Perhaps August is not the best month for DC tours, if only for the melting factor.
We’ve wound up in our Nation’s Capitol twice during this last of summer and have sweated like crazy because of it.
DC is about a five hour drive from our part of Pittsburgh. We choose a combo of secondary roads (88), toll roads (43), and interstates (68, 270, 495) to make the drive interesting. We often stop in Cumberland, Maryland for a bite to eat—a town that deserves to be a destination one of these weekends so we can explore the C&O Canal and the Railroad history there.
DC Tours in Various Neighborhoods
This trip, we stayed in DuPont Circle—our first in that section of town. The King of Points scored us a nice room at the Residence Inn on P Street. Parking is not included when you use points—and that ended up being $80 with the tax—so make sure to inquire when using points to book a room.
Previously, we’ve stayed on Pennsylvania Avenue, in Old Town Alexandria, and Georgetown among other fun places.
Saturday we walked to the Mall area. It’s hard to decide what to tour each trip because there is so much. We went again to the Vietnam Wall (I almost made it the length this time without crying. It is the first war I was truly aware of as a teenager.) and to the World War II Memorial. It’s nice when the fountain is flowing—the water adds a dimension of solemnity that you don’t have in the winter when it’s shut off.
When we see Veterans, we stop and say, thank you for your service. It is the smallest thing we can do, isn’t it?
Near the Washington Monument, The National Museum of African American History and Culture is nearing completion. It’s an attractive building with scrollwork surrounding it.
We went in the National Gallery of Art. I’d like to spend an entire day there. To stand in front of a Rembrandt—especially a self-portrait—is to marvel at the artist’s hand. There are Vermeer’s and Van Dyck’s and too many others we didn’t get to see.
We discovered the Einstein Memorial, which is a nice display, but I am not a fan of that type of sculpture. The one like it of Mister Rogers located at the apex of Pittsburgh’s three rivers is frightening.
DC Tours in DuPont Circle
Back at DuPont Circle, we had one of the most excellent dining experiences and toured two different houses: The Anderson House aka The Society of the Cincinnati and The President Woodrow Wilson House.
If you love Italian food and fresh fish, seek out Al Tiramisu—it was an exceptional meal with the best waiter, John—he had a flare for describing every dish that is still making my mouth water.
Both homes had excellent docents who gave personal glimpses into the lives of the home owners. We knew nothing about the Cincinnati, “The founders of the Society referred to themselves as “Cincinnati”—a plural form of the name Cincinnatus—to indicate their commitment to the virtues of the Roman hero.” Touring this home is free but we weren’t alone in leaving a donation behind after such a great experience. The Wilson home is $10 each and well worth it for the 45-minute tour through many of the rooms.
Anderson House Photos:
Exterior of The Anderson House – Cincinnati Society Anderson House – Cincinnati Society The Anderson House – Cincinnati Society Cincinnati Society – Anderson House Gilt at The Anderson House – Cincinnati Society Iron staircase, Anderson House – Cincinnati Society
Leaving the Woodrow Wilson House, we followed the docent’s directions and used the Spanish Steps to return to Massachusetts Avenue. These steps are a mini replica of the much more elaborate Spanish Steps in Rome.
Embassy Row of DC
Massachusetts Avenue, NW includes the part of town known as Embassy Row. While there were lots of diplomatic cars around, we didn’t see a single soul going or coming from one of these lovely buildings. Did they desert the August heat? We walked along trying to guess the flags or read some of the door plates, which were quite small. I was taken with the sculpture in front of the Croatian Embassy of St Jerome the Priest. He was the first to translate the Bible from Hebrew and Greek to Latin.
A short weekend doing DC tours always leaves me wanting to turn right around and go back again. The Washington National Cathedral and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception both beckon.
Have you been to DC? What’s your favorite experience?
Read: Touring the Library of Congress
And, Don’t Worry About Looking Like a Dork When You’re on Tour
You got some wonderful shots Rose. Glad you were able to enjoy it with the heat and humidity. Don’t think I would have been such a trooper. 🙂
It’s such a great city, Susan, that I try not to let that wilting part get to me. And drink lots and lots of water!
What a wonderful post about Washington D.C. and the things you saw there. I have been couple times, but the worse thing, was when I was there, no signs anywhere. I drove around looking for specific places and could not find them.
Must have been a long time ago, William, because there are lots of signs around now. It’s truly one of the easiest cities we’ve ever navigated, which is another reason it’s such a joy to go there.
I don’T know DC at all. I’ve been there a number of times and found it a confusing city to navigate. But, I love Georgetown. I imagine you were “melting” there this time of year. I’ve been there in the Fall and it’s beautiful!
Autumn and spring are the best times to visit, for sure, Pamela. But my husband’s travel schedule had him off here and there from May until this weekend. Crazy! So I will take what I can get–heat and all. William and you both said about the navigating, which really interests me because I find it so easy to get around. Hm. I have some really good maps and that helps. I mark them each time we go so I can have reference points for the different hotels we stay in. And then we never, ever drive. The Metro is so easy to use and the staff at each station are great.
Georgetown is wonderful–it’s so pretty!
Oh I love DC Rose! When I worked in the travel industry DC was part of my territory for 2 years before I went into international sales so I spent a lot of time there. Your photos are wonderful – never been to the Wilson home, but one of my fondest memories is walking along the tidal basin when the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom – magnificent! Lucky me my company managed the Willard so that’s where I stayed – every chance I got! You are right about the timing though – August in the capital is brutal.
Super lucky you to stay at the Willard–what a wonderful, wonderful hotel. I have often looked at it rather dreamily! We are always in Marriott properties because of the King of Points. Nice hotels, but sigh to the Willard.
The Tidal Basin when you time it right for the blossoms–that truly is a gift to see!
What beautiful photographs – “the wall”, the various statues and places of interests. The view in the last few photos really are pretty.
So clean and tidy – my kind of place!
When you get to the States maybe you can take a couple of days there. 🙂
It is a very clean and tidy city and the Metro is super easy to use for getting around. Plus the city is almost all flat, os walking is easy.
Summer is indeed not the time to visit DC. It was built on a swamp and the humidity is always there to remind you of that. Like the DuPont Circle neighborhood.
We have been there at every season, Ken, with pros and cons to each. I love the city, so anytime I can get there, I’ll deal with whatever darned weather we get!
Oh wow, these are great photos Rose. Never been to DC yet but i know I will be visiting in the near future. Thanks to you LOL!
Thank you for taking me with you. I can tell you had an awesome time and all.
Thanks for sharing x
I have some other blogs on here from other trips to DC (this reminds me that I have to add them to the “Travel” tab!), if you want to scope those out when you get ready to make a trip. DC is a fabulous place to visit.
Ok. Let me have a look. Been meaning to travel to DC for years.
Oh my, these are great photos! I have not been to DC since high school, and I have always wanted to see the Viet Nam Memorial. You have very effectively reminded me that I need to get back there!
Get thee to DC, Jacquie! You will see it with brand new eyes!