Greetings, fellow Tigers!
My name is Maggie Burns, Class of 2015. I moved to Washington, D.C., in 2017 to pursue my master’s in global environmental policy at American University. I have fallen in love with this city, a place that has everything you could possibly want for your next visit — fantastic history, monumental art, diverse culture, great food and incredible nature experiences.
National Mall
The iconic attraction is usually No. 1 on everyone’s list — and for good reason. After seven years, I am still not tired of the monument views. They are best enjoyed without crowds early in the morning or late at night (“midnight monumenting”). My favorite spot to sit and relax is Constitution Gardens or on the grounds of the Capitol Building. The distance between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol is a little over 2 miles, so bring comfortable shoes or use Capital Bikeshare. Be sure to keep track of time if you are taking a Capitol tour.
Pro Tip: The Lincoln Memorial is dog friendly!
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossom season in late March is one of the most popular times to visit, if not the most popular. Seeing the puffy white and pink blooms around the Tidal Basin is absolutely worth the trip, but the crowds can quickly sour the experience. Sunrise is the best time to view the blossoms peacefully.
Eat Around the World
Think of any cuisine that you desire, and I guarantee D.C. has it in its authentic form. The diversity of D.C. is its strength, and it definitely shows in the food scene. My top spots are The Red Hen, YELLOW in Georgetown, Kafe Leopold, Yasmine in Union Market, Heritage India, Zaytinya and Los Cuates. Many restaurants and breweries have outdoor areas that are dog-friendly.
Lions and Tigers and Pandas — Oh, My!
The Smithsonian National Zoo has pandas again! The zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon, and it is free along with 56 museums. The Museum of African American History and Culture, National Archives Museum, National Portrait Gallery, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art and National Museum of American History are all spectacular. You could plan an entire trip for museum hopping alone.
Escape to Nature
While Great Falls Park, Shenandoah National Park and the beach are a short drive away, you don’t have to leave the city to escape the noise and bustling life. Rock Creek Park is 1,754 acres of forest, recreational areas, historic sites and trails. You can walk down the street, take the Metro or go for a quick drive to walk, hike, picnic, bike or ride horseback beside the creek. It is absolutely gorgeous at any time of year, but autumn is exceptional.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to follow leash laws and Leave No Trace during your visit.
How proud could one aunt be! Maggie, my niece, the graduate from Clemson, 2017, has just taken you on a wonderful trip around Washington D.C.
Visiting our nations capital is full of wonderful sites, smells, tastes, and can be full of emotion. To be bored in this city, is simply not to partake in any of its culture. The zoo, fantastic museums, the natural history, and all of the sites are whispering an invitation! It will certainly spark your patriotism!
Thank you for the visuals, Maggie.