Travel Lust: Washington, D.C.

I no longer have to lust after visiting this local- I was there at the beginning of the month just in time for the cherry blossoms to be out! Check out some of the photos from my trip!

The first stop on my trip was to the National Museum of American History- I had to see Julia Child's kitchen as soon as possible! Click here to check it out!

I also stopped by to see Dorothy's ruby slippers and a great exhibit of beautiful gowns worn by the First Lady throughout history. Here is Martha Washington's gown in the forefront:

Another must see was the Star-Spangled Banner, now in a large, protective case away from harmful light with the lyrics to out national anthem projected above. It's amazing that it is still so well preserved!

Next, we made our way to the National Museum of Natural History to see great displays of creatures from around the world and a great orchid exhibit:

I gotta say, the dinosaurs were my favorite- they bring out the kid in you!

A must see museum when visiting Washington, D.C. is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. To get tickets to the permanent exhibit, you have to arrive around the opening hours. It is a quick line a more than worth the effort to get there early.

We spent over six hours in that museum pouring over all of the displays and videos- it was such a well done and tasteful exhibit. I went in expecting it to be almost graphic, however, the exhibit did not focus on the shock and awe of the horrible physical condition in which prisoners were found, but instead emphasized all of the gradual changes that happened within the society and how the Nazis achieved their terrible goal. It shook you straight to your core in a deep and profound way. I will be returning to this museum the next time I visit- it is eye opening.

Did I mention that all of these museums were free?! D.C. is awesome!

On a lighter note the cherry blossoms were out which made it a great time to visit all of the monuments.

The Jefferson Memorial was picturesque, surrounded by blooming trees all around the Tidal Basin.

Standing on the other side of the Tidal Basin affords you a breathtaking view of the Washington Monument. If you look closely to the left of its base, you can see the back of the White House!

We made our way to the National World War II Memorial:

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall:

And the Korean War Veterans Memorial:

We went up to see ol' Abe Lincoln:

And of course, we saw the White House complete with an interesting bunch of protesters.

 

Of course, we had some great food. Without even realized it I made it all weekend only eating seafood! So easy (and delicious) to do on the coast! Check out my post here to see where to get a great lobster roll. We also tried out some great places on U Street. Amongst them was Marvin, a dark and cozy bistro inspired by Marvin Gaye himself. The roasted halibut was to die for. Another great eat place was Eatonville- who knew Southern cooking could be so good so far north! Catfish and grits and fried chicken were our choices- we couldn't get enough of it!

I've only hit the tip of the iceberg with what Washington, D.C. has to offer. I can't wait to go back and see even more!