I’ve been to Washington DC a handful of times now and each time I leave with a feeling very specific to the destination. The capitol of the United States is one of those places that holds so much history, so much weight and so much hope, all simultaneously. No matter who might be residing in the White House or what party you might vote for, Washington DC is one of those places that really needs to be experienced by every American, to see where we come from and to see what we’ve built over the years, together. So if you haven’t visited yet, here’s why every American needs to visit Washington DC.
History is everywhere.
Driving or walking around DC, it’s incredible how much history is all around you. Perhaps no other city in the US has so much history. Whether it’s wandering the halls of George Washington’s home or standing beside the Washington Monument or looking across the tidal basin at the Jefferson Monument, it’s impossible to not be blown away by the history of our nation. So much all those history lessons we learn in school are somewhat intangible in real life, but to stand there and see these monuments, it brings it all to life.
No matter what your politics, DC is inspiring.
I happen to be in the group of people at the moment not agreeing with much my government is doing or who happens to be in office, but regardless of politics, DC is awe inspiring. To walk the streets where our nation is governed, where laws are created or abolished, where so much has come about in the history of the US is incredible moving.
We can’t move forward until we know where we’ve been.
I’m a huge believer in learning from mistakes and as a country or as a world, we can’t move forward without knowing where we’ve been and what mistakes we’ve made along the way. Seeing places like the Vietnam memorial where endless names are etched into stone or seeing a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln and thinking about what was happening during his lifetime in our country, we have to look back in order to look forward. Seeing these places with your own eyes is incredible eye opening to how we might be able to move forward in the future.
Heading to Washington DC?
Jenn says
I used to take for granted how close I was to DC. The last few years I started taking advantage of my proximity and going a few times per year. I’m really glad I did now that going one random weekend is no longer an option.
Casey says
Totally. It really is an amazing city to experience.
Jordan Beck Wagner says
I always pinch myself that I grew up in downtown D.C. For me, driving past the Lincoln Memorial was just another average day. I had countless field trips to the Smithsonian museums (Air and Space Museum was a personal favorite) in additional to exploring all the art museums. Plus, invites to the Easter Egg hunt at the White House because a classmate’s parent work there or a special tour of the National Cathedral because my teacher’s dad worked there. Truly a wonderful childhood the exposed me to so many new ideas, cultures, history, etc. I was so incredibly lucky and love this city dearly <3
Casey says
Wow, that’s pretty amazing! It really is a city that makes you stop and think about everything around you!
Emily of Em Busy Living says
I’m with you on not being a big fan of what’s going on there at the moment, but I still love DC as a place to visit. I’m going up in a couple of weeks for the day and I’m so excited I can be there so easily.
Casey says
Totally. It’s always well worth a visit!
Rachel @ STCL says
Totally agree! The history alone is well worth a visit!
Casey says
Totally!