Every red-blooded world traveler should visit our nation's capital, Washington, D.C.
It doesn't matter if you are an American or not, you will be absolutely awed at the spender, massive man-made structures and green, wide-open spaces.
If you're an American, it is just added pride in our wonderful country.
My late father, Col. Breedlove, was stationed at the massive Pentagon building in the late 1940's/early 50's, so our family lived in the quaint, nearby suburb of Falls Church, VA. Because of our home's proximity to the District, we frequently drove into the historical city on weekends. Some of my earliest childhood memories were driving from the west over the massive
Arlington Memorial Bridge ( lion statues bridge), crossing the Potomac River, to the traffic circle around the Lincoln Memorial and on eastward down the National Mall to the Washington Memorial. Frequently, my father would park the family car at either location, and we would walk to one of the memorials, or, occasionally, the Jefferson Memorial, not too far to the south. Even as a young child I think I remember being awed by the colossal structures, and realized then the figures represented extremely important men in our nation's history. Being a senior grade career military officer, my father instilled in his children the respect and honor represented by these incredible Americans, along with the love of our nation's capital city.
After we lost my mother who was 39 to cancer in the early 1950's, my father elected a transfer to head the R.O.T.C. program at then Oklahoma A&M College; thus the move to Our Town.
Even though it was over a thousand miles away from Stillwater, Washington, D.C. still held a strong attachment to our family. My oldest brother, C.H., decided to go to college at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and we had made many friends in the greater District area in our 4-year stay there. Therefore, we always have always had many reasons to return there over the decades since moving away.
My brother still maintains one of his homes in suburban Rockville, MD, and his two married sons live in that border District city, too..
For a first-time tourist to incredible Washington, D.C.,, one of the major dilemmas is just how much time to devote to your visit?
Truthfully, in my opinion, one could literally spend two weeks in the greater District, and probably struggle to visit the "must do" sites.The answer to the question is almost overwhelming.
#1 on most folks' list is the National Mall. This is a beautiful area in the heart of the city, full of expansive green areas, towering shade trees, tasteful, colorful plantings and awesome buildings. Take your pick of museums, be it the Air & Space, Natural History, American History, Smithsonian Institution structures (castle building and others), National Archives, American Indian, Botanic Garden or the National Galleries of Art. After that marathon of walking, there are all the outdoor monuments such as the World War II, Korea, Vietnam, FDR, MLK and the three previously mentioned ones that are sort of the combination indoor/outdoor variety. In the proximity to the National Mall are the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Union Station, White House, Justice Department, Bureau of Engraving & Printing (i.e., money makers), U.S. Holocaust Museum. Kennedy Center, Postal Museum, Portrait Gallery and many more, all open to the tourist public. Each facility has a vast educational/entertaining theme.
Outside the core area previously mentioned, to the west, are spectacular Arlington National Cemetery (where my parents are buried) and the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Arlington House (aka Custis-Lee Mansion), the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Pentagon and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Within the District, there is Ford's Theatre National Historical Site where President Lincoln was shot, the International Spy Museum, Georgetown, Washington National Cathedral, National Zoo (think giant pandas), Naval Observatory, RFK NFL football stadium, and a plethora of other sites..
Not too far to the SW across the Potomac River is the historic city of Alexandria, VA, and all its sites, and just a few miles further south is Mt. Vernon, the preserved home of former President George Washington.
If you don't want the hassle of renting a vehicle because you didn't drive your own, the greater District Metro (i.e., subway) is a wonderful way to quickly get from point A to point B. They have many separate lines, each designated by a color, and many stations. It is also clean, safe and not too expensive to ride. The signage is excellent, and easy for a novice to navigate. Hotels within the District proper are plentiful, but can be pricey due to location. However, staying in nearby Arlington or Alexandria, VA., is less expensive, and with the subway option, it allows easier commuting to/from the District. The area is also served by three major airports, with Ronald Reagan Washington National being located closet to the District and on a subway line.
Once you have experienced the nation's capital, chances are you will never forget this memory in your mind's eye.
It will be with you forever..
Commenti