Tag Archives: Best Things to Do in DC

DC Scavenger: Decipher These Clues to Explore Dupont Circle!

Dupont Circle Photo: Wikipedia Commons

 

Summer may be winding down, but warm temperatures and days bursting with long-lasting sunlight continue to prevail (at least for now, anyway). Soak up every drop of summer with a fun and unique way to explore our capital city by embarking on a scavenger hunt throughout one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods!

The attractive neighborhood of Dupont Circle was established during the Gilded Age as a home for elite and affluent Washingtonians. Over a century later, it has managed to maintain its polished image with its stately row homes, green spaces, independent bookstores and shops, and eateries and cafes. The area’s epicenter, the energetic circle itself, serves as a popular social gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

In this sixth guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Embassies, museums and galleries, and grand mansions help define this lovely enclave, further preserving its initial intent as one of the city’s most elegant showpieces. Below are four of 23 clues featured in the Dupont Circle chapter of DC Scavenger, so lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore this delightful and expansive region. And check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover more clues and sites around Dupont Circle and throughout the entire city.

JoAnn Hill is also the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning seventeen distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.

 

Dupont Circle Clue #1
A writer whose words echo worldwide,
Hues of mustard and crimson on this wall’s side.
“The Hill We Climb” helped her to shine bright,
This poet works hard for what is right.

Dupont Circle Clue #2
Deep, deep, low, artworks dazzle and glow,
You must descend to witness below.
Here, artists shine in this unique space;
Come and view in this sublevel place.

Dupont Circle Clue #3
Architect of Lincoln, this one more round,
The sea, wind, and stars, where pennies are found.
A spot for friends and neighbors to meet,
The water here welcomes your wading feet.

Dupont Circle Clue #4
This museum will have you screaming OHHHH!
Over one hundred rooms to get to know.
Two roaring statues greet visitors here,
Where Rosa Parks lived in her later years.

 

* * * 

 

JoAnn Hill, author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years.  She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching fitness classes and indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes with her husband. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She is currently working on her third book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC, which is expected to be released in Spring 2024.

 

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DC Scavenger: Explore the Southwest Waterfront with These Fun Clues!

 

Summertime in DC calls for taking advantage of the city’s many spectacular waterfronts. The revitalized Southwest Waterfront is undoubtedly one of the District’s most vibrant areas, hosting a bevy of premiere dining, retail, and nightlife destinations. In addition to boasting an abundance of entertainment attractions, this accessible waterfront also offers countless recreational sports, festivals, and activities.

In this fifth guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. This highly visited region is largely characterized by The Wharf, as well as the nation’s longest continuously operating open-air fish market and thriving music and performing arts scenes. Below are four of 23 clues featured in the Southwest Waterfront chapter of DC Scavenger. JoAnn’s book that challenges readers to solve clues and discover sites around the Southwest Waterfront and throughout the entire city.

JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger , which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning seventeen distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.

Southwest Waterfront Clue #1
Come to this stop, a literary scene,
A stunning design surrounded by green,
Haven for books within these pleasing walls,
A redesigned space that welcomes us all.

Southwest Waterfront Clue #2
Find a showpiece quite grand that takes you here;
DC arts lovers hold this place quite dear.
An architectural gem you can’t miss,
Theater lovers bask in show-stopping bliss.

Southwest Waterfront Clue #3
Moove on over to this Vermont-based treat,
Deliciousness to lick, scoop, and eat,
Chunky Monkey and Phish Food are two faves,
So many flavors to savor and crave.

Southwest Waterfront Clue #4
Swing over to this area’s last spot,
The breeze here will cool you down when it’s hot.
Revert to your childhood here in full swing,
Fun way to round out this neighborhood fling!

 

* * * 

 

JoAnnHill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.

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DC Scavenger: Discover the Navy Yard with These Fun Clues!

 

Swing, Batter Batter, Swing! The arrival of spring also means the arrival of America’s favorite pastime. Baseball has played a major role throughout American history and its heavy-hitter impact is no different here in our nation’s capital! While the Nationals may not have a winning record at the moment, the District’s love and energy surrounding them continues to radiate throughout the city.

In this fourth guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout Navy Yard, the neighborhood home of our beloved Nationals and one of the city’s most vibrant areas. This highly visited region is mostly known for its lively stadium, picturesque waterfront, verdant parks, and abundance of eateries, shops, and outdoor events.

JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.

Here are four of 23 clues featured in the Navy Yard chapter of DC Scavenger (and note that the photos show the general location, not the answer to the clue).  Check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover even more clues and sites around the Navy Yard and throughout the entire city!

 

 

Navy Yard Clue #1
A yell of play “this,” and known as a dance,
Grab seats near a plate, if given a chance.
These metal spheres hang, shiny and bright,
In twenty-nineteen, they won the hard fight.

 

Navy Yard Clue #2
The Village folks start their spelling with this,
This namesake piece of wood is hard to miss,
Come find this letter, no need to ask “why”,
A sign of the ‘hood as you walk by.

 

 

Navy Yard Clue #3
At this gift shop, support makers of DC,
So much in store: have a shopping spree!
Buy books, art, and cards or treats for your pet,
Discover local wares, here you’re all set!

 

Navy Yard Clue #4
On the boardwalk, the letter after B,
Happiness comes in waves, jubilant glee,
This window looks out to the river blue,
Where boats are joined by their wonderful crew.

 

* * * 

 

JoAnnHill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.

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DC Scavenger: Discover the Tidal Basin with These Fun Clues!

 

Spring is just around the corner, and here in DC, that means the beautiful cherry trees that have come to symbolize our nation’s capital are about to be in full bloom! There’s no better time to wander around the Tidal Basin and experience the blossoms’ stunning glory at its peak.

In this third guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout the Tidal Basin. This highly visited area is mostly known for its majestic memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and FDR Memorial. Each year, it also famously hosts the world-renowned Cherry Blossom Festival, a springtime staple and cherished celebration of beauty and nature. Along your scavenger hunt adventure, explore the Tidal Basin’s most cherished sites while surrounded by the abundant bursts of pink and white blossoms.

JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most treasured gems.

Below are four of 15 clues featured in the Tidal Basin chapter of DC Scavenger. (Note that the photos show the general location, not the answer to the clue!)  Check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover even more clues and sites around the Tidal Basin and throughout the entire city!

 

Tidal Basin Clue #1
First memorial here’s for Tommy J
Three’s the magic number, please don’t stray
In his left hand, this declared us free,
Nineteen feet tall, the third prez stands strongly.

 

Tidal Basin Clue #2
Follow the path to this Japanese gift
Assembling it was a heavy lift.
It came in five crates, no clues to its shape
Near FDR, a fixture of this landscape.

 

Tidal Basin Clue #3
The First Lady next to this UN seal
Her husband laid down the promised New Deal
Including a First Lady is quite unique
She was smart and bold, opposite of meek.

 

Tidal Basin Clue #4
Stroll over to this memorial king,
There are four to solve, so do your thing!
Greatest civil rights leader of the land
Look for this scroll for the clue at hand.

* * *

 

JoAnnHill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mind Tricks & More Fun at the Museum of Illusions

 

When the Museum of Illusions opened at CityCenter DC back in December, I thought it was just a quick pop-up, a temporary experience that would only be here through the holiday season, so I didn’t make it a huge priority to go.  I’ve since learned that it’s here indefinitely, so when my friend Jen from Kid Up and Go asked me to join her on a visit recently, I was excited to check it out.

Who’s big, who’s little?

The museum calls itself an “edutainment destination” and fittingly so.  The many installations and exhibits throughout the multi-room space trick and test the mind in ways that are fun and illuminating.  Not only are the illusions cool to see and interact with, they play with perspective, sometimes require problem solving, and spark curiosity about how they work. And you can learn all about them from signs with explanations and staff who are on hand to answer any questions.

Moving pictures?

Everything in the museum is interactive in some way, whether you’re staring at pictures to watch them “move,” standing within an exhibit to feel its effects, solving some kind of puzzle, or placing yourself just so to create an illusional scene.  There are purely visual exhibits, elements that require hands-on activity, whole immersive rooms, and fun optical illusion photo ops.  The images in this post offer a glimpse, but there are so many more!

Just hangin’ in the Metro

It’s completely engaging, and you can explore it all as slowly or quickly as you like, though the museum’s website says visits last about 45-60 minutes.  We spent about an hour in the museum, and that was enough time to check out everything there.

A kaleidoscope of… me 😃

Unlike many DC museums, there is an admission fee for ages 5 and up to visit the Museum of Illusions.  But if you’re looking for something unique and fun to do, this mind-bending experience is a good bet.

Wonder what they’re holding 😉

 

Museum of Illusions
Where: 927 H Street NW | CityCenter DC
When: Sun–Thurs, 10am – 8pm | Fri & Sat, 10am – 9pm
Admission: $23.50/13+, $18.95/age 5-12, free/4 & under

 

Puzzles…to try and to buy

 

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