This past weekend, my family came to visit me in DC. Like me before I arrived here for the summer, they had never been here before. Therefore, we engaged in the normal “touristy” activities that many do when they visit this city for the first time. Let it be noted that I am not putting myself in the “native” or knowledgeable label of people in this city. I would say that I am very much a novice when it comes to living in this city. While my family was here, I was able to experience some fantastic attractions DC and the surrounding area has to offer for the first time. I realized how important it is for young interns to experience these attractions, and I want to share some of my feelings on some great things to see while in the city.
First of all, I want to talk about Georgetown. I walked down there Friday evening with my parents and older brother. For me, I’ve noticed that there are only certain areas which have a variety of restaurants to choose from. Parts of Dupont Circle especially on Connecticut Ave. have some great restaurants and pubs as does Adams Morgan and Bethesda (these are observations I have made living near GW and Dupont). Georgetown, I found out, is another one of these locations with a variety of restaurants. They all looked wonderful (We actually didn’t try any restaurants) and they were all hometown/local restaurants. I didn’t see any chains there. In addition to these restaurants, there are many dessert shops to hit up in the late evening. Also, Georgetown is probably the best shopping district in the city. Every shop I have ever seen is there. Naturally, the place is a great attraction for students. If you walk two blocks from this main street, you’re on the shoreline of the Potomac, where you’ll find great clubs and nice walkways and parks where you can find crowded clubs or quiet places to sit along the river. I know I will definitely head down to Georgetown a few more times before my DC experience is over, and I may just look more into the school for my future grad school plans
Secondly, I want to advocate a route which allows you to explore some great sites. After visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, whose reputation speaks for itself, my family and I walked to the Lincoln Memorial. On the way, we passed through the National Mall and then we walked to the Washington Monument. If you desire, you can walk up to the base of the Monument and get tickets to the top. If you walk in front of the Monument you have an excellent view of the White House, granted from afar, but still a great view. After passing the Monument, we walked through the WWII Memorial and then walked along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is my favorite site so far. It is what I imagine walking in a Roman temple must have been like. You are able to walk amongst the columns where there are many citizens interacting. Inside everyone pays homage to a man who is basically a god, or at least idolized like one, like many Roman heroes of the past were honored by future generations. Although the Memorial is always crowded unless you go late at night, which I do recommend because the Memorial is well lit and has a fantastic view of the Monument and Capitol, if you walk around the back of the Memorial there aren’t as many people. My brother and I were basically the only ones present at the time and we sat down in peace with our legs dangling over the side and we had a great view of the Potomac. It is a great place to sit and reflect especially if you want more of a quiet place.
Lastly, I must mention the Newseum. This place is one of the new museums in the city and is in a prominent location on Pennsylvania Ave. It is expensive to get in, even for students, but trust me, it is worth every penny. My family and I didn’t have enough time to finish all the exhibits (I swear you can spend hours in there) and I know I will go back to finish the rest of the exhibits. This museum honors the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech. The museum contains sections on sports reporting, the media and its relation to the FBI in famous investigations, a Berlin Wall exhibit and a wall which has all the Pulitzer Prize photo winners since the contest’s beginning. There are also something like fifteen theaters to catch movies throughout the day. So although the price is substantial, you certainly get the most out of your entrance fee. The museum contains six levels and I only got through one and a half. I was in awe the whole time and sometimes close to tears; many exhibits were that powerful. I hope that you take my word and find the opportunity to go to the Newseum. You won’t be disappointed.
All in all, I am extremely glad my family visited this past weekend and that we could experience these DC attractions together. I definitely look forward to experiencing these attractions again and new ones with more friends and family.
