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Washington D.C. Activities: Culture and Shopping

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History and politics provide Washington with its biggest attractions, but the city is also full of modern-day activities.

Though it doesn’t have the reputation of New York or Los Angeles, Washington has a great series of theater and music performances. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best venues for both music and theater, but there are several other great spots as well. The Washington Symphony is one of America’s best, and on the Fourth of July, the concert accompanies the legendary fireworks. Whatever time of year you’re in town, check the newspapers to see what is playing.

Washington has never had the athletic reputation of cities such as Boston and Philadelphia, but it is no sports slouch. The city is especially abuzz over the Nationals, the city’s new Major League baseball team. The basketball Wizards no longer have Michael Jordan on the team, but they do have a playoff team and an arena downtown. The NFL’s Washington Redskins and the soccer team DC United play in the Virginia suburbs. If you prefer college sports, check out the three Georges: Georgetown, George Washington, and George Mason. George Mason plays in Fairfax, Virginia, and had a magical run to the NCAA Final Four in 2006.

If you prefer shopping to sports, you’ll meet your match in DC. Big chain stores are both downtown and in the suburbs, often in one of DC’s many malls. The Union Station Mall, Crystal City Mall, and the Friendship Heights malls are some of DC’s most popular shopping experiences. As for non-traditional shopping, you can find that in eclectic Adams Morgan and at the Georgetown Flea Market.

Georgetown, which is one of Washington’s wealthiest areas, offers many of the city’s fine shopping experiences. On the other hand, if you’re looking for bargain shopping, head to the Leesburg, Virginia, outlet stores. Finally, if you’re in town on a Saturday, head to Capitol Hill for Eastern Market, where the crowds gather for fruits, vegetables, antiques, collectibles, and much more.

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