Fly into Reagan – take the metro into the city – museum hop and sight see some impressive monuments all (nearly) free. During the early month of April you can also expect to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom signifying the new season of spring, something that is always celebrated and #instagrammed of course.
Tour The White House:
If you want to make your trip extra special – reach out to your states representative to sign up for the FREE tour of the White House. This does requires some advance planning and a request must be made through your member of Congress (see link below) and submitted up to three months in advance. If you’re an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, contact your home country’s embassy in Washington on a first come, first served basis. Word of caution – always check any last minute cancellations before your trip as tours are based on official White House scheduling.
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events/
Tour the Jefferson Memorial:
Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a national monument that commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s many contributions to the United States. During his life he was our nation’s second vice president and our third president. In addition to leading our nation, he also is the author of the Declaration of Independence.
See a Show at the Ford Theater:
The theater where the famous assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place April 14, 1865. You can also tour the Petersen House where the late president passed away surrounded by friends and witnesses to the crime. I love that this theater also still has live performances and you can purchase tickets online, see link below.
https://www.fords.org/visit/historic-site/?date=2019-04-13
Pay Your Respects at the Lincoln Memorial:
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated just as the Civil War was ending in 1865. Congress incorporated the Lincoln Monument by March 1867 to honor the slain 16th president. The monument took 4 years to complete and the creators devoted many years to studying Abraham’s photos to perfect the presidents physique and facial expressions. He positioned Lincoln’s hands in a manner that displayed his two leading qualities. One of the presidents hands are clenched signifying his strength and determination to see the war through to a successful conclusion. The other hand is a more open, slightly relaxed hand representing his compassionate and warm nature.
Admire The Washington Monument:
Built to honor and memorialize George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital the Washington Monument is something to behold. Upon completion in 1880 it was the world’s tallest building at 555 feet, 5-⅛ inches. Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, the structure embodies the awe, respect and gratitude the nation felt for the most essential Founding Father. Admiring the monument from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is free but there is a small fee for taking the elevator up to the top of the monument.
