Living in the DC-area is very culturally rewarding. When I decided to stay here after college, I always told myself I would go out to museums on weekends and lead this super enriched life with everything going on throughout the city. Well, that didn't pan out because I can be content sitting on a couch watching tv all weekend.
So to kick myself off the couch, I've decided to visit as many DC touristy locations as possible this summer. Sure it will be rough in the unbearable heat and throngs of actual tourists on vacation, but I want to take advantage of what is around me on a daily basis. Not just when a family member or friend comes to visit.
1. Postal Museum
This is perhaps my favorite underrated Smithsonian museum. It is a little off the beaten path as far as Smithsonian museums go. But it's so easy to get to off of the Union Station Metro. The building is gorgeous and the interior is preserved as it was when it served as a Post Office.
2. National Portrait Gallery
I had never been there before in my nearly 7 years in the area. But the real highlight, as you might guess from the photo below, was the presidents' portraits. It was just fascinating to see each of the presidents and how it evolved. With each portrait, there was a tiny placard with a paragraph or two about the president and some interesting story. Like, Washington was painted by a 17 year old artist who was so nervous that his dad had to sit in on the portrait session. Walking through all of the "dead old white men" portraits, as I like to call them, brought back bits and pieces of my high school U.S. history course. That and it created a fun game of "Who would play you in a movie?" FYI: Robin Williams could totally be Ulysses Grant if he wanted a serious role.
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