Washington, D.C.
Once evening arrived, we rode the bus back into Washington to eat dinner at Pinstripes bowling alley, an Italian-American restaurant that combines fine dining and craft beer with leisurely play. After enjoying pizza and a few rounds of bocce ball, we topped off the night with an illuminated monument tour of the city, driving past the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and many other landmarks. As impressive as these sites are during the day, there is nothing quite like the breathtaking visual of illuminated Neoclassical architecture against the night sky.
On the final day of our trip, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Museum of the Bible, just two blocks from National Mall and three blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The exquisite $500 million museum was constructed in an impressive five years and features some of the most advanced exhibit technology in the country. Upon entering, each guest receives a state-of-the-art digital guide that can be used to customize their tour based on time constraints and preferred exhibits.
Throughout the exhibit floors, visitors learn about the content, history and impact of the Bible through immersive displays, interactive kiosks and colorful artifacts. Some of the most engaging highlights are biblical short films, a virtual flying tour of religious sites in Washington and a replica Nazarene village. In addition to the exhibits, the museum features a beautiful, two-story glass rooftop portion with a restaurant, a biblical garden and a 472-seat theater.
Next, we visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016 and explores American history through the lens of the African-American experience. The building itself is an architectural marvel, challenging the white-pillared Romanesque style that characterizes so many Smithsonian museums in Washington with a rich shade of brown that seems almost golden in the sun. The lattice pattern of the exterior aluminum panels reflects the ironwork once made by slaves.
Beginning with 15th-century Africa and Europe, the chronological history galleries walk guests through the suffering and indomitable spirit of African-Americans in the United States. Groups can view treasured artifacts such as Harriet Tubman’s shawl and Nat Turner’s Bible, as well as sobering relics like the iron shackles that bound the feet of small children. Other exhibits highlight African-American contributions to art, film and sports.
Our final stop for the day was the U.S. Capitol. The magnificent site is visible from numerous vantage points throughout the city, thanks to its perch on Capitol Hill, and is often mistaken for the White House. Over the course of an hourlong guided tour, we walked some of the splendid marble corridors and legislative halls where many of the most important decisions in the country have been made. The tour begins with a 13-minute short film about America’s founding called “Out of Many, One” and then takes groups to significant locations throughout the building, such as the Crypt, the Rotunda and the National Statuary Hall.
For more information on this itinerary contact Mid Atlantic Receptive Services at 1-800-769-5912 or go to www.takeafuntrip.com.
