Since we moved here seven years ago I have wanted to take in every piece of this amazing place that we live. When you move somewhere it doesn’t take long for that “home” feeling to set in. You know the one where you suddenly blink and you’re like “We have museums here?” Now granted that might be a little harder to do in Washington, DC because every year countless schools and tourists in general pile into our city. It’s tourism all the time! They stand on the wrong side of the metro escalator during the weekdays and take our parking spots on the weekends. We explore our city and the surrounding DC Metro area regularly and there is still a huge list of things that we haven’t done.
Since 2019 is a year that I have really dedicated to travel and exploring, in general, I’ve decided to make a list of some of the top things that I want to see and do this year in the Washington, DC and general DC Metro Area. Check out the list for yourself or leave me your recommendations! Whose to say this list can’t keep growing all year long!
~ 2019 DC/NoVA Bucket List ~
On the National Register of Historic Places, it is noted as the first skyscraper in DC. Completed in the late 1800s it was the home of the Washington Bureau for the Baltimore Sun. The inside and outside have been kept their historical accuracy and maintain their original beauty.
So much history at the Watergate, plus the giant complex has a fantastic rooftop bar and view. You can visit the location of the Watergate Scandal, and even stay the night if really want to transport yourself back in history.
Folder Shakespeare Library Reading Room
Built in 1932 and housing the world’s largest Shakespeare collection is the Folder Libary in Washington, DC. The film As You Like It featured the stained glass window that you can find in the Reading Room. Tours are available!
The current facade was built in 1901, converted from a connected grouping of row homes. It was completely restored, after falling in disrepair, in the 1980s. The inside is gorgeous and a delight for those of us that love architecture and beautifully detailed old buildings. Visit and walk the ground where Lincoln, Grant, Coolidge and other famous Washingtonians walked.
Straight out of the Art Deco-influenced 1930s – and looking like the set of a black and white sci-fi movie, the Hecht Company is a must-see for those looking for the weirder side of Washington, DC!
Until the mid-1830s, the Congressional Cemetary was the burial place for all Congressman. It was the first truly National Cemetary and is now a National Landmark. Take a tour and visit the graves of J. Edgar Hoover, John Phillip Sousa and David Herold (an accomplice of John Wilkes Booth).
Located in the Historic Friendship Baptist Church built in 1886, Blind Whino is an art collective housing and community experience hosting unique art and events, a community guardian and specialty pop-up exhibits throughout the year. Currently, you can see the pop-up museum of Hip Hop!
I have been to most of the main, Smithsonian type, museums in Washington, DC. While the Building Museum is not part of the Smithsonian complex it is a unique and must-see building in the DC area. The history behind the museum is also unique, as it used to house the history Bureau of Pensions when it was built in the 1800s. You will find architectural toys, drawings, photography, decorative plaster (which I know doesn’t sound exciting) and the history behind the Manhattan Project.
Tudor Place is one of America’s first Historic Landmarks, and was built by a Granddaughter of Martha Washington in 1816. It is one of the few urban estates that sits on almost all of its original space.
Bureau of Printing and Engraving – US Mint
Heurich House Museum {aka – The Brewmasters Castle}
The mansion is the most intact remaining Dupont area mansions. It was built by a German immigrant, a philanthropist, and brewer Christian Heurich.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
The Mansion is a series of five interconnected row houses which include over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors. You can find almost anything in the Mansion, including concerts, classes, Espionage tours, art and photography exhibits and food tours. The events at the Mansion are just as unique as the Mansion itself.
Visit some of the original columns of the Capitol Building on display at the Arboretum.
Opening in 1949, the underground tunnels once were a trolley station. They were closed in the early 60s after spending a brief time as an offical fall out shelter. Now the area offers tours and showcases art and cultural events, as well as displaying some of the cities coolest murals and street-art.
Looking for more Washington, DC adventures? Check here!
