Page 20 - AAA North Jersey – AAA Now! – May/June 2016

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AAA Drive Trips: Mid-Atlantic Region
In and Around the
Nation's Capital
Washington, D.C. is not only the seat of the federal government – it's a national treasure in terms of sheer sightseeing potential. The nation's capital overflows with
monuments, memorials, world-class museums and lovely green spaces. Its cultural offerings are second to none. Two words – myriad and eclectic – only begin to describe the city's restaurant and shopping opportunities.
Visitors could happily spend days, even weeks, absorbing all that Washington has to offer. But the trip also includes nearby northern Virginia, where you can drive rolling back roads past leafy scenery and towns bursting with lovingly preserved colonial charm. Alexandria, in particular, is rather like a smaller version of Washington: just as historically significant and loaded with things to see and do.
FAST FACTS: 3 LEGS 115 MILES
• Leg 1: From downtown Washington, D.C., take I-66 w. to SR 267, SR 267 w. to SR 7 and SR 7 w. to Leesburg, VA. (36 miles/approximately 45 minutes).
• Leg2: FromLeesburg,takeSR7e.toSR659,SR659s.toSR234,SR234s.toI-66, I-66 e. to I-495, I-495 s. to I-95, I-95 s. to SR 7100 (Fairfax County Parkway), SR 7100 s. to US 1, US 1 e. to SR 235 and SR 235 e. to Mount Vernon (61 miles/approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes).
• Leg 3: From Mount Vernon, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway east and north through Alexandria to I-395, and I-395 n. to 14th Street N.W. (18 miles/ approximately 45 minutes).
NOTE: Driving times are estimates only and will vary based on road, traffic and weather conditions. The actual time it takes to complete the entire trip will depend on these conditions and how many attractions you visit along the way. For more detailed routings and reservations contact your local AAA North Jersey Auto Travel Department or visit www.AAA.com/drivetrips
King street in Old Town Alexandria
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Although an integral part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Alexandria is a distinct city in its own right. It was established in 1749 by a group of Scottish merchants and named for John Alexander, who had purchased the land in 1669. During the Revolutionary period, Alexandria was a principal colonial port as well as a trade, social and political center.
AAA Walking Tours
This tour of Old Town takes two-three hours, depending on your pace and the number of listed sites you visit along the way.
Few areas offer a more pleasant stroll into another century than Old Town Alexandria. Here, visitors can enjoy shady cobblestone streets closely flanked by 18th- and 19th-century houses with leafy courtyards. Newer buildings emulate the prevailing architectural style, helping to preserve this historic district's charm. Continued on page 21.
Kid 's
C orner
Great place to take the kids on a Rainy Day
Liberty Science Center is located off New Jersey Turnpike Exit 14C at 222 Jersey City Blvd., in Liberty State Park. With hundreds of interactive exhibits — and standing 88 feet tall,
the nation's largest
IMAX dome screen – the
center allows visitors
to explore nature,
science and technology.
Four floors feature 12
museum exhibition halls with permanent and changing displays. Exhibits cover
the importance of health, inventions, the conservation of natural resources and eco- friendly lifestyles. At the Skyscraper! exhibit, courageous visitors can walk an I-beam
18 feet above the floor, learn about how enormous buildings are built, and brave simulated hurricane-force winds and rain. The Eat and Be Eaten exhibit showcases creatures from around the globe, including
poison dart frogs and ultra-toxic puffer fish, and illustrates how animals evolve
to eat prey while avoiding becoming hunted themselves. Changing live science
demonstrations are presented throughout the day. A ride simulator and 3-D films also are available for an additional fee. Food is available. Time: Allow three hours minimum.
Exhibits $21.75; $18.75 (ages 62+); $17.75 (ages 2-12); $11.75 (educators with ID). Combination ticket (exhibits and one IMAX show) $27.75; $24.75 (ages 62+); $22.75 (ages 2-12); $17.75 (educators with ID). Other combination tickets are available. Science demonstrations free with paid admission. Prices may vary. Guests under 18 must be with an adult and those under 2 are not permitted in the IMAX theater. Parking: $7. Hours: Daily 9 a.m -5:30 p.m. April – August; Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday
– Sunday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. rest of year. Schedules for IMAX and 3-D shows vary; phone ahead. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Experience the AAA Five Diamond Difference!
AAA Inspections: Making Travel Better for Nearly 80 Years
• In 1937, AAA employed its first inspectors to evaluate and report on hotels and restaurants. Inspection information was offered to members in the three regional TourBook guides published at that time.
• In 1963, AAA adopted a formal rating system that categorized TourBook listed accommodations as Good, Very Good, Excellent or Outstanding.
• In 1976, AAA introduced its current Diamond Rating System for hotels (choosing a diamond to honor AAA’s
75th anniversary) and, from 1985 to 1990, rolled out the Diamond Ratings for restaurants.
• Today, AAA’s professionally trained inspectors inspect, approve and rate more than 59,000 hotels and restaurants. Inspectors use extensive published guidelines based on member priorities to ensure the places we inspect provide the experiences you expect.
For more information on diamond ratings go to www.aaa.com/diamonds.
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Wayne (973) 956-2200 • Fair Lawn (201) 703-2000 • Oradell (201) 261-7900 • Secaucus (201) 902-1393
Now!
Photo: R. Kennedy for Visit Alexandria