10 Things to do in Washington D.C.

I have recently returned from a trip to our country's capital, Washington D.C. with my younger, teenage brother and I must say that D.C. has more to it than its lawyers and court cases. The trip set forth a wave of happiness. I was exploring the world and enjoying our earth's beautiful scenery. Washington has many parks and exhibits to grab your attention into inner peace and thankfulness that will make you proud to be an American. You will be able witness the greatness our world has to offer too. Want to go on journey where you will find yourself smiling and saying the words, "wow, really?!!" then a visit to Washington D.C. is your best bet. While you are there you should experience my top ten things to do in Washington D.C. which won't disappoint!

   

        1.  Ben’s Chili Bowl

If you want to experience tastes from 55 years ago then this is the place to visit. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a Washington Landmark since 1958. It is the home of the famous chili half-smoke that can be added onto any meal you chose. Don’t like chili? You will definitely change your mind once you take one bite from any of Ben’s meals. Even the milkshakes that are served are tummy filling. My mouth is watering just thinking about the different meal choices Ben has to offer. Come in the morning, afternoon, and evening to discover a taste from the past.

Cheesy Fries with Ben's Chili 

     

       2.  DC Tour by Foot

I happened to visit Washington D.C. on the hottest week, July had to offered. Instead of spending careless amount of time walking aimlessly I took the National Mall walking tour. Taking this one-mile tour allowed me to visit the memorials and monuments without getting lost, which normally happens to me. The tour as well gave me a historical background of our country’s capital. The tour guides are truly informative and enthusiastic! They are willing to answer any questions as you look around and snap images for remembrance. The best part about taking this tour was that it was completely free...yes, FREE!

Abraham Lincoln

Washington Memorial (currently under construction) and Reflecting Pool

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

   

       3.  The Metro System

Living in New York City I thought the best way to travel in any place could not top NYC’s train system. Boy, was I wrong! Washington D.C. Metrorail system is amazing! It is very simple to understand even if you have never travel using public transportation. Each station is clean, convenient and organized to prevent any confusion. If you happen to feel confuse you can speak with a Metrorail booth worker to guide you around.

The Metro lines only consist of five color-coded trains: Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow and Red. To identify a line you will see the train’s name and the matching color strip on the train’s top, front cart. There are Metro maps located throughout each cart. How can you get lost in an organized system like the Metrorail?

Metro Map

My first night in Washington D.C. on the Metro

  
4.  Smithsonian Museums

It is very hard to visit museums that offer high amounts of information at an inexpensive price, let alone, free! However, the Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C. offer a great selections of history at a free price. There is so much to see and learn that you can spend numerous hours within the museums’ halls not knowing the day has passed you by. Most exhibits offer interactive activities to transform you into the past and engage you even more. The museums are superb for people of all ages from the smallest to the oldest!

Michelle Obama's inauguration grown from 2009

    
       5.  Ted’s Bulletin

Breakfast is now served! There is no way you can go wrong ordering breakfast at this 1930’s set restaurant. Travel back into your childhood memories and order the homemade pop-tarts to join your breakfast meal. If you want to remain in your adulthood state than order the “adult” milkshakes. The décor of restaurant is suited for its 1930’s theme. There is a black and white movie projected on the wall, dinning room area and bar. The best part of coming to Ted’s Bulletin is being able to indulge in breakfast at any time of the day because...breakfast is served ALL DAY LONG!

Ted's Homemade Pop Tarts

Ted's  The Big Mark Breakfast with a  Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pop Tart

        6.  Georgetown for shopping

Ladies hold onto your heels and gentlemen let go of your wallets! Georgetown has much to offer for shopaholics and those who want a souvenir to give to their love ones. Georgetown is a popular area for shopping, dining and nightlife. There are many boutiques and antique stores for the trendy spenders. After you are done shopping and feel that sharp pain in your stomach announcing that you are hungry, have a meal at The Diner. You couldn't ask for a greater way to conclude your day of shopping!

7.  Arlington Cemetery

Soldiers have fought long and strong for our country throughout many wars and battles. Sometimes we forget just how much these men and women have put on the line for our freedom. At the Arlington Cemetery you will witness the 14,000 plus graves of the men and women that gave up their lives in order for us to be the proud American citizens we are today. Walking through the cemetery gave me chills because you never realize in your day-to-day life that there is someone fighting for you to continue going about your life. I was truly proud to be an American once I dismissed the cemetery. The cemetery also holds the resting place of President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline. I urge you to splurge on $8.75 tour bus ticket! Walking uphill can be deadly on the hottest of days. I left the cemetery looking like I just completed two hours of Zumba and I paid for the ticket...think about it!

The only national cemetery to hold servicemen from all American wars

   

8.  We, the Pizza

New York is known for its amazing pizzas so I already had my guards up arriving at We, the Pizza. There are a variety of choices to choose from which makes one's decision making very difficult. After much debate within my head I decided upon the buffalo chicken pizza with an extra topping of ranch sauce. The dough was soft but strong enough to hold my toppings as I bit into it. To assist with the digestion of my pizza I ordered the Dreams are made of Strawberry Lemonade, Italian Soda . This was equally amazing. The drink was not too sweet, too sour or too watery. In fact it was just right! Of course it had to be just right because We, the Pizza is joint owned by former “Top Chef” contestant Spike Mendelsohn. I wish he would create one in New York City too. Can’t blame a girl for dreaming!

We, the Pizza's Italian Soda:
Dreams are made of Strawberry Lemonade

Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Ranch Sauce

9.  Martin Luther King Memorial

Martin Luther King Memorial is the newest addition to the National Mall. Although, it is quite hard to find within the National Mall I accidentally found the memorial after getting lost! However, once locating the memorial I was glad to have gotten lost. The peaceful environment will surely take your breath away. The memorial is located near a waterfront and contains some of Dr. King most famous quotes throughout his life. Sometimes one forgets how articulate Dr. King was with his words, his memorial will definitely remind you.

  
       10. The White House

The huge white house located on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the house almost every person wished they lived in once in their life...or is that just me?!? You have to be very and I mean VERY special to enter into the White House but that shouldn’t stop you from taking pictures standing outside the White House's gates imagining yourself living in this huge mansion.

You have to take a picture of yourself!

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