Visit Washington, DC and Check Out Destinations That Are Off the Mall

A visit to our nations capital in Washington DC is aneedlework, quilts, fabrics, and textiles.
great trip for any American and a beautifulOne of my favorites is the National Portrait
introduction to the United States for foreignGallery just across the street from the Spy
visitors. Of course, everyone is familiar with theMuseum. This is a great place to take the kids.
National Mall, that wonderful area stretching fromThe National Portrait Gallery offers visitors the
the United States Capital to the Washingtonofficial portraits of the Untied States presidents in
Monument.formal and informal settings and included a stately
Along those tree lined avenues, you will find theportrait of George Washington.
Smithsonian complex of museums. All housed inIf you are tired of spending your time indoors,
architecturally significant buildings, each museumyou can visit the National Zoo at 3001 Connecticut
features themed attractions including art,Avenue NW and stroll the grounds of this famous
American history, natural history, air and space,park and its fascinating collection of wild animals.
American Indians, and the Holocaust Museum.My all time favorite DC destination is the National
After a visit to one or several of the SmithsonianArboretum, which is the national tree museum.
museums, take a walk toward the Capital. One ofLocated at 3501 New York Avenue NE, the
the most beautiful sights in America is the light ofarboretum is a 446-acre complex dedicated to
the sun setting on the Capitol.plants. You can walk the azalea trail or take a
But the museums in Washington DC are notscenic drive and spend time outside in the fresh
limited to the Mall. The city is chock full of manyair checking out an impressive collection of trees,
other interesting places and museums, some partshubs, herbs, flowers, and themed areas including
of the Smithsonian complex, some unaffiliated,the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.
others are private.Washington, DC is a treasure trove of
There is the International Spy Museum at 800 Fdestinations that are culturally significant, beautiful,
Street NW, a newer establishment that is greatand fun for the whole family. If you live in driving
fun for the whole family. The Corcoran is adistance, you can space your excursion over a
private art gallery at 500 47th Street NW and islifetime. If you plan a vacation there, plan ahead
just around the corner from the White House, aand decide which places interest you the most.
few blocks away from the Mall.But do not neglect the great spots that are off
The Textile Museum at 2320 S Street offersthe Mall in Washington, DC.