4.15.2011

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!

3 comments:

Jaclyn said...

Next time you go, take an evening to make the memorial rounds at night (start at the White House and swing around the Jefferson, WWII, Korean, and end at the Washington Monument). Takes on a whole new feel; particularly with the Korean War Memorial. You're just suddenly in the middle of these dark figures. Very surreal.

Anonymous said...

I was the anonymous poster who commented about my dream of living in Savannah or New Orleans. If you want some downright Southern charm, you should visit the neighborhoods east of Capitol Hill or north and east of Dupont Circle. The architecture of the houses there are to very charming, and very southern, especially on a summer's night stroll. I also agree with Jaclyn--seeing the monuments at night is really lovely. You seemed surprised to find Southern cooking that far up north, but you forget that for most of its history D.C. was a Southern city, and that Maryland and Virginia were Southern states, slaves and all. It's only been in the past 50 years that Washington and its suburbs have become more Northern due to a sustained influx of northerners moving in and settling. But if you go out a bit further, into rural Virginia and Maryland, especially eastwards, you will find that the area still retains much of its original Southern charm.

lfrancis1988 said...

Oh my! I am soo jealous about visiting Julia Child's kitchen. What an experience this must have been for you :)

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