Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of the soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country. Two of America's former presidents, John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, are buried here. The crew of the Challenger space shuttle, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and film star Audie Murphy are among the many honored here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, containing the remains of unidentified soldiers from World Wars I, II, and the Korean War,is protected by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or the Old Guard, 24 hours a day. The changing of the guard ceremony is a moving tribute to them.
Founded in 1993, the Waverly Street Gallery has since been a veteran organization that promotes and exhibits both traditional and contemporary art. The gallery collaborates with a range of international artists and local talent to host regular exhibitions across genres of painting, sculpture, photography and pottery. Emerging artists are showcased through their exhibitions every second Friday of the month, which is also when the Bethesda Art Walk commences. In the past, the gallery has worked with artists such as Kate Radi, Pat Silbert, Sandra Zacharia and Kanika Sircar, among several others.
From El Greco's "The Visitation" to Byzantine and pre-Columbian artworks, jewelry and mosaics, Dumbarton Oaks is filled with elegant treasures. Built in 1801, the estate achieved its height of glory in the wealthy 1920s when it served as the high-society showpiece of Robert Bliss and his heiress wife, Mildred. The gardens occupy 10 acres above Georgetown and include terraced lawns, winding footpaths and elaborate fountains.
The Rock Creek Park contains a beautiful wild forest and serves as an oasis for city residents and tourists. Founded in 1890, the Rock Creek Park is a stunning haven for both people and wildlife. It features a multitude of attractions within which include picnic areas, winding trails and bike paths, a nature center, a public golf course, tennis courts, and stables. Rock Creek Parkway runs alongside the meandering creek. During winter, the park transforms into a popular spot for sledding and other outdoor winter activities.
The Music Center at Strathmore is a cultural and entertainment hub in North Bethesda, Maryland. This concert hall hosts shows for a variety of events. It first opened in 2005 and it is not just a music venue but also provides education in music. With a wide range of musical concerts from jazz to rock, there is something for every music lover.
One of the most popular rail trails in the country and also the most used, the Capital Crescent Trail is a pleasant 11-mile (17.70 kilometers) stretch covering through Georgetown on Water Street till Silver Spring. Set on the once deserted Georgetown Branch rail line, it is a hotspot for rollerbladers, hikers, skateboarders, walkers, bikers and joggers. Most of the trail is asphalt and is also used for commuting. Winding through parks, wooded areas, water bodies and local attractions, it is indeed a landmark in the locality and the nearby areas. So if you're planning to spend a day outdoors without venturing far away from civilization, then Capital Crescent Trail is your destination.
Located at the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of the principal landmarks of Washington, DC. Its stately form overlooks the Reflecting Pool, a gleaming stretch of water that lies sprawled before its base. Daniel Chester French's 19-foot (5.7-meter) statue of Lincoln, seated and deep in thought, watches over the nation he helped create, alongside the carved text of the Gettysburg Address, providing a glimpse into a weighty period of American history. The memorial itself draws inspiration from the Greek architectural style; its 36 doric columns represent the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Surrounded by greenery on the banks of the Potomac River, the Lincoln Memorial makes for a soul-stirring, picturesque sight, a fitting ode to one of the nation's most revered presidents.
Located in Carroll Hall, a historic landmark in downtown Washington, the Washington Stage Guild has established a specialized mission. The theater company offers audiences in the metropolitan area the neglected classics of older playwrights, especially the works of writers at the turn of the last century. The Washington Stage Guild produces four plays during its October-to-May season. The prolific George Bernard Shaw is a favorite, as is T.S. Eliot.
This predominantly African-American congregation has been worshipping here for over 100 years. Mount Zion United Methodist Church has a strong presence in the community through ministry and spiritual outreach programs that include all ages and cultures. The historic church building and cemetery served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and were featured in the best-selling novel, River Cross My Heart by Breene Clarke.
Famous as being the first mosque ever to be built in the capital city, Fazl Mosque or better known as the American Fazl Mosque dates back to mid 1900's and has also served as a headquarters for a well-known Muslim community. With as much Muslim population in the city, this religious site is frequented by a large number of believers. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, one can visit this place just to admire its intricate architecture.
St. David's is a growing congregation. On Sunday you can take part in a range of services, musical experiences, and educational offerings. The early morning service is in the traditional language but the one held later is a Family service, that happens in an energetic way along with music played on pianos. Family members of all ages participate in the service as ushers, readers, and offertory bearers. It is always a joyous moment to be a part of the congregation. Various trainings for children and the youth happen here. You can also join the programs and services in the Episcopal Church, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. Become a part of the service and experience the showers of God's blessings.
William Howard Taft who was the President of the United States was also the tenth Chief Justice of the United States and a member of the Republican Party. In 1930 he succumbed to illness and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. Sculpted by James Earle Fraser, hordes of visitors head to the Taft to pay their respects to the President.