Sweet Spot

            Washington, D.C. – with its monuments, museums, cathedrals, art galleries and government buildings – is always a worthwhile travel destination. But our nation’s capital, less than a five-hour drive northeast of Smith Mountain Lake, is never more spectacular than in the spring.

            “No matter where you plan to go, make sure it’s when the cherry blossoms are in bloom,” said SML resident Connie LeMasters. “The trees are breathtaking.”

            In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 Yoshino Cherries to the area to symbolize the friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. Then-First Lady Lady Bird Johnson accepted 3,800 more trees in 1965.

            The first Cherry Blossom Festival took place in 1927, and in 1994 it was expanded to a two-week celebration with parades, fireworks and other gala events. The festival is carefully planned around the anticipated date for peak bloom, when 70 percent of the blossoms are expected to be open. This year’s events will take place March 27 through April 11.

            Beyond enjoying the beauty of the blossoms, everyone has his or her own idea of what’s a “must-see” in the nation’s capital.

            Topping LeMasters’ list of favorites is the Washington Monument, the tallest masonry structure in the world and, at 555 feet, the tallest building in D.C. By law, no building is allowed to be built taller than the tribute to the nation’s first president.

            Barb Hildreth of Westlake Plantation is equally fond of the Lincoln Memorial.

            “I remember standing in line for hours when I was a kid,” Hildreth said. “It was and still is very emotional.”

            Most visitors agree the historical monuments and memorials along the National Mall are noteworthy and impressive, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, numerous parks and gardens, and memorials to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. Others find the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights originals in the National Archives, similarly moving.

            “For me, it’s the Pentagon, especially the memorial to the Sept. 11 victims,” said Loa Herbert of Mountain View Shores.

            The five-sided structure surrounding a five-acre courtyard was built during World War II as an impenetrable fortress for the U.S. Department of Defense. The terrorist attack in 2001 proved otherwise, and a memorial now displays the names of the 125 people killed. 

            The Vietnam Memorial, Memorial to Women in Military Service for America, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are other sites LeMasters recommended.

            Lake residents Donna and Larry Broomall differ slightly on which of the 19 museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution they enjoy most. Donna was partial to the National Museum of Natural History, setting of the popular “Night at the Museum” movie. Visitors there can view the Hope Diamond, explore the Insect Zoo, enjoy a live butterfly display and stand side by side with the largest bush elephant in the world.

            Larry said he preferred the National Air and Space Museum with its 23 galleries and historic displays of aviation and space travel.

            “There’s a second Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport,” he said, referring to the Udvar-Hazy Center. It has aircraft displayed on three levels, including the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world, and the Enterprise space shuttle capsule. Flight simulators and other historic artifacts also are displayed there. “My grandkids love it,” he said.

            The National Postal Museum, another of the Smithsonian’s, has been enjoyed by Lee Hopkins and husband Don, frequent visitors to the D.C., area. On display there is a colorful overview of America’s history, including the story of the Pony Express, illustrated on stamps. The postal uniform worn by the character of Cliff Clavin on the “Cheers” TV show also is on display.

            Recently, the Hopkins were particularly moved by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Hopkins described the museum as “brutal, direct and impassioned” and strongly recommended a visit.

            Among the other sites favored by local residents is the National Cathedral, with its whimsical stone gargoyles and “space window” containing a piece of lunar rock from the Apollo 11 mission. The sixth-largest in the world, the cathedral is a Christian church but includes interfaith and ecumenical services. There also are musical events, a labyrinth and organ demonstrations.

            If you’re traveling with children, consider taking them to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). They may already know money doesn’t grow on trees, but they’ll probably be fascinated by the 40-minute tour showing how U.S. currency is designed, engraved and printed.

            The International Spy Museum is another stop likely to impress tourists of all ages. Visitors start by adopting a cover identity and are subsequently “trained” to recognize disguises. James Bond wannabe’s get to search for hidden cameras, learn about high-tech gadgetry and notorious spy cases with interactive displays in this unusual tribute to espionage.

            Most visitors choose their own itinerary when touring D.C., but there are some not-so-ordinary guided tours available. DC by Foot includes stories, secrets and information about various national treasures during a stroll through the National Mall. DC by Bus has a “Twilight Monuments” tour on Saturday at 7 p.m.

            DC Ducks offers a refreshing perspective of the nation’s capitol via a 90-minute tour through the city and into the Potomac River on a World War II amphibious vehicle.

For directions to a specific museum or monument, visit the D.C. Department of Tourism Web site at washington.org.