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There are so many fascinating stories to uncover!  When planning vacation itineraries, graveyard visits may not be top of mind. But they are really open-air museums full of art and history and stories and nature. And sometimes you’ll find really creative nods to various lives among the headstones, too.
Congressional Cemetery in Southeast DC is a historic -- and still active -- 35-acre graveyard spanning more than 300 years. And despite its name, it’s a pretty lively place. The cemetery hosts several 5Ks, concerts, and outdoor movie nights, as well as a book club and yoga classes, and plenty of dogs and their owners frequent the grounds, too. But despite its size and longtime history, Congressional Cemetery is a real hidden gem that many locals and tourists don't even know exists.
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Part of the "Awesome People You Should Know in DC" series  Pop quiz: How many female stories and landmarks in Washington, DC can you name off the top of your head? 3, 2, 1 ... Go!
How did you do? The history of DC is filled with the names of male patriots, and their stories are easy to find. But women have always been busy making their own history in tandem, too. There might not be a towering obelisk to mark their contribution, but you can find monuments, murals and historic markers to female activists, educators, artists if you look a little closer. Kaitlin Calogera founded "A Tour of Her Own' in 2018 to help find and amplify those female stories, The first tourism company in DC to focus exclusively on women's history or "herstories" as Katilin calls them, the mission of A Tour Of Her Own is to elevate women’s stories into a more prominent place in American history and culture. Because no one knows the city better than local guides, we asked Kaitlin about some of her favorite spots and ways to explore DC beyond the familiar iconic images. You've probably passed it before and didn't even know it The FDR Memorial at the Tidal Basin gets millions of visitors, while the original memorial to the late President is overlooked--hidden in plain sight. That's right, the FDR Memorial that we all know actually isn't the first, or the even the only one, in DC! On the lawn of the National Archives Building (on the Penn Ave side) is a large, rectangular piece of marble with the inscription: In Memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 1882 - 1945. This quietly elegant tribute is the first memorial to FDR and is the one he requested for himself. The story goes that Roosevelt told Supreme Court Justice Frankfurter, that if he were to have a monument in Washington, it should be in front of National Archives and be no larger than his desk. Which it is; his desk was 3 feet tall, 7 feet long, 4 feet wide and so is the marble memorial. It was funded through an anonymous group of friends -- although their names are sealed into the base of the stone -- and dedicated on the 20th anniversary of FDR's death, April 12, 1965. It just goes to show that there is *always* more than meets the eye. Curious? There's more!
 If you're sick of just about everything on Netflix, you're in luck. DC’s museums, gardens, art galleries and cultural institutions are starting to re-open! Be aware--many places are requiring visitors to reserve timed-entry passes to aid social distancing measures, and masks are always a must. But that's to be expected in this "new normal."
So, ready for some summertime fun in the city? Take a look at our handy guide to see what’s currently open! Discover DC's Fascinating Local History + Heritage With Cultural Tourism DC's Cheryl Crowell5/22/2020 Awesome People in DC You Should Know Series Find travel inspiration and discover new wonders for your adventures in DC as some of the city's movers, shakers, explorers and creatives share tips on exploring the city even during the quarantine and what they're looking forward to once the restrictions lift.  Longtime DC resident Cheryl Crowell is the Resource Development Director at Cultural Tourism DC; she is responsible for developing new sources of revenue and building relationships that further the organization's vision. The non-profit develops authentic, memorable experiences for people to enjoy and learn about DC, beyond its monuments. You've probably seen tall posts with historic information, photos and maps all across the city. Well, those are thanks to Cultural Tourism DC. And that's not all.
They promote pride and appreciation for the arts and vibrant heritage of DC through an impressive range of signature events: Residents and locals can participate in WalkingTown DC, a 10-day festival of intriguing guided tours of DC sites; gain insight into our international diplomatic community via Passport DC and the Around the World Embassy Tour; and engage in arts and culture during PorchFest DC, a showcase for local performing artists in neighborhood settings. Cultural Tourism DC is the ultimate local's tourism guide! With all that insider knowledge, find out what DC spots bring Cheryl joy and other ways for you to discover the real DC! "Awesome People in DC You Should Know" Series Find travel inspiration and discover new wonders for your adventures in DC as some of the city's movers, shakers, explorers and creatives share tips on exploring the city even during the quarantine and what they're looking forward to once the restrictions lift.  Think you know everything about DC because you visited once on a school field trip or watched every episode of Scandal and West Wing? Think again! Meet Carolyn Crouch, founder of DC-based walking tour company, Washington Walks. Their tours include Memorials by Moonlight, Embassy Row, Georgetown, the famous Most Haunted Houses. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, Washington Walks tells the stories about some of DC's most famous landmarks that no one else knows. Plus, they have over a dozen tours that travel through D.C.'s diverse neighborhoods so you get to know the "real DC" beyond the National Mall. And if the thought of history will give you flashbacks to your high school history class, have no worries. Carolyn and her team are excellent storytellers who make history interesting and accessible, bringing the drama, scandals and adventures of the past alive for today's modern explorers.
Take a Look, It's In a Book: Our 10 Favorite Books About DC (Or That Are Set in the District)4/13/2020 A continuing series about awesome social distance activities in DC to keep you entertained during the outbreak and inspired to keep daydreaming about your next adventure in the Nation's capital.  You know how you also said you'd read more if you had the time? Well. . .
Whether you were born in the District, moved here decades ago, or just arrived, you might be curious to learn more about the city beyond the well-worn cliches. Books take you places, even new corners of your own backyard. Through their pages you get to explore a place, revealing hidden layers and new chapters. A lot of books have been written about DC, but there's more to know about than just Watergate. So what should you read if you really want to understand the place? We're put together our 10 favorite books about DC (or that are set here) that reveal its other personalities, dynamic history and characters; a few are simply just good ole comfort reads. So find your library card or order a copy from a local bookstore, and settle in for a good read. It's going to be awhile . . . A continuing series about awesome social distance activities in DC to keep you entertained during the outbreak and inspired to keep daydreaming about your next adventure in the Nation's capital.  Miss spending time leisurely wandering DC's museums and historical sites? Well, you're in luck!
Even though their doors are closed, you can still explore them online through virtual tours and digital collections. Now is the time to binge all the culture you've dreamed of having enough time to consume. We’ve compiled a list of 10+ museums and historical sites hat you can visit from your living room. Some you know and others may be less familiar, so make the most of being inside and explore at your leisure, and plan which landmarks and exhibits to visit when the doors open again. Imagine being in the room where history happened . . .  The Marriott Wardman Park in Woodley Park may look like any other convention hotel in Washington, DC, but appearances can be deceiving. Over the years, the hotel has been host to important moments in African American history.
In honor of Black History Month, we take a look back at its storied past and connection to two African-American icons.  What happens in hotel rooms usually stays inside the room. But the 1972 break-in at the Watergate Hotel turned room 214 into the most (in)famous room in the country.
Today, 47 years later, you can stay in the "Scandal Room" where it happened. Plus, there's a Hollywood connection for fans of the ABC television show Scandal starring Kerry Washington. |
AboutLook up, down, and all around. Adventures can be found everywhere -- if you're curious enough to look. k for it Categories
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