The Best New Attractions In Washington D.C.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has refurbished it's impressive Gem Hall, now called the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology- Gems and Minerals. Besides the home of the famous Hope Diamond, the Gem Hall contains educational displays on geology and Earth science. Visitors can learn about plate tectonics, volcanology and the importance of mining. Another new addition is the Whole Earth Theater, a multi-media presentation on Earth science.

The Newseum is one of the newest attractions in the Washington area, and it will soon be one of the most popular. If you've ever wondered how a news story is put together, the Newseum is for you. It provides a behind the scenes perspective on journalism through high tech displays and fun interactive stations. Visitors can try their hand at being a TV anchor, sportscaster or field reporter among other professions in the field of journalism. A very worthwhile side-trip.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is one of Washington's newest memorials. The only memorial dedicated to a 20th century president, the FDR Memorial is comprised of huge slabs of red granite that form an outdoor gallery. Inscribed on these tablets are some of Roosevelt's inspiring quotes like " We have nothing to fear but fear itself" .   Inside the "rooms" , there are waterfalls and reflecting pools. Ten bronze sculptures depicting the President and scenes from his four terms also adorn the gallery.

The MCI Center, the new home for the Washington Wizards, Capitals and Mystic, is a family-oriented sports entertainment complex.  Tours are available to see the locker rooms and arena floor, but that's not even half the fun. Located inside the MCI Center is the MCI National Sports Gallery,  where visitors can see a huge collection of sports memorabilia or play  numerous interactive sports games like "Virtual Reality Basketball", in which visitors can play basketball against NBA superstars. Also inside the MCI Center is the Discovery Channel: Destination DC super-store, with three levels of activities and shopping.

Arlington National Cemetery is alive this summer with the addition of a new memorial. Arlington added the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in October 1997, honoring women who have defended America throughout history. This memorial includes a 196-seat theater and computer terminals where visitors can access photos, biographies and anecdotes of servicewomen.  All this is in addition to the numerous other sites in Arlington like the Kennedy gravesites and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

A welcome addition to the Smithsonian family of Gallery and Museums, the National Postal Museum is one of the newest Museums in Washington. Located inside the former city post office, the National Postal museum chronicles the history of America's postal service. Exhibits include three mailplanes suspended from the atrium, a stagecoach and the largest stamp collection in the world. The gallery dedicated to the Pony Express is interesting and visitors have lots of fun at the interactive video screens that allow you to put your image on a postcard.