HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Springtime is a wonderful time to visit Washington, D.C., and the Wallace State Alumni Association is planning a trip for early April 2024. The six-night, seven-day journey is jam packed with visits to many of the favorite tourist destinations in and around the nation’s capital, including the Smithsonian Institution Museums, National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Monticello and more.
“Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate, and we will get to see the cherry blossoms in bloom in a tour of the Tidal Basin,” said LaDonna Allen, alumni coordinator.
The trip is planned for April 3-9, 2024, with the first stop in Roanoke, Va., for one night at the Hotel Roanoke by Hilton. Dinner at the hotel is included for the first night. The second day offers the travelers a wide variety of choices for visits to the Smithsonian Institution’s Museums on the National Mall. Dinner that evening will be at the famous Carmine’s Italian Restaurant before the group checks into the McLean Hilton for the next four nights.
Day 3 begins at Arlington National Cemetery, with stops at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visits to the Marine Corp Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Memorial are next. Travelers will then get another opportunity to visit a Smithsonian Institution Museum or take a stroll on the National Mall. A Pink Tour of the Tidal Basin will follow lunch if the cherry blossoms are in bloom, as well as visits to the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial. Dinner that evening will be at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place at Washington Harbour.
Courtesy of Washington.org
Day 4 starts with a photo opportunity at the White House before moving on to the National World War I Memorial, a drive along Embassy Row and a tour of the Washington National Cathedral. Tours of Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens, Air Force Memorial and Old Town Alexandria round out the afternoon. On the way to dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern, where nearly all the founders of American Independence enjoyed its hospitality, travelers will hear stories, legends and folklore about colonial times.
Day 5 includes a Spirit Cruise to Mount Vernon before heading to the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum. A visit to Old Town Alexandria will provide time for some shopping and lunch before the group visits the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Dinner that evening will be at the Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, with an Illuminated Monument Driving Tour on the way back.
The final day of touring includes a visit to Monticello and lunch at the Historic Michie Tavern, one of the oldest homesteads remaining in Virginia. The group will then return to Roanoke where they will have dinner and prepare for the trip home the next day.
The cost for the trip ranges from $2,335 to $3,109 depending on occupancy and Alumni membership status, and includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 14 meals, admission to all venues listed on the itinerary, tour escort, baggage handling, all taxes and most gratuities. Alumni Association members enjoy a $100 discount on overnight trips. Membership is open to everyone at $30 a year.
To register for the trip, visit www.wsccalumni.org/dc24. Space is limited and the deadline to register and make payment is Dec. 1, 2023.
For more information, contact LaDonna Allen at 256-352-8071 or ladonna.allen@wallacestate.edu or visit www.wsccalumni.org.
