Visit to D.C.

I didn't spend the whole weekend reading! 
I've lived in Maryland for almost 2 years now and haven't really explored Washington DC. Well a cousin came to town and wanted to see the monuments. So we hopped on the Metro and hit the streets! First stop - Bens Chili Bowl! This place is legendary. And there are a few people who can eat here for free. Bill Cosby and added to the list - The First Family. And there was a sign that made that clear :-) I would give the place 4 stars. We went to the U Street location and its right off the Metro. Our order was taken and made by the same person. We went for a seat (the back room was the coolest!) and she brought it to us. My cousin had 4 Chili-Half Smokes and fries. I only had 1. They all come with chips, your basic ruffles. I also had a milkshake - it was good but small for the price. In fact that is my only issue with the place. A Chili-Half Smoke was $5.70 and the fries are $2.75 for a good size order. To me it wasn't really worth that much but I've been told that the mustard and onions really is what makes the chili and I don't eat onions or mustard. So my opinion is a little off I suppose. View the menu and if you're ever in town stop by. Just be warned, it is a cash only establishment but they do have an atm on site. 
After that meal we made our way to 7-11 for a couple of slushes and then took the metro to the heart of DC! We learned that the best Metro stop is the Smithsonian (not the one we took unfortunately) and we also learned that its best to trust what you know. For example, I know the White House is at 1600 Penn. Ave. And while we were on Penn. Cousin thought he saw the WH to the right but in reality it was the Capitol Bldg. Don't get me wrong, it was great to see it but it took us quite a bit out of our way! And then we headed to the Smithsonian Air and Space museum! It was so great! And of course the best price - FREE! And for those of you who don't know (cause I didn't) All the Smithsonian museums are free and cameras are welcome and allowed. We were going to visit the Natural History one as well but were short on time. So next time he visits we're going to hit the museums. 
After that we walked over to the Washington Monument, the White House, Vietnam Vet Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR memorial and finally ended our tour at the Jefferson Memorial! WHEW! It was quite a long day of walking. I must say - when you visit it's a good idea to pick up one of the Monument maps before you get going. And the reflection pool at the Lincoln Memorial is currently under construction so if you were hoping to see it, it may be another year or so. Now if you want to walk like we did, check the forecast and make sure you grab some water! If you are a runner, there are running tours, and if you prefer to ride a bike, you can go here and rent one. The area is perfect for bike riding and that's what I'll be doing next time :-) If you have a question or feel lost, pop into one of the museums and talk to a security guard or ask a park ranger if you see one. And if you grab one of those maps, there are phone numbers on the back that if you call will give you a tour over the phone :-) And if you're new to using the Metro stop by the Metro info desk and grab a pocket guide. And I recommend getting a day pass if you plan on making multiple stops. Its only $9 but it depends on where you begin and end your journey. Its relatively inexpensive to use the Metro, in fact many trips won't cost more than $6 or $7 round trip but again it depends on where you go and how many times you enter and exit the Metro. Ok all that said and I haven't uploaded any pictures yet. I will load pictures once Husband and I visit the monuments in a few weeks! 


Happy Monday folks!