Washington, D.C., is home to some of the most treasured museums in the world. These two garden-based collections are certainly the greenest, and many D.C.-based plant lovers may even say they're the most beautiful.

United States National Arboretum
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum is a calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital. Walk through numerous elaborate gardens, admiring the countless species of trees and plants. The arboretum is not only home to plants, but also houses several pieces of fine art, including "Split Ritual," a beloved American sculpture by Beverly Pepper. This historic site is also home to the National Capitol Columns, which were once an original piece of the Capitol Building's architecture.

United States Botanic Garden
Enjoy a tranquil walk at the United States Botanic Garden, which occupies the grounds of the United States Capitol. Here, you'll be reminded of the large role that plants play in our every day lives. The garden is open 365 days a year, and it frequently provides interactive classes that are both fun and educational. Stroll through the peaceful gardens on your own, or take advantage of one of the many tours this living museum has to offer.

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The rich history of Loudoun County is celebrated at Loudoun Museum, a private, non-profit corporation in Leesburg. Housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum is the only of its kind in the county, home to 8,000 artifacts that paint a picture of the county's storied past and its inhabitants.

Exhibits rotate but consistently promise something interesting for kids and grown-ups alike. Adults will enjoy taking a peek at Civil War-era artifacts, old manuscripts, historic textiles, and much more. The museum's Discovery Room offers kids a chance to dress up in period clothing and play make-believe in the 19th-century period kitchen.

Loudoun Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and free for members and kids four and under. Don't skip the museum's popular Hauntings Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of downtown Leesburg's haunted establishments that takes place every October. It's a spooky good time!

Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun Street SW
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
(703) 777-7427
http://www.loudounmuseum.org/

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Eggs are a staple in just about every recipe, but many people can’t consume eggs due to food allergies or a vegan diet. If you want to cook the delicious foods that you love without eggs, these websites offer simple tips and clever substitutions that can help.

Chef In You
The Chef In You Egg Substitutions page features just about everything you need to maintain an egg-free kitchen. A detailed chart describes things that you can substitute for eggs in a variety of dishes, including products like tofu, bananas, and commercial egg substitutes. There are even recipes that show you how to make desserts, breakfasts, and entrees without using eggs.

Kids With Food Allergies
Whether you have a child with a food allergy or not, this informative website will show you how to cook without eggs. The detailed articles describe alternatives for using eggs as a binder, a leavening agent, or a glaze, and there’s even a list that tells you some uncommon foods to avoid if you have an egg allergy. If you want to make an egg-free dish at home, Kids With Food Allergies also provides a few free recipes for baked goods without eggs.

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