TICKETS: The Cardinals haven't announced this year's ticket prices yet but last year's were $12 to $40. Info: 314-421-2400, www.stlcardinals.com.
WHAT ELSE TO DO: Take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and check out the Museum of Westward Expansion below the arch. Cruise the Mississippi River on a riverboat, or check out St. Louis's famed zoo. The city's impressive art museum is housed in an original 1904 World's Fair structure. Just north of downtown is the Black World History Museum, with a replica of slave ship quarters. And no visit to St. Louis is complete without a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on old Route 66 at 6726 Chippewa Ave. Info: St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, 800-916-8938, www.explorestlouis.com.
GETTING THERE: Most major airlines offer flights to St. Louis, starting at $240 round trip (for nonstop, fly American or United). Metrolink light rail has a Busch Stadium stop, at 400 S. Eighth St.
June 20-22: Pittsburgh
It's a weekday series but, hey, school's out. Jump into the van and head for Pittsburgh's glorious new PNC Park (2001), about a four-hour drive from D.C. The intimate downtown park seats only 38,365 and every fan has a fine view of the field and the city skyline, as well as the Roberto Clemente Bridge and the three rivers.
Sit in the cheap seats high in right field and you might see a player power a ball into the Allegheny River. Stroll along the outfield concourse river walk for a great panorama of rivers and bridges.
There's tasty fish chowder, baked fish and sushi at the local Benkovitz Seafoods stall, behind first base on the main concourse. You'll find pirogies at North Shore Refreshment in the park. There's also hand-dipped ice cream at the Sweet Spot behind home plate.
TICKETS: Prices range from $9 for bleacher seats to $35 for dugout box seats. Info: 800-289-2827, www.pittsburghpirates.com.
WHAT ELSE TO DO: Before the game, take the red funicular, the Duquesne Incline, up the bluffs of Mount Washington for a spectacular view of the city, day or night. The Andy Warhol Museum is worth visiting for its seven floors of pop art silkscreens. Stop at the historic Kennywood amusement park on your way back to D.C. and ride on one of its wooden roller coasters. Info: Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-359-0758, www.visitpittsburgh.com.
GETTING THERE: Pittsburgh is about a four-drive from Washington. From downtown, you can take a bus or "T" to the ballpark or hop on the Gateway Clipper shuttle boat.
July 1-3: Chicago
Folks, it doesn't get better than this: Our Nats will be in Chicago playing the Cubs at Wrigley Field (1914) for the Fourth of July weekend.
On a sunny afternoon, Wrigley is the best place in all of America to enjoy baseball. The swarm of people standing in front of the "Welcome to Wrigley Field" sign at the North Clark Street entrance lets you know you are in a very special place, indeed. Bill Veeck, baseball's most creative executive, built the classic centerfield scoreboard and planted the ivy growing on the brick outfield walls. Legendary announcer Harry Caray made the seventh-inning stretch singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" famous.
Food has never been a standout, but the park is trying to update, with vegetarian fare, frozen bananas and smoothies. The Wrigley Pig is a decent grilled pork sandwich with onions. On the main concourse, try the Italian Market, Bullpen Barbecue or Chili Peppers Mexican Fare.
TICKETS: The Cubs haven't set this year's prices, but last year they ranged from $12 for an upper deck reserved seat to $36 for an infield club box. Info: 773-404-2827, www.cubs.com.
WHAT ELSE TO DO: Visit Lake Michigan's Navy Pier for family fun and take a water taxi to Shedd Aquarium, the world's largest indoor aquarium with 8,000 aquatic animals. Sue, the world's largest reconstructed dinosaur, is waiting for you at Field Museum. A nine-day City Pass gets you into the aquarium, Field Museum, Hancock Observatory, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry. Info: Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, 877-244-2246,www.877chicago.com.
