Urban Adventure: Washington D.C.

In our 8 years of marriage, we have never taken a 'non-outdoor adventure' trip together. We've taken all kinds of fun trips: skiing into yurts in Oregon, camping & climbing in Southern Idaho, ice climbing in Colorado, flyfishing (and camping) in Montana, backpacking in Washington state, and so on. So when my dear friend Arielle announced that she was to be married in Washington D.C., we thought it was due time for us to take a different kind of vacation.

The idea was to stay in a comfy hotel, explore the city, help out with the wedding, and enjoy the special day. We stayed for a full week, but there is so much to see and do in D.C. that we couldn't fit it all in, believe it or not! Here are a few highlights:

Old Town- We stayed in Alexandria, or Old Town. It is quaint but lively, with original cobblestone streets and narrow, old houses. This is a very cool neighborhood and a great place to stay in D.C., with easy access to the rest of the city via the Metro.

Our super posh hotel

Museums- It is truly amazing how much time could be spent visiting museums in D.C. Many of them are free, all are extremely interesting and worthwhile. We looked through the Museum of American History, the Museum of Natural History, the National Archives, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Art Museum, and the Crime & Punishment Museum. (italics = favorites)

Memorials- Our camera died the day we visited most of the memorials, so we're sad to have no pics. At the Vietnam Veteran's memorial, we were astonished by the enormity of the wall, which is inscribed with 58,256 names of those who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam War. We also really enjoyed the Lincoln Memorial. Brandon got to spend some time in the Arlington Cemetery. He was impressed by its size, the sheer number of men & women who have sacrificed much in their lives of service for our freedom.

Thanks to our Navy family & friends...part of the Navy Memorial

Washington Monument, in the snow

Good Food- D.C. is known for its food...but we struggled a bit in this category. There were almost too many options to pick from. Plus, we are accustomed to less expensive -but still high quality- restaurant options. In D.C., we ended up paying too much for less than amazing food a couple times...so we decided to check out Ben's Chili Bowl, on recommendation from Arielle & Doug.

a line out the door, music bumping loud, chili dogs & pump cheese fries

...a great place for cheap, grease-bomb food and people-watching!

Government Buildings- We couldn't get in to see the White House, the House or Congress. But we admired all of the buildings from the outside. Unfortunately, the camera died just after a visit to the Capital...so again, only a few pics.

The Supreme Court

in front of The Supreme Court, the Capital behind us

The inside of the Capital dome

We love the Metro!...maybe it'll catch on in Seattle?