Your Destination Guide to Washington DC

Washington DC's Air and Space Museum invites guests to take a "Journey to the Stars" at their Albert Einstein Planetarium.  This planetarium enjoys a 70 ft. dome, Sky Vision digital projection, and digital surround sound to create an exciting cinematic experience.  While free shows are offered at restricted times throughout the week, the main events in the Einstein Planetarium are the dynamic "Journey to the Stars" and "Black Holes".  This past week I had the pleasure of enjoying one of these impressive Planetarium adventures. Read More →

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 →

The other day, I decided to run by the Museum of American History in Washington DC in order to beat the crowds to the museum's paramount exhibit.  The museum is the proud to be home to the Star Spangled Banner, the American flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. 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 →

The nation's oldest public Aquarium is hidden in the basement of the Department of Commerce.  It is not the place to find huge sharks, or to watch dolphins dance on their tails.  It is a place to spend a peaceful hour or two marveling at fish, amphibians, and some precious little sharks.  It is also the place to see the Potomac's notorious snakehead. Read More →

As a fan of Classic Movie Musicals, I was excited to discover the Gershwin Room tucked away in the massive structure of the Library of Congress.  In this room, the iconic American composers George and Ira Gershwin are remembered.  These prolific creators of popular music saw their heyday in the jazz era only to be cut short by George's untimely death in 1937. 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 →

This past Spring, on a visit to the National Mall, I finally discovered a cost-effective alternative to dining in those expensive museum cafeterias!  Whenever I entertain guests in the city, they are shocked to see how even a McDonald's lunch is priced to hurt their trip fund.  The temptation to save money by grabbing a snack from a local hotdog cart often leaves them in a decision making crisis.  I personally became so fed up that I began to skip meals on the Mall, and fast until I get home.  No more! Read More →

On a recent visit to DC I rediscovered the city on the Orange Loop of the Washington DC Old Town Trolley Tour, also known as the "Hop on Hop off" trolley tour.  I had always been skeptical of the idea of spending $35 just to ride an antiquated bus through the city when I have two fine feet at my disposal, so I was in for a pleasant surprise! Read More →