I came in March for a fun Women's History month celebration. I learned all about Hattie Sewell whom…read moremanaged the tea house in 1920. She was quite the businesswoman and she increased business dramatically. Unfortunately, Park managers decided not to renew her contract to run the tea house because neighbors complained about her just because she was a black woman. There are no known photographs of her. It only operated as a tea house until the mid-1930s, when it was turned back into a working grist mill. The event had park rangers giving speeches and lots of displays. There was a 20 minute movie to watch in the building nearby. They even had mini cupcakes and sodas for free for visitors. I'm glad I came to see this tiny bit of history in Rock Creek Park that is easy to get to (and park) from my house via Beach Drive.

Small mill with easy access to the grinding stone and nice staff explaining the process. Loved the…read more easy access to the creek and photo ops.

If you want to take a step back in time and visit a small Virginia town, then take a beautiful…read morecounty drive to Clifton. There are NO chain stores here. In fact, there are only 1-2 shops and several restaurants. The main draw are the historical markers along the railroad tracks that describe their history and importance and the quaint 1900's architecture. The first railroad station, now gone, was built around 1850. The railroad was important during the Civil War with many battles fought near this border town. The town remains unchanged since the 1930's. Colorful homes line the street each telling a story. Amenities are limited. There is some street parking and a small parking lot behind Buckley's store. Parking is free. The only restrooms are in the restaurants. All the restaurants are good. Gas up before you come.

This is a nice town in Virginia. Surrounded by both Fairfax and Prince William Counties, bring cash…read moreand credit cards. Nothing is cheap here. In many ways it's a lot like Middleburg. On a plus note I do like the trains a lot. Also the caboose exhibit is a nice aspect. Yet do take care, as the main road can be fairly congested. Old Town Alexandria or Fairfax, are more foot traffic friendly. Is it pretty? Yes. The old church and general stores are very attractive. Seeing the old Texaco sign is always pleasant. There are some expensive craft shops and restaurants. Petersons Ice Cream, is higher than most, but I do love them for a dessert treat. Parking can be a challenge, but overall small and quaint.

The DC War Memorial is a beautifully detailed, yet simply designed structure commemorating the 499…read moreDC residents who perished serving the United States during WWI. The memorial's platform is constructed of pure marble and the names of the 499 fallen Washingtonians are inscribed around it. The memorial has been restored over the years, so the current structure seems much more pristine despite being a nearly 100 year old structure. You can find many couples using the memorial as a prop for their wedding photos. Others can be seen using it for professional photos for graduation, prom, and other special events. The platform sits 4 feet tall with no guardrails, so I recommend exercising caution and mindfulness when walking on the platform. Being that this monument commemorates DC's own, I wish it were erected in a more conspicuous location. I like the privacy of the location, however, it feels remote and the area doesn't get as much foot traffic as some of the grander, more renown memorials and monuments on The Mall.

Well over 100,000 Americans died in World War 1. This was "the war to end all wars," but sadly as…read morewe know WW2 and others have occurred. I give this monument only two stars, because I believe the 20,000 plus DC residents who served in this conflict, deserve far better than this. It is unacceptable that this small domed marble statue, is all there is to the city's folks who fought, were wounded, or died in service to this nation and allies. DC should improve upon this. I understand that federal funds were used for the much larger WW2 memorial, but it's not even well cared for. To the doughboys my thanks to you. This one is close to the WW2 Memorial. After todays walking am directional challenged, but this landmark is between that and the Jefferson Memorial. It is close to the Kutz Bridge. You can go here and pay your respects to the brave folks. Yet I feel strongly they deserve more than this. It was built years ago and it is showing its age. Lest we forget.

The Native American Veterans Memorial is located right next to the museum. Very accessible by…read moremetro. 10/10 would recommend spending some time here and at the museum.

National Native American Veterans Memorial - This memorial has very strong symbolism while also…read morefeeling modern and peaceful. The architecture is well thought out; the circular design and the water create a harmonious space for reflection. I appreciate that it is a place of respect, designed not to be pompous but dignified and quiet. You can truly feel the recognition of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to the country.

This is an astounding piece. It is also known as Waves and Gulls and is located right of of the…read moreMount Vernon Trail. If boarders the Potomac River. It was made in 1934 by Ernesto Begni del Piatta and depicts 7 sea gulls flying over a wave's crest. It stands 35 feet tall and 30 Feet wide. What caught my eye was the full bed of beautiful red flowers surrounding the statue. There were many people there taking photos. It is very picturesque. As a bonus, you do get a great view of the DC skyline from here. Just be careful of the bicyclist zooming around the corner past the statue. They are going full speed and will seriously hurt you. This memorial is worth a brief stop if you are going by. There is no nearby parking that I saw and I only stumbled upon it because I was walking the trail. I suggest you either walk, bike or scooter here.

The Navy Merchant Marine Memorial is a memorial on Columbia Island that many recognize by driving…read morealong the George Washington Memorial Parkway, but few have stopped to visit it. Here's why it's worth your time: 1) Story: It's the first memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Navy and Merchant Marines. It took almost twenty years to go from ideation to opening due to lack of funds. Given the amount of trash nearby and the decay on the memorial, it's still neglected. 2) Memorial: It's one of the most unique memorials in the city and weirdly beautiful. You can also climb into the wave or use it as a place to read a good book. 3) Views: It's on an island in the Potomac River with stunning views of the National Mall. If you want to visit, you can access it via foot or bike along the Mt. Vernon Trail or you can drive. The parking lot near the marina gives you three hours of free parking. It's a short walk from the parking lot.

Per the sign, this is one of the boundary stones that originally marked the border between DC and…read moreVirginia before that part of DC was given back to Virginia way back in the 1840s or so. It's interesting to me that DC extended so far into Virginia back then and I just happened to see this when I was walking by. It's probably a must see if you're a hard core DC history buff but I thought it was kind of interesting when I just happened to walk by and notice it. I wouldn't make a special trip just to check it out.

Mount Air was the home of a member of the Vestry of Historic Pohick Church. It was the church home…read moreof George Washington ( the father of the United States - our country) Visit the Church for a self guided tour and Docent tours are also given!

Is visiting the Mount Air Historic Site a destination? I don't think so, but I appreciate the…read morededication of activists to preserve history. Located in a subdivision, park on the street and follow the path to the ruins. There are three places with ruins- the foundation of the 18th century house, what's left of old Greek Revival columns, and two small wooden structures. All except the columns are fenced off. Several signs are scattered throughout the space, but half are almost impossible to read due to wear and tear. It's worth noting that even though the land was used as a plantation whose owner enslaved people, there is no mention of that and how evil that was. It's a huge miss since acknowledgement and condemnation is one small step toward creating a more equitable society for all.

Where as the Manassas National Park Visitors Center is focused on the First Battle of Manassas,…read morethis building is dedicated to Second Manassas (aka, Second Battle of Bull Run). Like the main visitors center, Brawner Farm has a terrain map with lights that depict the flow of the battle, but is much smaller. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area, with various historical plaques where the action occurred. The battle is hard to imagine. While the plaques try to explain things, the thick forest conceals the main avenues of the Confederate advance (just as it did during the battle). Unless you watch the show in the farm house, you are unlikely to understand the disposition of forces any more than poor General Pope did (which is why he was beaten back).

Don't miss a stop at this spot when visiting the battlefield. Tucked away North of 29 on Pageland…read moreLane (just a short drive up off of 29) to the right. There is limited parking here but if you snag a spot you will be close to nice quiet trails. Very scenic. There is a bathroom in the parking lot here. A kick walk on a cement path abutted by nature will bring you to the Brawner Farm House. Inside, you will find a park volunteer to provide information and displays about the Second Battle of Manassas. If you go further on the trails be aware that the area has ticks and copperhead snakes. Be prepared.