American Independence war. Click on to super size.
The 4th of July.
This coming weekend, once again, the American nation celebrates the 4th of July.
Some years ago we had the opportunity to spend a couple days during 4th of July holidays in Washington D.C., USA. It is interesting what is going on during one day in this city, of course in the whole country. Normally D.C. is a bit of a sleepy bureaucratic city, but during 4th of July it turns into a vibrant melting pot of all kinds of locals and tourists. It is impossible to attend all of the celebrations, shows and places to see. I picked out for you the dozen we have visited during our stay.
4th of July fireworks over Washington D.C.
Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain.
John Trumbull’s famous painting „Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776“.
Trumbull’s painting is often identified as a depiction of the signing of the Declaration, but
it actually shows the drafting committee presenting its work to the Congress.
On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
The „original“ of the declaration.
Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption.
Washington, D.C. is arguably the most patriotic place in America to celebrate Independence Day, and the nation’s capital doesn’t disappoint.
Check out our dozen best bets.
Memorial Day Parade.
1.
You can’t talk about Memorial Day in DC without mentioning the National Memorial Day Parade. Put on since 2005, the parade—the largest of its kind in the U.S.—is run by the American Veterans Center and honors those servicemen and servicewomen who put their lives on the line to protect Americas freedoms. Set on Constitution Avenue, the march wows audiences exceeding 250,000 with marching bands, active duty and retired military units, youth groups, floats and hundreds of veterans.
Among the best places to watch are the steps of the Library of Congress.
2.
A legion of hogs descends on DC each Memorial Day weekend for the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally. This „ride for freedom“ draws upwards of 900,000 motorcycle riders from all over the country.
This was rally assembling during the 4th of July 2013.
3.
Built in white stone with 36 iconic columns, The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most recognized structures in the United States. The memorial is at the west end of the National Mall, in West Potomac Park, and is an example in Neoclassical architecture. It features a solitary, 19 foot (6,25 meters) tall statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in contemplation. The statue weighs 175 tons and it took four years of carving. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of it in 1963.
Massive impression, 24/7 open for the public and no admission as most of the shown sites to see.
4.
Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, the National Mall is a two-mile swath of land bound by the U.S. Capitol to the east and the Washington Monument to the west. Visitors to „the Mall“ will find a wide, pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined boulevard with moving monuments and memorials, world-famous museums and impressive federal buildings along Constitution Avenue. Walking through on 4th of July is like walking through an unbelievable large party.
The National Mall.
5.
One of the nation’s most recognizable structures, the Washington Monument is located at the center of the National Mall, in between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, and just east of the Reflecting Pool. The obelisk-shaped memorial is made up of marble, granite and blue stone gneiss. It is the world’s tallest structure made of stone and the tallest obelisk, at 555 feet (170 meters) tall. The Washington Monument was built to honor George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. The structure was designed by Robert Mills, with construction beginning in 1848. Construction was halted from 1854 to 1877. Finished on the 6th of December 1884.
Stand at the bottom of this monument and you will be surprised how big it is, it took 36 years to build.
6.
If you are in Washington a few days, you have to stay overnight of course. There are 100’s of options in all categories. Why not taking the number one, a hotel with stile, legendary history, truly 5star ambient, quality and service. Try the Willard !
An amazing warm welcome, atmosphere and „wow“- impression throughout, The Willard. We loved it.
A grand historic landmark hotel, the Willard Inter Continental Washington reigns as one of the most elegant hotels in the city from its coveted Pennsylvania Avenue address. From its inception in 1850, the Willard has been a favorite choice of travelers. Known as the „Grand Dame of American Hotels,“ the Willard enjoys its place as a major force in the social and political life of D.C. The White House is just two blocks away and the National Mall, with its diverse museums, is within walking distance.
Monumental entrance hall to the Willard and may be one of the best views out of your bathtub.
7.
For breakfast or lunch try the Cafe du Parc. A truly authentic bistro experience where traditional French food fuses with a modern, casual atmosphere in the heart of the nation’s capital. Café du Parc has a one-of-a-kind menu enhanced by the use of locally grown produce and Café du Parc’s 3 star certified green restaurant status. We used it for brunch, saved us one meal per day – and the money, yeah Washington isn’t cheap.
Named one of the best alfresco restaurants in Washington, D.C., Cafe du Parc is the perfect place to savor delicious French cuisine in an iconic Pennsylvania Avenue location, just steps from the White House and inside the acclaimed Willard Inter Continental Hotel.
Alfresco Brunch at du Parc, wonderful experience. See above four pics. That’s what we had, Salad Cafe du Parc, Prince Edwards Mussels – Belgium style, Housemade Pate Platter. Excellent !!
8.
And for dinner experience another historic landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl. It is no secret for Washington D.C. insiders, but for us „one time visitors“ it was the „secret location“. If you have time to spend in D.C. go there, our „secret recommendation“, it’s worth it.
The Landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Celebrities, locals and tourists alike have flocked to Ben’s Chili Bowl for over 50 years for its incredible food, atmosphere and rich history. Try the „chili half smoke“, voted Washington’s signature dish. It’s Bill Cosby’s favorite. And it will be as hard, as to get a seat, not to run into celebrities. It is packed all the time, because the food is insane.
Thats what we loved there, the signature dish „Chili Half Smoke“ and the „Ben’s Chili Bowl“.
9.
Perhaps the most famous residence in the United States, and certainly the most well-known address, the White House is the epicenter of political life in Washington, DC. The more than 100 year old home has hosted world leaders, state dinners, Easter egg rolls and more than its fair share of weddings. The home was given several other names in the early days (President’s Palace and Executive Mansion, to name two), before Theodore Roosevelt officially dubbed it the White House in 1901.
The White House.
The Pennsylvania Avenue address for the White House was selected in 1791 by George Washington, who never actually lived in the house. President John Adams and his wife were the first First Family to move into the house in 1800. During the War of 1812, the British burned the house down, and architect James Hoban – who designed the residence the first go ‘round – was tapped to rebuild it. Over the years, the White House has expanded to include new rooms (including the Oval Office), wings (like the West Wing) and even a bowling alley. In a further post I like to introduce you to a couple of cookbooks edited by the kitchen of the White House 1890-1905, which I own in my collections.
The Oval Office. To get a ticket for a White House Tour, you need to make reservations month’s in advance.
Non US citizens get a ticket through their own embassy only.
10.
The Tudor place, estate of the Nation! A repository of the American experience. Make it part of YOUR D.C. experience. This National Historic Landmark house and 5.5-acre landscaped garden was built by Martha Washington’s granddaughter and her husband and designed by William Thornton, early America’s leading architect. Experience a site where Americans created, gathered, entertained, and labored for nearly 200 years.
The Tudor Place.
Visitors love the immediacy! „It’s as if the family just left the room“ one visitor said. The neoclassical estate reflects 200 years of American stories, history, and collecting. The finest American architecture, international decorative arts, and the stuff and stories of everyday lives are gathered here, bringing together the experiences of servants, enslaved workers, and six generations of one family. Located in a leafy residential neighborhood in upper Georgetown’s charming Book Hill district.
The Tudor Place, antique wall painting.
11.
The United States Capitol Building, crowned with its distinctive white cast iron dome, has housed the legislative branch of the U.S. government since the construction of its north wing was completed in 1800. The West Front of the Capitol Building has been the site of presidential inaugurations since Ronald Reagan’s 1981 swearing-in. On summer evenings, the West Lawn is the site of frequent and free concerts by the U.S. military bands.
US Capitol Washington D.C.
This July 4, America’s national Independence Day celebration will mark 35 spectacular years on air, live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Celebrating 35 spectacular years on air, A CAPITOL FOURTH will kick off the country’s 239th birthday with an all-star musical extravaganza that puts viewers front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation. Wish we could go to visit and follow that spectacle.
The 2nd Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama was held in Washington DC
at the Capitol on January 21, 2013.
12.
We decided for our visit to dive in to mostly historian places and sight seeings. At the end we had a discussion about witch of the following three destinations to visit with our remaining time. Believe it or not, we stayed one more day/night and visited all – it was an amazing experience.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds the world’s largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft. So much to see, we spend more then half a day – still to short.
The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall houses famous icons of flight: the original Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, Space Ship One, the Apollo 11 command module and a touchable lunar rock. Opened 1976 and amongst all other Smithonian’s.
The National Air and Space Museum. Incredible.
The neoclassical Union Station is so gorgeous it has been used as a movie set for blockbusters including, „The Untouchables.“ It is one of Washington’s busiest places. For nearly 100 years, Union Station has been the gateway to the nation’s capital. Every year, 29 million visitors enjoy shopping, entertainment, and an international variety of food in this Beaux Arts transportation hub.
The Washington Union Station, opened in 1907.
The Library of Congress, also called the Jefferson building, is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress, but which is the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It is worth to read the Wikipedia article about the Library and the history.
In addition to holding America’s largest collection of books, the Library of Congress hosts free exhibits, movies, readings and lectures. The library houses the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more than 3 billion records. Many movies were shot in this library.
The Library of Congress, Washington, established 1800.
Now we could go on and on, as in any other world capital city. Several weeks or month wouldn’t be enough to discover everything. But 4th of July offers in D.C. a total different atmosphere, everyone seems to be positive, is laughing and celebrating a holiday. One feels in a holiday country ! People are happy !! What more can you expect during your holiday to make it unforgettable ?
This year we stay at home in Uruguay and will help a bunch of American friends to celebrate „their Independence from England“. But sorry, there are Eglish friends too. Looking forward to lots of spareribs, cornbread and coleslaw – and German beers which we will provide) !!
