1. The U.S. Capitol grounds are accessible again! The fence that was erected around it after the January 6 attacks was taken down this past weekend. It’s so great to be able to walk up close to view the building, hang out on the lawn, and just stroll the area around the People’s House once again. It feels like we’ve gotten a big, special part of the neighborhood back. No word on when/if tours of the Capitol will be offered again, but I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything.
2. An iconic attraction that is reopening: The Washington Monument! Starting tomorrow, July 14, it will operate daily 9am – 5pm. Timed-entry tickets will be required and are available through Recreation.gov. You must wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Read more about it in this post from a past reopening after renovations. And get a glimpse inside the Monument (and views of DC from within) here.
3. The National Museum of Asian Art/Freer Gallery and National Museum of African Art reopen this Friday, July, 16, with no timed-entry passes required! Both will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm. And speaking of no passes, the National Gallery of Art is longer requiring them to visit — just walk on in whenever you fancy from 10am – 5pm daily.
4. I am totally making this for me my kids when they get back from camp.
5. A great summer playlist.