Your Destination Guide to Washington DC

Despite all the wonderful attractions which DC has to offer, it does have one major aspect which acts as a source of agitation for those who attempt to drive to the city.  Parking is a high commodity and I have been on trips on which it took over 30 minutes to find a parking space, only to be obliged to find another when the two hour parking limit is up.  No more do I subject myself to this traveling nightmare.  Trips to DC are far less stressful and more leisurely when you take the Metro. Read More →

Most people think of the National Mall as a thoroughfare connecting several museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the Capitol Building, and the National Monument.  However, visits to each of these locations are typically limited to hours between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm.  If you are visiting the city, you may be wondering what to do with the hours when the Mall's attractions are closed.  Take a tip from the locals, and plan a visit to the National Mall on the off hours!  This is when the true beauty of Washington DC's main tourist district shines. Read More →

If you find yourself craving pizza in DC, then head on over to "We the Pizza" just a few blocks north of the Capital building.  This restaurant proudly displays adulation designating them as "best pizza in DC".  I decided to put the pizzeria to the test this past Thursday in order to identify the pros and cons of the eating establishment. Read More →

If you are planning a trip to DC one thing which you may wish to look into is a membership with the Smithsonian Institution.  A Smithsonian membership is a great way to save money in Washington DC!  Memberships come with impressive discounts on a wide range of museum services.  Additionally, they come with a subscription to the Smithsonian magazine, keeping you up to date on the latest developments in one of the nation's leading museum systems. Read More →

This year I was surprised to find that I had won tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting.  I had never attended this event in the past and had decided to give the lottery a shot, expecting that my usual luck (or lack thereof) would kick in.  However, a few weeks later, I received an email stating that I and four of my guests would be spending this December 9^th in the standing room section during the lighting of the National tree.  I was so excited, although I had no idea what kind of experience the standing room section implied. Read More →

A few weeks ago I found myself standing on the Capitol lawn and listening to the ringing of bells at regular intervals.  My curiosity piqued, I decided to follow my ears down Constitution Avenue in the direction of the lovely sound.  In a moment of luck I soon heard the bells right beside me and looked to see a tall white tower at the top of which were several bells.  As I climbed towards the towering carillon, a statue of a man in a suit gradually came into view.  Words engraved above the statue identified the man as Robert A. Taft.  This intriguing structure is Washington DC's memorial to the senator and son of our 19^th president, William Howard Taft. Read More →

The other day, I decided to stop by the National Botanical Garden and see what the Conservatory has to offer.  I wasn't sure what I would find on such a cold day in late Autumn, but as this was to be my first visit, I was up for a little exploration. Read More →

Washington D.C.'s Meridian Hill Park on 16th and U NW is one of D.C. locals' most beloved spots to spend a beautiful afternoon day. The park is located on a sloping hill with the bustling Columbia Heights above and the culturally significant U Street below. Meridian Hill is modeled off of the architectural stylings of European parks and boasts an impressive cascading fountain. Along with its' impressive water features, the park also has elegant statues of famous figures such as Dante and Joan of Arc scattered throughout, and plenty of green space to lay out on. Read More →

While visiting DC it can be tempting to run by the conveniently located gift shops and grab those emergency batteries, headache relievers, or bottles of water which you simply need.  Shops take advantage of the fact that you don't know your way around the city, and that these are essential items.  They keep a steady supply of overpriced and often sub-par emergency items for your convenience. Read More →

One of my favorite museums in Washington DC is also one of the least visited.  Whenever I enter the National Museum of the US Navy, I feel that I have the place to myself.  As much as I love the chance to explore the many fascinating and interactive exhibits to my heart's content, I feel that it is a shame that more people do not make the trip. Read More →