Category: Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Franklin for Any Age

A statue of U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin in the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: L. Tripoli

Finding a Founding Father at the National Postal Museum U.S. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin offers something of interest to just about everyone. The younger set tends to be drawn to his kite-flying exploits, elders might explore his history with bifocals,…

The Working Hilton

The Washington Hilton is ideally situated, by would the service be as good as its location? Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

Knowing how sizeable the Washington Hilton is, how it is a lure both for tourists and business folk, I am reticent to stay there. Yes, it is ideally situated just north of Dupont Circle on Connecticut Avenue, perfect for getting…

It’s Just a Sweet Art Installation

A visitor assesses the wax room at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

Beyond the Luncheon of the Boating Party at the Phillips Collection We can pretend all we want that our visit to the Phillips Collection is to appreciate the Rothko paintings, but we know as we climb the stairs, shuffle through…

Disco D.C.

The bright lights of a changed city at the former Hotel Washington in the District of Columbia Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

That Vegas Feeling in Washington’s Grand Dames Has anyone ever gone to the nation’s capital to experience the glitz? D.C. tends to be a staid and educational or work-related travel destination, one where a little history, a brush with power,…

What to Order at Russia House

A shot of Imperia vodka launches a very smooth evening at Washington, D.C.'s Russia House Restaurant and Lounge. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

On a quick trip to the District of Columbia with the Brawny Sherpa and the most senior of our youthful adventurers, we opt for dinner at the Russia House both for its convenience — located in close proximity to the Washington…

Gawking at Ford’s Theatre

Is gawking at the presidential box at Ford's Theatre creepy? Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

That Creepiness at the Crossroads of Tourism and Assassination Despite living in the District of Columbia for more than a decade, I always dodged visits to Ford’s Theatre, the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination by actor John Wilkes Booth. “Too…

Running across History

A remnant of the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia

Taking in Nuggets of Information A monument to the soldiers of the Confederacy in Arlington National Cemetery. A visitor might marvel at its size given the cause for which the soldiers were fighting. Photo credit: L, Tripoli Traveling back in…

Remembering the Maine Far from Havana

Add the explosion of the battleship Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 to the list of historical events I don’t know enough about. I would “remember the Maine” if only I could. I know the incident triggered the Spanish-American War.…

Making Field Trips More Fun: Gargoyles and Grotesques

It’s Wacky Wednesday! One favorite travel oddity is a certain grotesque at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque, I have learned, is that gargoyles have spouts as part of a building’s…