Entertainment Alternatives in Arlington, VA

While tourists normally come to Arlington in order to visit Washington DC, Arlington holds many attractions of its own, some of which are lesser-known than others. While the United States Postal Service requires that mail addressed to it have Washington DC as the place name, the Pentagon is actually located in Arlington, Virginia. Covering 4 zip codes, one each for Army, Navy, Air Force and Department Of defense respectively, it is the largest office building in the world. For security reasons, lingering nearby is not recommended, but it is still an awe-inspiring sight just to walk past.

The Arlington National Cemetery is another great landmark, an American military cemetery containing John F. Kennedy's tomb, as well as over 300,000 persons buried over the 624 acres, and numerous memorial statues and stones. One of these memorials is The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. Also known as the Tomb Of The Unknowns, this marble monument is dedicated to American soldiers who have died without their remains being identified. 4 unknown soldiers (One from the first World War, two from the second, one from the Korean War) are buried at this tomb, and one from the Vietnam War was previously buried there until the remains were identified as those of Air Force 1st Lieutenant Michael Joseph Blaisse and returned to his family. This monument is constantly guarded by soldiers, day and night, no matter what the weather. The guards wear no insignia of rank on their uniforms so that they are never above whatever rankings the unknown soldiers held. It is considered a great honor to guard the Tomb, and the Changing Of The Guard can be seen every half-hour during summer months, and every hours during winter months.

Arlington is also home to many other historical museums, locations and parks, and even more are available in the nearby Washington DC. There are also numerous theatrical and musical venues in the area as well. Arlington has a rich, strong history, filled with bravery, honor, and fighting for what is right. With an even stronger desire to not let the knowledge of that history die, Arlington is a great place to live.

In sports, Arlington also has plenty to offer. The Ballston Common Mall has two year-round indoor skating rinks, the newest of which used to be the top floor of the mall's parking garage. Built for the Washington Capitals team, the rink also offers public skating daily, and lessons for children and youths. Arlington also hosts miles of trails for hiking, biking, walking and running, and numerous parks excellent for baseball, Frisbee, soccer, and other sports, or just sitting around and enjoying the fresh air.

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