27 The Moongate Garden and Enid A. Haupt Garden

Washington, D.C., is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but few people know about two beautiful gardens located on the National Mall near the Smithsonian Castle: the Moongate Garden and the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

Each year, from mid-March to late March, both gardens attract large crowds drawn by the stunning magnolia blossoms. These magnificent flowers bloom and peak before the famous cherry blossoms, offering an early glimpse of spring’s beauty.

The Moongate Garden, part of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (now the National Museum of Asian Art), is inspired by traditional Chinese gardens, particularly the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Enclosed and serene, it features circular "moongates" that symbolize harmony and transition in Chinese culture.

The Enid A. Haupt Garden is a lush, 4.2-acre formal garden designed in Victorian and Moorish styles. It features manicured flower beds, fountains, and decorative pathways, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

26 The George Peabody Library

Located in downtown Baltimore, the George Peabody Library is rated one of the most stunning and historically significant libraries in the United States. It’s part of the Peabody Institute, now a division of Johns Hopkins University, and is known for its breathtaking architecture and vast collection of books.

The library was established in 1857, thanks to the philanthropy of George Peabody, a financier and philanthropist who wanted to promote culture and education in Baltimore. It was officially opened to the public in 1878. The library was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind. This stunning architecture has earned the library the nickname "the cathedral of books."

25 The Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most important centers for the study of Shakespeare. It was founded in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. The library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 First Folios (the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623), as well as a vast collection of other rare books, manuscripts, and art from the early modern period (1500–1750).

The building itself is designed in a neoclassical style with a beautiful marble exterior, featuring bas-reliefs of scenes from Shakespeare's plays. Inside, the library is both a research center and a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

While Shakespeare is the centerpiece, the Folger also holds materials related to other Renaissance writers, explorers, and historical figures. Its collections include manuscripts, letters, and early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

 The library also hosts a theater, the Folger Theatre, which presents regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic works.

We explored five sections of the library.  They are Great Hall; Reading Room; Theater; Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and Rear Book & Manuscript Exhibition Hall.  

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

Great Hall

Reading Room

Theater

Rear Book & Manuscript Hall

Cant resist the earrings from the gift shop that match the designs with all the windows!

Sculptures in the Garden

Outside the library, there is a small garden featuring sculptures inspired by scenes from Shakespeare's works. I think the artist had a brilliant idea, as the sculptures feel incredibly lifelike. Just look at the expressions on the characters' faces!

King Lear, Act 3, scene 2

Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1

Puck Statue

One of the most prominent sculptures is of Puck, a mischievous character from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This bronze statue is located near the entrance, capturing Puck's playful and whimsical nature. It was created by sculptor Brenda Putnam in 1932. Puck is shown seated with a flute, embodying his trickster role.

Bas-Reliefs of Shakespearean Scenes

The exterior of the library features bas-relief sculptures that depict iconic scenes from several of Shakespeare’s plays. These marble reliefs, created by sculptor John Gregory, were part of the original design from 1932 when the library was built. The scenes include famous moments from plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Each relief captures critical dramatic moments, emphasizing the themes of Shakespeare’s work.

The Nine Muses

Above the entrance of the library, there are carvings of the Nine Muses, representing the Greek goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. These figures symbolize the broad intellectual and artistic mission of the Folger Library, emphasizing its dedication to both scholarship and creativity.

These sculptures complement the neoclassical architecture of the library and give a visual narrative that honors Shakespeare’s contributions to literature and the arts.

24 The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm and The Winery at La Grange

1) The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm (Location: Gainesville, Virginia)

The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm is a scenic vineyard located in the heart of Gainesville. It offers a tranquil setting with beautiful views of Lake Manassas, making it a popular hangout spot rather than solely a destination for wine tasting. Although you might expect to see grape vines, there are none here.

The tasting room is spacious and welcoming, featuring rustic, farm-inspired decor. We sat on what my friend called "Grandmom's Couch" in front of the fireplace, enjoying some apple ciders and BBQ ribs before tasting their wines (there are two food trucks outside the tasting room). This winery not only provides wines but also apple ciders and beer, which seemed more popular with the customers.

We walked around the lawn to the lake, taking in beautiful views and sitting on the grass while enjoying the live band playing in the background. A couple sitting next to us recommended visiting the Winery at La Grange, which is close by. So, we did.

2) The Winery at La Grange (Location: Haymarket, Virginia)

The Winery at La Grange is situated in a historic estate in Haymarket. In contrast to the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, it is small, quiet, and intimate. We sat by the fireplace overlooking the grapevines and enjoyed their wine with some cheese and crackers until the winery closed at 6 PM.

The property features a manor house built in the 18th century, providing a charming and historical backdrop for wine tasting. 

The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm-Tasting RoomS

The Winery at La Grange