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!

Week 3 / Weekend 3

The title for this past week and weekend could be titled M&M, Monuments & Museums.

Last week I visited as many monuments as I could as well as the Library of Congress.

The Washington Monument is currently encased in scaffolding that has been decorated with some kind of blue netting. The monument itself is very impressive but I definitely think it probably looked better without the scaffolding.

The Lincoln Memorial is amazing! The sheer size of the Lincoln statue is breathtaking and if you turn around you can see an amazing view of the reflection pool and the Washington Memorial.

The Jefferson is also amazing. It is located in the tidal basin so the surrounding area is beautiful. The monument itself is complete with stunning architecture, a statue of Jefferson himself, and inscriptions on the walls of a few of Jeffersons most famous speeches.

The Library of Congress was designed by a Frenchman and is so ornate and beautiful. The ceilings are inlaid with frescos, golden flowers,  bright colors and crown molding. Also, the main reading room, which is not open to the public but can be viewed from an observatory deck, is gorgeous!

All of these are a must see!  To view pictures follow my the following link to my flicker account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/94159959@N07/

This weekend was filled with Museums. I went to three smithsonian museums, The Natural History Museum, American History Museum, and the Air and Space Museum.

The Natural History Museum is really cool! There are a lot of fascinating exhibits and specimens including breathtaking jewelry, dinosaur skeletons, a giant squid, and a butterfly atrium. While this museum is so interesting, it comes with a warning. If you do not believe in evolution you may have some difficulties at this museum because it is heavily evolution based. I personally am a Christian, meaning I have creationist views, so this museum posses some difficulties for me but I just have to look at everything from my personal perspectives and ignore the parts I do not agree with. Definitely doable and definitely worth checking out!  

After the Natural History Museum I visited the American History Museum. This museum holds so many treasures and insight into the past of our country. You might choose not to visit this museum because you think history is boring but be assured, there is something at this museum for you and you will find it fascinating! There is everything from ships to electricity, cars, money, pop culture, the first ladies, presidents, African American culture and the History of the flag. 

Finally I went to the Air and Space Museum. I thought this was going to be the most boring time in my life but I was completely wrong! This museum has some of the coolest things I have ever seen such as drones, satellites, afterburners of a space shuttle, planes, simulators, and a whole section of interactive "games" that teach you about physics. I was a little spoiled though because the person I went with is an engineer so he explained the intricacies of everything to me. This museum is fascinating, a learning experience, and simply fun to go to!

  

   

Finally, Sunday afternoon I went to the Point of View. A restaurant on top of a hotel a block from the White House. From my table I could see the White House, the Washington Monument, and the department of the Treasury. It was also really cool to see the tops of all the building because almost every one was flying an American flag on its roof. Besides an amazing view the food was delicious1 It is tapas style so you get to try a lot of things and share which is just fun!   

 

Second Weekend

My Second Weekend here was not quite as eventful as the first, but nonetheless, it was still exciting.

I am a food network fan so when I found out Iron Chef Bobby Flay owned a restaurant here in D.C. I had to try it out. The place is called Bobby's Burger Palace and specializes in gourmet burgers. I had a dallas burger complete with season crusted patty, monterey jack cheese, pickles, BBQ sauce, and cole slaw.

As excited as I was to sink my teeth into this burger I was a little disappointed. While it was good and I would definitely go back I wasn't overly impressed and I definitely would not go out of my way to eat here again.

That being said, if you are a burger fan or a Bobby Flay fan give it a try.

 







Besides eating at Bobby's Burger Palace I also went to the National Geographic Museum. This was very interesting. It is not free like most museums in D.C. but it is not expensive either. I think it was about $11.00 but you can get discounts for numerous reasons such as subscribing to their magazine or being a student. Their current exhibit is about a pirate ship found off the coast of Cape Cod. If you have some free time definitely make it a point to go to the museum.

My First Weekend

I packed this past weekend full of fun and activities!

Saturday:

Saturday morning I went to the Eastern market and the Capitol Hill Book Store- Both of these are a must see!

The Eastern Market is historic dating back to the 1800's . Here you can find a mix of farmers market, craft fair, and flea market all wrapped in one. There is truly something for everyone here. And even if you just want to look, and not shop, you can sample the freshest fruit in DC while smelling the fresh cut blooming flowers.

The Capitol Hill Book Store is somewhere every book lover needs to go, but be prepared, it could take years to get through every book in that store. From the floor to the ceiling and in every nook, cranny, and corner there are books piled on top of each other. There are two stories in this cozy shop with almost every title you could imagine!

Later that I afternoon I went to Alexandria, Virginia. This is one of America's oldest cities. There are a lot of shops and restaurants in Alexandria as well as the Torpedo Factory and many other historic places to visit. Getting there is easy, you simply take the Yellow metro line towards Huntington and get off at King St. There is a free trolly that will pick you up at the metro station and take you to the waterfront. Be advised: you probably need to spend a whole day here! There is so much to see and do that it is almost impossible to finish it in one afternoon.

While in Alexandria I got cupcakes at Alexandria cupcake. They were divine! Especially the rosewater one! and I had dinner at the Notting Hill. This restaurant was very pricy but the food was delicious and the interior was elegant. I would definitely recommend eating here.

Sunday:

I packed Sunday full with almost as much excitement!

Sunday Morning I went to Capitol Hill Baptist Church. This Church is led by Mark Devers, who is considered one of the top Theologians in the country. He offers direct, biblically based sermons that are both educational and inspirational. This is an amazing church that I think everyone should attend at least once.

After Church I headed to the Smithsonian National Zoo. This zoo was great! it was spacious, had lots of animals, and best of all it was free! If you need to kill three or more hours definitely check out the zoo.  This is a massive park that will take a good three hours to walk if you visit all the exhibits. Also, this parks claim to fame are their Giant Pandas. My favorite though was the Red Panda, it looked like a teddy bear.

Finally for dinner Sunday I went to the 6th Engine. This restaurant is a refurbished firehouse, but not just any firehouse, it is actually D.C.'s oldest firehouse. The food is delicious, especially the complimentary homemade chips and onion dip. My meal was absolutely wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone visiting  the area.

Week 1:

So my first week here has been a little hectic between getting moved in, settled into a new city, and work. Needless to say I haven't gotten to tour much, no thats an overstatement. I haven't gotten to tour at all!

But never fear, I have a trip to Alexandria planned for tomorrow and a trip to the Smithsonian Zoo planned for Sunday.

I'm looking forward to my adventures and I can't wait to describe my experiences here either.

Introduction

Hi! My name is Ashlyn Robinson. I am from Florida and I am a senior at the University of Florida. This summer I have the amazing opportunity to intern in Washington D.C. for eight weeks. I will be working four days a week which will leave me Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to sight see and tour the capitol of our great nation.

I am going to use this blog to document my sight seeing adventures while in D.C. and also give you all advice on the must sees in this historic and lively city. I also hope to learn some of the secret ins and outs of navigating Washington from the locals so I will provide those as well.

I will move to Washington tomorrow so until then hopefully this website can provide some tourist advice until I can start sight seeing myself. Enjoy! http://washington.org/