Washington D.C. Favorite Tips by Pawtuxet

WWII Memorial Other Tours / Museums / Memorials Review

Favorite thing: One of the newer monuments on the mall is the World WAr II Memorial. It is a series of symbolic pillars and vistas. Each state is represented. Each side of the overall monument is considered to be a "theater" of war. The Pacific and the Atlantic. There are waterfalls, quotes and dates carved into the marble, and many places where people are reminded of loved ones lost...or a victory won. It's an enormous memorial...perhaps owing to the enormity of the war. There are varying viewpoints about the design of it, but I guess that Wash., DC is known for its variety of opinions and attitudes.
The WWII memorial features quite a bit of water...probably to symbolize the way the war took place across two oceans. We look towards the Lincoln memorial and the great mall extension between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. It's a huge expanse of park, memorials and the Smithsonian buildings.

The Freer Gallery's PEACOCK ROOM Smithsonian Institute Museums / National Zoo Review

Favorite thing: The Freer Gallery is a spectacular collection of Asian art. The unique PEACOCK ROOM is the crowning glory to the collection. Not to be missed, hard to describe, a full experience in itself.

P.S. A surprise in the Natl. Cathedral....Eleanor! Other Tours / Museums / Memorials Review

Favorite thing: I was stunned as I walked through the halls outside the main church, and found above a doorway..... Eleanor Roosevelt!! I asked a guide about it, and he told me she is the only woman who has been memorialized in their hallways...with many other notables. You go, girl!! Good for Eleanor. She was quite a lady!! Indeed.

The National Cathedral Washington National Cathedral Review

Favorite thing: The National Cathedral is a beautiful building in addition to being a premier house of worship. Their carrillon is still rung by a musician, the stained glass windows are amazing, the cathedral is enormous, the tours are informative, the services are inspiring. Pay a visit. It's on the trolley tours. You won't be disappointed.
Stained glass at the National Cathedral

Fountains, fountains everywhere Parks /Squares / Gardens Review

Favorite thing: This wonderful fountain is between the Capitol and the Union Station. As you descend the hillside....you cross a little park area surrounded by flowering trees in spring. Walkways cut across the expanse of open space....always welcome in Washington. Then you come upon this plateau with fountain and cool, cool water that would love to put your toes into.

Choate House / Museum of American History Smithsonian Institute Museums / National Zoo Review

Favorite thing: The Choate House was resqued from Essex, Massachusetts...where it was scheduled for demolition. The Smithsonian brought the house into the Museum of American History and put the house together in an interesting way. They "sliced" it open so you could see what was inside...as well as the methods of construction for a 1700's house. The signage told the history of the house, the families who owned it, and what was happening in each era as you walked around the house seeing the early years, Victorian years, war years, etc. Fascinating. Extremely well done.

ANNUAL BIRTHDAY TREK The National Gallery of Art Review

Favorite thing: Washington, DC is one of my very favorite cities to visit. I still remember how I stood in awe the first time I visited. I vowed that I would return every year for my birthday from the time I hit 40. No dreary "I'm getting older" birthdays for me!! Since then I have made my annual trek with friends, my daughter, my mother, or by myself...and love it every single time. My birthday is in April...the BEST time to see the city in all its magnificence. Blossoms everywhere!! CHERRY BLOSSOMS! Magnolias, tulips, pansies, SPRING IS HERE!!
This pic was taken of a reflection in the glass structures between the National Gallery of Art and the East Wing.

Begin at the Castle Smithsonian Institute Castle Review

Favorite thing: Always a great starting point is the Smithsonian Castle. It is in the middle of the Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument....and just steps from the Metro Station (Smithsonian stop). Get info and get your bearings...then you are off and running.

Fondest memory: Washington has a grandness that is larger than life. The boulevards are wide...the Smithsonian enormous...the mall is vast...the gardens and plantings are sensational. When I think spring is in the air, I long for the cherry blossoms. Just so much to rave about. . . so many things to see and do...and so much of it is free!!