Day 2 of our trip was a busy one. We played tourist most of the day and ended on a pretty cool high note.
Read more: Washington DC Trip, Day 2: InspiringTo start, we had coffee and pasties at Tatte Bakery, a local coffee shop around the corner from our hotel. You can’t go wrong if you’re day starts with an almond croissant.
The George Washington University
After breakfast, we put on our Tourist hats.This was the day during which we wanted to visit the monuments on the national mall, so we had to get moving!
The distance between the Lincoln Memorial and our hotel was just a little over a mile, so we decided to walk. Along the way, we passed next to Georgetown University and saw some of the cool old school architecture.
The building associated with the university are located in what were originally homes. One one block, we saw official university offices in a house next to a fraternity or sorority. A very “mixed use” community.
The Lincoln Memorial
We finally got to the Lincoln Memorial. This is the monument I wanted to visit most of all. It’s a monument to a man who managed to keep this nation together during the most trying times because he believed in what the nation stood for. Looking at the long line of people who have served as President, Abraham Lincoln most certainly is one of the giants in that group.
Of all the photos that I took at the Lincoln Memorial, this one is my favorite. I like the makeup of the young people in the photo as well as what they represent in the context of what the memorial stands for.
The Reflecting Pool
The national mall is home to all of this nations greatest monuments. The greatest social events have taken place in the space between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was being renovated on the day we were there. We weren’t able to get a “first person” look at the pool.
Today, we know the renovation was a grand failure. But I was able to imagine the scene from the Lincoln Memorial in its original grandeur.
My wife and I walked from the reflecting pool to the Korean War Memorial after we wrapped our visit.
Korean War Memorial
The Korean War is often referred to as “The Forgotten War” because it fell between two other conflicts that cast a longer shadow across our nation. My wife’s father served in that war after service in World War II.
That memorial features a display of soldiers on patrol. I was particularly taken by the last soldier in the display. He’s looking back toward where they have just come from. To me that’s typical of any service member heeding the call to duty. They’re protecting the others in their unit. Their background is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is that this group of people need one another to accomplish their mission, whatever that may be.
I feel this is an apt metaphor for where we are as nation: we have an important mission ahead of us to make our nation the best it can be, and it will take the efforts of everyone to bring that mission to its fruition.
World War II Memorial
After we left the Korean War Memorial, we stopped by the World War II Memorial. Its size and layout is impressive. A circular layout celebrating each of the state serves to remind you that the entire nation participated in winning that war.
Lunchbreak
Finally, we left the National Mall and headed to our hotel prior to our small bit of business.
At the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street NW sits the The Lockkeeper’s House. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture, definitely worth a first-hand view.
More to see!
After we finished our business, we got back into “tourist mode” and headed to Old Ebbit Grill, the oldest saloon in Washington DC. Having recently visited Tadich Grill (the oldest restaurant in San Francisco), I was interested in comparing the two establishments.
Both establishments had a very mature “feel” to them, that implied quality and class. But the similarities quickly end.
Tadich Grill
Tadich is a long, narrow building with the bar taking up most of the space. To get to an open bar stool, you have to walk, nearly sideways, behind people sitting at the bar. But once you’re in your seat, a bartender dressed in a smart white smock takes your order and you’re off on a wonderful experience.
Old Ebbit Grill
Old Ebbit Grill, on the other hand, is primarily a restaurant with a classic bar as its calling card. The bar is typical of many of the bars in the area. It was separated from the dining area and was elevated compared to the dining area.
We stopped into the bar for an afternoon snack. A snack was called for since it was afternoon and we had a nice dinner planned later. We were intrigued by an offering of sardines and bread even though this establishment is known for its oyster dishes. It was quite enjoyable.
More monuments
The White House
Old Ebbit Grill is basically across the street from the White House. We were unable to take the traditional “selfie in front of the White House” since there was work being done to the parks around the White House. We did, however, see some people protesting the administration from the closed available point to the White House. I thanked them for being there protesting.
Washington Monument
We headed back to the mall and stopped by the Washington Monument. Its shape is quite unmistakable and visible from many areas
I had a fun time goofing off around the monument.
The FDR Memorial
Next, we walked to the memorial to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This memorial isn’t mentioned along with the ones to Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. I didn’t even know that the memorial existed Nonetheless, I found it quite inspiring.
There were many pieces that make up this memorial that highlighted various aspects of this presidency. The depression era was a running theme. There were pieces that illustrated the despair of the people and the comfort FDR provided with his Fireside Chats.
The memorial has many brass items that can be touched by visitors. The main statue of FDR has been touched A LOT on his knee and on a finger that extends out. There is also a panel of shapes with impressions of hands. They have also been rubbed to the bare brass by visitors’ touching the plaque.
It’s cool to see a memorial that encourages interaction by visitors.
Martin’s Tavern
We concluded the day by enjoying dinner at Martin’s Tavern. We wanted to got there, because this tavern has created ties to many politicians over the years (it IS in Washington DC after all). Two points that stand out and made us want to dine there are:
- JFK Proposed to Jackie in booth 3
- Booth 1, “the rumble seat” was JFK’s favorite spot and wrote some of his inaugural address there.
We didn’t get the proposal booth, but we did get a cozy spot next to the bar. For dinner, we enjoyed a cocktail and then some wonderful, hearty food for dinner.
After dinner, we strolled through Georgetown on the way back to our hotel. We saw many interesting pieces of archtitecture along the way.
All done
That was one long day! We saw many of the memorials I’d only read about. Visiting the Lincoln Memorial was my primary goal for this visit. I found it to be as inspiring as I’d hoped.