Jaunted

Just across the street from the Hay-Adams is Lafayette Square, a National Historic Landmark District that's named for Revolutionary War hero and Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette. Other foreign fighters who aided the American cause are also recognized with statues at the park, which sits just north of the White House.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17th St.) is also nearby, and its Richard Avedon exhibit runs through January 25 before the museum closes until March 13 for a roof restoration. Another attraction in the area just completed its re-do: The National Museum of American History (14th Street NW and Constitution Avenue) has a manuscript of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (on view until January 11) and the Star-Spangled Banner.

The family can get a taste of what's to come the next four years by visiting the Library of Congress (101 Independence Ave.) for a look at its Art Wood Collection of Caricature and Cartoon and its extensive holdings of political cartoons.

For a meal, Obama might have to sneak off without the kids, as the District Chophouse (509 7th St., NW) isn't geared to the younger crowd. But how can he not want to try a glass or two of the Barack Bock?

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