Washington
In one Washington DC day, you can view the Declaration of Independence, hear a Supreme Court argument, and see Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Then go shopping in Alexandria and eat Pad Thai at a trendy Georgetown eatery. The nation’s capital can sometimes seem like one enormous monument to the past, but it’s also a thoroughly modern, very much alive place. Two events worth timing your visit for are the annual Capitol Christmas tree lighting, and Fourth of July fireworks—maybe the best you’ll ever see.
Activities and Attractions:
It’s impossible to ignore the handsome stone monuments poking up all over the city, so don’t even try. On a clear day, the view from the top of the 555-foot Washington Monument is worth the trip. And be sure to pay your respects at the Lincoln Memorial—try to visit at night when the lights make the edifice particularly impressive.
Don’t neglect the war memorials. The granite-paneled Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with its list of names marching on seemingly forever, brings grown men to tears. Ditto the haunting Korean War Veterans Memorial, where eerie life-like figures trudge into history. The formal World War II Memorial, dense with symbolism, is the one of the newest sights in the capital, and is worth a visit, as well.
Washington DC also offers an amazing array of art and culture--the Smithsonian Institution alone has 142 million items in its holdings. Among the highlights, the National Gallery of Art showcases objects from all parts of the Western world. The National Air and Space Museum is the home of world-famous flying machines, from the Wright Brothers’ first airplane to an Air France Concorde. At the National Museum of American History, you can see those famous red shoes, the Fonz’s leather jacket, and many other icons of Americana.
Other popular museum options range from the somber United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (make reservations early) to the fun International Spy Museum, where you can find out how real-life spooks do their thing.
One other truly remarkable DC attraction is the chance to visit all three branches of government. Though it’s harder than it used to be, it’s still possible to visit the White House for a tour. (Request tickets through your congressperson up to six months in advance.) If you have the patience, line up early in the morning for the chance to visit the Supreme Court. Between October and late April, you can see actual cases argued before the court. Finally, visit the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk at the corner of First Street SW and Independence Avenue. Here you can get tickets to tour the House and Senate on a first-come, first-served basis.
After so much history, culture, and civics, remind yourself that Washington DC is a real live city. Catch a jazz performance along the lively U Street Corridor, people-watch in Dupont Circle (DC’s answer to Greenwich Village), or feed off youthful energy as you browse the boutiques of charming Georgetown. You just might come home with a museum-quality piece yourself.
Insider Tip:
Washington DC has some unique traffic quirks, including two-way streets that abruptly become one way at certain hours, lawless traffic circles, and presidential motorcades that bring all other traffic to an unannounced stand-still. We recommend saving the rental car for jaunts into the Virginia and Maryland countryside. The good news: DC Cabs are plentiful, and operate on a zone system within the District of Columbia.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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