| Parks & Places • National Arboretum |
General Information
NFT Map: |
12 |
Address: |
3501 New York Ave NE |
Phone: |
202-245-2726 |
Website: |
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Hours: |
Daily: 8 am–5 pm, except Dec 25th |
Admission: |
Free |
Overview
Escape the hubbub of DC’s urban jungle with a visit to the 446 acres of greenery at the National Arboretum, a living museum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for science and education. Located in a remote corner of the city where few dare to venture, the Arboretum is a fresh welcome away from tourists, crowds and concrete. The Arboretum’s biggest draw is the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, where you’ll find over 150 miniature trees (some hundreds of years old). A rock garden, koi pond, and ikebana exhibit (the Japanese art of flower arranging) surround the museum and have enough Zen to clear your head—unless you have allergies.
Other major attractions depend on the season. Spring sees the arboretum burst with the fresh pastels of daffodils, crocuses, and azaleas. In summer, the palette mellows with the arrival of waterlilies and wildflowers. Fall brings the stately crimsons and golds of fall foliage, while winter blankets the large pines and hollies with snow. In short, there’s always something to see, and there’s always a reason to come back. It’s easy to see why so many couples get engaged and take their wedding photos on these fragrant, colorful, beautiful acres. For up-to-the-minute news on what’s currently in bloom, check the “What’s Blooming” page on the Arboretum’s website.
While flowers may bloom and fade, the view of the Anacostia flowing quietly behind the Dogwood Collection is here to stay, as are the 22 Corinthian columns planted in a grassy field near the entrance, open to the sky. Originally part of the Capitol Building, these columns are probably the closest thing America has to the Parthenon. Picnic trips are welcomed, but must be enjoyed on the east terrace or at the picnic area in the National Grove of State Trees, leashed dogs are allowed in all areas of the park.
If you want to mix education with pleasure, visit the Economic Botany Herbarium—a collection of over 650,000 dried plant specimens classified for the studies of agriculture, medicine, science, and education. The volunteer staff also breeds plants for other locales throughout the country in a controlled greenhouse.
The National Bonsai Collection and Penjing Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. The Arbor House Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., March 1 through mid-December. For the months of April through September, weekend hours are added, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Activities
The 9.6 miles of paved roads serve as excellent biking and jogging paths. Picnicking is allowed in designated areas. Fishing, fires, and flower picking are all prohibited, and pets must be kept on leashes. The Arboretum offers public education programs including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and plant, flower, and art exhibitions.
A 48-passenger open-air tram runs through the park on a 35-minute, non-stop, narrated tour covering the Arboretum’s history, mission, and current highlights. Tram services are available on weekends from mid-April through October: $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 kids 4–16 years old, and free for kids 4 and under. Private tours are also available with a 3-week advance reservation. The Arbor House hosts visitor facilities, including toilets, water fountains, snacks, and vending machines in addition to horticulturally oriented gifts. During summer months, food trucks are also located on the east terrace of the Administrative building.
Full Moon Hikes, available during the spring and fall, take participants on a somewhat strenuous five-mile moonlit trek through the grounds, with curators providing horticultural facts along the way. Hikes vary around $22–$25 (less for Friends of the National Arboretum). You’ll need to register early as there is limited space and tours fill up quickly (as in, we called at the beginning of April to book a tour in May, and we were already too late). Pre-registration is required; call 202-245-4521 to make your reservation, or find the mail-in form online.
How to Get There—Driving
From northwest Washington, follow New York Avenue east to the intersection of Bladensburg Road. Turn right onto Bladensburg Road and drive four blocks to R Street. Make a left on R Street and continue two blocks to the Arboretum gates.
Parking
Large free parking lots are located near the Grove of State Trees, by the R Street entrance, and near the New York Avenue entrance. Smaller lots are scattered throughout the grounds close to most of the major collections. Several of the parking areas have been expanded recently, and a free shuttle through the park runs continuously during summer months.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The closest Metro subway stop is Stadium Armory Station on the Blue and Orange lines. Transfer to Metrobus B-2, get off on Bladensburg Road, and walk two blocks to R Street. Make a right on R Street and continue two more blocks to the Arboretum gates.
| Parks & Places • United States Botanic Garden |
General Information
NFT Map: |
2 |
Address: |
100 Maryland Ave SW |
Phone: |
202-225-8333 |
Website: |
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Hours: |
10 am–5 pm every day, including holidays |
Admission: |
Free |
Overview
Sometimes we all feel like we’re living in a concrete jungle, but if you want to experience a real jungle of the green and alive variety without blowing your budget on a trip to South America, stop into the US Botanic Garden. If you need an escape from the heat or the cold or the hustle and bustle, take a stroll through the Oasis Room or curl up with a book on a bench in the glass-ceilinged Garden Court. You’ll feel like you’re miles away from the sidewalks and the suits, but not necessarily the tourists, especially on weekends. Nestled in the shadow of the US Capitol Building, and known as Washington’s “Secret Garden,” the US Botanic Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens and home to more than 25,000 different specimens. The refurbished Conservatory features a 24-foot-high mezzanine level allowing visitors to gaze downward onto a canopied rainforest. Its distinctive glass façade now houses advanced environmental control systems that allow orchid buds to bloom in the same building as desert brush, furry cacti, and nearly 4,000 other living plants. If you’re looking for a particular organism but don’t know where to start, you can tap into the USBG’s massive computer database and search by common name, scientific name, or geographic location, or you can simply ask one of the Garden’s reputable flora-fanatic employees. Can’t make it to the Gardens, but still have a pressing plant question? No worries—just call the Plant Hotline at 202-226-4785 and ask away!
The USBG offers classes, exhibits, lectures, and symposia throughout the year. Visit during the week and you might be lucky enough to land on a tour (schedules vary, so be sure to check the website for up-to-date event listings), or buy tickets in advance for events such as organic beer tastings or talks on recognizing beneficial insects.
Outside is the National Garden, a three-acre plot of land located just west of the Conservatory. The landscaped space showcases the unusual, useful, and ornamental plants that flourish in the mid-Atlantic region in areas known as the Rose Garden, Butterfly Garden, and (wait for it) First Ladies’ Water Garden!
Bartholdi Park, located across Independence Avenue from the Conservatory, was created in 1932 and named for sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. In addition to creating the elegant and aptly named Bartholdi Fountain in the center of the park, he also designed the Statue of Liberty. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. A copy of the visitor guide is available for download in multiple languages from www.usbg.gov/visit
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Taking public transportation is highly recommended. By Metro, take the Blue or Orange line to Federal Center SW or Capitol South stations. If you’re using the Metro Bus, take the 30, 32, 34, 35, or 36 to Independence Avenue and First Street SW. Just walk toward the giant white dome, then look south.
| Parks & Places • Eastern Market |
General Information
NFT Map: |
5 |
Location: |
225 7th St SE |
Website: |
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Hours: |
Tues-Fri: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. |
Overview
Eastern Market, known for its farm-fresh produce, meat, local seafood and flowers, opened in 1873 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After being damaged by fire in 2007, a completely renovated Eastern Market reopened in 2009, preserving much of the original 16,500-square-foot structure. As the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood continues to gentrify, more and more DC yuppies have begun flocking to Eastern Market on the weekends, loudly denouncing Whole Foods by filling their natural fiber tote bags with tomatoes, orchids and crafts from local artisans.
However, whatever your purpose, there’s plenty to be seen and eaten at the Eastern Market. The lone Market Lunch counter draws a line out the door on weekends as it dishes up greasy, hit-the-spot breakfasts (we love the pancakes) and Chesapeake lunch favorites (try the softshell crab sandwich). The freshly grown produce is difficult to ignore, and you’ll consider buying a giant basil plant or a beet.
On the sidewalks outside, artists, farmers, and charlatans hawk their wares. Antique and collectibles vendors fill the playground behind the former Hine Junior High School with piles of trinkets, textiles, furniture, bikes and trash. They call it a flea market, but don’t expect bargains. It’s also a good place to see if your missing bike might be for sale. A twenty minute walk from the Nat’s stadium, Eastern Market also offers a pre-game diversion and ample nightlife to continue the post-game celebration, or to drown your sorrows, as the case may be. There are, however, some decent deals to be found across the street on the north side of the market, plus interesting art that might find a place in your fancy new townhouse.
How to Get There—Driving
Parking is scarce, but if you must: From the south, take I-395 across the 14th Street Bridge, bear right over the bridge onto the Southwest Expressway; exit at 6th Street SE, the first exit beyond South Capitol Street. At the bottom of the ramp, continue one block and turn left on 7th Street SE. The next major intersection with a traffic light is Pennsylvania Avenue. You’ll see Hines School on the opposite corner.
From the west, take I-66 to Rosslyn, Virginia, and Route 110 to I-395 N, then follow the directions above.
From the north, take Baltimore-Washington Parkway and I-295, exiting at Pennsylvania Avenue (East). A U-turn can be made at the second light to head westbound on Pennsylvania to 7th Street SE, where you need to make a right.
From the east, take either Route 50 or I-495 to I-295, and follow the directions above.
Parking
Diagonal parking is available on 7th Street, on the alley sides of the Market, and there’s some curb parking in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. On weekends, it’s best to take the Metro.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the Blue or Orange Metro Lines to the Eastern Market station, and walk north out of the station along 7th Street SE.
| Parks & Places • Georgetown |
Overview
NFT Map: 8
Like a socialite fleeing the masses, Georgetown hides in a Metro-inaccessible corner of DC with the nearest Metro stop (Foggy Bottom/GWU) an 8-block walk. Hiding, however, doesn’t work: the masses swarm through the tight vehicle and pedestrian traffic on M Street, Wisconsin Ave and the Key Bridge. That’s only because Georgetown is so charming, with its cobblestone streets, colonial brick houses, boutique shopping and cafes, despite the commercialization of its main drags. On pleasant weekend days, tourists and locals alike flock to the neighborhood for shopping and gawking at the city’s priciest residential and most desirable real estate.
Georgetown is a shopping oasis with hundreds of mainstream stores, high-end boutiques, bakeries and furnishing stores for those with discriminating taste. At night, watch out as every blueblood rich kid and those who wish they were take over the streets for a boisterous, and seemingly homogeneous, party scene. The mash of trendy restaurants, swank bars, and hole-in-the-wall pubs open their doors for the college crowd, baby boomers, and the better-coiffed see-and-be-seen crowd. Head down to the waterfront during the day for brunch and drinks while you watch yachts pull up to the harbor and crew teams row by.
Despite the area’s highbrow reputation, elite schools, and garden-lined historical houses, Georgetown has a number of free events that take place throughout the year. It’s still the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and window shopping, whether you’re a Georgetown student or a lobbyist’s wife.
History
Georgetown was formed in 1751, and the neighborhood’s access to the Potomac River was a big draw to the shipping community. Originally a part of Frederick County, Maryland, Georgetown was appropriated by the City of Washington in 1871.
After the Civil War, the area became a haven for freed slaves seeking financial freedom. But a devastating flood in 1890 forced the Canal Company into bankruptcy and triggered an economic depression. By the end of World War I, Georgetown had become a total slum. In the 1930s, New Deal government officials rediscovered the convenience and charm beneath the grime, and with their help, Georgetown began its physical rehab and social climb back to its current grandeur. The reputation of the area was further boosted with the arrival of then–US Senator John F. Kennedy during the 1950s. As its most famous residents, Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, made Georgetown the hub for the fashionable elite of the District, their legendary parties drawing political heavyweights from all over DC.
Attractions
Georgetown hosts the city’s most compact collection of historic, retail, gastronomic, and nightlife draws. The Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest surviving building on its original lot in the federal city, and it predates the city of DC itself. The rumored-to-be-haunted-house and its gardens are both publicly strollable. The C&O Canal Path is a 180-mile leaf-shrouded park that runs alongside a murky, but historically interesting, canal. The canal was originally a water highway that linked the rapidly growing west to the east and allowed farmers to ship their goods to market. The canal path is now more of a runner and biker highway, with many a local commuting from Bethesda to Virginia on it. Locals use it to work off the one-too-manys they imbibed at bars like Georgetown University’s esteemed The Tombs. For a more relaxing respite, Dumbarton Oaks is a Federal-style 19th century mansion surrounded by sublime gardens. Check out Capitol River Cruises for hourly riverboat cruises up and down the Potomac. Also catch a glimpse of the House of Sweden, a new flick at Loews Georgetown, or the United Arab Emirates Embassy. Besides being home to one of the city’s most prestigious universities, Georgetown is the infamous location of a young boy’s supposed exorcism during the late 1940s. The speculated exorcism spawned a bestselling novel by William Peter Blatty and one of the most well-known horror films, The Exorcist. Decades later, tourists and fans of the movie still visit the notorious steps where one of the characters fell to his death at the hands of the possessed Regan MacNeil. Take Jan Pottker’s Celebrity Georgetown Tour to visit the remodeled house used in the film and see other locations where movies were shot.
To escape the swankiness, Key Bridge Boathouse (formerly, from 1945 until 2013, Jack’s Boathouse) located under Key Bridge (3500 Water St NW) rents canoes, kayaks, and even stand-up paddle boards. Feel free to use their gas grills after working up a post-paddle hunger. The C&O canal tow path, a biker or urban runner’s dream, can also be accessed along the river where Water St dead ends at the trail.
For a complete list of stores, restaurants, and attractions in Georgetown, consult the comprehensive Georgetown website: www.georgetowndc.com. For a selection of our favorite Georgetown bars, restaurants, and shopping venues, see Map 8.
How to Get There—Driving
Driving is really a terrible way to get to Georgetown unless you enjoy snarling traffic and honking at expensive cars. If you don’t mind an uphill stroll, head toward the river and check out the metered street parking and garages along Water St. M Street between 27th and the Francis Scott Key Bridge is where you find the action. Also venture up Wisconsin Ave. for more high-end boutiques. The area is also accessible by Canal Road NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Parking
If you absolutely must take your car to Georgetown, street parking is a pain, but surprisingly not impossible if you’re quick, willing to walk a little and have a small car. There is a pay-as-you go system where you have to go to a small stand on the sidewalk to obtain a parking ticket you place in the window of your car. A paid garage is your best bet, however pricey. See Map 8 for locations.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Metrobus routes 30, 32, 34, 35, or 36 marked “Friendship Heights” run west on Pennsylvania Avenue. Buses cost $1.80 without a SmarTrip card, and $1.60 with one. Don’t bother to ask for change because you won’t get anything but some driver sass. Transfers are no longer available with cash, so the motivation to get a SmarTrip card only grows.
The Circulator—DC’s bus for people who don’t like to ride the bus—runs between Union Station and Georgetown (via K Street) and from Rosslyn to Dupont Circle (via Georgetown) every 10 minutes. This line runs up until midnight on week nights, and until 2am on weekends. Fares are $1, and again uses a paperless transfer system with SmarTrip.
There is no Metro stop in Georgetown, but on a pleasant day, if you’re equipped with good walking shoes, the Foggy Bottom-GWU stop on the Orange and Blue lines is a ten minute walk from the east end of the neighborhood. The Rosslyn stop on the same line is a ten-minute walk from Georgetown’s west end, but you must cross the busy Key Bridge. And finally, for those on the red line, the half-hour walk down Q St to Dupont Circle is actually quite pleasant, and beats the time you’ll spend underground changing lines. Dupont Circle Metro Station, on the Red line, is also a pleasant 1.2-mile walk to Georgetown’s center, M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, through its historic, well-tended neighborhood streets, and over the Dumbarton Bridge with its monumental buffalo. Biking to Georgetown is also possible from all points on the Custis, Capital Capital Crescent or C&O Canal trails. Don’t have a bike? Check out www.capitalbikeshare.com to rent one by the day. To get to Georgetown, grab a bike outside the Rosslyn metro station and cross Key Bridge on two wheels.
| The Monuments / Potomac Park / Tidal Basin |
General Information
NFT Maps: |
1, 6, and 7 |
Website: |
|
Phone: |
202-426-6841 |
Overview
If there’s one thing DC loves more than a free museum, it’s a commemorative lawn ornament. The District is packed with monuments, statues, plaques, and fountains. This is especially apparent while strolling through the area west of the National Mall, where you’ll find the Lincoln, FDR, Jefferson, and Washington memorials, as well as tributes to those who served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam, all within Segway riding distance of one another (if you’re a lame tourist or a lame curious-about-Segways local)—or walking/running distance (if you’re in intense local training for the sold-out, annual Cherry Blossom 10-miler race every April). If you’re on foot, keep in mind that distances are not as close as they might seem. The monuments are big, but not close!
Presidential Monuments
Our forefathers were clearly larger than today’s average American, as the not-so-human scale monuments of some of our more memorable predecessors can attest.
The tall, unadorned monument commemorating America’s first president is as recognizable a landmark as the White House or the Capitol. The giant white obelisk can be viewed from many parts of town but is more fun to experience up close, for no better reason than to hear “wow, it’s tall” in 112 languages. Today, it’s possible to find Dan Brown fans squinting at the pyramid tip to see if there are any Masonic references as well.
Had the Washington Monument been built in Europe, it would most likely squirt water from several places, have 12 pairs of ornately sculpted angel wings fluttering from its sides, and feature a large, bronze pair of breasts over the entranceway. The simplicity and straightforwardness of the building is a tribute to the gravitas, fortitude, and simple elegance of the man it represents. Modest George Washington never referred to this city as ‘Washington,’ but always ‘Federal City.’
Entry to the Washington Monument is free, although your ticket is only valid during a specified entry time. Free tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds (at 15th Street and Madison Drive). Advance reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov. The ticket kiosk is open daily from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm (closed December 25th), and tickets usually run out early in the day. If you plan on visiting the monument, make it your first stop. The Monument was damaged during the 5.8 magnitude 2011 Virginia earthquake; it was closed to the public for nearly three years while repairs were made to cracks in the stone.
While many visitors use the monument as a vantage point from which to view the surrounding city, the tall structure itself is really as impressive as the view it affords. The exterior walls are constructed of white marble from Maryland; the interior walls are lined with granite from Maine. Construction began in 1848 and was only one-third complete when the Civil War broke out—hence the change in stone color a third of the way up. Construction resumed after the war, but by then, the color of stone in the quarry had changed. Today, the Washington Monument remains the tallest and most revered structure in DC, giving it alpha-monument status and deflecting the exploding metropolitan population out into surrounding farmland instead of upward into the city sky.
The Lincoln Memorial, which stands in front of the reflecting pool across from the Washington Monument, was designed to look like a Greek Temple and boasts more movie appearances than Samuel L. Jackson. The 36 pillars represent the 36 states that existed at the time of Lincoln’s death. The larger-than-life sculpture of honest Abe inside underscores the man’s great physical and political stature. Visitors from abroad will no doubt question why the United States saw it fit to construct a literal temple to President Lincoln, but then perhaps other countries don’t embrace the towering monument the way the District does. Visiting the monument is free, and the structure is open to the public year-round.
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin was constructed in the late 1800s as a swimming hole in the middle of the park. It’s no longer a place for a refreshing dip. Besides the questionable cleanliness of this urban pond, the ample federal security forces in the neighborhood are likely the strictest lifeguards in the country. If you’re set on dipping a toe in the water, join the tourists and rent a paddle boat. For two weeks every spring, cherry blossoms bloom on some 3,000 trees around the basin and throughout the parks. Viewing the monuments through this prism of pink puffiness takes the edge off the sometimes stark grandeur of the grayish-white monuments. The original trees were a gift from Japan in 1912, and their bloom inspires an annual Japanese-influenced festival to kick off the spring. The Japanese must have heard the story of young George choppin’ away (or not!); not even Bush’s famed chainsaw could take down this eye-popping pastel forest.
The domed Jefferson Memorial, easily the most elegant memorial of them all, resides on the basin’s edge. From tall Thomas’s perch above the tidal basin, a fine view can be enjoyed of both the Washington Monument and flights leaving Reagan National across the river. The view at night is especially romantic when the marble pantheon lights up and its reflection is cast into the tidal basin. Finally, while its location is certainly beautiful, the memorial is surely but slowly sinking into the mud…Never forget that all this neoclassical grandeur sits on a giant swamp. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, across the Tidal Basin from the Jefferson Memorial, unveiled in 2011 and designed by Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin, depicts King emerging from the granite Stone of Hope.
East Potomac Park
East Potomac Park is a long green peninsula with a golf course, tennis center, miniature golf, and a playground. Lined with cherry trees, it can be a more pleasant (read: less tourist-clogged) place to enjoy the pink cotton candy blossoms of early spring—and the sidewalk around the peninsula’s perimeter is popular year-round with joggers and bikers. It’s also a great place to watch the yachts from the marina across the Washington Channel carry boatloads of tourists on river tours, floating parties of drunken bachelorettes, and the rich to wherever it is they go on the weekends (Be nice, golfers!).
Hains Point sits at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, with an unobstructed view of planes departing from Reagan National. Sadly the much-loved Awakening statue has moved down-river to National Harbor. But with so many available park benches, it’s a popular daytime spot for fishing and picnicking, and a prime nighttime spot for making out and the discreet consumption of mind-altering substances. You’ll need to drive or bike out there though because there’s no public transportation for miles.
How to Get There—Driving
I-66 and I-395 run to the parks from the south. I-495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway will get you there from the north. I-66, Route 50, and Route 29 run to the parks from the west. Routes 50, 1, and 4 are the way to go from the east.
Parking
Public parking is available along the Basin, but depending on the time of day, it’s likely to be hard to find a spot. You’ll end up driving around and around in circles and eventually parking far out and walking long distances.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The Foggy Bottom, Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and L’Enfant Plaza stops on the Orange and Blue lines are all within walking distance of various monuments and parks. Farragut North is also a Red Line stop. L’Enfant Plaza is also on the Green and Yellow lines. Numerous Metrobus lines and the Circulator provide access to this large swath of land.
| National Mall / Smithsonian / US Capitol |
General Information
NFT Maps: |
1 & 2 |
National Mall Website: |
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National Mall Phone: |
202-426-6841 |
Smithsonian Website: |
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Smithsonian Phone: |
202-633-1000 |
U.S. Capitol Website: |
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House of Reps: |
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Senate: |
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Capitol Switchboard: |
202-224-2131 |
Capitol Tour Info: |
202-225-6827 |
National Mall
Washington DC’s National Mall represents the American dream, where a melting pot of foreigners and locals gather for leisurely picnics or heated protests—without having to do any of the yard work! The layout for the sprawling grass lawn was designed by Frenchman Pierre L’Enfant in the late 18th century as an open promenade. Despite the explosive growth of the surrounding city, the Mall has remained true to L’Enfant’s vision (minus the perpetual encircling tour bus brigade). Its eminent stroll-ability is a magnet to hordes of fanny-packed tourists, and its renowned marble monuments attract travel-weary schoolchildren from all over the world. The iconic marble memorials to Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR are close by, along with the somber Vietnam and Korean war memorials and the long-needed WWII memorial. On any given day, there’s also likely to be a kite festival, political rally, kickball game played by adults, or spirited Frisbee game underway. This is not the place to go if you are camera shy, as no matter how hard you try to avoid jumping in front of lenses, you will end up in family albums across the nation and world.
Smithsonian Institution
If you’ve seen Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonians (a shameless and successful marketing ploy by the organization), you’ll know that The Smithsonian Institution is made up of 16 different museums, some of them nowhere near the Mall (one is in NYC), and a zoo. The primary museums are clustered around the Mall—here you’ll find the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Hirshhorn, among others, as well as several tucked-away garden areas ideal for spring-time strolling. The Smithsonian Information Center in the Castle is the best orientation point if you plan to become one of the 24 million visitors who check out one of its DC properties this year.
Like the country it caters to, the Smithsonian collection reflects a hodgepodge of experiences and backgrounds. Between its museums on the Mall, the institution’s got the Hope Diamond, Japanese scrolls, and even Archie Bunker’s chair. Though there is serious art at the National Portrait Gallery, the Hirshhorn, and several of the smaller museums, the “most popular” distinction goes to the Air and Space Museum, for its sheer wowza!-factor of dangling airplanes and shuttles. A close runner-up is the National Museum of American History, known both affectionately and derisively as “America’s Attic.” Besides Archie’s chair, it accommodates Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Muhammad Ali’s gloves, George Washington’s uniform, Julia Child’s entire kitchen, Adlai Stevenson’s briefcase, and Steven Colbert’s portrait that he had hoped would hang in the Portrait Gallery. The best part about all this: admission is free! So you can come back, again and again, instead of wearing yourself out trying to cover an entire museum in one visit.
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
The first building of what has become the Smithsonian Empire was the Castle, built in 1855. The Castle was, for a time, the only Smithsonian building housing all aspects of the institution’s operations, including an apartment for the first Secretary of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry. Note to the macabre-minded: A crypt with the remains of founder James Smithson greets you just to the right of the main entrance. The Castle now serves as the seat of the Smithsonian’s administrative offices, as well as a general information center. For those in DC for only a brief stay (or with chronic ADD), the Castle’s common room has a mini-museum encompassing exhibits from all of the Mall’s museums, which can be thoroughly viewed in approximately ten minutes. (www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building; 202-633-1000)
The National Museum of the American Indian
This relatively recent addition to the Mall’s museum family opened in September 2004. Possibly the largest example of Greco-Anasazi architecture in DC, it includes exhibits from many of the vibrant cultures of North, Middle, and South America. After learning about the hunting and/or agricultural practices of various peoples, hungry visitors can sample native foods of the Western Hemisphere, grouped by region. Mitsitam Cafe is hands-down the best Smithsonian eats, and the cafeteria is divided by region, including the Northern Woodlands, South America, the Northwest Coast, Mesoamerica, and the Great Plains.
National Air and Space Museum
This popular museum maintains the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Hundreds of artifacts are on display, including the original Wright 1903 airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, the Enola Gay, and a lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. To avoid lines, try coming in the dead of winter during a blizzard. Otherwise don’t worry; it’s worth the wait. Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm (6th St & Independence Ave, SW; airandspace.si.edu)
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Resembling the world’s largest flan, the Hirshhorn was conceived as the nation’s museum of modern and contemporary art. It has over 11,500 pieces of internationally significant art, including ample space for large-scale installation works, and an excellent line up of temporary exhibitions. This is a good one to visit to get away from the chaos of field-trippers in some of the more youth-oriented museums nearby. Hours: Mon–Sun: 10 am–5:30 pm. Sculpture Garden Hours: 7:30 am–dusk. (7th St & Independence Ave, SW; hirshhorn.si.edu) Free jazz concerts are offered in the Sculpture Garden every Friday from May 25 through August 31. Competition for space can be intense on nice nights. An eclectic food menu is available and beer and sangria may be purchased by the pitcher, but prices are a tad steep.
Arts and Industries Building
The second-oldest Smithsonian building is not in the best shape. In 2004, conditions deteriorated to a point where “diapers” had to be installed on the roof to catch falling debris and the building was closed for renovations. The good news is that a new roof is being installed, and the building will be eventually restored to its former glory, when it opened in time for the inaugural ball of President James A. Garfield in 1881. Though renovations of the building aren’t expected to be completed until summer 2014, the surrounding gardens are worth a peek (www.si.edu/Museums/arts-and-industries-building).
National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to the display and study of traditional and contemporary arts of sub-Saharan Africa. The museum displays everything from ceramics, textiles, furniture, and tools to masks, figures, and musical instruments. Hours: Mon–Sun: 10 am–5:30 pm. (950 Independence Ave, SW; www.nmafa.si.edu)
Freer and Sackler Galleries
These twin galleries are connected via an underground passageway and house a world-renowned Asian art collection. When it opened in 1923, the Freer Gallery was the first Smithsonian museum dedicated to the fine arts. The Sackler Gallery opened in 1987. The Freer is home to one of the most extensive collections of art by American artist James McNeill Whistler. While you won’t find the famous picture of his mother here, you’ll find some of his other works, including his portraits and the famous Peacock Room. (Freer Gallery: Jefferson Dr & 12th St, SW; Sackler Gallery: 1050 Independence Ave; www.asia.si.edu)
National Museum of American History
This museum’s mission is to collect, care for, and study the objects that reflect the experience of the American people. What better place for the Declaration of Independence Desk, Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet, or Eli Whitney’s cotton gin? Two of our favorites are the original Kermit the Frog puppet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. There is also interesting displays and sections detailing the surge in American suburbs, history of technology, and of course, America’s love affair with the automobile. Hours: Mon–Sun: 10 am–5:30 pm. (14th St & Constitution Ave, NW; americanhistory.si.edu)
National Museum of Natural History
Visitors come far and wide to catch a glimpse of the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond (hey, that’s a lot of bling), but there’s more to this museum than one rock. The National Museum of Natural History has an impressive collection of dinosaur and mammal fossils, an insect zoo (check out the daily tarantula feeding!), and an amazing array of stuffed animals (courtesy of taxidermy, not FAO Schwartz). If you’re really into rocks, check out the gem collection, which includes meteorites and the Logan Sapphire; at 423 carats, it is the largest publicly displayed sapphire in the country. If you’re not visually impaired from looking at the 126 million cool specimens on display, check out the IMAX shows. Hours: Mon–Sun: 10 am–5:30 pm. (10th St & Constitution Ave, NW, www.mnh.si.edu)
The National Gallery of Art
While not a part of the Smithsonian, the National Gallery still housess two buildings of art as impressive as any similar institution in the country. Everything else about Washington might get you overcooked on Greek Revival architecture, but the National Gallery shows in rich detail how DC is actually one of the key places in the world to visit for art. The Gallery’s collection include everything from Byzantine art to some of today’s leading artists, including Andy Goldsworthy’s brilliant work, Roof, permanently on display on the ground level of the East Building. There is also a sculpture garden next to the West Building, which houses a “greatest hits” of post-WWII large-format sculpture—highly recommended. . Lunchtime and evening concerts are featured throughout the year, and in summer are held outside in the sculpture garden for many locals who prefer not to hike out to Wolf Trap for an equally enjoyable evening. Hours: (galleries & garden) Mon–Sat: 10 am–5 pm; Sunday: 11 am–6 pm. Note: The Sculpture Garden is open until 9:30 pm on Fridays during the summer. (Between 3rd St NW & 7th St NW at Constitution Ave; www.nga.gov)
US Capitol
The US Capitol is located on Capitol Hill, between 1st and 3rd Streets and between Constitution Avenue NE and Independence Avenue SE. Big white dome. Hard to miss.
Home to the House of Representatives and the Senate, this icon is both a museum and a functioning office where Harry Reid, John Boehner, and Nancy Pelosi are working stiffs. It’s also DC’s orientation point. Every city address is based on where it lies in relation to the Capitol, and all mileage markers leading to DC are measured from the Capitol. After hours, drunken Hill staffers use it as a compass to get themselves home. With security a close runner-up to the White House in terms of number of guns and cameras, this is not the place to get lost driving a delivery truck. If you’ve read Dan Brown’s, The Lost Symbol, you’ll be craning your head upward towards the dome to stare at The Apotheosis of Washington.
Construction began on the Capitol in 1793 and was more or less finished by 1813. The Capitol was burned by the British in 1814, during the War of 1812, but rain saved the structure from complete collapse. Restoration and expansion followed, the result being the building that all Americans recognize today (probably thanks to the movie Independence Day). If you’ve ever wondered who the lady on top of the dome is, she’s no-one in particular. She represents freedom and was sculpted by Thomas Crawford.
The District of Columbia gets one non-voting representative in the House based on population but, like Guam and American Samoa, receives no representation in the Senate because it isn’t a state. Hence the local “Taxation without Representation” license plates.
The Capitol is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every other day, the public is welcome to explore the annals of the government. Tours are free (unless you count taxes, in which case they’re only free if you’re a foreigner). Passes are available beginning at 9 am and redistributed on a first-come, first-served basis, or advanced reservations can be made online. To see actual floor action, get in line early. Passes for that are not offered in advance, and distribution is limited to one pass per person. The $621 million, 580,000-square-foot underground Capitol Visitors’ Center opened in late 2008. It offers a wealth of information and activities in addition to a Capitol tour, and a surprisingly high-end cafeteria. Hours: Mon–Sat: 9:00 am–4:30 pm.
How to Get There—Driving
From the south, I-66 and I-395 will take you straight to the Mall. I-495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway will get you there from the north. From the west, I-66, US Route 50, and 29 will take you to the Mall. US Routes 50, 1, and 4 will have you Mall-bound from the east.
Parking
There is some disabled parking at the nearby Lincoln and FDR memorials; otherwise you’re dealing with regular street parking, which usually has a maximum time allocation of three hours, and more importantly, rarely exists after 9 am. On weekends, however, meters are free. There are parking garages located close to the Mall, but be prepared to pay a hefty fee for the convenience. Hint: take the metro.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the Orange and Blue lines to Capital South, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and Federal Center SW; the Yellow and Green lines to Archives/Navy Memorial; the Red Line to Union Station and Judiciary Square; and the Yellow, Green, Blue, and Orange lines to L’Enfant Plaza.
| Parks & Places • C&O Canal |
General Information
NFT maps: |
8, 18, 32, 35, 36 |
Website: |
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Visitor information: |
301-739-4200 |
Fees: |
None outside of the Great Falls area |
Open: |
Park is open all daylight hours |
Thompson Boat Center (mile 0.1) |
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Address: |
2900 Virginia Ave NW (Map 7) |
Visitor Information: |
202-333-9543 |
Boathouse hours: |
Mon–Sat 6 am–8 pm, Sun 7 am–7 pm |
Rental Hours: |
Mon–Sun 8 am–5 pm, all rentals returned by 6 pm |
Georgetown Visitor Center (mile 0.4) |
|
Address: |
1057 Thomas Jefferson St NW (Map 8) |
Visitor information: |
202-653-5190 |
Open: |
Days and hours vary |
The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove (mile 3.1) |
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Address: |
4940 Canal Rd NW (Map 32) |
Visitor Information: |
202-244-0461 |
Open: |
7 am–7 pm |
Carderock Picnic Pavilion (mile 10.5) |
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Visitor information: |
301-767-3731 for reservations and directions |
The Old Angler’s Inn |
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Address: |
10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD |
Visitor information: |
301-299-9097 |
Note: This is not part of the park. This is a pricey restaurant that has been here since 1860. This is not the place to take a rest stop with sweat stains, with a bicycle, or with ugly khaki hiking shorts. |
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Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (mile 14.3) |
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Address: |
11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD |
Visitor Information: |
301-767-3714 |
Open: |
9 am–4:30 pm (extended summer hours; closed Thanksgiving, |
Overview
Traveling 184.5 miles from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, MD, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal parallels the Potomac River from the bustling streets of chi-chi Georgetown to the no streets of backwater Western Maryland—hugging the borders of West Virginia and Pennsylvania along the way. Back in its day, the C&O Canal was like an aquatic interstate, hauling coal, lumber, and grain from Appalachia to the nation’s capital. But these days, there ain’t no boats floating on the canal…apart from ones full of tourists and park rangers in period clothing. As for the canal’s towpath (that’s a dirt sidewalk for you urbanites), it has become one of the best ways to graciously exit this city. The Georgetown segment still feels urban, but once you walk just a mile or two along the canal, you’ll soon find that the cell yellers have been replaced by singing birds. The towpath is, in effect, a flat, continuous trail sandwiched by the canal and the river, perfect for shady walks, runs, or bike rides through the beautiful Potomac River Valley. For the docile, the C&O Canal National Park offers bird watching, picnicking, fishing, and a range of flora. For the hyperactive, there is boating, hiking (read: walking for people with bad fashion sense), and camping. And for the adolescent boys—Sorry, Mr. Cheney: hunting and swimming are strictly prohibited.
Activities
Kids and corny history lovers will enjoy traveling back in time to the days of animal labor and abuse. Mules drag boats along the canal as park rangers in 1870s period dress tell stories and play music to explain what life was like in the 19th century, for both men and mules. Perhaps the coolest part is crossing one of the canal’s locks, however—and feeling the water level rise/fall up to eight feet. One-hour round-trip boat rides depart from the Georgetown Visitor Center. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, and $5 for children. Departure times vary by season and day of the week.
Biking is a good idea on all parts of the canal towpath. Those of you who don’t own may rent an all-terrain or a cruiser from the Thompson Boat Center.
Boating on the river is a fabulous way to cool down on one of DC’s many dog days. Canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, and sailboats are all available for rental at the Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown. Or if you’d like to float and poach, you can rent a rowboat or canoe from the Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove and cast your line on the Potomac, just be sure to also pick up a DC fishing license at Fletcher’s, $10 for the year for residents, and required for every angler over the age of 16. Bait and tackle are also for sale, and anglers have been known to catch herring, striped bass, white perch, and hickory shad in these here parts (note: catch, not eat…not in this river).
For those who prefer lounging on a picnic blanket and soaking in the rays, plenty of green flanks the canal. But if you want to make it a more formal affair, Carderock Pavilion can accommodate up to 200 people on its 26—count ‘em if you can, 26—picnic tables. The pavilion is available by permit only: $150 Monday–Thursday and $250 Friday–Sunday and holidays (301-767-3731). For this, though, you get electricity, water, grills, a fireplace, “comfort stations,” a softball field, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court (but no net), and ample parking.
Treehuggers will be pleased to know that the park contains about 1,200 species of native plants, many of which are rare, endangered, and/or threatened. Botanists will be delighted by over 600 different species of wildflowers. For the twitchers, keep your eyes peeled and you may just spot a bald eagle.
Lastly, for those of you who are not content to spend just daylight hours with the C&O Canal, the park also has a grand total of 30 campsites—all of which (with the exception of Marsden Tract, which is reserved for do-gooder scouts) are free, free, free. You’ll have to go past Great Falls Park to access these sites, but they are designed as way stations for hikers and bikers going the distance. The sites are all first come, first serve, for one night only—but offer a chemical toilet, a picnic table, a grill, and water. The closest site is 16.6 miles in at Swains Lock in Potomac, MD.
How to Get There
It’s easy enough to get to the start of the canal in Georgetown. By public transportation, take the Metro to Foggy Bottom-GWU, walk north on 24th St, then turn left on Pennsylvania Ave until it merges with M St. Make a left on Thomas Jefferson St to get to the Georgetown Visitors Center. If you’re in doubt, just walk south until land ends and water begins. You can also take any of the 30s buses, the D5, or the Circulator.
To get to the Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cover, you can take the D3, D5, or D6 to the intersection of MacArthur Blvd & Ashby St and then walk south on Ashby St, past where the street dead ends, and then rough it through the woods until you hit Canal Rd. You should see an old stone building, the Abner Cloud House, next to the boathouse.
The rest of the C&O Canal Park is pretty much inaccessible by public transport. That’s part of the reason why it’s so nice.
| Parks & Places • The National Archives |
General Information
NFT Map: |
1 |
DC Address: |
700 Pennsylvania Ave NW |
MD Address: |
8601 Adelphi Rd |
Web Site: |
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DC Hours: |
Day after Labor Day to March 14 |
MD Hours: |
Mon–Fri, 9 am–5:00 pm |
Overview
The main building of the National Archives is among the city’s most impressive. Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s a block’s worth of stone, marble, and Corinthian columns. As impressive as it is on the outside, the inside is even better—unless, of course, you don’t really like history. Enter from the National Mall, and you’ll likely be greeted by a crowd fighting to get catch a glimpse of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, or Bill of Rights. Many people think that’s all the National Archives has to offer, but like the proverbial iceberg, these cornerstone documents only scratch the surface. You can see these documents with a quick walk through, (enough for many, but since we aren’t tourists here, we demand more!). To truly appreciate all, or even a respectable portion of what the National Archives has to offer, you need to spend a bit more time digging deeper.
Along with the United States’ most treasured documents (see them soon; the Declaration is fading fast), there’s an impressive collection of memorabilia, including presidential correspondence, treasured records, maps, and artwork. In the public vaults, you will find a rotating collection of items that explore different aspects of our country’s history. The Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery gives visitors a detailed journey through a select period or event in American history. There’s also a children’s area and a theater showing historical films on the National Archives as well as feature length documentaries. As a bonus, the DC branch of the Archives contains a document collection that is any genealogist’s dream.
The Maryland location of the National Archives opened in 1994 and is geared toward research, both amateur and professional. The location has an impressive collection of documents dating from WWII including presidential papers, the Berlin Documents Center, civilian and military records, and the John F. Kennedy Assassination Collection, making this the perfect stop if you want to read up on the grassy knoll. Security at the location is high, so be forewarned; however, the staff is the epitome of helpful. See www.nara.gov for detailed information on both locations. Best of all for both spots? Entrance is free.
Getting There
By Metro take the Yellow or Green line to the Archives/Navy Memorial. A free staff shuttle runs between the DC and Maryland locations, leaving on the hour from 8 am to 5 pm and allows researchers on a space available basis. In the city, Metrobuses 30, 32, 34, 53, A42, A48, P1, P2, P4, P17 and W 13 all stop at the DC location on Pennsylvania Ave.
If you are driving, to get to the Maryland location, take I-495 toward Baltimore and exit at 28B, which will lead you to New Hampshire Ave/Route 650 South. From here, take a left at the second light onto Adelphi Road and follow the signs. The Archives is on the left. The drive will take you about 45 minutes from DC. There is limited parking provided. At the DC location, parking is on the street only.
| Parks & Places • Library of Congress |
General Information
NFT Maps: |
2, 3 |
Address: |
101 Independence Ave SE |
Phone: |
202-707-5000 |
Website: |
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Hours: |
James Madison Building: |
Overview
The Library of Congress doesn’t own every book ever published. It IS, however, the largest library in the world. The collection includes more than 142 million items packed on 650 miles of bookshelves in a three-building complex: The Thomas Jefferson Building opened in 1897 and is home to the soaring stained glass Great Hall; the John Adams Building was built in 1939; and the James Madison Building was constructed in 1980. All three buildings are clustered together on Capitol Hill. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, a Gutenberg Bible, and the Giant Bible of Mainz are on permanent display.
Sounds like a bibliophile’s dream, right? Harsh reality: this is no lending library. The Library of Congress, despite being a great asset to the American public, can’t be used like your neighborhood library or a local bookstore. The Library’s mission is to serve as a reference library and educational resource for our government leaders, not for us plebeians. To do more than merely wander through the ornate sections, you have to be older than 18 and register at the Reader Registration Station. The Visitors’ Center (in the Jefferson Building, along with everything worth visiting) offers information, a short introductory film, and free guided tours. A system of underground tunnels connects the Library’s main buildings, as well as the Cannon Office Building. The public can enter from the Adams or Madison Buildings and emerge deep within the heart of the Jefferson Building. It’s easy to get lost, but worth the adventure, not to mention the time you save in line on busy tourist days. Most DC’ers have yet to look upon the catacombs of the LOC, being familiar primarily with the sculptures of Neptune and his court out front.
The Library has two theaters—the Coolidge Auditorium, located in the Thomas Jefferson Building, and the tiny Mary Pickford Theater in the Madison Building. Built in 1924, the 511-seat Coolidge Auditorium still hosts regular concerts and is known for its remarkable acoustics. Admission to all events is free; however, reservations must be made through Ticketmaster (two ticket limit per customer), which charges a $2 handling fee. The 64-seat Mary Pickford Theater screens films ranging from those of Pickford’s era to modern films. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Visit the Library’s web site for movie and show times.
History
The Library of Congress was first established in 1800, when the seat of government moved from Philadelphia to DC, and President John Adams approved legislation to create a Congressional law library. The first acquisition consisted of 740 volumes and three maps from London. Fourteen years later, the British army invaded the city and burned the Capitol building, including the amassed 3,000 volumes that made up the Library of Congress at the time. Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his personal library to Congress to restore its lost collection. Jefferson’s 6,487 volumes, which were then the largest and finest collection of books in the country, were purchased for $23,940 (the equivalent of 958 copies of The Da Vinci Code). Jefferson’s collection, which included works on architecture, science, literature, geography, and art, greatly expanded the Library’s previously legal collection.
It was in 1870, under the leadership of librarian Ainsworth Spofford, that the collection outgrew its home. The copyright law of 1870 required all copyright applicants to send the Library of Congress two free copies of their book. The Library was flooded with pamphlets, manuscripts, photographs, and books, and eventually—16 years later—Congress authorized the construction of a new building for all their books. And today, the Library of Congress requests a complimentary copy of every publication that bears its CIP (cataloguing-in-publication) data, thus ensuring that it will stay the largest library forever… Scammers!
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The two metro stops closest to the Library are Capitol South (Orange/Blue lines) and Union Station (Red Line). Capitol South is located a block south of the Thomas Jefferson building, across Independence Avenue. From Union Station, walk south on 1st Street, NE, towards the Capitol (it’s hard to miss). You’ll pass the Supreme Court on your way to the Thomas Jefferson building, which will be on the east side of 1st Street—about a 15 minute walk from Union Station.
| Parks & Places • Great Falls Park |
General Information
Address: |
9200 Old Dominion Dr |
Phone: |
703-285-2965 |
Website: |
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Fees: |
|
Annual Park Pass: |
$20 |
Vehicle: |
$5 for 3 days |
Individual: |
$3 for 3 days |
Open: |
7 am–dusk year-round, closed Christmas |
Overview
Washington DC is 14 miles downriver from the aptly named Great Falls Park, where the Potomac River tears into cascading rapids and 20-foot waterfalls. The river drops 76 feet in elevation over a distance of less than a mile, and it narrows from almost 1,000 feet to 100 feet as it gushes through Mather Gorge. It’s the steepest fall-line rapid of any eastern river. The best views come by the Virginia side of the river, where the viewing area expands into a massive park. There are fewer amenities on the Maryland side, but you can get there with two wheels: it’s technically part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
History
The Great Falls weren’t always so admired. In the mid-1700s, they presented a near-impossible obstacle for navigating the Potomac. One of the most significant 18th-century engineering feats in the US was the development of a canal system that lifted and lowered riverboats for over 200 miles of river. The remains of the Patowmack Canal, one of the system’s largest and most difficult to create, can still be seen in the park today.
John McLean and Steven Elkins purchased the land surrounding Great Falls and built a wildly popular amusement park there in the early 1900s. Visitors traveled from Georgetown by trolley to take a spin on the wooden carousel. However, time and constant flood damage dampened the thrills until it was eventually closed. Today the land is under the authority and protection of the National Park Service.
Activities
Picnic areas with tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis; ground fires are strictly prohibited. Unfortunately, there are no covered picnic tables in the event of inclement weather, so check the forecast before packing your basket. If you forget your picnic, there is a basic concession stand (open seasonally) located in the visitor center courtyard on the Virginia side.
If it’s sweat-breaking activity you’re after, a scenic, sometimes rocky bike trail extends between the Maryland side of the falls and downtown Washington. Hiking trails of various length and difficulty wind along and above both sides of the river, for a challenging scramble, try Section A of the Billy Goat trail on the Maryland side, and for serious trek, the Virginia side’s Potomac Heritage Trail provides the option for over 10 miles of hiking. Horseback riding, bird watching, rock climbing, fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking can be enjoyed at locations throughout the park.
If you plan on rock climbing, registration is not necessary. However, there are voluntary sign-in sheets located in the Virginia visitor center courtyard and the lower parking lot. If fishing is more your speed, a Virginia or Maryland fishing license is required for anglers over 16 years of age. Whitewater boating is recommended only for experienced boaters and, not surprisingly, you’re only allowed to launch your craft below the falls. There are ample flat-water paddling options around Great Falls, including at adjacent Riverbend Park (8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA 22066), stay up to date on river conditions and water levels with the National Weather Service Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center at www.erh.noaa.gov/marfc/potomac.shtml
Stop by the visitor center (open daily from 10 am–4 pm) on the Virginia side of the park or check out the National Park Service website for more information.
The Potomac River Gorge is a hotbed of biodiversity, supporting 1,400 plant species and close to 100 species of birds, and remains a national conservation priority. Wild park inhabitants include frequently encountered whitetail deer, Eastern chipmunks, more reclusive red fox, and hikers beware, the potential to encounter park’s only venomous snake, the Northern copperhead. During the warmer months, beware of ticks and do a thorough tick check after your visit.
How to Get There—Driving
From I-495, take Exit 44, Route 193 W (Georgetown Pike). Turn right at Old Dominion Drive (approximately 4 1/2 miles). Drive for 1 mile to the entrance station. Parking, falls overlooks, and the visitor center are all centrally located.
To get to the visitor center on the Maryland side, take I-495 to Exit 41/MacArthur Boulevard E towards Route 189. Follow MacArthur Boulevard all the way to the visitor center.
There is no public transportation available near the park.
| Parks & Places • Rock Creek Park |
General Information
NFT Maps: |
20, 21, 23, 24, and 28 |
Website: |
|
Visitor Information: |
202-895-6070 |
Overview
Let the tourists have the National Mall; we have Rock Creek Park to call our own. This 1,754-acre forest doesn’t even make it onto many tourist maps—which may explain its popularity with people who live here, and why you can bike or run for miles without braking for fanny-packers. The park, which stretches from Georgetown to Maryland, is one of the largest forested urban parks in the country, and in addition to providing habitat for urban bound outdoor enthusiasts, acts as a wildlife corridor, with high densities of opportunistic white tailed deer, and coyotes have even been observed in the park since 2004. A paved bike and running path twists alongside the creek that gives the park its name. Dozens of more secluded, rocky paths break off from the path, one of which gained notoriety in 2002 when the body of federal intern/Congressional paramour Chandra Levy was discovered nearby. The park actually has one of the lowest crime rates in the city, so long as you’re not having an affair with married congressmen—but it’s an urban park, nevertheless, so lugging along a cell phone or a hiking partner isn’t a bad idea. There are visitors’ centers advertised: the Nature Center and Planetarium and Pierce Mill, but when they’re open, they’re hard to reach and of limited help. For basic questions and a great map, best to check the website.
History
In 1866, federal officials proposed cordoning off some of the forest area as a presidential retreat. By the time Congress took up the plan in 1890, the vision had been democratized and the forest became a public park.
Pierce Mill, a gristmill where corn and wheat were ground into flour using water power from Rock Creek, was built in the 1820s and is located over the bridge on Tilden Street. (Pierce Mill has been indefinitely closed to the public for repairs, but the Pierce Barn remains open.) There are also remains of several Civil War earthen fortifications in the park, including Fort Stevens, the only Civil War battle site in DC.
Activities
There are more than 30 picnic areas spread throughout the park, all of which can be reserved in advance for parties of up to 100 people for $7 (202-673-7647). A large field located at 16th and Kennedy streets has several areas suitable for soccer, football, volleyball, and field hockey. Fields can be reserved ahead of time (202-673-7449), also for $7. The Rock Creek Tennis Center has 15 clay and 10 hard-surface tennis courts that must be reserved, in person, for a small fee (202-722-5949). The outdoor courts are open from April through November, and five heated indoor courts open during winter months. Three clay courts located off Park Road, east of Pierce Mill, can also be reserved in person, May through September. The back nine was recently updated at Rock Creek’s Golf Course (202-882-7332) just off Military Road and 16th Street.
An extensive network of hiking trails runs through Rock Creek Park and the surround areas offering varied terrain for exploration, the wild and less visited northern section, the charming stream valley featured in the middle of the park, or the tree dense and residentially surrounded southern section. Blue-blazed paths maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club run along the east side of the creek, and green-blazed trails follow the park’s western ridge. Tan-blazed trails connect the two systems. The paved path for bikers and roller bladers runs from the Lincoln Memorial, through the park, and into Maryland. Memorial Bridge connects the path to the Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia. Beach Drive between Military and Broad Branch roads is closed to cars on weekends and major holidays, giving bikers free range. However, bikes are not permitted on horse or foot trails at any time. If you’re willing to ditch the bike for another kind of ride, horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides are available at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center (202-362-0117), located next to the Nature Center. As the horses follow the same trails described above, hikers are well advised to watch their step.
At the Rock Creek Nature Center (5200 Glover Rd, NW, 202-895-6070), you’ll find the Planetarium, which features after school shows for children on Wednesdays at 4 pm and weekends at 1 pm and 4 pm. Nature Center Hours: Wed–Sun: 9 am–5 pm. Closed on national holidays.
How to Get There—Driving
To get to the Nature Center from downtown DC, take the Rock Creek/Potomac Parkway north to Beach Drive. Exit onto Beach Drive N, and follow it to Broad Branch Road. Make a left and then a right onto Glover Road, and follow the signs to the Nature Center. Note: The Parkway is one-way going south on weekdays 6:45 am–9:45 am. During this time, you can take 16th Street to Military Road W, then turn left on Glover Road. The Parkway is one-way going north 3:45 pm–6:30 pm; take Glover Road to Military Road east, then head south on 16th Street toward downtown DC. If all you’re looking to do is get into the park, consult the map below—the place is so huge that no matter where you live, you’re probably close to some branch of it.
Parking
Expansive parking lots are located next to the Nature Center and Planetarium. There are parking lots dotted throughout the park, but depending on your destination, you might be better off looking for street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the Red Metro line to either the Friendship Heights or Fort Totten Metro stops to get to the Nature Center. Transfer to the E2 bus line, which runs along Military/Missouri/Riggs Road between the two stations. Get off at the intersection of Glover (also called Oregon) and Military Roads and walk south on the trail up the hill to the Nature Center.
Check the map, though; the park covers so much ground in the DC Metro area that getting there may be easier than you think. There’s certainly no need to start your visit at the Nature Center.
| Parks & Places • National Zoological Park |
General Information
NFT Maps: |
16 & 17 |
Address: |
3001 Connecticut Ave NW |
Phone: |
202-633-4800 |
Website: |
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Hours: |
6 am–8 pm March 15–Oct 31; 6 am–6 pm the rest of the year. (Closed Christmas Day) |
Admission: |
Free |
Overview
Nestled in Rock Creek Park, the National Zoological Park is a branch of the Smithsonian Institution (Read: It should be taken very seriously). With about 2,000 animals of 400 different species, there are more pampered foreign residents living in the National Zoo than on Embassy Row. About one-fifth of these animals are endangered, including DC’s own popular pair of pandas who are on loan from the Chinese government.
The park’s animal enclosures mimic natural habitats, and most exhibits strive to entertain as well as educate all those visiting school children. A popular destination in the summertime, the zoo can be just as appealing in the winter months, with so many indoor animal houses to visit—and fewer kids to elbow out of your way. The zoo is also a favorite jogging route for area residents—especially on winter snow days. (Olmsted Walk is one of the few regularly plowed paths in the city.) In the spring and summer, the zoo is packed with students on morning and early afternoon field trips. If you want to avoid them, try going before 10 am or after 2 pm. The animals tend to be more active at these times anyway, and you won’t have to wait in line to see the more popular exhibits and animals.
Seasonal attractions at the zoo include the summer (mid-July) Brew at the Zoo, where environmentally friendly beer enthusiasts can sample from over 40 microbrews in the name of wildlife conservation. During the winter, brave the elements and check out Zoo Lights, a free, and festive nocturnal recreation of the zoo, complete with an environmentally friendly, synthetic ice skating rink.
Parking
Enter the zoo from Connecticut Avenue, Harvard Street, or Rock Creek Parkway. Because parking on zoo grounds is limited, public transportation is recommended. If you’re set on driving, parking is $15 for the first three hours, and $20 after that. Lots fill early during the summer, so plan to arrive by 9:30 am at the latest if you expect to park.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
By Metro, take the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop or the Cleveland Park stop; the zoo entrance lies roughly halfway between these stops and both are a short stroll away. It’s an uphill walk from Woodley Park, while the walk from Cleveland Park is fairly flat.
From the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop, walk north (to your left as you face Connecticut Avenue—away from the McDonald’s and the CVS); and the zoo is about a twelve-minute walk from the stop. From the Cleveland Park stop, walk south toward the greater number of shops and restaurants that line Connecticut Avenue (away from the Exxon station).
If you prefer above-ground mass transit, Metrobus lines L1, L2, and L4 stop at the zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance.
| Parks & Places • Dulles Expo Center |
General Information
Address: |
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center |
Phone: |
703-378-0910 |
Website: |
Overview
Dulles Expo Center should really just knock off the last two letter of “Dulles” and be done with it. “Dull” is the reigning word here—it accurately describes the area (Chantilly); the spaces in the Center itself (two separate low-slung, charmless rectangles); and most of the exhibits, exhibitors, and exhibitees. Pray to whatever gods you believe in that, if you have to attend a show or convention in DC, it’ll be at the Washington Convention Center. Dulles Expo’s only saving grace is that it has the best convention center parking in the universe—immediately outside the two buildings. Other than that, if it’s a gun or RV show you’re looking for, well, golly, this is the place!
A cab from Dulles to the Expo Center will cost about $20. A taxi from Reagan National Airport costs approximately $45. If you really want to fly into Baltimore-Washington International Airport, be prepared to cough up $85 for your 1.5-hour schlep.
Hotels
The Expo Center has an on-site Holiday Inn Select and several hotels within walking distance. Certain hotels have specials for specific conventions, so ask when you book. Or browse hotel-specific websites such as hotels.com and pricerighthotels.com.
• Comfort Suites Chantilly-Dulles Airport, 13980 Metrotech Dr, 703-263-2007
• Fairfield Inn Dulles Chantilly South, 3960 Corsair Ct, 703-435-1111
• Hampton Inn-Dulles South, 4050 Westfax Dr, 703-818-8200
• Homestead Village, 4505 Brookfield Coroporate Dr, 703-263-3361
• Holiday Inn Select, 4335 Chantilly Shopping Ctr, 703-815-6060
• Courtyard by Marriott, 3935 Centerview Dr, 703-709-7100
• Extended Stay, 4506 Brookfield Corporate Dr, 703-263-7200
• Staybridge Suites, 3860 Centerview Dr, 703-435-8090
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott, 14036 Thunderbolt Pl, 703-709-0453
• Westfields Marriott, 14750 Conference Center Dr, 703-818-0300
• Wingate Inn Dulles Airport, 3940 Centerview Dr, 571-203-0999
How to Get There—Driving
From DC, travel west on Constitution Avenue, and follow the signs to I-66 W to Virginia. Remain on I-66 W for about 25 miles until exit 53B, Route 28 N (Dulles Airport). Drive three miles north on Route 28, and then turn right onto Willard Road. Take the second left off into the Chantilly Shopping Center. From there, follow the signs to the Expo Center.
From Dulles Airport, follow exit signs for DC. Stay towards the right for about one mile, and take Route 28 S towards Centerville. Drive six miles and pass over Route 50. At the first light past Route 50, make a left on Willard Road. Follow signs to the Expo Center.
Better yet, don’t go at all.
Parking
The Dulles Expo and Conference Center has 2,400 parking spaces on-site! (When their website has to brag about parking, you know we’re not just being cynical about this place). If you arrive in your RV, you’ll have to find a campsite for the night, as campers, RVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles will be ticketed if parked overnight.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
There is no public transportation to the Dulles Expo and Conference Center. Remember, this is America.
| Parks & Places • Washington Convention Center |
General Information
NFT Map: |
10 |
Address: |
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW |
Phone: |
202-249-3000 |
Website: |
Overview
The Washington Convention Center is a stunning white granite and glass mammoth covering six city blocks, from 7th Street to 9th Street and N Street to Mount Vernon Place. The 2.3 million-square-foot building is the largest in DC and had the distinction of being the largest excavation site in the Western Hemisphere; 2 million tons of earth were removed during construction. Whether exhibiting or attending, you’d be well advised to wear comfy shoes to traverse the 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, 150,000 square feet of meeting space, the 52,000-square-foot ballroom (one of the East Coast’s largest), and 40,000 square feet of retail space. The center hosts everything from small seminars for 80 participants to giant expos that welcome 35,000 attendees. Nonetheless, it is like every other convention center in that spending more than 15 minutes in it is a completely de-humanizing experience. Try spending three full days running a booth, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
Along with the Verizon Center, the Convention Center is a pillar of revitalization for this previously seedy neighborhood. Thanks to that success, conventioneers have many more amenities to choose from in the area. The City Museum across the street used to have interesting exhibits detailing the history of Washington, but poor attendance and the shut-off of external funding spelled its demise. A string of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, especially on 7th Street NW south of Massachusetts Avenue, beckon nearby. Nevertheless, occasional panhandlers still canvass the area, hoping to profit from pedestrians with open maps making their way toward the Convention Center. The fastest and cheapest way to the Convention Center is to keep that map folded in your coat pocket and follow the platinum blonde in the plastic cowboy hat pasted with event-related bumper stickers.
If you’re flying in for a convention, a cab from BWI or Dulles will cost you more than $70 to downtown DC. From Reagan, it should be no more than $16. The Metro Yellow Line runs directly from Reagan to the Mount Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station.
Hotels
If you know which hotel you want to stay in, give them a call, and ask if they have any special rates for the dates you’ll be attending. If you’re not with any particular rewards program and don’t care where you stay, try the official Washington tourism website at www.washington.org or hotel-specific websites such as www.hotels.com and www.pricerighthotels.com. The massive 1200-plus room Marriott Marquis right across 9th Street NW from the convention center is the most convenient spot to stay. See also these nearby hotels:
• Renaissance Hotel • 999 9th St NW, 202-898-9000
• Henley Park • 926 Massachusetts Ave NW, 202-638-5200
• Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center • 900 F St NW, 202-638-4600
• Morrison Clark Inn • 1101 11th St NW, 202-898-1200
• Marriott Metro Center • 775 12th St NW, 202-737-2200
• Four Points by Sheraton • 1201 K St NW, 202-289-7600
• Hamilton Crowne Plaza • 1001 14th St NW, 202-682-0111
• Hilton Garden Inn • 815 14th St NW, 202-783-7800
• Hotel Sofitel • 806 15th St NW, 202-737-8800
• Washington Plaza • 10 Thomas Cir NW, 202-842-1300
• Wyndham Washington, DC • 1400 M St NW, 202-429-1700
• The Madison • 1177 15th St NW, 202-862-1600
• Hotel Helix • 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, 202-462-9001
• Homewood Suites by Hilton • 1475 Massachusetts Ave NW, 202-265-8000
• Capitol Hilton • 1001 16th St NW, 202-393-1000
• Holiday Inn Central • 1501 Rhode Island Ave NW,
202-483-2000
• Comfort Inn • 1201 13th St NW, 202-682-5300
• Grand Hyatt Washington • 1000 H St NW, 202-582-1234
• Embassy Suites/Convention Center 900 9th St, NW, 202-739-2001
• Hampton Inn/Convention Center 901 6th St, NW,
202-842-2500
• Hotel Monaco 700 F St, NW, 800-649-1202
Eating
After spending a gazillion dollars on a gleaming new Convention Center, some thought went into providing better grub than the old center’s mystery meat burgers and heat-lamp fries. Here, you’ll find a number of restaurants located in the Convention Center and dozens more within easy walking distance (almost all of them south of the Center). Executive Orders, located on the L1 Concourse, offers selections from Foggy Bottom Grill, Wolfgang Puck Express, Seafood by Phillips, Subculture, Bello Pronto, Mr. Thoi’s Fine Asian Cuisine, and Latin American Cuisine. Located on Level Two off the L Street Bridge, the Supreme Court is a retail food court offering Wolfgang Puck Express, Quizno’s, and Foggy Bottom Grill.
The Lobby Café, located by the main entrance, sells coffee and deluxe pastries to help exhibitors and attendees wake up in the mornings. Within each exhibit hall, there are also permanent and portable outlets/carts serving everything from coffee to Tex-Mex. For some local drinks, check out the Old Dominion Brewhouse, which has a great selection of the Virginia microbrewery’s beers on tap.
Parking
The center does not have its own parking facility, and there are about 100 metered parking spaces close to the convention center, so you’ll be pretty fortunate if you manage to snag one. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for one of the many parking lots within a three-block radius of the center.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The closest Metro stop is Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center on the Yellow or Green lines.
| Parks & Places • Baltimore |
Overview
Baltimore’s comeback streak has pretty much obliterated its former reputation as the murder capital of the nation (even if it still regularly scores well in crime rankings and visitors should still leave nothing visible in their cars). Real estate prices are booming, retail rakes it in during the tourist season, and businessmen have discovered a city where, just steps from the convention center, they can sightsee, shop for their kids, AND hoist a beer at Hooters. But the city’s real treasures are hidden in its neighborhoods, where fierce local pride mixes with a local flare for the, uh, creative. (If you can’t get to Café Hon or the Visionary Art Museum, ask hometown filmmaker John Waters to explain). And, yes, The Wire is the most amazing TV series ever. Baltimore never looked so good (and bad) on film. To see the real charm behind its nickname, “Charm City,” venture into the cobblestone-and-brick-lined neighborhoods of Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Mt. Vernon. Here, you’ll find Ravens fans mad-hopping in dive bars, crabs and oysters are staple menu items, artists and musicians display their work, and unpretentious locals make you feel right at home.
Getting There
For a car-free route from DC to Baltimore, take the MARC commuter train from Union Station to Penn Station Monday through Friday. Alternatively, take the Green line metro to Greenbelt, walk to the Greenbelt Station and Bus Bay D, catch bus B30 to BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport and catch the MARC Light Rail toward Hunt Valley; stops include Camden Station for baseball fans and Pratt St for the inner harbor. For travel schedules and fare information check http://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train
Attractions
Harborplace
200 E Pratt St, 410-332-4191; www.harborplace.com
One of Baltimore’s most well-known attractions is Harborplace, owned by the Rouse Company (i.e. it looks exactly the same as New York’s South Street Seaport, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, New Orleans’s Riverwalk Marketplace, etc). The outdoor mall‘s retail stores and chain restaurants circle the harbor. Since most residents only hang at Harborplace when they’re showing off (or cringing over the triteness of) their waterfront to out-of-towners, it becomes a mob of tourists on sunny weekends. Shop hours: Mon–Sat: 10 am–9 pm; Sun: 11 am–7 pm.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 E Pratt St, 410-576-3800; www.aqua.org
Baltimore’s aquarium is the city’s most popular tourist attraction. Entry isn’t cheap, and there’s bound to be a line to get in, but attractions like the Tropical Rain Forest (complete with piranhas and poisonous frogs) and the dolphin show make it worth all the hassle. General admission costs $34.95 for adults (aged 12-64), $21.95 for children (aged 3-11), and $29.95 for those 65 and over. Kids 3 and under are free. Admission prices do include unlimited time observing the daily routine of resident dolphins for those with a twinge of Flipper nostalgia. Tickets often sell out, but you can buy advance tickets through Ticketmaster. Aquarium hours: Sun–Thurs: 9 am–5 pm; Fri: 9 am–8 pm; Sat: 9 am–6 pm.
Maryland Science Center
601 Light St; 410-685-5225; www.mdsci.org
The Maryland Science Center is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country and is full of dinosaur bones, IMAX, and all that science jazz. It’s best for kids, especially ones you want to push toward Einstein-hood. The center is usually open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, although hours change by season; admission prices range from $16.95 to $20.95 for adults depending what exhibits you want to visit. Admission for children 3-12 costs between $13.95 and $17.95, and admission for members is always free.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
216 Emory St, 410-727-1539; www.baberuthmuseum.com
Visit the place where Babe was really a babe. This historic building has been transformed into a shrine to Babe, as well as to Baltimore’s Colts and Orioles and Johnny Unitas (famed quarterback for the Colts). Admission costs $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 3–12. Hours: April–October: daily 10 am–6 pm (7:30 pm on baseball game days), November–March: daily 10 am–5 pm.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
978 Druid Park Lake Dr, 410-366-LION; www.marylandzoo.org
Located in Druid Hill Park, the zoo is hidden in the middle of the city, far away from the other major tourist attractions. Kids can enjoy the number-one-rated children’s zoo, while adults can look forward to the zoo’s spring beer and wine festival, Brew at the Zoo (Plan on hearing lots of jokes about polar beer, penguinness, and giraffes of wine). Admission to the zoo costs $17.50 for adults (12-64), $12.50 for the kiddies (2–12), and $14.50 for seniors (65+), but parking is always free. The zoo is open daily, Mar–Dec: 10 am–4 pm.
Lexington Market
400 W Lexington St, 410-685-6169; www.lexingtonmarket.com
Baltimore’s Lexington Market is the world’s largest continuously running market. Founded in 1782, the market continues to be a rowdy place of commerce. The market prides itself for its top-quality fresh meats, seafood, poultry, groceries, specialty items, and prepared foods for take-out and on-site consumption. Visit the market during the Chocolate Festival and the Preakness Crab Derby (yes, they actually race crabs). During Lunch with the Elephants, held annually in the spring, a herd of elephants from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus marches from the Baltimore Arena to the market, where they proceed to eat the world’s largest stand-up vegetarian buffet. Market hours: Mon–Sat: 8:30 am–6 pm.
National Museum of Dentistry
31 S Greene St, 410-706-0600;
www.dental.umaryland.edu/museum/index.html
After munching on goodies at the Lexington Market, swing on by the National Museum of Dentistry to learn about all the cavities you just got. This University of Maryland School of Dentistry affiliate offers interactive exhibits and the gift shop sells chocolate toothbrushes (reason enough to check it out). Plaque got you gloomy? Edgar Allan Poe’s grave is just down the street. Admission to the museum costs $7.00 for adults over 18 and $6 for students and seniors, and $5 for kids. Hours: Open to visitors by appointment only. Call 410-706-7461.
The Power Plant
601 E Pratt St, 410-752-5444
Once upon a time, the Power Plant was an honest-to-goodness power plant. In 1998, it was converted into a full-fledged mall. Guess retail’s just a different kind of community fuel. Inside the Power Plant, you’ll find Barnes & Noble, ESPN Zone, Gold’s Gym, and the Hard Rock Café.
Power Plant Live!
Market Pl & Water St, 410-727- 5483; www.powerplantlive.com
Located a block away from the Power Plant, Power Plant Live! is a dining and entertainment megaplex. You can have a full night without leaving the indoor/outdoor complex. Dinner, dancing, comedy, and stiff drinks are served up by eight bars and seven restaurants. Because of an arena liquor license, you can take your drink from one establishment to the next. During the summer, check out the free outdoor concerts. Past headliners include the Soundtrack of Our Lives, Aimee Mann, Elvis Costello, and the Wildflowers.
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Hwy, 410-244-1900; www.avam.org
The Visionary Art Museum exhibits works from self-taught, intuitive artists, whose backgrounds range from housewives to homeless. The museum is also home to Baltimore’s newest outdoor sculptural landmark—the Giant Whirligig. Standing tall at an imposing 55 feet, this multicolored, wind-powered sculpture was created by 76-year-old mechanic, farmer, and artist Vollis Simpson. Every spring, the museum hosts a race of human-powered works of art designed to travel on land, through mud, and over deep harbor waters. Museum hours: Tues-Sun: 10 am–6 pm. Admission costs $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for children over 6.
Pagoda at Patterson Park
One of the most striking structures in Baltimore’s Patterson Park is the newly renovated Pagoda. Originally built in 1891, the Pagoda was designed as a people’s lookout tower. From the 60-foot-high octagonal tower, you can see downtown, the suburbs, and the harbor. When it ever snows, the hill next to the Pagoda is a popular sledding site. Pagoda Hours: Sun: 12 pm–6 pm, May–Oct.
Camden Yards
333 W Camden St, 888-848-2473; baltimore.orioles.mlb.com
There’s more to Camden Yards than the O’s. At the turn of the century, Camden Yards was a bustling freight and passenger railroad terminal. For decades, Camden Station served as a major facility for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (that’s the B&O Railroad for Monopoly fans). The Yards were once home to thousands of commuters, and now they’re home to thousands of fans who come out to see their beloved Orioles play (how we miss you, Cal Ripken Jr…).
Landmarks
• Baltimore Tattoo Museum • 1534 Eastern Ave
Nightlife
• Club Charles • 1724 N Charles St (off map)
• The Horse You Came In On • 1626 Thames St
• Ottobar • 2549 N Howard St
Restaurants
• Amiccis • 231 S High St
• Bertha’s • 734 S Broadway
• Boccaccio Restaurant • 925 Eastern Ave
• Brass Elephant • 924 N Charles St (off map)
• Café Hon • 1002 W 36th St (off map)
• The Daily Grind • 1722 Thames St
• Faidley’s Seafood • Lexington Market, 203 N Paca St
• Helen’s Garden • 2908 O’ Donnell St
• Ikaros • 4805 Eastern Ave (off map)
• Jimmy’s • 801 S Broadway
• John Steven Ltd • 1800 Thames St
• New Wyman Park Diner • 138 W 25th St (off map)
• Pete’s Grille • 3130 Greenmount Ave (off map)
• Petit Louis Bistro • 4800 Roland Ave
• Rusty Scupper • 402 Key Hwy
• Shake Shack • 400 E Pratt St
• Tapas Teatro • 1711 N Charles St (off map)
• Woodberry Kitchen • 2010 Clipper Park Rd
• Ze Mean Bean • 1739 Fleet St
Shopping
• The Antique Man • 1806 Fleet St
• Cook’s Table • 1036 Light St
• Di Pasquales Italian Marketplace •
3700 Gough St (off map)
• Karmic Connection • 508 S Broadway
• Mystery Loves Company • 1730 Fleet St
• Sound Garden • 1616 Thames St
• Stikky Fingers • 802 S Broadway
• Urban Cellars • 222 N Charles St
• Vaccaros Italian Pastry Shop • 222 Albemarle St