Washington, DC (part 2)

Probably one of the most well-known events in DC is the Cherry Blossom Festival. The official website has a link called ‘Bloom Watch’ where you can keep tabs on when the peak bloom period is going to be. They are pretty darn accurate with it, but you do have to be a little flexible because they can’t predict more than a few weeks out and it is subject to change depending on the weather. The city does get pretty darn crowded during this time, but it is so incredibly worth it. I highly recommended you find time once in your life to check this out. If you want to see flowers but can’t make it when the cherry blossoms bloom, you can head over to the Botanical Gardens located next to the Capitol Building.

A few miscellaneous things to make sure you see while you are visiting DC are the Monuments and Memorials (of course!). Just about all of them are right around the mall area so it’s pretty easy to do a one stop shop for the Monuments. The FDR Memorial is located on the other side of the tidal basin from the mall. It’s a relaxing walk along the water to get there and is a beautifully well done memorial with it’s multiple statues, etched quotes, and waterfalls. You should also make sure you stop by the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, among many other important and historical documents. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been there myself and it is about time I get back there! In conjunction with the National Archives, a place I haven’t been yet is the Library of Congress. The kids can see items they’ve learned about in history class and the adults can be reminded of our country’s early beginnings. Another powerful place to visit is the Holocaust Museum. Most of the museum is free admission but there is also a paid tour of the Permanent Exhibit that is available for only $1. Ticket availability is quite limited and the permanent exhibit is not open year round.

Down an unassuming street (10th Street) is Ford’s Theatre. Previously a church, it was remodeled into a theatre that opened in the early 1860s not too long before President Lincoln was infamously shot by John Wilkes Booth. The theatre is open for historical and educational tours; you can even still take in an evening stage performance. Across the street is the Petersen House where Lincoln was taken after being shot and ultimately died the following morning. Admission to the house is free but still requires a ticket for crowd control purposes. A few doors down from the theatre is a hole in the wall cafe, that I sadly can’t remember the name of, but they serve great food for a great price. Stop here for breakfast before touring the theatre or after for a hearty lunch.

Put on your walking shoes, pack your sunscreen and a water bottle, and hop on the metro to head to Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is as beautiful and peaceful as it is moving and powerful. Here is where you can find President John F. Kennedy’s burial site and the eternal flame. There are a few Supreme Court Justices buried here amongst many other important historical figures. Depending on the time of year and day, you can expect to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier either every half hour or every hour. The tomb is located in front of the impressive Memorial Amphitheater and down the hill from Arlington House, the mansion on the property also offering tours.

Georgetown isn’t an area I have really had the pleasure of spending much time. As I understand it, there is quite a lot to do here. You can find many historic landmarks including the oldest standing building in Washington, DC, but mostly this area is full of sophisticated shops, bars, and restaurants. Looks like I have to take another trip!