away multiple restaurants, retail shopping, movie theater, and more. Located on the Metro four miles from DC, Ballston Quarter is a place where all of Arlington will come together to experience a life that’s as purposeful, thoughtful and true as you are.

Explore the world's most extensive collection of historic air and spacecraft, including Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. Entrance to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is free but visits to the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater or the Albert Einstein Planetarium cost a fee. To get there from our hotel, take the Orange Line Metro to L'Enfant Plaza.

It's not a trip to DC without a stroll through the National Mall. Take in our country's most iconic sights and historic attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, as you explore this majestic park. Known as "America's Front Yard," the National Mall is free to roam and borders many top DC attractions and museums – the perfect stop on your sightseeing adventure.

When staying near DC, don't miss out on a trip to the world's largest museum and education complex. Home to 21 museums, as well as the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Institution holds 154 million items to explore. Discover the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of African Art.