The DC Traveler

Visiting the 2008 Capitol Christmas Tree located at the front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. should be a holiday tradition. 
This year’s tree, from the Sapphire Mountains of Western Montana, was originally 100 feet tall, but was cut to 73 feet.
It’s open to the public daily.
2008 Capitol Christmas Tree U.S. Capitol Building – west grounds  1 1st Street, NE, between Constitution and Independence Avenues Washington, DC  (map it).

Dates and Times – Daily through January 1, 2009
Admission – FREE
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Federal Center SW – Blue and Orange line, …read more

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After 8 years of construction, the much anticipated, costly ($600+ million) and highly needed U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center is scheduled to open on December 2, 2008.  The grand opening date is exactly 145 years to the day, after the placing of the statute, the Statute of Freedom, was placed on the top of the completed dome in 1863.
The new 580,000 sq. ft. underground center will offer visitors two orientation theaters, showing a 13-minute video about the Capitol Building and American democracy.   Additionally, the building hosts several gifts shops and multiple (and much needed) restroom facilities.
A few of the notable artifacts …read more

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