Washington, D.C.

An unforgettable time in D.C.

For Campbell's graduation, I decided to extend my conference time in D.C. to include three nights with my history-loving son in our nation's capitol.

I have visited D.C. many times with Mom and Dad. Again, Dad and I tagged along as Mom had to attend meetings for NEA. We always went in November, so we enjoyed seeing everything decorated for Christmas and doing our Christmas shopping. We loved finding new stores that Bowling Green didn't have and buying all my cousins their Christmas gifts from there. I remember Abercrombie and Fitch being one of those stores. Dad called it Abernathy and French.

We had the best times walking the streets of D.C. Now, I didn't enjoy so much walking at the time, but now, trekking over the Arlington Memorial Bridge after miles on our feet seeing the monuments, is a cherished memory that I would do all over again if Daddy was still here.

Campbell and I arrived early on Tuesday morning, grabbed breakfast, and hit the road to the monuments. The weather was perfect. But after 11 miles, we were beat. But look at the beauty that was around us!

Thomas Jeffereson Memorial

Part of the FDR Monument, there was a monument to the soup kitchens of the Depression.

When I attended the 92 inauguration, I had to attend class for one week at Georgetown College. Then when I returned to BG, I had to write one paper. I chose to write about Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton.

The Atlantic side of the World War II Memorial

We looked for Jenny from Forrest Gump.

The Korean War Memorial

Before heading to the hotel to actually check in, we had a ticket for the Holocaust Museum. The price for tickets is a dollar, but you need to reserve in advance for entry. They are trying to control the crowd, but, honestly, it was still packed. I am so glad we went. It was a moving experience that makes you face the evil that existed during such a tragic time in history. I didn't take any pictures because I just felt like a voyeur gawking at the tragedy. It is very mature content at times; some things were even hidden behind a taller wall so you had to look over to see the exhibit. This was to protect the youngest ones from being able to see inside.

For dinner on night 1, we dined at Old Ebbitt Grill, and it was worth the hype. They even remembered that I had noted Campbell had recently graduated and brought out his dessert (which they didn't charge us for) with a candle in it. I had forgotten I even mentioned it when making the reservation.

Peanut butter pie might have been the best I ever had. It's a long-standing recipe.

I always gravitate toward key lime anything.

Crab cakes are a must on the East coast.

On day 2, we started with a fabulous breakfast at Founding Farmers. This place was so impressive. All housemade ingredients and purchased from area farmers made incredible food.

Smore's toast; housemade peanut butter

Classic brioche French toast was incredible. Bread is baked in house as are all of the other parts of this deliciousness.

One morning, I actually thought something a bit healthier sounded delicious. Shocking, I know. But, again, perfection.

I also loved the touch of the china used.

On day 2, after breakfast, we headed out to the White House! We were lucky enough to get an entrance time to see the inside. We contacted Senator Guthrie's office to be put on the list, something you should do 3 or 4 months in advance. The guy I spoke with said to not even consider that you can get in, and if you do, just consider it icing on the cake! We didn't find out until 2 weeks prior to arrival. Fortunately, however, I knew someone whose brother was in the Secret Service, and he had gotten us in about a month before.

Daddy and I did this every Christmas. The tours then used to be guided. Of course, the White House was always decked out for the holidays. Gorgeous does not even begin to describe how awesome it was. Today tours are self-guided and there are secret service agents in each room who can discuss all the details and answer your questions.

The history of this space always astounds me.

We tackled as much of the Smithsonians as we could! Did I mention that we walked a lot. Approximately 10 miles a day, and that does include the fact that we Ubered a bit more after day 1 because I developed that stupid Disney rash on my legs. You can see it in my White House picture. It's very frustrating and an eye-sore, so I was trying to go a little bit easier.

Then we had a Capitol Tour. Back in 1992, I attended Bill Clinton's first inauguration. What a momentous time that was for me. I was so mesmerized by the festivities, the Clintons, and Maya Angelou, who was the poet for his inauguration. I even attended a ball where the B-52s performed. That was my version of study abroad in school! That's as far as I got, but it is one of those memories I will never forget.

I wish we had asked for House or Senate gallery passes for the same day (something else that needs to be done well in advance.) But since we didn't, we got a well-rounded visit of the general spaces of the Capitol.

That night for dinner we made it to happy hour for 1.25 oysters at King Street Oyster. Here we had our first lobster roll. It's what my dreams are made of.

The main attraction.

On our final day, we headed to Arlington Cemetery for a full tour. Our guide was fabulous. She was so knowledgeable, and she made sure we made it to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in time to get a shaded spot to watch and beat the crowds. I always use small group or private tours because it makes for a more personalized experience. There were only four of us on this tour, and it was perfect!

The midpoint of our tour, we were at the top of the hill at General Robert E. Lee's house. Behind us was the Washington Monument in the distance, and immediately below us is JFK's grave.

We ended our tour here because the area was closed for some family to pay their respects. Bobby Kennedy was killed on June 6, 1968. His gravesite is to the left of JFK.

Our guide was excellent in timing our view of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We had the perfect spot in the shade.

And on that afternoon, we took the ferry to Georgetown for a tour. Give me all of these quaint streets, local shops, and cool restaurants all day. I could have spent my whole three days exploring the area.

I love a harbor.

Our ride took us by the monuments.

It's a homeless cat house. You can come in, enjoy some coffee and adopt a cat.

And our final dinner was the best. The famous Filomena Ristorante made our lobster dreams come true again, but this time in the form of lobster pasta. The portions were huge, so we opted to share an appetizer, a bottle of wine, and the pasta. It was the perfect spot to relax after a long day. I hate that I couldn't get any good pictures. It was dark with mood lighting, but trust me, it's worth the stop.

You know I can plan trips like this for you and your family. My one tip: Don't put off taking that trip, even if your children are grown. It's so worth it.