After a long two weeks of Smithsonian sabbaticals, and unusual Washingtonian humdrum, this past weekend I was able to enjoy DC’s best sites with my sister and her friend Jessica who came to visit from New York. Below I’ve listed the top 10 attractions of the weekend.

1. Memorial Walk by Car

Unlike New York City, DC is the city that is in bed by 9:00PM. Most shops and restaurants will close early Monday through Thursday evenings. On the weekends the rules are bent. As a result, driving through the National Mall on a Thursday evening was relaxing and enjoyable. There were very few cars on the road, and with or without a shutdown all the monuments were light. We were able to drive up to the Washington Monument, WWII memorial, and the Capitol.

2. Capital Bikeshare

Like Amsterdam, and now New York City, DC is a beautiful city to bike through. Downtown streets, and sections of Pennsylvania Avenue have exclusive bicycle lanes strategically built into them. The red capital bikeshares can be found at 200+ stations throughout the city. For their use, you must pay via debt or credit card. A day rental can cost you $7 allowing you to ride 30 minutes free before returning the bike to another station. A $101.00 hold will be placed on your card for the next 7 days, so plan your expenses in advance. Bikers can ride on the National Mall; however, be sure to ride on the street when in the downtown area. If your not comfortable with riding on the streets, be cautious while on the sidewalks. Most pedestrians detest sidewalk bikers; therefore, be sure to ring your way through.

3. Library of Congress

Not only is this library one of the world’s best libraries, the architecture within its walls will leave you in awe. Be prepared to read EVERY SINGLE quote on its walls, and embrace the moment. The girls loved the library, and wanted to study in the main reading room. As I have always said since first seeing the library, studying at the Library of Congress makes you feels like an intellectual. All of history, and the great scholars of old look down on you from on top of the dome and question you saying, “Are you doing your part?” It’s here where ignorance is a felonious act, and with all the knowledge of time at your grasp you’re encouraged to reach out and make it a part of you.

4. Corner Bakery Café

When in DC it is imperative that you visit Corner Bakery Café, the pastries are delicious, and the coffee is pretty good as well. If you like Panera Bread, you’ll truly enjoy this place. A cup of coffee can cost you about $4, and pastries can range depending on what you order $3 to $5. Their seasonal drinks and pumpkin bread are worth every cent. I strongly recommend their fudge brownies, and Anaheim Scrambler meal.

5. National Archives

The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and an original copy of the Magna Carta are housed here (If you’re interested in seeing the Articles of Confederation, you’ll have to visit the Library of Congress). Be sure to ask Sargent W, who typically guards the Constitution, to give you a thorough explanation of the Constitution. His vast knowledge and passion on early American history will be most enriching. Find out which state is not mentioned in the Constitution, which state is misspelled, and which great American figure did not sign the Declaration of Independence. A book that was recommend to us was Eyewitness to America, edited by David Colbert.

6. The Smithsonians

You could spend a week in DC and still NOT see all that there is to see at these augmenting museums. We visited two of the 19 museums, the Museum of Natural History, and the American History museum. At the museum of Natural History we able to see the Hope Diamond, and the Butterfly exhibit. All Smithsonians are free to the public; however, the Butterfly exhibit will cost you $6, with the exception of Tuesdays when the exhibit is free to the public.

At the American History museum, we were able to see the authentic Star-Spangle Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key after the war of 1812. One of my favorite exhibits is the Civil Rights exhibit, where guests are able to walk back in time, observing history 150 years ago and the civil war, and 50 years ago to the Civil Rights movement. You’ll be able to read about Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King.

7. The Old Post Office Clock Tower

It is the third highest point in DC, and free of charge. You’ll enjoy a peaceful view of the world’s most influential city. DC is a modern timeworn city; from the top of the tower one will admire the city’s majestic old European architecture, its gardens and broad avenues.

8. Founding Farmers

Just a few blocks away from the White House you’ll be able to dine at one of DC’s finest restaurants. Southern American style entrées range from $16 to $20. My favorite, their waffle fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Be sure to enjoy this meal with Tabasco sauce and maple syrup; it’s pretty awesome. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance.

9. The Petersen House

This is the boarding house where Abraham Lincoln died just over 8 hours after having been shot by John Wilkes Booth. Booth, one of Americas prominent actors at the time believed he was doing the country a great service, and was upset when he heard that offers for his arrest were lower than $500,000.

At the Petersen House your able to see the room in which Lincoln died, and travel back in time to April 15, 1865. The entrance fee to the museum is free of charge, as is the tour of Ford Theater across the street from the home.

10. Driving through M Street in Georgetown

Georgetown is one of Northwest DC’s nicest areas, you’ll enjoy driving through M Street just to people watch. Exclusive boutiques, bars, coffee shops, cupcakes, and more bring university students to the scene. Thinking you’d like to live in this area? Be prepared to pay $2,000 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment. It’s hard to drive through the streets of Georgetown, and not feel a sense of envy towards the bigwigs who can afford the town’s luxurious living and status.

Over the weekend I was able to really enjoy the city with two of my favorite people. The girls were able to learn a lot about our nation’s capital, how it runs, and its importance. My sister said that DC is a city that is underrated, and being from New York I would agree. What makes the city attractive is its size, higher thinking, diversity and power. Everyone aspiring to be someone comes to DC, some argue, “it’s the Hollywood of ugly people;” however, I believe it’s the city of leaders.

We all engage in profoundly interesting conversations on social issues, how Washington is broken, and what it will take to fix it, while reflection on the knowledge I have attained at the Washington Internship Institute (WII).
My sister was struck by the humble façade of the White House, I told her the Eisenhower should be the main portico, and she disagreed saying, “This looks like ‘Let them Eat Cake.’” Comments like these, and philosophical ideas on rebellion, revolution and the establishment of our democracy filled the spectrum of discussions.

If your looking for a family vacation and are still unsure as to where to go, I highly recommend taking Washington, DC into consideration. There is more to our history than you may believe. E pluribus unum—Out of Many One