I take it every time I like to travel the back roads.  

Sure it takes longer.  

But life is more interesting there.

Assuming time is not of the essence for a more relaxing drive once you pass Ft Belvoir on Rte. 1 take a right on Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway. This will take you past the Mount Vernon Estate and along the Potomac River. 8 miles hence it then becomes Washingon Street as you go through Old Town Alexandria to reemerge on the G.W. Parkway north of Alexandria. You then have the choice of entering DC. via the 14th Street Bridge (passes Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument), Memorial Bridge (runs between Arlington Cemetary and the Lincoln Memorial) or Key Bridge to enter Georgetown.

it sucks.. hope you made it out