(grounds of the Franciscan monastery)
I am quite fortunate to live in our nation's capital - Washington DC - and there is no scarcity when it comes to sight-seeing and visiting. Tops on my list are:
- National Mall - houses most of the museums we know as the Smithsonian, is home to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, annual 4th of July fireworks, Cherry Blossom trees and a myriad of many, many other activities...many other activities.
- I think of all the museums, my favorite is The National Gallery, especially the old wing. And there is a great restaurant that connects the two wings together.
- Another different and unique museum in downtown is the Newseum - showing history, both past and current, via the nation's and other countries' newspapers. It's really quite a different experience.
- And the National Museum of American Life and History; it can't be beat for spending many hours learning all about this country's life via the exhibits.
- White House - of course. I visited for the first time, on a tour, in the mid - 80s, with my then in-her- late 80s grandmother (from Portland OR). I remember it was Dec, bitter cold and it seemed that we stood in line forEVER! My grandmother was so tickled that she got to tour the White House…I have been back twice for receptions, when George H.W. Bush was president and First Lady Barbara Bush was the national adult literacy advocate.
- Union Station. There is a Metro stop (our regional rail and bus transportation system) at Union Station so it's easy to get to. Though not as grand as NY's Grand Central or a few other train stations in the country, it's still a fun place to visit, have a bite to eat and shop..One Christmas Eve I saw President Clinton there; he was getting some last-minute shopping done!
- Franciscan Monastery - just a bit over 1.5 miles from my home, I try to walk there at least once a month…just to walk the grounds and the outdoor sanctuary. The grounds are just lovely and so peaceful.
- There is a lot of history in this area. A lot!Within city neighborhoods are many historic monuments and sites. Near the Franciscan Monastery is land that was once a Civil War battleground. Very humbling...
- And just a few more blocks is Catholic University and the National Shrine - they too are within walking distance, albeit a tad farther than a mile.
- On a clear day, I can see the Washington Monument from my 2nd floor windows. I've never been in the Monument (seriously doubt I'll ever go - me and heights don't get along). An interesting fact: there is a law in Washington DC that no building can be higher than the monument; consequently, we don't have skyscrapers. Since the city is only about 64 square miles and the population is growing, there is no way to go but up! There are rumors that there are efforts to change the current law.
This list is just a sampling of the many, many sights/sites to command one's attention. Planning to come to Washington DC? Might I suggest the week of Labor Day as the best time. Most tourists have returned home and the school kids haven't started their class trips. It's actually pretty quiet - loose interpretation - and autumn in the city is pretty cool, too!
Visit this week's Ten on Tuesday posts for more great places to visit! What's on your hometown's list?
Cheers~