Editor's Note: The White House offers tours to the public in parties of 10 or more; but visitors must make reservations through their members of Congress instead of waiting in first-come, first-served lines. Tours will be offered Tuesdays through Saturdays. Those wishing to take tours must submit the name, date of birth and Social Security number of every member of their group to their U.S. representative or senator. The member of Congress then will submit the names to the White House for security screening. For more information, visit www.whitehouse.gov.

At the White House Visitors Center, you'll find inaugural portraits, history (children are fascinated by the story of the White House burning), artifacts and videos of first families in action. The center also has a gift shop, operated by the White House Historical Society. It's a place worth visiting in its own right, even if you don't have the time or inclination for a White House tour.

-- John Kelly and Craig Stoltz