Walking along the National Mall, Washington D.C.

Let's start with the Lincoln Memorial...

Abraham Lincoln Statue © Lemon's mix

This national monument was built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and is located at the Western end of the National Mall. Lincoln served from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. 

Lincoln Memorial © Lemon's mix

Next we have the Vietnam Memorial Wall. It honors U.S. service member of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial © Lemon's mix

The U.S. National World War II Memorial is fairly in the center of the Mall. It opened to the public in April 2004.

WWII Memorial and the National Monument in the background © Lemon's mix

On the Eastern end of the National Mall you will find the United States Capitol. The meeting place of the congress.

U.S. Capitol © Lemon's mix

Postcards from Washington D.C.

One thing that I didn't mention in my last post about Washington D.C. was the great weather we had during our stay. Because of the sunny weather I was also able to take these two shots. Sunset is by far my favorite color!

© Lemon's mix

© Lemon's mix

A few days in Washington D.C.

Recently me and a friend of mine went for a few days to the nation's capital, Washington D.C.

 

Our to-do list was endless with all the major sights, restaurants & cafes and of course with personal preferences (museums, shops, etc.). But surprisingly we managed to do almost all of it without any hurry.

So today I am going to share with you how we spend the days and explored the city:

Georgetown's cobblestone streets / Café Bonaparte, a cozy place with yummy food © Lemon's mix

On our first day we went for brunch to Café Bonaparte and enjoyed a very calm afternoon in Georgetown. Georgetown is a really lovely neighborhood with beautiful homes, a lot of dining spots and great shops on any budget. You can also find there a nice walkway along the waterfront (Georgetown Waterfront Park) and the Old Stone House which is the oldest house in D.C.

Olivia Macaron in Georgetown © Lemon's mix

Then, in the late afternoon we walked towards downtown and just before dusk we decided to take a closer look at the White House, that has been the home of every president except George Washington.

Front view of the White House © Lemon's mix

The next day we started our sightseeing tour with the National Mall and explored the numerous monuments and memorials.

And here are the major attractions on and near to the National Mall:

1. Lincoln Memorial
2. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
3. Korean War Veterans Memorial
4. DC War Memorial
5. Reflecting Pool & World War II Memorial
6. The Washington Monument
7. Thomas Jefferson Memorial & Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (approx. 15 minutes walk from the Washington Monument)
8. Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Castle, Museums)
9. National Gallery of Art
10. United States Botanic Garden
11. Ulysses S Grant Memorial & U.S. Capitol Building 

The best thing about this attractions is the fact, that it's for free. Yes, you don't even have to pay an admission fee for the museums! However, on this day we skipped the museums but just to have more time for the following two points of interest:

Supreme Court of the United States 

 Supreme Court façade & courtroom interior © Lemon's mix

Library of Congress

Library of Congress © Lemon's mix

Not everyone is aware, that the Supreme Court is open to public and can be visited Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Library of Congress is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington D.C. and contains over 158 million items (books, recordings, photographs, etc.) in 470 languages. The Library also owns one of the vellum copy of the Gutenberg Bible and papers of 23 presidents.

On our third day we used the time for the Arlington National Cemetery and for some Galleries. And indeed, I absolutely enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery with the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.

America's Presidents, National Portrait Gallery © Lemon's mix

Another highlight was the National Gallery of Art with the Garry Winogrand photography exhibit and the Vincent van Gogh paintings in the west building.

Vincent van Gogh paintings, National Gallery of Art © Lemon's mix

After three full days in Washington D.C. we totally walked our feet off but also noticed even more locations that are worth a visit and seduce me to come back. It's really nice there!

Black & White

The Brogue Shoe...

...and what I wear with brogues

Sweater: H&M / Coat: here / Suit Pants: H&M / Brogues: ASOS

Boston Public Library - McKim Building

The impressive McKim Building was built in 1895 under Charles Follen McKim as the principal architect of the building. Today the McKim Building is listed as one of America´s favorite architecture and is filled with art, frescos and a lot of books. A must see if you are visiting the area.

Entrance of the McKim Building © Lemon's mix

The Main Staircase / Decorative Paintings by Puvis de Chavannes © Lemon's mix

The Main Staircase & Triumphal Arch © Lemon's mix

The Main Staircase & Twin Lions by Louis Saint-Gaudens © Lemon's mix

Upper portion of the Main Staircase / Decorative Paintings by Puvis de Chavannes © Lemon's mix

Bates Hall © Lemon's mix

Sargent Gallery © Lemon's mix

© Lemon's mix

Welcoming March

...and the Winter is still here!

 Boston Common / Parkman Bandstand © Lemon's mix

Boston Public Garden entrance with the skyline of Boston's financial © Lemon's mix