50 Arlington National Cemetery

Walking among the rows of snow-dusted white headstones was a quiet and moving experience—the serene landscape felt especially peaceful after the recent January snowfall. We also visited the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, where the Eternal Flame burns continuously. Seeing it up close, surrounded by its reflecting pool and carefully tended grounds, made the history and sacrifice of those buried here feel very tangible. Every step through the cemetery—from the gentle hills to the solemn memorials—was a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of those who served, and it left a lasting impression.

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*Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most famous and solemn memorial sites in the United States. Located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, it serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members, veterans, and notable American figures.

The cemetery was established during the American Civil War in 1864. It occupies the former estate of Robert E. Lee, called Arlington House (see post # 49), which was confiscated by the U.S. government during the war. Its creation honored Union soldiers, but over time it became a national military cemetery for all branches of the armed forces.

The Visitor Center serves as the main entry point to Arlington National Cemetery and is designed to help visitors orient themselves before entering the cemetery grounds.  There are a lot of information and presentations there. Introductory displays explaining the history of the cemetery.  Very informational and educational. 

John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame with Robert E. Lee Memorial in the background

Visitor Center

49 Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memoriala)

The Robert E. Lee House is officially called Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. It is a historic mansion situated on a high hill overlooking the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, within the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. The house was built in the 1800s by George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson and adopted son of George Washington. It was intended as a tribute to George Washington and served as the family home. 

In 1831, the property passed to Robert E. Lee through marriage to Custis’s daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis. Lee lived there until 1861, when he resigned from the U.S. Army to join the Confederacy. During the Civil War, the U.S. government seized the property, and it eventually became part of Arlington National Cemetery. 

The mansion is an example of Greek Revival architecture, with stately columns and sweeping terraces. The grounds offer panoramic views of Washington, DC and the Potomac River. The house is now a National Park Service site and serves as a memorial to Robert E. Lee and the Custis-Lee family.

You can get there by metro or drive.  If you drive, there is a parking lot right next to the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center.  Admission is fee.

I was particularly impressed by the enormous columns standing in front of the mansion. The house itself is smaller than I had expected and only the first-floor rooms are open to the public.  It is a very humble house compared to the other house converted museums that I have visited (see my other posts for names).  It didn’t take long  to walk through the first floor.  

View of Washington, DC

Inside the House

The Grounds

48 Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is one of Washington, DC’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its elegant architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural scene. Located just north of downtown, it serves as both a major traffic circle and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.  You can take metro to Dupont Circle stop that put you right at next to the Dupont circle.

I have been to Dupont Circle many times, but I had never actually visited the circle itself. This was my first time walking up to it and taking pictures. The circle felt especially magical, coming right after the area’s biggest snow in January 2026. Patches of snow still covered the ground, making the scene perfect for photos.

There were a couple of girls there with a lovely dog right in the circle. One of them was holding a banner that read: “Life is hard, but dogs are warm. Come say hi to Otis.” I asked if I could take a picture with Otis. 

(The white marble fountain at the center of Dupont Circle is called the Dupont Circle Fountain, officially known as the Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain.)

Me with Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain

47 Kramer Bookstore Dupon Circle

Address: 1517 Connecticut Ave NW (right on Dupont Circle)

If you are visiting Dupont Circle, this is a great place for a casual lunch.  Great vibes on this V-Day full with young crowd.  

46 Dupont Underground

In the center of Dupont Circle lies a hidden secret—Dupont Underground. From the outside, you would never guess that an abandoned trolley station exists beneath the busy streets. The entrance resembles a Metro access point, marked by red metal railings at ground level. Walking down a simple staircase, you suddenly find yourself in a dim concrete tunnel that feels both industrial and mysterious.

On the day we visited (February 14, 2026), the space was filled with contemporary art installations and experimental exhibits. It is a small place and does not take long to explore, but the atmosphere is unique—quiet, slightly eerie, and unexpectedly creative. It felt like discovering a secret part of the city that many people walk over every day without ever knowing it exists.

Right at the tunnel entrance, there was a small booth staffed by personnel who told us they work with the DC government to organize events and coordinate with vendors.  They also ask visitor for donations.

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Bellow photos show you the entrance for metro and entrance for the Dupont Underground, respectively:

45 The Phillips Collection

Address: 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC (Dupont Circle). Admission is $20.

The Phillips Collection has become one of my favorite museums. I enjoy the intimate experience, as each room has its own theme and you can get very close to the paintings.

It is usually not crowded. However, after a long winter, on this sunny day, it was bit packed there. 

The exhibitions change with each visit, which makes every experience feel fresh and different. 

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The Phillips Collection is one of Washington, DC’s most special art museums. Founded in 1921 by art collector and philanthropist Duncan Phillips, it is widely considered America’s first museum of modern art. Located in the elegant Dupont Circle neighborhood, the museum is housed partly in Phillips’s former home, giving it a warm, intimate atmosphere very different from the larger Smithsonian museums.

44 The Library of Congress

Admission is free and you can entry without time appointment. The Library of Congress) in Washington, D.C., is said to be the largest library in the world and serves as the research library of the United States Congress. It is also one of the most beautiful and culturally significant institutions in the country.  It was founded in April 24, 1800  (address: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., just across from the U.S. Capitol).  It provides research support to Congress and preserves America’s intellectual and cultural heritage. It has a collection of over 170 million items, including books, maps, photographs, films, recordings, manuscripts, and rare documents.

To me, its architecture is most beautiful and fascinating.