Blog Posts for Andrews AFB

By Dawn M. Smith Despite the cliché, but true, gripes about living in the Washington, D.C. greater area , the winter and holiday seasons in the region are truly something to take advantage of while living here. The city is filled with festive events from street markets to spectacular ice shows to entertain your family and those guests who are bound to visit during the holidays. Holiday Activities in Alexandria Living in Alexandria, Virginia, is a convenient commute to many of the popular military stations in the National Capital Region, so it’s an ideal location for families to settle while s... read more

PCSing and finding off base housing in DC and finding information about where to live can be a daunting task. Every military family knows they must do their research to find the good vs. bad areas to live. When searching for military homes, you have to look beyond the nice kitchen and big backyard, instead you need to know if it’s in a safe neighborhood or a good school district. Other military families have successfully moved to the DC area and are sharing their advice. Below are links to articles about the DC area. Step 1:Read advice about off base housing in DC Things to know before moving... read more

No School? Need a fun activity? Spend the day at Mount Vernon This time of year I feel like there is a copious amount of school-free days for our kids. If you are within driving distance of Washington DC, I recommend skipping the overcrowded Smithsonians and enjoying a just as educational, but far more peaceful day trip to Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation and estate. Before you get in the car, visit Mount Vernon's website to pre-plan and make the most of the day spent there. Review the daily calendar and the upcoming events During the winter months, the crowds in the museum and ed... read more

Halloween Trick or Treat at Hersheypark What is better than trick or treating at Chocolate World, Hersheypark? Pretty much nothing except for celebrating Christmas with Hershey’s hot chocolate in hand as you wander through a winter wonderland! With proximity to so many military families in the Washington D.C. area, Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a perfect overnight getaway any time of year, but particularly during the fall and winter months. The crowds are thinner and the festivities make the park extra special. Plus the park offers preview hours the night before you choose to enter... read more

Kayaking is my new favorite activity to do with our family! Kayaking??? Until recently I thought you had to be a super sporty, outdoorsman to kayak. It turns out you do not have to be the great outdoorsman to rent a kayak, strap on a life jacket, and paddle out onto the water with your kids! Kayak at 3 Different Washington DC Areas on the Potomac River 1. National Harbor Rent single or double kayaks, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, a giant yellow duck pedal boat, or a giant white swan pedal boat. Giant duck/swan are great for little kids to ride in the back seat! National Harbor location... read more