still not see everything in it. You might do better to choose one or two museums you're most interested in and choose three or four exhibits within each of those museums that you're most interested in, if you're only spending a day or two on the Smithsonian. You can also check and see what traveling exhibits are in town on your dates of travel, to help make your decision.

"Eastern Shore"--Does that mean Pony Penning Day? Renting a boat and going crabbing? Camping at Shad Landing and canoeing the tidal river and going to the beach on Chincoteague Island?

Gettysburg or Antietam can each take an entire day. If I could only choose one, I'd choose Gettysburg. My BIL told me the reason the tours there are so good is that only the very best guides in the National Park Service get to work there. But if you're into the Civil War, you should definitely see both. If you go to Antietam, there's a little ice cream shop in town that's worth standing in line for, even though the line usually is out the door and the weather is usually miserable in summer.

Someone suggested Baltimore Inner Harbor. It's fine, and I've spent many happy hours there (aquarium, Ft. McHenry--which, last time I was there, was basically a hike up to see a field, top of the trade center, paddle boats, the cool restaurants/shops, street performers) but I probably would only plan on doing stuff there if Camden Yards is going to happen (I'm not sure the inner harbor is worth it by itself when there's so much cooler stuff).

I've never bothered with the White House tour--it never seemed worth the huge lines. The Capitol has lots of cool stuff (paintings, statues, architecture) but it's another one I'd leave off if you're low on time.

As for monuments on the mall, my favorites are Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and Washington Monument (but only if the line is short). The Jefferson Memorial takes forever to walk to and is far less impressive that the others (I still like it, it's just that you might use your time better). I also really like the National Archives--there's more there than people realize, but you'd probably want to go on their website to figure out if it's worth it for your interests--it's another one that usually has a huge line and most people only go to see the Declaration and Constitution.

At Arlington, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is reverent and moving. Iwo Jima (Marine Corps War Memorial) is another must-see. Lee's plantation house was disappointing the last time I went.

I love Williamsburg and Jamestown (Historic Triangle) in Virginia. But it takes 3-4 hours to get there from MD (longer if there's traffic; sometimes MUCH longer). In addition to all the tours and regular events, Williamsburg often has special events--you can check out their schedule online and see if it's worth it to you.

Just my two cents.