Summer Vacation, Part II
Yes, my last post was about traveling to Belize for a week. What trailed was another week of travelling to round out the end of summer vacation. There were some new schools and new jobs, and now I’m finally documenting it. We left Belize, heading to Raleigh/Rocky Mount, North Carolina. My brother Teddy now lives there and we saw Chris’s cousin Emma get married. We also fulfilled a four year old promise to Luke to visit Washington DC when he graduated fifth grade. (Fifth grade was also the year of Covid and canceled travel.) So, as he enters 9th grade I have cleared my conscious of unfulfilled promises.
We covered so much in a quick three days in Washington DC. And built on top of our trip to Belize, our heads were spinning a bit. So many historical facts we had heard/read/spoken in such a short time.
Day 0: En Route through Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was not part of of our original itinerary. But, then came traffic making our way from North Carolina. En route, it became a good way to break up what should have been a relatively short ride. We’ve also never taken the straight, easy or direct path on any road trip. Naturally, we would end up here without a plan.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon stands as a testament to George Washington’s enduring legacy. From the moment we stepped onto the estate grounds, we were transported back to the 18th century. A sprawling mansion, surrounded by lush gardens (my favorite part!) and expansive lawns, exuded an air of timeless elegance. The guided tour through the mansion’s meticulously preserved rooms offered a glimpse into Washington’s private life, each chamber telling its own story.
Our visit to Mount Vernon left us with a deep appreciation for the foundation upon which this nation was built. It served as a reminder that history is not just a collection of facts. It is a living story that shapes our understanding of the present. We carried with us a renewed sense of connection to our nation’s past. It was the perfect ice breaker for the next few days of power walking and power suits as we explored the rest of what made America!
Day 1: Capitol Hill, (A few) Smithsonians & the International Spy Museum
Just when the boys thought they could sleep in on this eternal vacation, I had arranged an early morning tour of the Capitol on our first full day in the city. Knowledgeable guides led us through the Capitol’s halls, sharing captivating stories of the building’s history, art, and significance. We marveled at the magnificent ceiling in the Rotunda, which depicts pivotal moments in American history. Congress was not in session that day, but you could feel the pride of being an American walking through the many hallways, seeing the statues of notable figures celebrating our countries history. Located near the Capitol we also did some more self guided tours through the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.
Next up was our start to the many Smithsonian Museums. The institution is a treasure trove of knowledge and best part, they are free! We visisted several on this trip including the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum. There might be nothing more exciting on earth for my teenage boys to walk through and endless number of rooms with an endless number of paintings. Except everything else. Chris found this the optimal time in the day to also return the rental car. I, however, pretend to be very sophisticated and learned in the art world.
But after some passive arguing, we went entered the gallery. And then much to my surprise, was the level of interest the boys actually demonstrated through parts of the museum. The collection of sculptures had grabbed Luke’s interest. Jake was excited to see some paintings in real life of artists he’s learned about in school like Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh. We all left a little in awe that there were paintings more than 600 years old in such pristine condition. The one-shoulder strap is a mandatory security requirement, Luke hasn’t brought that much 90’s goodness back.
The second half of the day, is where things became a little more impromptu. Several family members and friends who recently visited DC said the International Spy Museum is an absolute must-visit. So when the entire Smithsonian network closed unexpectedly for tornado warnings, we made our way! Several people in this house intrigued by the art of disguise, cryptic codes, and the thrilling world of intelligence operations. It offered a unique blend of history, education, and entertainment that left us pondering the role of spies in shaping the course of global events.
The International Spy Museum isn’t just about Hollywood-style glamour. It delves into the real stories of people who risked everything for their countries. We learned about double agents, unsung heroes, and daring missions that shaped the course of history. We’ve been watching a TV show called Turn all summer long, about George Washington’s spies. This was the perfect way to blend all that American history we spent the summer learning about.
Day 2: Arlington National Cemetary, National Mall, & more Museums
We started the morning with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and a sense of deep reverence as we approached its iconic wrought-iron gates. The rows of pristine white headstones stretched out before us, a stark reminder of the countless lives dedicated to the service of the United States. Our exploration began at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument symbolizing the nation’s gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Witnessing the precise and solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony, with its crisp steps and unwavering dedication, left us in awe of the commitment to honor the fallen.
The National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol, is more than just a space of grass and monuments. It’s a living tapestry that weaves together the past, present, and future of the nation. Our adventure began at the base of the Lincoln Memorial after a walk back from Arlington National Cemetary. Climbing the steps and gazing up at the larger-than-life Abraham Lincoln, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the ideals he championed. As we strolled along the Reflecting Pool, the sun cast a mesmerizing reflection on its waters.
We made our second attempt to make it into the National Air and Space Museum after tornado warnings had closed the museums the day prior. This was a dream for the future pilot, Luke. From the Wright brothers’ plane to the Apollo 11 command module, the exhibits left us in awe of human ingenuity. We walked among the wonders that have taken humanity to the skies and beyond.
After making our way through the city all day the boys may have incited their own American Revolution if forced to walk one more step. So we ended the day with a scary scooter ride, a teenage driver through Chinatown. Last fun fact of day one, suburbanite moms are not made for downtown scooter culture.
Day 3: The White House
By day three, everyone was really tired and really overstimulated. And that mindset my friends, is how you make all the best choices in life. We decided it would be great to try the scooters again, and had yet another near-death scooter ride to the White House Visitor Center followed up by the more picture taking at the actual White House. After getting our Instagramable evidence that we made it to the White House and Washington DC came a crucial decision. Jake’s one request was to visit the Washington Monument. As hard as I tried ahead of time to book everything, these tickets disappeared within seconds every day. Finally, on the last day we were able to get some for a 2:00pm entrance time with a 6:00pm flight home.
What to do? Risk the flight time and fulfill Jake’s request or find something else to tour for the little time we had left? Then came the answered prayer. Jake admited to being tired of reading signs and taking pictures. He no longer wanted to visit the Washington Monument, we had passed by it 100 times already and that was enough for him.
So what did we do next? Checked out of our hotel room, grabbed our bags and an Uber and headed to the airport to make use of our lounge pass. The Turkish Airways lounge was quite literally the best airport experience we have ever had. A ton of food options, an open bar, mul
Heading Home:
As our few days in Washington, D.C. came to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on the incredible memories we had made. The city’s rich history, diverse culture, and awe-inspiring landmarks had left a permanent mark on our hearts.
Although we did alot, this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was an educational journey that brought our family closer together. Our kids learned about their country’s past, and we all gained a deeper appreciation for the values that make America unique.
As we boarded our flight back home, we carried with us not only souvenirs, photographs and aching feet but also a renewed sense of patriotism and a hunger for more explorations. Until our next adventure, Washington, D.C. – you will forever hold a special place in our family’s memories.
