While the barometer climbs, summer brings record numbers of visitors to D.C.. Five of Metro's ten highest weekday ridership records occured in June over the past two years, according to wmata.com, with the highest record being 850,636 on June 9, 2004, for the state funeral ceremony of former president Ronald Reagan. Nationals baseball, which came to D.C. in 2005, has also been credited with raising summertime Metro ridership.
FIRST: The fountain in the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art doubles as an ice-skating rink in the winter. For now, check out www.nga.gov/programs/jazz.htm for a schedule of free Friday night jazz concerts alongside its peaceful waters (regrettably, no swimming allowed).
SECOND: The National Archives, like most of D.C.'s historical sites, is open year-round and offers free admission to the general public. Revisit AP U.S. History by going to check out the Consitution and Declaration of Independence. More information available at www.archives.gov.
THIRD: D.C.'s war memorials are poignant places for reflection that every D.C. resident or visitor should visit at least once. Just try not to get caught alone by the Korean War Memorial statues late at night ... nightmares may ensue. Visit www.tourofdc.org/monuments to learn more.
FOURTH: The Washington Monument is the quintessential D.C. landmark. Although getting to take an elevator ride to the top requires waking up early to wait in line for tickets, it's worth the spectacular view. More information available at www.nps.gov/wamo/home.htm.
