National Arboretum

It's strange to think that you can live practically right next door to something of great historical importance, and end up not seeing it for the years that you are there. While others may visit it from around the country, or around the world, someone living so close by just never goes to appreciate it.

I am one of those people.

I had a bunch of family in town this weekend, and we were looking for something to do that didn't involve a museum. So we ended up going to the National Arboretum. I seriously had no idea that this place even existed, but it has some fascinating artifacts/collections.

-The original columns and stairs from the Capitol building, which Abraham Lincoln stood on!

-The best collection of bonsai outside of Japan - some of them are more than 100 years old.

-A lemon tree with the biggest lemons I have ever seen.

-Very hungry koi fish that you can feed.

-Lots of other things that I didn't have time to check out, like the National Grove of State Trees, the trolley that takes you around to all the different areas, and the azalea gardens.

Another great part about it: it's dog friendly! And I really like being able to take my dog places.