REAL DEALS
Ireland Air/Road Trip, From $880
Take the Emerald Isle's villages, pubs, and rolling countryside at your own pace and spend six nights in B&Bs of your choice.
The European "Masterworks" collection has returned to The Phillips Collection, a privately owned museum in Dupont Circle. It toured while the 1897 Georgian Revival mansion underwent a $27 million renovation. 1600 21st St. NW, 202/387-2151, phillipscollection.org, $12, under 18 free.
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery reopened last summer after a $300 million, six-and-a-half-year redo. The stately Old Patent Office Building is once again a showcase for portraits of every president, as well as of athletes, artists, and more. Eighth St. and F St. NW, 202/633-1000, npg.si.edu, free.
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Nearly doubling the panda bears' play area (and you know we like a panda), the $53 million upgrade to the Asia Trail at The Smithsonian's National Zoo is the first step in the zoo's overhaul. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202/633-4800, nationalzoo.si.edu, free.
Last October, the U.S. Air Force Memorial debuted on a hilltop in Arlington, Va. Three spires arch skyward. 703/247-5808, airforcememorial.org, free.
Coming soon: The mediacentric Newseum reopens on October 15 in new digs on Pennsylvania Avenue. 888/639-7386, newseum.org, $18.