It’s easy to get hooked on visiting our Nation’s Capital. Visit Washington, DC in March and stumble upon the lovely pink cherry trees blossoming along the Tidal Basin. Or perhaps you’ll unexpectedly catch a kite festival at the Washington Monument or an international food festival.

Seeing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will tug at your heart. It is a ritual to be observed with solemn heart and closed mouth. If you can, listen to one of the guards explain the too-grueling-for-me work they have to do to become a guard. Arlington as a whole, can easily wipe out my emotions. The mathematically precise layout and the vast loss of life represented can overwhelm. 

The Smithsonian Museums are free—free! Who can resist a free museum? Not I!

Pittsburgh’s Senator John Heinz History Center

Shortly after I came to Pittsburgh in 1999, I attended an event at the Heinz. How easily the vast space and its many offerings hooked me!  When I continued to live in Pittsburgh, I became a member and have renewed every year since. Not only is the museum expansive, they produce a well-done quarterly magazine about Western Pennsylvania.

Why am I mentioning the Heinz?

Because much to my delight, the Heinz is an affiliate with the Smithsonian Institution. Being an affiliate means Smithsonian exhibits tour here, I receive the Smithsonian Magazine*, and get discounts at Smithsonian stores. What a win!

Check this link to see if your state has a affiliate museum. Maybe this is just the enticement you need to join the Museum of the Rockies or the Buffalo Bill Center! 

Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC

(author photo: Smithsonian Castle)

Mr. Kershaw brings veterans to life with his writing, so I’m including him here.

Alex Kershaw, The First Wave, The D-Day Warriors
Bronze statue George Washington

Technically, he’s not in DC, but the city is his namesake.

Exterior of the National Museum of the US Army

A short ride from DC, this is an exceptional museum.

A long ride from DC, but I’m mentioning in case you didn’t know it existed. It is astounding.

WWI trenches
Large WWII airplane in Museum Hanger

Also a long ride from DC, but in case you didn’t know about it–it is extraordinary.


*This magazine is one of the best I’ve ever read. It includes historical and current stories pertinent to every day life. 

I hope you’re encouraged to visit our Nation’s Capital. It’s a city that always teaches you something enw.