Washington, D.C. has so much to offer! Whether it be visiting any number of free museums, walking the National Mall to take in the iconic landmarks while getting some exercise, or grabbing a bite to eat, the opportunities for a fun day trip are endless…and all of that is just the tip of the iceberg! In Part 1 of this blog post, I focused on the museums and the National Mall, however in this post I want to concentrate on the other things D.C. has to offer.
If you find yourself in our Nation’s Capital in the early spring and you time it right, you will be lucky enough to see the cherry blossom trees that were given to the U.S. from Japan in 1912 as a gift of friendship. These trees that line the Tidal Basin, a reservoir situated between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, become a feast for the eyes every year when they are in bloom, showing off their pinkish white petals in all their glory. You can literally walk over from the National Mall and stroll around the Tidal Basin to take in all its beauty and capture some gorgeous photos of these trees when they are at their most magnificent each spring. Some of my most priceless photograpy has been capturing these beautiful trees in the springtime, especially with the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in the background. But be forewarned, as the timing of seeing them in bloom is variable depending on the weather each spring and for a short window of time (about 7 – 10 days), before their petals fall to the ground and blanket the earth like a dusting of snow. I was fortunate enough to see them in three different phases the spring that I was on assignment nearby…starting with the beginning phase of bloom, then again at their peak, on a quiet weeknight evening after work as the sun was setting over the Tidal Basin, and finally, in it’s post-peak stage. Every single time offered an opportunity to capture a breathtaking memory.
Even aside from whether these trees are in bloom, the tidal basin in and of itself is a serene place to go for a walk and along the way you can visit multiple monuments / memorials that are worth a visit: walking in a counterclockwise direction, you will see the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial, which is a massive stone carving of the man who fought so hard for civil rights in this country. As you proceed further along the Tidal Basin, you will then come to the FDR Memorial, which gives you insight into President Roosevelt’s time in office and achievements, and finally you will approach the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which is a beautifully designed tribute to one of our founding fathers, with pillars along the exterior of this monument. A huge statue of Thomas Jefferson, along with several of his famous quotes can be found within the open air circular shaped rotunda. This monument is particularly stunning at night, with both the lights that illuminate it and the moonlight reflecting off the water in front of it. A trip to the Tidal Basin, when timed to the blooming of the cherry blossom trees, is something worthy of anyone’s bucket list!
Heading across town from the Tidal Basin, make your way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as no trip to D.C. would be complete without a trip to see The White House. Whether you find yourself standing in front of The White House during the day or at night, I think you will agree it is breathtaking and fills you with awe to think that this presidential home has been where every U.S. President has resided since John Adams (the era in which the Nation’s Capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. in 1800). What makes this home even more intriguing is the fact that a couple hundred enslaved individuals helped to construct both The White House and the U.S. Capitol, prior to President Adams and his wife moving in. These enslaved individuals worked alongside free African Americans, white laborers and others doing carpentry work, laying brick, quarrying stone, etc. over the course of an eight year period. That is something to ponder. The same group of people who MLK, Jr. fought for equal rights, and who to this day are still often racially profiled, are the same group of people whose ancestors built the very home that should symbolize democracy for ALL Americans. Yet, sometimes America falls short in racial equality, even 60 years after civil rights laws were put in place.
Another place worthy of a visit is right nearby at the White House Visitor Center. This has some very interesting exhibits that help you to dive deeper into the history of what some refer to as the “People’s House”. If you find yourself in this neighborhood around sunset, head over to The Vue rooftop bar inside the Hotel Washington. Sit by the window and marvel at the view of D.C. and the neighboring White House from above. This is an upscale bar serving an array of cocktails so pretty, you will feel compelled to take a picture before you take your first sip! This is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset happy hour.
Just a few miles away from the heart of D.C., you will find Georgetown, an historic waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C. known for its cobblestone streets, trendy shops, upscale restaurants, and is home to Georgetown University and the Old Stone House, one of the oldest structures in D.C., which was built in 1765. Many notable people and politicians, past and present, have made Georgetown their home. Georgetown is also the filming location for several movies, but one of the most noteworthy was the movie, The Exorcist. In fact, to this day you can actually visit this filming location to see the house and outside stairwell that was featured in this movie. Just a few blocks away, you will find Georgetown Cupcake. This is the perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat. You will find a whole array of flavors of these moist and delicious cupcakes, which are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Another enjoyable place to spend a few hours is at The Wharf DC. This is a mile long boardwalk lined stretch of shops, bars, and restaurants along the Potomac, complete with a fresh fish market and “Camp Wharf”, which is a place that provides both the campfire ambiance and the ingredients to allow you to make your own s’mores. The Wharf hosts events throughout the year, such as festivals, live music and evening movies, and is a great place for the whole family. Take a riverfront stroll along the boardwalk and its piers, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard from here, take in a dinner or sightseeing cruise, or hop onboard the water taxi to explore a different part of D.C. or Virginia. This is a fun hotspot with so much to do throughout the year.
As you can see, Washington, D.C. is so much more than a place for politicians and lawmakers. This is a must see city for every American, not only to better appreciate our Nation’s Capital and this country’s history, but to serve as a vacation destination to boot. D.C. is a place that most people don’t think about when it comes to vacations, but no matter what age you are, whether young or old, there is something for everyone right here in our Nation’s Capital. Plan a trip and enjoy all that it has to offer. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!