Kathleen and Peter
Things To Do
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center has a shining reputation for having numerous free or low-cost events throughout the week, sometimes even daily. This includes plays, operas, concerts, and even smaller acts in the main lobby. The Kennedy Center is also situated on the Potomac River in view of Georgetown University, Arlington Virginia, and the Key Bridge into Georgetown.
Smithsonian's National Zoological Park
Kathleen worked at the National Zoo as a Keeper Aide in the Birdhouse during college and loved every minute of it. Like the rest of the Smithsonian Institution, the Zoo is completely FREE to all visitors, year round. It boasts an impressive collection of animals including Giant Pandas, Asian Elephants, a reptile house, a small mammal house, a bird house, several species of bears, sea lions, and several open-flight cages where you can get up close and personal with the animals. The Zoo is situated within walking distance of several Metrorail and bus stops, but Uber and Lyft is also very friendly to this attraction as well. Don't forget to stop by the Starbucks or at Duke's Counter (popular lunch joint) directly across the street from the Zoo entrance!
The National Botanical Gardens
The National Botanical Gardens are right downtown, close to the Capitol Building and the National Mall. Like most public attractions in the District, the gardens boast FREE admissions and change their collection seasonally. There are several rooms with different biomes plus a 2-3 story greenhouse with rainforest trees and flowers. Don't forget to check out the orchid collection!
Washington National Cathedral
Did you know that the National Cathedral is not actually Catholic? Though it is an Episcopalian institution, the Cathedral has all the same qualities of the famous cathedrals in Europe. Though it was damaged in 2011 from the DC Earthquake (and still is undergoing repairs to the towers and buttresses), the sanctuaries and towers are still open for tours. Make sure to check out all the detailing and see if you can find the Darth Vader gargoyle and the moon rock in the stained glass window honoring NASA!
The National Mall
This place is a MUST for anyone who has never visited Washington, DC before. The Mall is a large, grassy area maintained by the National Park Service, and affectionately treated like "America's Front Yard". Flanked by beautiful monuments and numerous, FREE and famous museums, the Mall is a place where you can learn about the moon landing, stand in the same place MLK Jr. delivered his I Have A Dream speech, and fly a kite all in the same afternoon. If you have time after dark, it's particularly beautiful then because all the monuments are lit up. How romantic!
Georgetown
Georgetown is probably one of the cutest parts of the city. Laid in brick and cobblestone, and covered in colorfully-decorated rowhouses, Georgetown has plenty of opportunity for shopping, dining, and lounging by the Potomac River. Stroll and listen to local jazzy street musicians, visit the notorious staircase featured at the end of "The Exorcist", taste the famous pastries at Georgetown Cupcake, and have a drink at Martin's Tavern in the same booth where JFK proposed to Jackie. It's all in the same neighborhood!
Black Lives Matter Plaza
Situated directly in front of the White House, Black Lives Matters Plaza was officially christened in the summer of 2020. On November 7 of the same year, minutes after learning that Peter had passed the American Board of Avian Practitioners Exam, we also heard that Joseph R. Biden won the 2020 election. We were in an incredible position to witness a moment in history as thousands upon thousands of Washingtonians rushed to BLM Plaza to sing, dance, and celebrate. The city was truly flowing with champagne that day, and we loved spending every minute among the joyful (and masked) celebrants. It was the (second) happiest day of 2020 for us.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Although the famous Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is on the National Mall, there is also a much, much bigger airport hangar nearby in Virginia that has the REALLY impressive items in the collection. Visit the infamous Enola Gay bomber, the Space Shuttle Discovery, a variety of historical fighter jets, and the hangar where they repair and restore other notable aviation relics from throughout American history. This museum is not Metro accessible, but you can take about a 20-30 minute Uber or Lyft ride outside the city to visit this incredible collection!
Eastern Market
The Eastern Market is a must-see for anyone looking for interesting wares, foods, and gifts from the District of Columbia! Capitol Hill is a vibrant neighborhood in Washington, DC with a rich history. We are a neighborhood of tree-lined streets of historic town houses with many beautiful gardens. A perfect place for walking. In the heart of this historic neighborhood is Eastern Market. Come browse for treasures and treats made by and for local Washingtonians!
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is more than just books... it's an artistic and historical treasure! There are traveling exhibitions for everything from courtroom art to Indigenous American myths under this roof. Take a peek into the famous reading room, flanked with white marble statues and soaring dome ceilings. You can even have a look at Thomas Jefferson's personal archived library!
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Just outside of DC is the historical estate belonging to George Washington. Mount Vernon is nestled on a hillside by a river with plenty of land for animals, a boat dock, several buildings, and a memorial to the slaves who served on the property. Make sure to check out the numerous tours of the mansion and estate. We particularly loved the National Treasure 2 tour! Haven't seen the movie? Make sure to get on that before heading to this location - it'll help make sure you don't get lost!
Old Town Alexandria
Looking for some calm, old colonial charm? Look no further than Old Town Alexandria! Draped in cobblestones, colorful buildings, adorable shops, and gas lamps, this is one of our favorite places to dine, shop, and hang out when visiting the area. We particularly love Hen Quarter (brunch) and Columbia Firehouse (dinner).