Some folks may recall when Freedom Plaza was first created that it was called Western Plaza…read more The renaming was meant to honor MLK and others. It was closed down for a long time to undergo renovation and recently reopened. So glad for that! Lots of events and protests take place here. Overall, it's a lovely and peaceful space with sculptures and a calming fountain.

Honestly this square is kind of random. Most of the circles and squares in DC's distinctive…read morestreetscape are named for highly specific things and historical events, whereas this one is named "freedom" and offers a map of the city and a grab bag of statuary. It is near the White House so many will pass by here. I doubt it will be a destination of note for most, but there are some nice sights.

A lot of buildings around here are historic. In Georgetown is the oldest. The Old Stone House is…read morethe oldest building built in the city and preserved in the original state. It has a small gift shop inside. There's a large garden outside. It appears to be the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1765, while it was in the then separate town of Georgetown. This was also believed to be a place visited by George Washington. Even though it was proven that it wasn't true, this building was still an important piece of history. This was saved from destruction because people thought Washington came here, and so it accidentally became a museum. It doesn't lake long to look at. The museum also has a nice garden that has benches and it a popular place for people to sit and read. It's also cool the admission is free. There's not a whole lot to see inside but it's interesting looking around and seeing what it was like being in this. It often closes for several months. Renovations often seem to occur regularly. The admission is free so that's more than enough reason to make a visit.

Ive seen this place so many times in my life but almost everytime I have ever passed it, it was not…read moreopen. But, recently, while in Gtown on a nice day around 5:30pm, and strolling down M St, I saw the door was open to this place, and was pretty excited to check it out! I do like NPS sites and wil make every effort to stop at a site when I can. However, this place was a bit lackluster for me. I think the West has truly spoiled me as this place didnt do much for me. I get that its the oldest building in DC and that George Washington was mistaken to have slept here, but only the 1st floor was open and not much to see except a fireplace. The 2nd floor was also closed. The front room mainly had a bunch of souvenirs for sale. I bought a few postcards to support NPS. I didnt get a chance to visit the back yard as I have heard thats the best part of this visit. Ill try to visit this on another visit. I also thought that the front sidewalk could have been better paved and think more work can be done on sidewalks of M St to make it more appealing. Overall, a disappointing visit and experience but I was glad I finally saw the inside.

Every time I visit DC I always end up staying near this memorial. In all honesty I just thought of…read moreit as a bell tower and nothing more, that's what my colleagues would always refer to it as, a bell tower. So the past few years when I was nearby I wouldn't give it a second thought. I actually had to do some research on this one. When I saw the name Taft attached to the memorial I automatically thought of the past president. Close, but no cigar. Robert was the son of the former president. He was at one point the Senate Majority Leader, author of several bills and had a few failed presidential bids. For more information on him do yourself a Google search. The memorial itself is actually one that is peaceful. Especially in such a busy section of DC. Adjacent to the Capitol, it's kind of like an extension of the grounds. You can sit and enjoy your solitude if you prefer or come to listen to the bells. I always use this as a place marker for where I'm at while in DC. It kind of resets me, especially with the bells chiming. It's a nice feature to have in the city, but do yourself a favor and take in the memorial, it is quite beautiful, even on a gloomy day.

Walking my way towards the Capitol, I was a little surprised by the chimes of the carillon going…read moreoff at 2:00 PM. So now I'm interested. The Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon is named for the Senator from Ohio who served in the Senate from 1938 to 1953. Senator Taft was the oldest son of William Howard Taft, who was the 27th President of the United States who served from 1909 to 1913 and then was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930. The tower is 100 feet high and has a fountain at the base. On this November morning, the fountain was drained for the winter. Atop the memorial, a 10-foot tall statue of the Senator stands. Definitely try to by nearby when the carillon rings every quarter hour. [Review 14286 overall, 1610 of 2020, number 97 in Washington.]

--Location/Parking-- Located on the southern edge of the…read moreNational Mall. I recommend parking in one spot of the National Mall and walking throughout. I didn't see any local parking spots. --Ambience-- Outdoor memorial where you can see the sculpture and read the inscriptions on the wall. I believe there is an outdoor restroom nearby. Great to complete your stamp collection --Service/Staff-- The gift shop next to it has the last remaining stamp you need for the National Mall tour area. This is a must to stopping place that is sometimes overlooked because of its proximity to the Mall which is off the beaten path. --Products-- The gift shop has the usual items you see at the various tourist attractions throughout the National Mall. This was no exception. What makes it unique is the hidden stamp you can only collect at this spot which many travelers miss. --Overall-- For history buff and stamp collectors this is one of the hidden gems you must trek for 30+ minutes to reach even if you park close to the National Mall. I recommend an umbrella on those sunny days

The Eisenhower Memorial is one of The National Mall's newly erected memorials. It seems The Mall is…read morerunning out of space for new memorials and the location of the Eisenhower memorial seems to be in somewhat of an odd place in the Southwest quadrant of Independence Avenue, across the street from the Air & Space Museum and adjacent to the U.S. Department of Education federal building. Like many other memorials on The Mall that feature presidents or American leaders, this memorial has a fine depiction of the 34th president's leadership through imagery in some of his famous quotes and life-size sculptures. The memorial occupies a lot of land, however, much of it is landscaping, making the visit a quick walk-through. The landscaping is beautiful during the early spring when the grass is lush and green. Many tourists who visit the area pass by en route to the Air & Space Museum, the Holiday Inn hotel nearby, the Museum of the Bible on 4th Street, or the many food trucks situated along Independence Avenue. The location has an epic shot of the Capitol Building to the west. The good thing about the location is the memorial has restrooms on site (and perhaps one of the cleanest on The Mall), is in walking distance to the Capitol Building, 4th Street along The Mall which is less busy with tourists, and multiple Metro stations. Overall, a great memorial to visit, but if you have a tight itinerary I recommend lowering it on your list of priorities if you have other must-see museums or memorials on your list.

Having visited DC at least three times over the past two and a half years, I had never been to the…read moreJefferson Memorial. If you have not been, it's fun to check out. It's a glorious, open-air white marble monument overlooking the Tidal Basin. We went there for the cherry blossom festival, but there weren't many blossoms when we went. If you do make the trek up the staircase to the main chamber area, there is a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. But our focus was more on cherry blossoms. Despite that, it is a thrill to experience the architecture, with the Washington Monument being across the Basin. And if you're able to go when the weather is beautiful and pristine, with clear skies, it makes the experience all the better. Depending on where you're staying, try to check out the Jefferson Memorial. It's worth the visit.

I have so many pending drafts for years and I am now in my DC era. I have been to this memorial as…read morewell as all of the others, including all of the museums, many times in my life. The time has finally come to share my thoughts with all of you. The grounds on which this memorial sits are accessible 24 hours a day. This makes for a nice evening walk...lots to see. The marble rotunda is kinda big and Jefferson stands right in the middle of it, all 19' of him. His writings are engraved within the walls and that's pretty cool to see. The memorial can be found in West Potomac Park and during the right time of year, the cherry blossoms are in abundance here.

I've been fortunate enough to take this tour multiple times. I've gone through the process of…read morecontacting my rep for entrance (you have to do this in advance of your visit for available dates, providing them with your personal information, etc.). I have also been in D.C. for other government-related purposes and was able to take after-hours guided tours with a couple of different members of Congress (actual members and not a staffer). Any tour is a wonderful experience but most especially getting to take one in the hours after the hustle and bustle of The Hill comes to an end for the day. It's exciting to be on a tour when senators are holding hearings and you can actually sit in on them. The building is adorn with artwork, paintings, and sculptures that date back centuries. The architecture is awe-inspiring. So much to learn and see during the tours. There is a gift shop as well (but of course there is). A must for students (first time I took a tour) and adults alike. Anyone interested in the history of the United States should include this tour on a D.C. visit.

We went last week even after doing it once before years ago. We loved it. It was slow so the tour…read moreoperator took us into 2 additional rooms that most people don't get to see. She was very knowledgeable. To get tickets you must visit your congress person there in Washington D.C. It is very easy! The tour was fantastic and we would do it again.

Great green space near the Walter E Washington convention space. The central statue is of Samuel…read moreGompers, the founder of the American Federation of Labor. Great place to relax during good weather. Several benches are available for sitting. Surrounding area is very busy (lots cars and pedestrians passing) but still nice.

A very small green space in the city but any place to sit and chill is nice. Unfortunately when I…read moreswung by it is closed for renovation. Looks like they lost a big tree and some grass that needs to be worked on.

Thankful Matthew was the first to add and review. Every year when I'm in DC I say I'm going to do…read moreit and never get around to it. Dirksen connects directly to the Hart Senate Building which makes for easy access when going from office to office. Did you know there's a hidden green space where the rooftop tennis courts once were? It's pretty cool. Like most buildings on The Hill it's made of marble, granite, etc. Lots of historical significance. Easy to navigate.

Dirksen is the second office building that houses members and staff of the Senate. Although this…read morebuilding received its naming in 1972, after longtime Minority Leader Everett Dirksen of Illinois, the funds were authorized in 1941. The day before the U.S. entered WWII. Although funding was secured, the war delayed construction. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 was a way to modernize and streamline the Senate. But well before this building started construction they ended up having to rent space in nearby office and government buildings. With the addition of Hawaii and Alaska on their heels. Delay after delay caused this building to finally open on October 15, 1958. Dirksen is directly adjacent and connected to Hart. Of course, it is connected via tunnels to Russell. Housing a mix of senators and committee chambers. You can easily get lost in the halls. Signage is ample. However, travelling the tunnels makes you feel like you are in an area you shouldn't be. But just continue to follow the signs.