Copyright 2012 by Judy Colbert and Denis Collins
All rights reserved
Published by Menasha Ridge Press
Printed in the United States of America
Distributed by Publishers Group West
First edition, first printing
Cover design by Scott McGrew; text design by Annie Long
Cartography by Steve Jones
Unless otherwise noted, all interior photographs by Judy Colbert and Denis Collins
Front cover photograph Dwight Nadig. Coauthor Denis Collins tells you the best way to view Washingtons famous cherry blossoms. (See .)
Back cover photographs: left, Tracey Filar Atwood/courtesy of Politics and Prose Bookstore; center, Denis Collins; right, Ron Blunt/courtesy of Renwick Gallery/Smithsonian Institution
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Colbert, Judy.
Peaceful places, Washington, D.C.: 120 tranquil sites in the nation's capital and beyond / by Judy Colbert and Denis Collins. 1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-0-89732-544-8
ISBN-10: 0-89732-544-3
1. Washington (D.C.)Guidebooks. 2. Washington RegionGuidebooks. 3. Quietude. I. Collins, Denis. II. Title.
F192.3.C63 2012
917.5304'4dc23
2012008685
Menasha Ridge Press
P.O. Box 43673
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
menasharidge.com
Disclaimer
Seclusion can be part of the charm of a peaceful place. Likewise, in some locations, the best time to visit is in the early morning, at sunset, or even in the evening, when few other people are around. Therefore, we remind you to maintain awareness and practice caution in all of the destinations described in this book, just as you would when venturing to any isolated or unfamiliar location. Please also note that prices, hours, and public transportation routes fluctuate in the course of time and that travel information changes under the impact of many factors that influence the travel industry. We therefore suggest that you write or call ahead for confirmation when making your travel plans. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information throughout this book, and the contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of sites are based on the authors own experiences; therefore, descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion, which may not reflect the publishers opinion or dictate a readers own experience on another occasion.
dedication
To the Ladies Who LunchBev, Liz, and Mary Loumy peaceful people.
Judy Colbert
To Pam and Riley, who unlocked the mysteries, peaceful and otherwise.
Denis Collins
acknowledgments
T o create this type of book requires the help of many people. Even with Internet resources, facts have to be checked, suggestions sought, perceptions affirmed (or denied), insights requested, and details confirmed. Although I hope I have been thorough in keeping track of everyone who helped, I may have misplaced a name or two. If so, let me know and Ill make it up to you next time. Meanwhile, alphabetical thanks go to Amy Arden, Lauren Arffa, Tracey Filar Atwood, Laura Baptiste, ranger Kevin Barry, Nick Bartolomeo, Suprabha Beckjord, Bethany Bentley, Mindy Bianca, Edith Chase, Rachel Cothran, Bob Cullen, Alan Davis, Rachel Dinbokowitz, Frank Francois, Kate Gibbs, Liz Griffin, Kristin Guiter, Cindy Hays, Anita Kassof, Barry Kessler, Jenny Kinniff, Anthony Kirlew, Kathleen Kruczlnicki, Jeff Krulik, Kathy Kupper, Hillel Kuttler, Guy Lamolinara, Bren Landon, Dr. Stephen M. Levin, Mary Lou Malzone, Barbara D. Martin, Ashley Mason-Greene, Eileen Maxwell, Sara Messina, Greg Miller, Alison Mitchell, Jacque Morgan, Scott Nelson, Patricia Nugent, Heather Papinchak, Kobi Penland, Michael Rayburn, Gabriel Riera, Adam Ross, John Rouse, Garland Scott, Megan Shaffer, Michelle Sherrard, Dr. William L. Shulman, Holly Siprelle, Linda St. Thomas, Steve Trombetti, Nathan Tyler, Nick Valente, Ricardo Vergara, Bev Westcott, Connie Yingling, and Mandy Young.
Special thanks goes to Susan A. Haynes, who has been and is such an excellent editorial guide for Peaceful Places: Washington, D.C.
Judy Colbert
Washington, D.C.
April 2012
W here to start? How about the much-maligned federal government, for funding the greatest collection of museums and galleries in the countryand nearly all of them free. Id like to thank the men and women of the National Park Service for the exceptional job they do keeping the rivers, hiking trails, and open spaces available for our health and happiness. I will say the same for the chefs, servers, and bartenders who made this book a joy to investigate.
And, finally, Id like to thank my Uncle Francis, who owned riding stables in D.C. for more than 50 years. He taught my brother and me how to keep unruly mules pulling barges on the C&O Canal. Jackie Kennedy used to sneak out of the White House to ride with him, much to the chagrin of her bodyguards. To Francis and all the storytellers I met along the way, thank you.
Denis Collins
Washington, D.C.
April 2012
introduction
I m a native Washingtonian, and I have been exploring this area through my elementary school days, through my daughters field-trip days, through writing several editions of a D.C. guidebook for children (of all ages), and through visiting friends and relatives. I dont begin to think I know everything there is to see and do, and yet, I keep trying. Some attractions are no longer. The Wonder Bread bakerythe one I swore Id never tour again after way too many school field tripshas been closed for years. The underground tour of the Lincoln Memorial that let you see the stalactites is no more because of asbestos or fear of personal injury. Similarly, the tour of the Washington Monument steps and engraved and dedicated stones has been halted for various reasons. Oh, it has been so long since the monument opened and women had to walk up and down the stairs because the elevator was considered too dangerous.
Still, there is much to do, especially in search of tranquility, which is why this book exists. What do you consider peaceful? Is it anything that deters you from traffic and the accompanying noise? Does the taste and aroma of chocolate inspire you to ignore crowds? Will a melodic change-bell peal at the Washington National Cathedral help you sublimate the din of civilization? I think Denis and I have found a surprising selection of peaceful places such as those.
Peaceful Places: Washington, D.C. has been a delightful challenge because local residents in the countrys major metropolises are the primary market for this series of books. Finding the even-more-peaceful setting in recognizably tranquil spots (such as libraries) or quiet times at busy sites (such as at the Smithsonian museums) has been fun.
Our intention is to lead you to many serene destinations and restorative experiences. My hope is that youll find the I didnt know that factor in most, if not all, of our listings.
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