7 Offbeat Washington DCExperiences Beyond the National Mall
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Theodore Roosevelt Island - A Natural Oasis
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 885-acre national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington D.C., dedicated to the 26th President of the United States.
The island features miles of trails through wooded uplands and marshes, and is a popular destination for hiking, walking, and bird watching.
The memorial, which was dedicated in 1967, is a living tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, known as the "Great Conservationist," and offers visitors a chance to explore a natural oasis just minutes from the heart of the nation's capital.
The island's original plan called for a grand 25 million memorial with a 200-car parking lot and elaborate lighting, but budget constraints led to a more modest, natural design.
Interestingly, the island was previously used as a training camp for the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, before being transformed into a memorial in the 1930s.
As the northern terminus of the popular 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, Theodore Roosevelt Island provides a unique access point for hikers, runners, and cyclists exploring the Potomac River's natural beauty.
Remarkably, the island's dedication in 1967 came nearly 50 years after Roosevelt's passing, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the "Great Conservationist" and his impact on the nation's public lands.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Theodore Roosevelt Island - A Natural Oasis
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Brewer's Delight - Alexandria's Craft Beer Scene
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Rooftop Revelry - POV Rooftop at the W
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Artistic Treasures - Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Exploring Beyond the Mall - George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum
- 7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Lincoln's Summer Retreat - A Historic Escape
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Brewer's Delight - Alexandria's Craft Beer Scene
Alexandria, Virginia has emerged as a craft beer destination, building on its rich brewing history dating back to before Prohibition.
The city is seeing a resurgence of craft breweries, solidifying its reputation as a hub for beer enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the craft beer scene is thriving in Washington D.C. as well, with numerous breweries and brewpubs offering a diverse range of innovative brews.
Alexandria, Virginia was once home to the largest brewery in the American South before Prohibition, underscoring the city's long history as a center of beer production.
Today, Port City Brewing in Alexandria is a key player in the city's craft beer renaissance, known for its award-winning Optimal Wit, a true-to-style Belgian witbier.
The craft beer scene in Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas, including Alexandria, is thriving, with numerous innovative breweries like the 100% gay-owned Red Bear Brewing Co. and the wife-and-wife founded Denizens Brewing Co.
Aslin Beer Company, located in the suburbs of D.C., has gained a reputation for its IPA brews, including the popular Panda Strike Force IPA.
Hellbender Brewing Company in D.C. is known for its focus on IPA styles, offering a range of hop-forward beers that have garnered critical acclaim.
The craft beer boom in the D.C. region has been fueled in part by the area's growing population and increased interest in local, artisanal food and beverage products.
Despite the region's historical ties to beer production, the current craft beer scene in Alexandria and D.C. represents a renewed appreciation for innovative and community-focused brewing, solidifying the area's status as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Rooftop Revelry - POV Rooftop at the W
The W Hotel in Washington DC features a rooftop hangout at its POV bar, which has a historic perch overlooking the White House and the National Mall.
The bar has been renovated and reopened with a remade menu featuring cocktails with political references.
The bar is located in the W Hotel, which was originally built in 1918 as The Hotel Washington and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Remarkably, the rooftop's floor-to-ceiling windows are made of reinforced glass capable of withstanding winds of up to 150 mph, ensuring the safety of patrons even in severe weather.
Surprisingly, the POV Rooftop's cocktail menu features several drinks inspired by famous American politicians, such as the "Madam Speaker" (a twist on a Cosmopolitan) and the "Mr.
President" (a riff on an Old Fashioned).
The rooftop's distinctive, modern decor includes custom-made furniture and art installations, such as a striking sculpture made from repurposed industrial materials that serves as the focal point of the space.
Notably, the POV Rooftop's sustainability efforts include the use of energy-efficient LED lighting and a water reclamation system that allows for the reuse of rainwater collected on the roof.
Remarkably, the W Hotel's rooftop has been featured in numerous TV shows and films, including "House of Cards" and "Veep," showcasing the iconic views of the nation's capital to a global audience.
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Artistic Treasures - Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, housed in the historic Patent Office Building, offer visitors a chance to explore the story of America through its visual arts and cultural heritage.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery are housed in the old Patent Office Building, which was originally constructed in 1836 and was previously destroyed by a fire in
The National Portrait Gallery's collection features over 225 years of American history, with exhibits and installations that tell the story of America through portraits and performances of poets, presidents, visionaries, villains, actors, and activists.
Amazing Adaptations" exhibit is a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the US Botanic Garden, showcasing the incredible diversity and resilience of these unique plants.
Interestingly, the National Portrait Gallery is located inside the Donald W.
Reynolds Center, which was the original site of the Patent Office building, highlighting the museum's deep historical connection to the development of American innovation and technology.
Notably, the museum's collection features a wide range of media, including not only traditional paintings and sculptures, but also performances, digital works, and new media, reflecting the evolving nature of American art and portraiture.
Surprisingly, the museum's gift shop offers a unique selection of artisanal products and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of the museum's spirit home with them.
Remarkably, the National Portrait Gallery's location in the heart of Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter neighborhood, within walking distance of fine hotels and popular restaurants, makes it an easily accessible and integrated part of the city's cultural landscape.
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Exploring Beyond the Mall - George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum offer visitors a chance to explore global cultures, DC history, and the creative achievements of people beyond the National Mall.
The museum features a wide range of exhibitions, including textiles, artifacts, and ephemera, as well as educational programs and resources on textiles from various parts of the world.
Located just blocks away from iconic landmarks like the White House and Kennedy Center, the museum provides an offbeat cultural experience in the heart of Washington, D.C.
The museum's collection includes a Wari tunic from Peru, dating back to 750-950 AD, which was acquired by George Hewitt Myers in 1941, showcasing the museum's global reach and diverse cultural holdings.
Remarkably, the Textile Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tucker House complex, highlighting the significance of the museum's historic building and its place in the nation's architectural heritage.
Surprisingly, the museum's exhibitions include not only textiles and artifacts, but also ephemera, indicating a broad and multidisciplinary approach to exploring global cultures and the human experience.
Interestingly, the museum offers reserved spaces for events, including weddings and conferences, demonstrating its versatility in serving the local community and beyond.
Notably, the museum's Foggy Bottom campus location places it within walking distance of numerous hotels, making it an easily accessible and integrated part of the visitor experience in the nation's capital.
Surprisingly, the museum's exhibitions and programs focus not only on textiles, but also on museum studies, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the art of curation and preservation.
Notably, the museum's exhibitions, such as "Handstitched Worlds" and "Selections From The Textile Museum Collection," provide visitors with a glimpse into the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistry of textile-making across centuries and continents.
Surprisingly, the museum's "Classical Washington" exhibition explores the city's architectural heritage, connecting the museum's textile and artifact collections to the broader cultural landscape of the nation's capital.
7 Offbeat Washington DC Experiences Beyond the National Mall - Lincoln's Summer Retreat - A Historic Escape
President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, D.C. served as a summer retreat for Abraham Lincoln and his family during the Civil War years from 1862 to 1864.
It was here that Lincoln drafted the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, making the cottage a significant historical site.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation now operates the cottage as a museum, offering visitors a chance to learn about this unique part of Lincoln's life and legacy beyond the typical tourist destinations in the nation's capital.
The Gothic revival-style cottage was originally built in 1843 as the home of banker George Washington Riggs, before being used as a summer retreat by President Lincoln.
During his time at the cottage, Lincoln was able to focus on his presidential duties without the distractions of the White House, allowing him to draft the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in
The cottage is located on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home, a military retirement community that served as a refuge for disabled veterans and their families.
Remarkably, the cottage's windows are made of reinforced glass capable of withstanding winds up to 150 mph, providing a safe and secure retreat for the president.
Interestingly, the cottage is part of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, a federal agency that has managed the property since the 19th century.
Surprisingly, the cottage's location was strategically chosen as it provided Lincoln with a natural retreat while still being close enough to the capital for him to maintain his presidential responsibilities.
Remarkably, Lincoln made his last visit to the cottage on April 13, 1865, just one day before his assassination, underscoring the significance of this historic site.
Interestingly, the cottage's Gothic revival architecture and secluded location provided a stark contrast to the grandeur of the White House, offering Lincoln a peaceful respite from the demands of his presidency.
Surprisingly, the cottage's preservation and interpretation have been championed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring that this unique piece of American history remains accessible to the public.