February 9, 2012

National Archives: See Great Documents on Display

National_Archives

If you have a love of history, or want to instill it in others, research the budget flights to Washington DC, and check out some of the vital documents of our nation’s history with a visit to the National Archives.  The National Archives is the repository for documents related to the business of running the [...]

A Garden to End All Gardens: U.S. Botanic Garden

US Botanic Garden in Washington DC

There are gardens, and then there are splendid gardens, and the latter is exactly what you’ll expect and get at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington DC. The name Botanic Garden is somewhat misleading, as this collection is more than just a garden — it’s a museum of living plants.  The site is located on [...]

Lotus & Lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Lily Pond on Isola Madre on Lake Maggiore

Located on a 14 acre parcel along the east bank of the Anacostia River, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only National Park that is devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants, with a history that is of great significance to the botanical study and development of water plants. The gardens were initially a [...]

US Supreme Court is Open for Public Visits

US Supreme Court in Washington DC

With the recent retirement announcement of Justice John Paul Stevens, the Supreme Court is getting a lot of attention.  The highest court in the land, charged with ensuring equal justice under law, occupies a majestic building of classical Corinthian style, and is located across from the US Capitol Building and the Library of Congress in [...]

Netherlands Carillon Rings Out Over DC

Netherlands carillon washington dc

Located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, opposite the District of Columbia and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon is adjacent to the Unites States Marine Corps War Memorial. The site is park of the National Park System. Set among thousands of tulips in a park setting, the [...]

Udvar-Hazy Center Near Dulles Airport

National Air & Space Museum Udver Hazy Center

If you find yourself with spare time while waiting for your connection at Dulles Airport, consider getting off property for a few hours at the  Steven F. Udvar- Hazy Center.  A part of The Smithsonian Institute, the Center is a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum (map), and is located near Washington Dulles [...]

Making Money: Bureau of Engraving & Printing

Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Washington DC

It’s all about the money.  Always has been.  Apparently always will be. At least it is at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The BEP prints all the Federal Reserve notes (translation:  Money) at facilities in Washington DC and Ft Worth, Texas.  Coins are produced by the US Mint.  The BEP also prints other [...]