Beyond D.C. Capitol Hill Aallspectrum May2009:1 4/14/09 2:08 PM Page 31

Home , Presidents Park, Shenandoah National Park

AALLSpectrum_May2009:1 4/14/091:20PMPage30 Beyond D.C. Capitol Hill AALLSpectrum_May2009:1 4/14/09 2:08 PM Page 31

Attractions abound just outside of AALL’s Annual Meeting destination

By Leslie M. Campbell

here is truly too much to do in Old Post Office Pavilion Bell Tower— Washington, D.C., to ever really Here is a D.C. insider’s tip: this wonderful imagine needing to go outside the building’s views are almost as good as the T Washington Monument’s, but without the downtown area in order to seek entertainment wait! The National Park Service offers free and adventure. That said, D.C. does not hold daily tours of the 315-foot granite clock the monopoly on fun things to do and see, tower, whose observation deck is the second and, if you do venture out, you will be richly highest vantage point after the Washington rewarded. There is history and culture, nature Monument. The building itself is Washington, and beauty, shopping and dining whichever D.C.’s first skyscraper, with 12 stories of steel way you go. You simply cannot go wrong, and granite frame built to house the U.S. whether you head north to visit Maryland’s and D.C. Post Offices. At the time, it was the many quaint small towns, venture up to largest and tallest government building in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, head east to explore city. With a food court and shops, it is a great stop for lunch or a snack. the eastern shore, or drive west to Virginia’s Location: 1000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, at lovely Shenandoah Mountains. Below 12th Street. Metro: Metro Center. For more are some selected highlights to consider. information: 202/606-8691; www.oldpost Remember: If you want to avoid driving, you officedc.com. can get a long way using the MetroRail system Albert Einstein Memorial—The (www.wmata.com), Amtrak, and any of the memorial by sculptor Robert Berks (best local tour bus companies. known for his portrait of John F. Kennedy at Kennedy Center) sits in front of the National Sights you might overlook in town Academy of Sciences building near the National Building Museum—This National Mall. Situated in an elm and holly breathtaking building is a must-see, with grove in the southwest corner of the academy wonderful exhibits focusing on architecture, grounds, the memorial was dedicated on April building, and green development, a nice café, 22, 1979, in honor of the centennial of and, without a doubt, one of the best gift Einstein’s birth. In his left hand, Einstein shops in the city. It is also cool inside, making holds a paper with mathematical equations it a calm oasis and offering a break from the summarizing three of his most important hot, humid, and hectic D.C. summer tourist scientific contributions: the photoelectric season. effect, the theory of general relativity, and The building itself is stunning. Built the equivalence of energy and matter. Three between 1882 and 1887, its exterior was modeled after the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. But it is the interior that steals the show. The grand central space, the Great Hall (measuring 116 by 316 feet), is dominated by a central fountain and four colossal Corinthian columns—among the tallest classical columns in the world. The building was designed in part to provide a grand space for Washington’s social and political functions; in fact, it has been the site of 16 presidential inaugural balls, from Grover Cleveland’s in 1885 to George W. Bush’s in 2004. Location: 401 F Street NW between 4th and 5th Streets. Metro: Judiciary Square station (red line) or Gallery Place/Chinatown Albert Einstein Memorial Credit: Destination DC Destination Credit: (yellow or green lines). For more information: 202/272-2448; www.nbm.org. National Geographic Society Museum quotations from Einstein are engraved beneath at Explorer’s Hall—Free and kid-friendly the figure, including “The right to search with a great gift shop, this museum focuses on for truth implies also a duty; one must not the National Geographic Society’s past and conceal any part of what one has recognized current expeditions, adventures, and scientific to be true.” He’s kind of cute, even cuddly research. (if you can imagine that), and kids enjoy Location: 17th and M Streets NW. clambering around on him, which makes for Metro: Farragut North (red line) and Farragut a great photo opportunity. West (orange and blue lines). For more Location: 500 5th Street, NW. Metro: information: 202/857-7588; www.national Foggy Bottom-GWU station (orange line); ol Hill geographic.com/museum. a pleasant walk of approximately seven blocks

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past the Pan American Health approximately ten miles north of Organization building and the downtown D.C. Metro: College Department of State. For more Park/University of Maryland Metro information: www.nasonline.org/site/ Station (green line). For more PageServer?pagename=ABOUT_ information: 301/864-6029; building_einstein_memorial. www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com. Great Falls National Park—Great Excursions under one hour Falls is a beautiful, 800-acre park only away 15 miles from downtown. Here, the First a word about traffic—and the word Potomac River builds up speed and force is “bad.” As in any major metropolitan as it falls over a series of steep, jagged area, it can be very congested on the rocks and flows through the narrow major roads, especially during commute Mather Gorge. Three stunning falls hours and particularly on Friday overlooks are within a short walk from afternoons in summer, when everyone is the visitor center, and hiking, biking, heading out of town or east to the shore. climbing, boating the class II rapids, Nonetheless, don’t let traffic dissuade fishing, bird watching, and picnicking are available. The park also protects and Mount Vernon you from venturing out, as all of these Manning iStockphoto.com/Bill Credit: sights are well worth the effort. preserves the ruins of the Patowmack Some tips: take advantage of public Canal, part of George Washington’s section of the parkway was completed in transportation and tour companies dream to make the Potomac River 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial navigable as far as the Ohio River Valley. where possible, time your trips to avoid of George Washington’s birth. For more information: 703/285- peak commute hours, always bring good There are many ways to explore 2965; www.nps.gov/grfa. maps, and have a fallback plan should the Parkway. Ranger-led programs are you run into traffic. George Washington Memorial Parkway: Not Just a Road—The available daily at Great Falls Park, Clara College Park Aviation Museum— Barton National Historic Site, Glen Echo Opened in 1998, the museum is a George Washington Memorial Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic roads Park, and Arlington House. Programs 27,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art are also available by reservation at many other locations including Turkey Run Park, Fort Marcy, Claude Moore Farm, US Marine Corps War Memorial Theodore Roosevelt Island, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, Dyke Marsh, and Fort Hunt Park. For more information: www.nps. gov/gwmp. Mt. Vernon: Another Must-See— Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, is a beautiful 500-acre estate resting on the banks of the Potomac River. The plantation is fully restored to look as it did in Washington’s day. In fact, in 2008, George Washington’s study was fully restored and opened to the public along with several “new” objects, so you now can visit George’s most private room where he bathed, dressed, and worked. In addition to the mansion itself, visitors can also tour outbuildings, including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse, and it is worth the trip just to explore the gardens. The George Washington Pioneer Farmer site is a

Credit: iStockphoto.com/Gary Blakeley iStockphoto.com/Gary Credit: four-acre working farm that includes a recreation of Washington’s 16-sided facility located on the grounds of the treading barn. George and Martha College Park Airport, the world’s oldest in the country. Much more than just a Washington are buried on the grounds continuously operating airport. It way to travel from here to there, it and a wreathlaying ceremony is held includes a display of unique aircraft is a destination in its own right, offering daily. and objects relating the history of early a calm respite from metropolitan Mt. Vernon is located just 16 miles aviation at the College Park Airport. Washington. The parkway connects south of Washington, D.C., and eight Guests are welcome to eat picnic lunches historic sites, from Washington’s home miles south of Old Town Alexandria at umbrella tables on the outdoor at Mt. Vernon past the nation’s capital (a fun destination itself, with historic balcony, which overlooks the airport to the Great Falls of the Potomac, and buildings, great shopping, terrific runway. provides a pleasant day trip through dining, and wonderful people-watching Location: 1985 Corporal Frank the same lands George Washington opportunities). Plan to spend at least Scott Drive, College Park, Maryland; frequently traveled by horse. The first several hours touring Mount Vernon;

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national holidays from May through regalia, poised before their cannon or September. demonstrating musketry. (Unfortunately, For more information: Arlington the Annual Meeting falls right in Cemetery: 703/607-8000; www. between anniversaries of the historic arlingtoncemetery.org/Visitor_informatio battles, but you can often find them there is a restaurant and food court if n/index.htm; Arlington House—The there on other days as well.) Even if you need sustenance. But note: Mount Robert E. Lee Memorial: 703/235-1530; you aren’t interested in civil war history, Vernon is America’s second-most-visited www.nps.gov/arho; Netherlands historic home. During popular touring you can simply bask in the wide array Carillon: www.nps.gov/archive/gwmp of park activities, scenic vistas, historic times there can be a line to get into the /carillon.htm. mansion, so weekday mornings are sites, and walking trails. usually your best bet. Walking shoes and Excursions about an hour away Start at the Visitors Center, pick comfortable clothing are recommended up a park brochure, map, and trail Manassas National Battlefield Park— guides, and check out the daily schedule because much of the experience is Another must-see if you are a civil war outdoors. And be sure to plan for the of interpretive programs. See the buff or just want to take a hike in the (hot!) weather. “Manassas: End of Innocence” beautiful countryside of Northern Location: Historic Mount Vernon, orientation film, which covers both the Virginia. Manassas National Battlefield 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, First and Second Battles of Manassas. Park is a national and natural treasure Mount Vernon, Virginia. Metro: There are some picnic tables and only 36 miles from downtown D.C. On Huntington Station (yellow line) and restrooms at the visitor center; if you a hot summer day you will often find Fairfax Connector Bus #101 (Fort plan to hike, bring water and sensible Hunt line). For more information: civil war re-enactors in full battle shoes (again, remember it is hot here 703/780-2000; www.mountvernon.org; in July!). Fairfax Connector: 703/339-7200; www. Location: 12521 Lee Highway, fairfaxcounty.gov/comm/trans/connector/ Manassas, Virginia. For more schedulesmaps.htm#SouthCountyRoutes. You might also want to consider parking at one of many parks along the George Washington Memorial Parkway Shenandoah National Park image © iStockphoto.com and biking or walking to Mount Vernon. With parking located all along the parkway, you can choose your distance. Aside from beautiful wooded views of the Potomac, the trail goes from Washington, D.C., past the Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, and through Alexandria, Virginia. Dogs are also welcome. Arlington National Cemetery— Beautiful, solemn, and moving, Arlington is a place of contemplation and history, and a wonderful location to walk and think. One particularly interesting site to visit is the Netherlands Carillon. Bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the Netherlands Carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to express their gratitude for American aid received during and after World War II. Carillon concerts are presented on Saturdays and

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information: 703/754-1861; baseball, wonderful museums, the mation: Fredericksburg Visitor Center: www.nps.gov/mana. touristy inner harbor, and a world- 706 Caroline St.; 800/678-4748; National Air and Space Museum class aquarium. Of special note are: www.visitfred.com or www.fredericks Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center— The Baltimore Museum of Art burgva.gov. Opened in December 2003, the (BMA) (10 Art Museum Drive; Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space 443/573-1700; www.artbma.org) is the Excursions about 2 hours away Museum is the second location for the largest museum in Maryland and offers Gettysburg National Military Park— flagship Air and Space Museum on an extensive collection particularly rich Gettysburg is actually not that far from the mall. It’s not realistic to visit both in modern and contemporary art. D.C. and is a very pleasant drive. If museums in one day, since together they The BMA is famous for its Cone Sisters’ you want to see real civil war history contain the largest collection of historic (Baltimore sisters Claribel and Etta at nearly the same time of year as the aircraft and spacecraft in the world. (In Cone) Matisse collection and its famous battle, Gettysburg is the place. fact, the original museum on the mall is beautiful sculpture garden with major (Consider reading Michael Shaara’s able to display only about 10 percent of works by Calder and Moore. Brunch Killer Angels before you walk the grounds its artifacts at any one time, hence the at Gertrude’s is legendary! to really get a feel for its history.) The opening of the Udvar-Hazy Center in The Walters Museum (600 N. cyclorama has also just been refurbished Virginia.) Charles St; 410/547-9000; www. and has been called a wonder of the The round trip takes about one thewalters.org) is another must- world. and a half hours and is about 30 miles see. The museum was started with the Location: about 80 miles north of each way. Be aware that Highway 66 collection of William and Henry Walters Washington, D.C. For more information: in Virginia (one of the main east-west and now covers art and artifacts from 717/334-1124; www.nps.gov/gett. roads) is restricted to high occupancy ancient through modern times. It Harpers Ferry National Historical vehicles (minimum two people per car) offers wonderful special exhibits and is Site—About one and a half hours north during peak commute hours. Allow for exceptional at providing family-friendly, of Washington, D.C., Harpers Ferry is at least two or three hours to tour the interactive programming: (www.the best known for abolitionist John Brown’s two gigantic Udvar-Hazy buildings, walters.org/programs_art_museums/ rebellion. It is an interesting and which are themselves worth the trip. programs_family.aspx). historic place to spend a day, and also (And we are talking BIG: the center’s For more information on Baltimore, a wonderful natural spot along the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar contact: Baltimore Area Convention and beautiful Shenandoah and Potomoac stretches the length of three football Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, rivers, with a great walking, rafting, or fields and stands ten stories high, all the Baltimore, Maryland; kayaking opportunities. Administered better to house the enormous Enterprise, 877/BALTIMORE; www.baltimore.org. by the National Park Service, there are NASA’s first space shuttle.) Leave time Frederick, Maryland—Frederick always interesting historic exhibits. to take an elevator ride up the 64-foot- is Maryland’s third-largest city but its Location: Cavalier Heights Visitor tall observation tower, which is great for 33-block historic area maintains its Center, one mile west of Shenandoah watching airplanes leave and arrive at small-town charm. The 18th- and 19th- Bridge, off Route 340. For more Dulles Airport. Even if you aren’t a space century buildings and cluster of church information: 304/535-6029; www.nps. junkie, the museum is fascinating and spires that make up Frederick’s skyline gov/hafe. the displays are breathtaking. are still a main attraction. It has an Luray Caverns—The Luray Location: 14390 Air and Space important civil war history including the Caverns, located 90 miles west of Museum Parkway, Chantilly, Virginia. Barbara Fritchie House, the Monocacy Washington, D.C., on the west side of For more information: 202/663-1000; National Battlefield, and the National the beautiful Shenandoah mountains, www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy. Museum of Civil War Medicine. It are the most visited caves in the eastern (Admission is free, but parking is $12.) also has antiques and crafts shops, United States. If you feel the need to National Museum of the Marine lively restaurants, and an eclectic bar spelunk, this is the place for you. The Corps—Opened in 2006, the National scene. Located 45 miles northwest of caves are actually a U.S. Registered Museum of the Marine Corps is located Washington, D.C., Frederick lies at the Natural Landmark. on a 135-acre site 35 miles south of junction of two national scenic byways: For more information: Luray- D.C., adjacent to the Marine Corps base the Historic National Road (Alternate Page County Chamber of Commerce, in Quantico, Virginia. The museum’s U.S. 40) and the Catoctin Mountain 46 East Main Street, Luray, Virginia; unusual and striking design is intended Scenic Byway (Route 15). Frederick is 888/743-3915; www.luraypage.com. to evoke the image of the flag raisers of also known for its dog-friendly attitude. Luray Caverns: 540/743-6551; Iwo Jima. The museum exhibits include For more information: www. www.luraycaverns.com. artifacts documenting over 230 years of fredericktourism.org. Shenandoah National Park & Marine Corps history, including more Fredericksburg, Virginia—The Skyline Drive—You will be amazed to than 60,000 uniforms, weapons, vehicles, reason to visit Fredericksburg is to soak be just 75 miles from the busy, bustling medals, flags, aircraft, works of art, and up some American history, especially Washington metro area when you are other artifacts tracing the history of the that of the colonial and Civil War eras. in this beautiful and amazing park Marine Corps from 1775 to the present. (According to Frommer’s Travel Guide, stretching 105 miles along the spine of Location: 18900 Jefferson Davis “For Civil War buffs, Fredericksburg is the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park Highway, Triangle, Virginia. For more a holy shrine”). The battlefield sites are encompasses 300 square miles of information: 877/635-1775; www. beautifully preserved in the National mountains, forests, waterfalls, and rock usmcmuseum.org/index.asp. Park Service’s Fredericksburg and formations and offers camping, hiking Also in the area: Occoquan, Spotsylvania National Military Park. (including the famous Appalachian Virginia—A pretty little town with a Fredericksburg’s Old Town is 40 square Trail), horse trails, and a wonderful riverfront and shops (www.occoquan. blocks and is included in the National scenic drive. com). Register Historic District. It is a treasure For more information: Shenandoah Baltimore, Maryland—An often trove for lovers of antiques. National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway overlooked gem, Baltimore is just one Location: 50 miles south of 211 East, Luray, Virginia; 540/999- hour north of D.C. and hosts Orioles Washington, D.C. For more infor - 3500; www.nps.gov/shen.

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Excursions about three Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box East”; www.presidentspark.org); and hours away 1776, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23187; Water Country USA (Virginia’s largest water park; www.watercountryusa.com). Colonial Williamsburg—Meticulously 800/447-8679; www.colonialwilliams And if this isn’t enough for you, recreated to look exactly as it did in the burg.com. remember that by Amtrak or car, 1770s when the town served as Virginia’s Need a break from history? New York City is three hours away and capital, Williamsburg’s historic area is ■ a wonderful living history museum. Try these attractions: Busch Gardens Philadelphia is just two. Enjoy! Williamsburg is 150 miles south of Williamsburg (www.buschgardens.com); Leslie M. Campbell (leslie_campbell Washington, D.C., and 50 miles east Presidents Park (which boasts 20-foot- @ao.uscourts.gov) is law library programs of Richmond, Virginia. high busts of all 43 U.S. presidents and administrator at the Administrative Office For more information: Colonial is jokingly described “Mt. Rushmore of the U.S. Courts in Washington, D.C.

hi-tech oasis— continued from page 25

The open plan of the library makes provided for virtually all public access additional study space, a copier, and it easy for library users to quickly find shelving. Three banks of adjustable public access terminals. their way. Visitors coming through the shades are used to control the amount of The library, as well as the rest of the library’s entrance are greeted by staffers sunlight entering the library. At night, law school at University Park, was at the spacious information desk, which the shades are raised to reveal the previously housed in what was a bland, is backlit by the curtain wall. Public lighting within the building, creating 50-year-old dormitory. While the access terminals are a few steps away, an impressive glowing effect for those converted dormitory provided suitable along with the library’s reference and outside the building or driving along temporary space, it was a less-than- statutes section, and access to the main nearby roads. inspiring place to study. The new Katz stacks on the third floor via the ramp. The library’s basement houses Building has put that problem firmly in ■ Access to the main stacks is also available motorized compact shelving units as well the past. through an open staircase or by elevator. as microforms and microform reader While the layout of the library’s equipment. This arrangement allows easy Kevin Gray ([email protected]) is bookstacks takes advantage of the and quick access to little-used items assistant director of the Dickinson School sunlight coming in through the glass while providing a less-cluttered look for of Law Library of the Pennsylvania State curtain wall, individual lighting is also the library’s other floors. There is also University in University Park.

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