5 Must Sees in Washington D.C.

In March of 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo, Japan gifted the District of Columbia with a generous amount of cherry trees. His goal was to help promote the relationship between the two nations. During the last seven days of March, the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial is enhanced with bright pink and soft pink hues as the trees expose their glorious buds. The trees became so beloved by the locals that a group of women in 1938 chained themselves to a group of trees upon hearing about plans to cut them down. They are a huge draw, tourists flock from all over to take in their blooming beauty. Our nation's capital has many other sites to see including museums, monuments, statues, and great dining. These are my top 5 must sees while in D.C.:

Photo courtesy Kyaw Tun (Unsplash)

5. Atop Capitol Hill, you will find many famous structures and sites: the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Marine Barracks, and the Congressional Cemetery. The most famous and easily recognized is the Capitol Building, home of the United States Congress, completed in 1800 and eventually expanded. Entry into the rotunda affords you a spectacular view of neoclassical architecture at its best. The fresco at the top was hand painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. The main floor and its walls are adorned with statues and famous works of art depicting American history. A few blocks S.E. on 7th St. S.E. try Montmartre restaurant, a delightful airy French-bistro style restaurant serving classic French cuisine. On a gorgeous spring day enjoy the patio.

4. Across the Potomac River from D.C. lies the most famous cemetery in the country, Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for the those who fought defending our country's freedom. These immaculate grounds are maintained by the U.S. Army. Thousands of headstones are aligned in precise columns and rows as if the soldiers are called to muster one last time. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the largest draw for the grounds. Guarded 24/7 by a special Army detail, check times for the changing of the guard ceremony. The eternal flame marks the resting site of one of our most beloved former President’s ... John F. Kennedy. Just north is the Quarterdeck restaurant. If you love seafood featuring all you can eat crab this is your best bet.

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3. After your endless crab feast, just across the river back in D.C., you’ll find the Lincoln Memorial. Dedicated in May of 1922, to pay tribute to our 16th President it has also become a symbol of race relations. Two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches, The Gettysburg Address, and his 2nd inaugural speech are etched into the interior walls. A plaque on the steps near the top also marks the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech." The statue of Abe took four years to complete, it was originally going to be 10 feet high, but the decision was made to nearly double it to 19 feet. It is made of Georgia white marble, Abe weighs 175 tons. Componos restaurant, just north offers wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches just perfect to add some tonnage.

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2. The Smithsonian Institute has to be one of the greatest collection of museums in the world. Known as “the nation’s attic” the museums contain over 154 million items on display in 19 museums most of which are in D.C. The Museum of Natural History is one of my favorites. Dinosaur skeletons, the Hope Diamond, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and Archie Bunkers chair are just a few of the eclectic items on display. The Air & Space Museum is also loaded with famous historical gems: the Wright Brothers plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, space capsules, and fighter jets are suspended throughout the facility. Admission is always free. If you're into burgers and elevated pub grub try d DC Penn Quarter to the north of the mall. They are known for their beer, burgers, and bourbons.

1. The United States Holocaust Museum is a stirring and emotional museum visit. One could spend several hours walking numerous levels filled with the history and tragedy experienced by European Jews during Hitler’s reign. Dedicated in 1993, the museum has seen over 50 million visitors from all over the world. Every event is displayed during your tour, from the development of the ghettos to the liberation by American and European troops. Finish your tour in the Hall of Remembrance to light a candle of respect. On a lighter note, have a great fine dining experience at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. Sommelier, Titus Green, is a friend on social media and knows his stuff. Let him guide you through a sumptuous steak dinner with a perfectly paired bottle of wine.

Spring is the best time to visit our nation's capital. The winter chill is gone and summer days can get very humid. There is so much to see and do, you could take a week and not see all the sites D.C. has to offer. Ford’s Theater, the Spy Museum, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall are also popular stops. Travel buses afford you the opportunity to jump on and off at every site. However, take the walk along the tidal basin and enjoy the cherry trees blossom on your way to the Jefferson Memorial ... another D.C. must see.