Final post

This will be my last post on this blog unless I go back to DC.

Overall D.C. is a culturally and historically rich and thriving city that offers something for everyone. A visitor can learn so much in this great city through tours and museums, or they can indulge in their fun side with stellar shopping and delicious restaurants.

If you have never been before you should definitely plan a trip and see all you can see!  

Weekend 8

This weekend unfortunately was cut a little short because I flew home over the weekend since my internship was over but I did manage to make it to the US Botanical Gardens which sits right next door to the Capitol Building, literally between the Capitol Building and the Senate office buildings. This garden is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! I understand, many people hear "Botanical Gardens" and think "boring!!!!" but this is not true at all. These botanical gardens showcase rare and beautiful plants from all over the world and from every climate zone imaginable! There is even a desert room,which I think is really interesting! But there is a lot more to do here than just look at plants. There is an exhibit where you can learn about plants used in the culinary world, another exhibit where you can learn about landscaping your own garden and yard, and there are educational programs on a daily basis. Definitely a must see while you are in D.C. 

  

Weekend 7

This weekend consisted of two events, the American Indian Museum and a 'Movie on the Mall'. 

First was the American Indian museum. This museum is operated by Smithsonian Museums and is completely dedicated to the history and current life style of American Indians. While this museum is very interesting in topic, I was a little disappointed. There are not very many exhibits and the exhibits that are there do not contain many artifacts. There is one really cool thing about this museum and that is the cafeteria. The cafeteria offers varieties of food from the various tribes found in America.  

 

Also, Monday night I went to 'Movie on the Mall'. This is a movie serious that takes place every summer. During the series every Monday night a movie is shown for free on the mall. When I went E.T. The Extraterrestrial was showing. This was so much fun and relaxing. Bring a blanket to sit on and some snacks to enjoy and watch a movie with the Capitol in the background! 

Weekend 6

This weekend was all about seeing new places.

It began Saturday morning with breakfast at the Corner Bakery. This is a delicious and healthy cafe with very reasonable prices. I would definitely recommend eating here!

Saturday afternoon I had an experience that all D.C. visitors should take advantage of...I took a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building! This building is so majestic and stands for everything our country was founded on. The American ideals are represented both inside and out and it is amazing to learn the history of the Capitol. For a more detailed explanation of the tour see my previous post for a video describing the tour itself as well as the intricacies that accompany it.

Sunday I continued seeing new things with a trip to Georgetown! Georgetown is an amazing area that gives you a fresh take on DC. It is completely unlike the city itself and more like an upscale community by the waterfront. Georgetown is full of places to shop, eat, and get cupcakes....yes, get cupcakes! The TLC show DC Cupcakes is filmed in Georgetown at Georgetown Cupcakery but the line is usually about two blocks long. Instead, locals will tell you to get your cupcake from Baked and Wired. These cupcakes are cheap, huge, and melt in your mouth decadent!

Touring the Capitol Building

Weekend 5 and the 4th of July

Spending the Fourth in DC was one of the most patriotic things I have ever done and really made me feel like a true American. But here in DC the festivities begin on the third. Every year in the Capital there is a concert on the West lawn of the Capital building featuring a variety of different artists. This year it was Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Scotty McCreery, the cast of Motown, and many more. In addition to the singers the concert features the National Symphony Orchestra. Although this concert is held on the Fourth, there is always a dress rehearsal n the evening of the third. I was told by all the locals to attend the concert on the third because there would be a lot less people. I am sure glad I listened because it wasnt crowded at all and was so much fun!

On the Fourth itself I attended the Fourth of July Parade on Constitution Ave. If this is something you want to attend you should plan on arriving about two hours early in order to get good seats! But honestly, if you have seen a parade before don't waste your time. This parade is two hours long and basically features High School marching bands from around the nation. 

After the parade my room mates and I went to the National Gallery of Art. I can honestly say I am glad I went and the art is beautiful but I did get a little bored. Also, the place is massive! If you are an art buff and want to see every piece in the gallery plan on spending the entire day there, maybe even two days!

Finally we made our way to the National Mall to watch the fireworks (The National Mall isn't really a mall, it's the grassy area between the Capital Building and the Washington Monument - Just clarifying because I was very confused at first). If you are planning on watching the fireworks on the mall plan on being there by 7:30 at the latest. They do not actually begin until 9:15 but the area fills up fast! The fireworks were amazing! They are shot off from the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial and frame the Washington Monument - which is quite a sight to see!

Friday was a little more relaxing. I took a night tour on a double decker, open topped bus all around D.C. This was a great experience! Every monument and Memorial is lit up beautifully and the guide gives you information of the history that surrounds Washington. I would definitely recommend that you do this!!!  Tours begin at 7:30 from Union Station -  This is not something you want to miss!

Finally on Saturday I spent the day at the real mall in Pentagon City. This mall is a straight shot on the yellow line metro and, if you like to shop, worth going to. It is a four story mall with over 150 stores, most of which are very nice/name brand stores. It will take the whole afternoon so if you need to kill some time this is a great way to do so! 

Weekend 4

This past weekend was not too exciting to be honest. I had a lot of work to get done so I did not get to do much sight seeing but what I did do was very interesting.

Saturday morning I went back to the Eastern Market, but this time I had breakfast at a little, famous cafe on the inside of the building. Beware, the line wraps around the building but the food is worth it. Everything is home made and delicious!

After leaving the Eastern market I went to the Newseum. This is a six story museum devoted to the news and Media industry itself as well as iconic events that have been covered by the news in history. Exhibits include 9/11, the murder os JFK, the Berlin Wall, and the Presidents Dogs', and free speech. It was very interesting but takes a lot of time to get through due to its sheer size. Also, it does cost money to go. For a student it costs $17.00 but this is a two day pass which definitely comes in handy! 

(Antenna on top of one of the World Trade Centers)

Although this was not a very exciting weekend this week will be. The Fourth of July is Thursday so I will have a lot to post from that experience!