Arlington National Cemetery

[geoint]

So I recently moved to northern Virginia. Im not much for touristy type crap and I couldn't care less how cool the museums are, I dont see myself going into Maryland or DC anytime in the near future. But one place I do really look forward to visiting is Arlington National Cemetery. Anybody got any tips for visiting?

[ilikerugers]

If you go to Arlington, either go alone so you're not rushed by someone else's schedule, or go with someone who is really in to it, or bring along your kids if they are at the stage of impressionable young adults. Words cannot express the feelings that the place evokes. Take a pencil and paper so you can write down names of individuals that capture your interest for one reason or another so you can Google them later. Don't do it on the spot with your cell phone; just take the place in. I've not done it myself, but I'm told if you really want a moving experience, attend the changing of the guard at 3am in a rainstorm.

If you go as far as Arlington, you owe it to yourself to head over to the mall, enter the Lincoln Memorial, and take the time to read the words on the interior wall.

If you go as far as the Lincoln Memorial, you owe it to yourself to go to the National Archive and gaze upon, with your own eyes, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.

The metro system there is very easy, getting around is a breeze once you have it figured out.

[garyvale]

You've got to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

[geoint]

Bring a pen and paper, check out the Changing of the Guard at the Tome of the Unknown Soldier and go see the documents that our Founding Fathers left to safeguard us from Tyranny. Check, check and check

Thanks guys

[dwtt]

I used to walk through the Arlington National Cemetary every day on my way home from work in Rosslyn to Petagon City. The best time to see the Tomb of The Unkowns is in the winter time on a weekday, when there are no tourists. Avoid the holidays such as Veteran Day or 4th of July. If you go in late November on a Tuesday afternoon, you'll have the entire place to yourself. The Marine Corps memorial at the northern part near Rosslyn is easy to get to from the metro station. From there, you can walk down to the Tomb.

[VictorFranko]

Every American should be required to see the Changing of the Guard.

If you are in Northern Virginia and are into American history, visiting Harper's Ferry is an absolute must!
I have visited a great number of Civil War sites from the biggies to the little ones and Harper's Ferry is by far my favorite.
Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, it's a strangely magical place, the ground has a hallowed feel to it as you walk (at least it did to me).
Basically, the Civil War started there with John Brown's raid on the local arsenal.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee, JEB Stuart, Stonewall Jackson, John Brown, Merriweather Lewis are some names that walked the same streets you will. It's a very small place, no doubt I walked in the same footsteps as these men.
George Washington selected Harper's Ferry as the site for the second Federal Armory to be built.
Many of the original gunsmithing machines are on display in the Armory Museum. I was lucky and got a private, behind closed doors demonstration of the machinery under power by the National Park Ranger machinist.
Harper's Ferry, highly recommended!

[blkside]

I was born in Arlington, because my father was 3rd Inf Old Guard. When I joined, I was stationed at Eustis for AIT. I was never able to see the changing of the guard but one day for sure. I did go to the wall with some of my friends and the emotions that come over you is unreal.

[2761377]

[Colt]

Good suggestions.

In addition to above suggestions, in my opinion the Wall is a must see.

Also, you say you don't like touristy, museum stuff, but dude, if you miss Air and Space Museum, you are really missing out.

[BigPimping]

Both my parents are interred there. Very important place all real Americans should visit.

[geoint]

Both my parents are interred there. Very important place all real Americans should visit.

God Bless them. My ex wife and I are both vets. Might be someday my daughters can say the same thing that you can.

I know if thats where I am laid to rest I will be in good company.