Astronomer’s Guide to the 4th of July in Washington, D.C.
JULY 1 – 9, 2021
Lots of cities across the United States and the world canceled their fireworks in 2020, so Melita Trips has started planning for 2021, when we can really get out there. Come join us and help us flip the script; this year at home and next year in Washington D.C.!
As usual, this will not be an ordinary trip. Melita Trips always pursues the most extraordinary experiences. We prefer elite adventures over ordinary, so we’ll begin by staying at the Hay-Adams Hotel, our Capital’s most historic and luxurious lodging.
We continue this momentum with some truly exclusive excursions; like insider access to the Goddard Space Center, as well as the United States Naval Observatory. We would like to acknowledge our esteemed lecturer, who has helped us procure some of this access!
We’ll celebrate our country’s independence with a bang by attending one of the city’s most exclusive viewing parties. Enjoy a crystal-clear view of the fireworks, in a black-tie atmosphere – no crowds to cough on you, no waiting in line, and no smuggling in drinks. Instead, enjoy gourmet food and beverages, great music, and all the joy that over 200 years of American spirit will bring.
We have gone the distance for you and have done all the research to find the most premier viewing spot in the city for our friends. This is definitely an experience you will never forget!
As usual, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are also compelled to inform you that due to the highly exclusive access to several of our country’s major treasures & scientific institutions, this trip is somewhat limited in available slots. We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating the fourth of July with you in 2021!
Tour Expert
Michelle Thaller, PhD
Research Scientist, California Institute of Technology
Trip Includes:
- Lodgings at the Hay-Adams Hotel
- Meals included – all breakfasts, two dinners.
- Private viewing for Independence Day Fireworks
- Visit to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Private tour of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
- Tour of the United States Naval Observatory
- Visit to Gettysburg, PA historic Battlefield
- Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery
- 911 – UA flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, PA
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Thursday, July 1, 2021
Upon arrival, we will establish ourselves at The Hay-Adams Hotel, DC’s most historic hotel, which has served as one of the premier lodges in our nation’s capital for nearly a hundred years – having been established in 1927. In the evening we’ll meet for a welcome dinner, followed by an optional nighttime tour of some of our countries most famous monuments.
Day 2 – Friday, July 2, 2021
After breakfast, our first day in DC begins with a visit to the Goddard Space Center. Michelle Thaller, our guest speaker, has worked here and will be our guide today! Later we’ll visit the Space Telescope Science Institute, whose mission is to ‘Help humanity explore the universe.’
Day 3 – Saturday, July 3, 2021
Today we head west to Chantilly, VA to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the final resting place of the retired Space Shuttle. This is truly a capstone achievement of the American Space Program, which is not to be missed! Later in the afternoon, we will tour some or one of their regions many fine vineyards!
Day 4 – Sunday, July 4, 2021
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! After breakfast, enjoy a day of leisure. In the evening, we will be attending a private or exclusive 4th of July party. Gourmet food and top-shelf beverages will accompany our exquisite – and private – view of the fireworks!
Day 5 – Monday, July 5, 2021
After breakfast, we’ll have another morning free to explore DC. In the afternoon, we’ll tour the United States Naval Observatory, one of the oldest scientific agencies in the United States. Their primary mission is to produce Positioning, Navigation and Timing for the United States Navy and the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the few pre-1900 astronomical observatories located in an urban area.
Day 6 – Tuesday, July 6, 2021
After breakfast, we will drive 85 miles north to Gettysburg, PA to view a timeless piece of American history. July 1-3, 1863, the Confederate invasion of the north was stopped by General Meade’s Union Army on the Potomac. Raging for three days, the battle culminated in Pickett’s charge, and by July 4th, around 100,000 men had lost their lives at this site of one of the most famous battles, which was considered to be the turning point, of the Civil War.
Day 7 – Wednesday, July 7, 2021
After breakfast, we will take a guided tour of the city; which will include a jaunt to Virginia, where we will visit the Challenger and Columbia Memorials. Time permitting, hopefully, we can visit Arlington National Cemetery, where we can watch the changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Day 8 – Thursday, July 8, 2021
On our penultimate day, we’ll eat and then take a cruise to Mt. Vernon, the famed 1758 home of Martha & George Washington, the father of our country. Located just south of the capitol in northern Virginia, the landmark property has been restored and maintained for us to better appreciate the history that birthed our nation. Later in the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner and share our perspectives on the founding of our great independent nation.
Day 9 – Friday, July 9, 2021
Today is our last meal together before we depart for home. We hope this trip brought you some fond memories and picturesque images of our country’s great capital!
