Tapestry Workshop – Trip to Virginia

I am scheduled to attend a workshop from July 14-16.  I can leave Dallas as early July 8, but have to be home on the 20th.  I have been thinking of driving, and stopping at my mother’s in Brandon, Mississippi, on the way and the way back. I am thinking of staying at the Embassy Suites in Alexandria and making that my base the days before the trip.  I am thinking of taking the train to either Philadelphia and or New York.  I also want to see the sights in Washington D.C.

I know I want to see the Smithsonian Museum that has the Faberge Eggs and the Museum that has the Spirt of St. Louis.  I’m open to suggestions for everything else.

Any ideas?