64 Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

I have visited these gardens a couple of times and have many fond memories there. However, when I visited in early May this year, I was a bit disappointed, as there were hardly any flowers in bloom. Still, it is a wonderful place for a walk on a sunny day at any time of year. The gardens are spacious, peaceful, and filled with beautiful landscapes that make every visit enjoyable.

During the winter holiday, the Gardens give you "walk of lights"     This walk takes you to be with the natural:  trees, flowers, animals and gardens and lights that dancing with the music. Here are few photos taken in the past.

63 Ford's Theatre- 1776 the Musical

Ford's Theatre is one of the most important historic landmarks in Washington, D.C. Originally opened in 1863 as a working theater, it is best known as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, while attending a performance of Our American Cousin. Lincoln was then taken across the street to the Petersen House, where he died the following morning.

Today, Ford’s Theatre serves as both a museum and an active performance venue. Visitors can explore exhibits about Lincoln’s presidency, the Civil War, and the events surrounding the assassination, while also attending live theatrical productions. It remains a powerful place to reflect on one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

I was very fortunate to see the musical 1776 performed in this theater. As the production is copyrighted, photography and video recording were not permitted during the show. I felt especially fortunate to have the opportunity to see the show right before we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday—it made the story feel even more meaningful and timely. I have included a summary of each act below*.

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1776 is a Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Peter Stone and music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, dramatizing the debates and conflicts within the Second Continental Congress as they worked to draft and sign the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776. 

 *Act I 

 Act I focus on the growing push for independence and the intense political debate in the Continental Congress. The delegates gather in Philadelphia during the summer of 1776. John Adams passionately argues for independence from Great Britain, but he’s seen as abrasive and struggles to gain support. He convinces Richard Henry Lee to introduce a formal resolution for independence. While waiting for Lee’s return with authority from Virginia, Adams works to build alliances, especially with: Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson is chosen to draft the Declaration, despite his reluctance. His wife Martha Jefferson visits, inspiring him to write. Meanwhile, strong opposition comes from conservatives like John Dickinson, who fears war with Britain. Act I end with mounting tension: Lee returns. The resolution for independence is officially introduced. Congress prepares for a decisive debate. 

Act II 

 Act II centers on the final debates, compromises, and the signing of the Declaration. Congress debates the Declaration line by line, revealing deep divisions among the colonies. A major conflict arises over the issue of slavery—particularly a clause condemning the slave trade, which is ultimately removed to secure unity. Edward Rutledge leads opposition from Southern colonies, threatening to block independence. John Adams negotiates compromises, even when it means sacrificing parts of the document he believes in. The turning point comes when enough colonies agree to support independence. On July 4, 1776, the delegates vote in favor of independence and sign the United States Declaration of Independence. The musical ends on a reflective note, reminding the audience of the weight and consequences of their decision.

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Here’s a breakdown of 1776 by songs within each act:

Act I – Songs

-“Sit Down, John”

John Adams pushes for independence but irritates the other delegates.

-“Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve”

Adams vents his frustration with Congress’s inaction.

-“Till Then”

John Adams writes to Abigail Adams, expressing longing and uncertainty.

-“The Lees of Old Virginia”

Richard Henry Lee celebrates his family legacy and agrees to propose independence.

-“But, Mr. Adams”

Delegates debate who should write the declaration, landing on Thomas Jefferson.

-“Yours, Yours, Yours”

A duet between Jefferson and Martha Jefferson, inspiring him to write.

-“He Plays the Violin”

Martha expresses her love for Jefferson in a light, lyrical moment.

Act II – Songs

-“Cool, Cool, Considerate Men”

John Dickinson and conservatives argue against independence.

-“Momma, Look Sharp”

A haunting reminder of the human cost of war, sung by a courier.

-“Molasses to Rum”

Edward Rutledge condemns Northern hypocrisy regarding slavery and the slave trade.

-“Is Anybody There?”

John Adams reflects on the loneliness and weight of leadership.

-“The Egg”

A symbolic number about unity and the fragile birth of a new nation.

“Finale: “But, Mr. Adams” (Reprise) / Signing

The delegates come together to approve and sign the United States Declaration of Independence.

62 Dumbarton Oaks- The Gardens

Designed by the renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand in close collaboration with Mildred Bliss, the gardens unfold like a series of outdoor rooms, with terraced paths, fountains, stone stairways, and beautifully arranged flowers and trees. 

Admission is $18.  Ticket is purchased online only.  It opens at 2pm (Don't know why it opens that hour.  Why not open in the morning?)

61 Dumbarton Oaks- The museum

Dumbarton Oaks is one of Washington’s cultural treasures—a place where history, art, gardens, and scholarship come together in a deeply elegant setting.

Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks was once the private estate of Mildred Barnes Bliss and Robert Woods Bliss. In 1920, the couple purchased the property and transformed it into a refined home filled with extraordinary art and beautifully designed terraced gardens. They later donated the estate to Harvard University in 1940, creating what is now a museum, research library, and center for advanced studies.

Admission is free, the museum is famous for its world-class collections of Byzantine art and Pre-Columbian art. Inside, you will find exquisite mosaics, icons, sculptures, jewelry, textiles, and ceremonial objects from ancient civilizations of the Americas. 

I was especially impressed by the building created to house their Pre-Columbian art collection. The gallery is designed as a group of circular rooms connected to one another, creating a unique and intimate flow as I moved from space to space. The curved rooms gave the feeling of discovery, with each one revealing another remarkable collection of ancient sculptures, ceramics, and artifacts from the civilizations of the Americas. Each art pieces are kept in clear glass chambers.

The Music Room

Pre-Columbian art collection gallery

60 The Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of the most elegant and peaceful monuments in Washington, DC. It honors Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Located on the edge of the Tidal Basin, the memorial is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when the white dome is surrounded by pink blooms reflected in the water.

The memorial was designed in a neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Roman architecture, especially the Pantheon in Rome. Its round dome and ring of white marble columns also echo Jefferson’s own architectural tastes, including his designs at Monticello and the University of Virginia Rotunda. It was dedicated in 1943.

Inside, you’ll find a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson standing beneath the open dome, along with inscriptions of some of his most famous words, including ideas about liberty, democracy, and religious freedom. One of the most famous inscriptions includes the line from the Declaration of Independence:

“all men are created equal”

Jefferson was one of the most influential figures in early American history. Besides writing the Declaration, he served as:

-first Secretary of State

-Vice President

-President from 1801–1809

-founder of the University of Virginia

The memorial celebrates his ideals of freedom, democracy, and education, while modern discussions also recognize the contradictions in his legacy, including his ownership of enslaved people.

59 Planet Word

Located in the historic Franklin School, a red-brick landmark at 925 13th Street NW, next to Franklin Square in downtown Washington.  Planet Word is one of the most unusual museums in Washington, DC. Instead of focusing on art, history, or science, it is dedicated entirely to language, words, and communication. It opened in October 2020 and is often described as the world’s first voice-activated museum.

The museum aims to make language fun and interactive, encouraging visitors to speak, listen, sing, and play with words rather than simply read exhibits.

It's free to visit with donation.  There is a puzzle-style word-themed escape room where teams solve language clues together (with $48 fee).

I really enjoyed the interactions of each room offers, especially the Karaoke Songwriting Gallery.   Overall, a great place for couples and kids looking for a fun place to play.