This post provides information about visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. (We also have a post for the Dulles location). We include details about how to get here, when you can visit, exhibits to see, security checks, and more. Let's get started! OVERVIEW The Air and […]
This post is a list of 34 sites along the Las Vegas Strip and is organized in the order one walks the Strip. Bust first, here are some important things to know. WHAT IS THE LAS VEGAS STRIP One of the most referred to things when folks talk about Las Vegas is the Strip. So […]
The Oculus Center in Lower Manhattan is one of New York City’s most architecturally stunning buildings and is worth a visit, if only for the great photo-op! The Oculus is one of my favorite places to bring out-of-town guests, not just because of how striking the structure is. It's also a good place to stop […]
Many people traveling to San Francisco wonder “Is it safe?” As local tour guides who live in San Francisco, we can easily say that yes, it’s safe to visit San Francisco! Like most large cities around the world, San Francisco does experience its share of crime. However, the violent crime rate is lower than in […]
No visit to Washington, DC is complete without a visit to the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery - even if it is technically in Virginia. As a licensed tour guide in Washington, DC for over a decade, I have brought countless groups and families to Arlington National Cemetery; including my own. A childhood friend, […]
One of the questions I hear all the time from guests on my tours is “What is the best Broadway show? What should I see?” That can be tough to answer, because everyone has different tastes, and they may be looking for different experiences. But there are so many great shows on Broadway currently, that […]
Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery is a remarkable experience. I have been able to attend this ceremony over 1,000 times as a licensed tour guide bringing visitors here for nearly 15 years. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24/7 regardless of weather […]
When I need a break from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, I head to Bryant Park, this 9.6-acre park, just a few blocks from Times Square. As a local, I value this oasis not just for relaxing on a bench or the lush lawn, but also for the long list of free things […]
There are 8 outdoor ice skating rinks in the Washington DC area that I recommend if you're a looking for a winter activity. I listed them below and included hours, ticket prices, and suggestions to make your experience great for the 2025-2026 season. All these are outdoor rinks and offer private lessons for a fee […]
One of the most beloved holiday activities in NYC is seeing the festive department store window displays. Macy’s holiday window displays are among the best -- and the oldest! 2025 dates TBD. Last year the window displayed up on November 21 and remained up until January 1. As a native new Yorker, I've gone to […]
One of the best things to do in NYC during the holiday season is to visit the city's Christmas markets. At the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, you'll find lots of lovely artisan crafts, food and hot drinks to warm you up and loads of holiday spirit! While smaller than other markets, it's still worth a […]
This post is a visitor's guide to Mount Vernon Estate, the home and final resting place of George Washington. We provide tips on tickets, tours, directions, what you will see, and other planning advice. Our guides have been offering tours of Mount Vernon for over a decade. It is a staple for school groups coming […]
You’ve arrived in NYC with your itinerary in hand. Everything is planned down to the minute. You leave your hotel excited to explore the city and…you feel a raindrop. Don’t worry! There's no shortage of things to do when it rains. We locals don’t hide when it is wet outside and neither should you! In […]
There are four statues on the corner of Lafayette Park on the north side of the White House. Who are they? Check us out on YouTube - Top Things To Do DC - for our weekly series, Should Have Asked A Tour Guide, every Tuesday at 230pm.
When choosing your dates to visit New York, you might want to take into consideration these public or bank holidays. On these dates, some major attractions in NYC might be closed or have reduced hours. On the other hand, some of these holidays make the city extra fun, offering special events and festivities like Christmas, […]
When looking at flights to New York City, you will likely have seen flights arriving at two of the three NYC airports, JFK Airport, Newark Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. The right airport for you will depend on where you are flying from and on what airline, where your accommodations are in the city, and your […]
