Cherry Blossom Time in Washington DC

It's been almost a week and half since we took our trip to Washington DC and I haven't had a chance to blog about it. Gary and I have anyways wanted to go to Washington during the Cherry Blossom Festival but it always seem to be during lambing season.  Not this year....Yeh!  This was our third visit to our nations capital and we still haven't seen it all. 

Arriving early we took in the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin overlooking the Jefferson Memorial. Although it was a chilly day the sight of flowers and trees in bloom warmed my heart.

Our first day took us to the National Museum of American Indians.  Build in 2004 the exhibit celebrates native Indians from North American, Mexico, Central American and South America.

 The outside of the building will bring you peace before you even get into the exhibit area.

Inside the museum you will find art and history collections of varies tribes from the Americas.

This museum was a great lesson in understanding the survival of our native Americans.

Next stop The United States Botanic Garden

 The archway fascinated me.  I would love to see it when they plant the flowers in it.

  What a great way to brighten a cloudy day.

I have a sentimental feeling when ever I go to DC.  As a child my parents took my brothers I a number of times during the Easter holiday.  I was always in awe over the architecture and the history within those walls.

As you can see their is a big cloud over the US Capitol.  The picture was taken during budget negotiations and the threat of a government shut down.

This was just some of the detail on the Library of Congress Building.  Do they still design buildings like this with so much detail?

 

U.S. Supreme Court

Enough with history, lets eat!  Before we leave for any vacation I Google for special places to eat.  With the  keywords:  Where the locals go to eat, the best of Washington DC and of course where would Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives go.

 And Good Stuff Eatery was just a few blocks from the Capitol Building.  There was a line outside the door so we knew we were at the right place.

 

Their specialty is burgers including veggy burgers and salads.  President Obama and Michelle have been known to go here on occasions. Check out their web site for their menu.

OUR FARMHOUSE BURGERS ARE TOPPED WITH FARM FRESH RUBY RED TOMATOES, THINLY SLICED ONION, CRISP LETTUCE & PICKLES,
Served On A Sweet, Buttery Soft, Freshly Baked Pennsylvania Dutch Bun With A Loving Spoonful Of Good Stuff Sauce or “Shun The Bun” – have it lettuce wrapped.

MICHELLE MELT
Free Range Turky Burger
Caramelized Onions, Swiss Cheese,
Ruby Tomato, Lettuce On A
Freshly Baked Wheat Bun With
Southlawn Herb Garden Mayo
6.89
PREZ OBAMA BURGER
Applewood Bacon, Onion Marmalade,
Roquefort Cheese & Delicious
Horseradish Mayo Sauce
6.89

Gary and I opted for the Farmhouse Cheese Burger and Spike’s Village Fries.  Now I know that a burger doesn't sound like much, but the sauces that you can have on them were so delicious.  And the fries topped with fresh thyme, rosemary & sea salt were to die for...so gooood! 
Mango chutney, old bay mayo and chipotle mayo was just some you could add to anything served.

 We're going to have to walk this off.

Cherry Tree's line the walkway of the Mall.

 Smithsonian Castle

You can't help but smile when you stroll through this garden.

The day ended with a walk to the Jefferson Memorial with a Park Ranger to learn more about the history and culture associated with the Japanese gift of flowering cherry trees.

I think this picture says it all.

I hope in the next couple of days to finish blogging about our adventure to Washington and how my Dad will always be remember for his service to his country. Stay tuned.