Sault - Moon Washington DC

SAMANTHA SAULT

The sun sets over the U.S. Capitol, its muscular dome startling in the sky. Fade to the White House, faces outside the gates, calling for change. Pan to the Lincoln Memorial, a reminder of sins and a promise for the futureand an arresting sight, no matter how many times youve seen it.

Its on the news, 24 hours a day. Its on Netflix. But its not a script. Its real life in the nations capital.

Generations of changemakers and wonks have chosen a life of taxation without representation in this strange, swampy place on the Potomac River, a place thats much more than an average city but not yet a state. Some are trying to make the world a better place. Some are seeking power and influence. Some get caught in a scandal. At the end of the day, they all work hard, and play harder, together, no matter who they voted for.

When you touch down at Reagan National Airport, amid the monuments, you feel that you, too, can touch power. This city is a place where Washington and Jefferson and Lincoln (and JFK and Reagan) became the mythic figures that we know today. Like the cherry blossoms in April, the city explodes with creativity, energy, and passionnot just for politics, but also for food, the arts, and fashion. While those winds may alter the landscape around it, DC can weather any storm.

summer in the Navy Yard ()

the 2017 Womens March along the National Mall ()

Bens Chili Bowl on U Street ()

The Spirit of St. Louis at the National Air and Space Museum ()

Union Station ()

United States Marine Corps War Memorial ()

The White House: The best-known domicile in America is a must-visit spot for a photo op (

U.S. Capitol: Tour the imposing building where lawmakers work ().

Washington Monument: Get up close to this renowned tribute to the father of the country ().

Lincoln Memorial: While the awe-inspiring monument to the 16th president lives in the collective consciousness of America, its physical presence remains an inspiration ().

National Mall and Memorials Walk: How many scenic walks are truly iconic? See some of the most beautiful and moving monuments to the nations heroes on the mall ().

The Smithsonian Institution Museums and Galleries: The Smithsonian offers so many museums of so many different types that you might need to extend your trip to fit them all in ().

Independence Day: Head to the nations capital for the be-all and end-all of Fourth of July celebrations ().

Arlington National Cemetery: Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and JFKs gravesite ().

Happy Hour: This is how business gets done in DC, whether in a pub on Capitol Hill or a posh cocktail bar near the White House ().

Cherry Blossoms: Spring in DC means an explosion of cherry blossoms. Celebrate the beauty during the National Cherry Blossom Festival ().

THE BEST OF WASHINGTON DC

History, politics, powerand the worlds best free museums. To experience the best of Washington DC in a few days, stay downtown in a hotel like Penn Quarters Hotel Monaco, a short walk or just a few Metro stops away from the halls of power and the best restaurants and nightlife. You dont need a car; everything in this itinerary is accessible by Metro, a taxi or ride-share, or walking.

DAY 1: DOWNTOWN, PENN QUARTER, AND CAPITOL HILL

Start your day at Petes Diner, one block from the U.S. Capitol. Youll be joined by Hill staffers and perhaps a few lawmakers; former Speaker of the House John Boehner had eggs and coffee here almost every day.