Nearly any Massanutten rental is just a short distance away from DC and makes a wonderful day trip. Those staying in a Massanutten vacation home should make the most of their time in the nation's capital. Taking a tour of the major sights, having a meal at one of the best restaurants in the city and experiencing the great shopping districts are ways to see DC in a day.
Tours
DC is a town that is meant to be explored. With so many great monuments to see, it is no wonder there are several tours for travelers to choose. Tours will show you the major sites and save on time, because most tours only last a few hours. Visitors can choose from a variety of options which include walking tours, biking tours, bus tours and even trolley tours. Many vehicle tours allow guests the option of hopping-on and hopping-off the bus or trolley to explore certain monuments on your own time. Walking or biking tours are the best options for large groups of visitors or those who want to see the city up close. Stops on most tours include Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, Union Station, the Washington Monument and the White House. Tickets for tours range between $20 and $30 per person in summer 2010, and tours usually last 2 to 4 hours.
Restaurants
A day trip to DC would not be complete without a chance to taste the food of the city. Travelers should take a break in their busy day to have lunch or dinner at one of DC's best restaurants. The city if full of great dining options, but Georgia Brown's is a place which will mesmerize visitors with its food. Dishes are inspired by Southern cooking and have an elegant edge. The restaurant is simple with white walls but also shows its eclectic side with bronze ribbon ceiling ornaments. Dishes include green beans with bacon, crab soup, Carolina-style shrimp and fried green tomatoes.
Another restaurant to try is the Belgium eatery Belga Cafe. The restaurant serves up traditional eats and European-inspired meals. Dishes include mussels, seared scallops, Belgian chicken stew and leg of rabbit. There is also an extensive 3-page list of beer available. Exposed brick, dark wood accents and cream-colored linens make Belga Cafe one of the best spots to eat in DC.
Shopping
A visit to DC would not be complete without some shopping. The city has several great shopping districts complete with boutiques store, department stores and many designer shops. Visitors who want to dive head-first into the shopping scene of DC should go to Georgetown. It's basically DC's main shopping location. There are a ton of stores to choose from, and crowds aren't too intimidating. One-of-a-kind stores are placed next to large chain stores. It's a one-stop shopping destination where visitors can find an outfit to wear to dinner or a souvenir to take home.
Plan a day trip to DC during your next stay at a Massanutten rental. Visit Vamoose.com and search for the price, location and amenities that work best for your vacation needs.