National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc.
Fun & Active
5
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Similar to New England's season of "leaf peepers", the Cherry Blossom Festival draws many tourists hoping to see the cherry trees "in peak". The festival lasts about two weeks, as more and more activities and celebrations have become part of the ritual of the seasonal ritual. Events include the big parade, tours on foot and bike, and more.
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Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Museums & Galleries
5
1
Just over 40 years old, the Hirshhorn is a place of art, criticism, and dialogue in its history and in the contents within the museum. The sculpture garden is unique and hosts a spectrum of things from a wishing tree to works by Rodin. The Hirshhorn has thousands of pieces and boasts contemporary exhibits year round.
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Meridian Hill Park
Fun & Active
7
1
Because the park is on a hill's slope, the tiered levels provide scenic views, interesting architecture, and a variety of vibes in each pocket on any given Sunday, if you will. The upper mall has been used for concerts, gatherings, and even political rallies during the late 60's. Currently, drum circles are common.
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Politics & Prose Bookstore and Modern Times Coffeehouse
Fun & Active
6
2
As much a cultural hub as it is a bookstore, Politics & Prose serves as a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing book--a breed that many in America think is dead, and yet, this cultural hub is always filled with thinkers and readers.
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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens
Fun & Active
5
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Mount Vernon is a scenic American pastoral. It has a rich history (both of war and peace in America) for many Americans, particularly those with congressional and/or military roots. Besides being a piece of important history, the grounds also get you to Virginia where you can see the Potomac, and where you're a hop-skip from Arlington Cemetery.
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National Gallery of Art
Museums & Galleries
6
2
Though there are favorite pieces at other American museums, this one is a vast national feat boasting America's great collections of work throughout history. West Building houses works by Europeans from the medieval through the late 19th century, as well as pre-Modernist works by Americans. East Building holds modern and contemporary works.
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Fun & Active
5
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The iconic structure that houses the statue is made of circular steps, a portico, and a dome held up by large columns. The interior houses Jefferson's statue as well as a frieze below the dome with some of the most important American rhetoric by Jefferson on it: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal..."
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United States Botanic Garden
Museums & Galleries
9
2
Established in 1820, this free attraction is well worth a visit and consists largely of a gorgeous enormous greenhouse located on the corner of the National Mall adjacent to the United States Capital and the National Museum of the American Indian.
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National Air and Space Museum
Museums & Galleries
5
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The National Air and Space Museum is not just about displays and broad education. It is also a cornerstone for research. Research about the history of and science behind aviation and space, yes. But also, of planetary science, geophysics, and geology. Short of a visit to NASA, this is as close as many of us can get to these amazing innovations.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Fun & Active
9
1
There are many important memorials and sights to see along the Tidal Basin and the National Mall. This is the first (of hopefully many) which commemorates a non-white figure in American history (let's hope the count of women and of diverse figures goes up as well). The monument features an MLK quote and a gorgeous view of the Tidal Basin.
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Washington Monument
Museums & Galleries
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The monument can be waved at from a distance, admired up close with a walk-around of the cornerstone memorials and flags, or visited properly through the visitor center and a trip up to the viewing deck. The monument is one of the tallest landmarks in the US. The landmark has seen its fair share of contemporary controversy, so tickets are required.
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Lincoln Memorial
Fun & Active
5
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"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people, for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever", bears the inscription behind Honest Abe. And it is true, this memorial has become a kind of sacred space, especial with regard to civil rights. It is especially notable as the backdrop to MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.
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Arlington National Cemetery
Fun & Active
3
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Arlington Cemetery is an important American pastoral. Though it is riddled with many historic controversies, it does represent the many changes, losses, and wars the USA has already seen in its very small history. There are many ways to tour the grounds and many famous locales. The graves are sprawled in perfect lines.
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C&O Canal
Museums & Galleries
3
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In the summer, you can frequently spot wild animals such as turtles and heron, and year-round, the canal offers lovely views of the Potomac River. The Canal starts at Georgetown, making a visit (whether for 30 minutes or three hours) convenient and worthwhile.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Fun & Active
5
4
The two walls meet at a 10 foot apex and descend into the ground as they extend away from each other, as in a wound. Near the main part of the memorial there are other features. First, a bronze statue named "The Three Soldiers" depicting American men of different races as equal soldiers. Also, women's memorial honoring nurses and a memorial plaque.
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