I decided to go for 4 nights and stay in the downtown area. For trip planning I used TripAdvisor to see what attractions were of interest. I would say the main things I wanted to see would be a mix of political / historical and museums such as "Air and Space". I made a rough itinerary of the places I wanted to visit.
Wednesday
The flight down was about 1 hour 40 min and was uneventful. From Dulles I took an express city bus to a downtown metro (subway) station. There I was able to buy a transit card which I used on the remainder of my trip. A short metro ride and I was at Metro Center station, a short walk from my hotel.For that evening I had prebooked a trolley tour called "Monuments by Moonlight". I figured it was a good way to get a quick exposure to the DC experience. The tour was to even pick me up at a nearby hotel. The tour was very informative and entertaining at the same time. We did a drive around the DC / Virginia area pointing out the highlights. Seeing it all lit up a night was great. Here are some pictures I took on the tour.
Thursday
The next morning I was off to the Library of Congress. A truly beautiful building filled with interesting artifacts.
My next visit was just across the road to the U.S. Capital Building. I had booked a tour but was able to get on an earlier tour. I was very excited when I was told that both the House of Representatives and the Senate were in session that day and that gallery passes were available if I wanted to attend. After a great tour of the Capital Building I went to both. I was not witness to any lively debates but it was still pretty neat to be in the halls where it all happens.
They were doing some renovation on the Capital Dome, that is why there is scaffolding present.
From the Capital Building I took a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. I stopped and visited an exhibit hosted at the Canadian Embassy.
From there it was a short walk the the Archives where I was able to view the original "Declaration of Independence", the Constitution and other documents. As well there were displays explaining why these documents were important and the timeline of events leading up to their signing. Photography was not permitted.
My next stop was my first Smithsonian museum, the American History Museum. It was full of articles from America's history following such themes as Battles, Transportation, etc.
I finished the day with a walk through "The Mall" passing both the Washington Monument and the White House on my way back to the hotel.
Friday
I started the day with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Although in Virginia, there is a DC Metro stop at the entrance. While there I paid my respects at the grave site of President Kennedy as well as observing the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. This was a quiet place where I walked and was able to reflect on freedom, duty and sacrifice.
I then went back to the subway and took a long subway / bus ride to the Steven Udvar-Hazy Center which is another Smithsonian museum, showcasing Air and Space. It is a fantastic building that houses such artifacts as Enola Gay, the Concorde, a SR-71, and the actual space shuttle Discovery.
I attended two different guided tours and stayed there to almost closing. What a great museum.
Saturday
I set off on foot from the hotel and took a walk towards the White House. The museums don't open until 10 am so I wanted to see some monuments before that.
I arrived at the White House
From the White House I walked to the Second World War memorial on my way to the Lincoln Memorial.
I reached the Lincoln Memorial where I had been a few days before at night. The view from the top steps is iconic and needs to be experienced. Close by are also the memorials of the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
While walking toward the Lincoln Memorial I was hearing music. I as approached I could see musicians playing live. It turns out it was a local chapter of "School of Rock" performing for the participants of a walk to raise money for St. Judes Hospital that day. They were all very good young musicians and I was thoroughly entertained.
Watching those young adults playing music on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial just seemed so right.
My next museum was the downtown "Air and Space" museum. Again I took the tour. I was rewarded with a wealth of background information surrounding well known aviation events. We viewed and discussed such artifacts as the original Wright Bros. plane, the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 capsule to name just a few. Another excellent museum.
Next I attended the National Art Gallery. A wonderful building full of great paintings. Here is inside one of the courtyards.
The final building I visited was the Newseum, which is a museum dedicated to journalism. Very high tech and very well done. It also had a great terrace overlooking Pennsylvania Ave.
I called it a day and walked back to the hotel.
Sunday
I packed up and checked out of the hotel. With enough fare left on my transit pass I walked to the Metro Station. After a long subway / bus ride I was at the airport with more then enough time to spare. I enjoyed a great breakfast at the airport and took the short flight home.
Summary
This trip exceeded my expectations. If you are thinking of visiting D.C. you should go. I found the city safe, clean and easy to get around in. All of the Smithsonian museums are free as well which is nice. As most attractions are located around the National Mall you don't spend a lot of time between attractions.
November for me was a good time to go. It was much greener and the sun felt much warmer then in Ottawa.
I had a great time.
Here's to you America, until we meet again.
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