Arlington
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General Information
Other Name: -, District: Virginia, State: South, United States of America
Area: 26 sq mi
Languages Spoken: English
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: March to April and -
International Access: -Description
Arlington County is an urban county of about 206,800 residents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.The National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs every year to celebrate the annual blooming of more than 3,000 cherry trees in the Washington area, originally donated to the city as a gift from mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo in 1912.Today, an entire month of events is planned around the event, including a parade, art exhibitions, bike rides, fireworks, and races. Of course, this is also one of the times when the area is most packed with tourists, with an estimated 700,000 visitors flooding the city each year.Location
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Nestled within the 1891 Hume School, the oldest school building in Arlington County, this museum houses the artifacts of Arlington''s past with exhibits deeded to the Society over the years by a number of private donors. A bookshop is also on the property which offers local historical publications, maps, prints, and cards.
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many who gave their lives in service to the country. Two US presidents-John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft-are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean Conflict, is guarded 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them. Arlington House, the home of Robert E. Lee until the outbreak of the Civil War, is located on the cemetery grounds. Visitors may walk through the cemetery or board a Tour mobile Sightseeing tram.
One of the finest showcases of hybrid tea roses in the region, this one acre park and garden is filled with superior varieties grown by local rosarians and also features basketball and volleyball courts, two lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, and a nature area with opportunities for viewing wildlife.
The image of five marines and a navy corpsman raising an American flag atop Mount Suribachi during World War II is known to every American schoolchild. Seen in person, the bronze 78-foot statue is sure to stir emotions. The sculpture near Arlington National Cemetery , commemorates the 6,800 soldiers who died during World War II in order to capture the tiny Japanese island of Iwo Jima. Today, the memorial is dedicated to all U.S. Marines who died in battle. A Marine Parade is held at 7pm Tuesdays throughout the summer.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park offers 100 acres of scenic woodlands and outdoor adventure. Children and adults will enjoy learning about the outdoors at the park''s nature center, which features wildlife and archaeological displays and an auditorium for educational programs. The park has a nature trail with regularly scheduled hikes. There are also vegetable, herb, butterfly and wildflower gardens.
The headquarters of the United States Department of Defense are housed in the massive Pentagon, whose five wedge-shaped sections represent the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
A wealth of recreational activities can be explored at this park in Arlington, just a few miles from Washington. Visitors enjoy the scenic walking trail, the outdoor swimming pool open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the deluxe miniature golf course and batting cages, both open mid-March through October.
This professional theatre company performs classic dramas, both historic and modern, in straightforward, incisive productions and they specialize in contemporary interpretations of the works of William Shakespeare.
A historic, 45 mile long paved trail which is located on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad and is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking, as well as inline skating and horseback riding.