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National Mall
The National Mall is an obvious place for any family to start their power play in DC. The Mall isn’t a shopping mall, it’s “America’s front yard spanning 2.2 miles from the U.S. Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. It’s home to inspiring monuments and memorials (including the Washington, Vietnam Veterans and more), the majority of the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art. On any given day you might stumble upon a parade, demonstration, musical performance, festival or even a local pick-up game of ultimate frisbee or soccer. Open Top Bus Tours
There are some really fun way to get to know your nation’s capital and its neighborhoods. Hop on, hop off buses and trolleys put the power in your hands to follow your own schedule and can get you from the National Mall to Dupont Circle and even up to the National Cathedral. Electronic Superhighway by Nam June Paik at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Head to the third floor of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and check out this amazing art installation along with other more contemporary works. Walking along the entire length of this installation suggests the enormous scale of the nation that confronted the young Korean artist when he arrived to the U.S. in 1964. Neon outlines the monitors, recalling the multicolored maps and glowing enticements of motels and restaurants that beckoned Americans to the open road. The different colors remind us that individual states still have distinct identities and cultures, even in today's information age. Can you find your home state? International Spy Museum
The word “museum” is just a cover at this highly interactive experience that engages spies of all ages. International espionage artifacts are revealed including a lipstick pistol, a pigeon camera, tree stump listening device and even James Bond’s car. In an action-packed hour called “Operation Spy,” you take on the role of a U.S. intelligence officer on an international mission to locate a missing nuclear device on the verge of being sold to a rogue nation. This intense experience combines live-action, video characters, themed environments, special effects, and hands-on activities. Zola
Located next door to the International Spy Museum, Zola carries a sophisticated, romantic undertone of espionage that appeals to adults and kids alike. The spy holes that separate deep red booths were used in the commercial to transition from the museum to the restaurant scene. “Straight forward American cuisine” dresses up traditional macaroni and cheese by adding lobster and fontina cheese. The bar attracts a lively crowd from downtown, and the nearby theatres and sports arena. DC on Stage
Power plays take the stage in theatres nightly. On any given night in DC, visitors can catch a new interpretation of a classic by the Shakespeare Theatre Company or world-premiere productions at Woolly Mammoth. Touring Broadway shows are often found at historic Warner or National theatres. Be sure to check out TICKETplace for discounted, day-of-show tickets for performances all around the DC area.
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