Visiting the Nation's Capitol

If you ever get the opportunity I highly recommend taking a trip to Washington D.C.. If you've been there before, you know that there is so much to see, do and tour that it could take a month to get through it all.
Most of us probably can't take that long, but if you can visit for a week you'll have the opportunity to see plenty.

Most things you are going to have to see on foot, and I will tell you there is a lot of walking, and I mean a lot.  So bring your comfy running or walking shoes.
The National Mall has many different memorials to see and learn more about the history behind them.

The unique thing about the National Mall is everything looks vastly different during the day vs. night.  Most of my pictures will be taken at night because I love the way the monuments and memorials look in the night lighting.

It's also a bit less crowded during the evening hours before the exhibits close down.  It also provides for a fun evening walk.

The Korean Memorial is one of my favorites and this is one you must see at night.  In person with the lighting this is really how it looks for soldiers back in that time when they were out walking in war.  My father who is a Vietnam Veteran told me this.  These statue's give an eerie yet fascinating tribute to the soldiers who fought in the war.

Personally, I think even the fountains look far more beautiful at night.  Above is the WWII Memorial, which I believe is one of the newest memorial additions.

Walking around the different memorials, and viewing the monuments and sculptures really gives you a sense of patriotism.  When you walk through the area's, try to imagine what it was like for the soldiers to fight in these wars so that we can have the freedom's we have and appreciate today.

The White House, isn't along the National Mall, but it is nearby within walking distance.  I'll be honest it was much smaller in person than I thought it would be.  If you'd like to tour the White House you can, but you need to get tickets ahead of time from your state representative.  Generally you need to request these 4-6 weeks in advance for the date you'd like to visit and tour.

Of course many of these buildings are very old and were crafted with amazing hands and planning.

These picture's above are from the Library of Congress building, one of my favorites in architecture beauty.

The Nation's Capitol, which is pretty much known by sight from everyone in the world.  In fact did you know some movies actually use the Capitol pictures as the White House for the movie.  I bet you can think of a few and if you can't I bet you pay attention more when watching a movie with the two in it.

Looking up at the rotunda inside the capitol

You can tour the capitol, but again you must get tickets ahead of time from your state representative to see the entire tour.  However, if you only want to see the partial tour you can get tickets a day or so in advance possibly longer during the busy months.

If I showed pictures of everything it would be the worlds longest post:)  But a few other highly recommended spots to visit while in D.C.
* Smithsonian (Just FYI their are so many museums it could take weeks to see everything inside each of the different ones.
*  Ford Theatre
*  Visit Mount Vernon
*  National Archives Building to see the Constitution,  Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.
*  There are also several beautiful state parks and water ways of historical interest to visit if you have the time.