#2: Sonny Bono Memorial Park

In keeping with the theme of surprising landmarks within our stomping ground, for adventure number two we found our way to the Sonny Bono Memorial Park.  After far too much wandering, we found the park - a small triangle of fenced-in grass near New Hampshire, 20th, and O Streets NW.  The park has some small benches, a Japanese maple tree and some flowers, and is a quaint little place that is easily overlooked in such a high-traffic area.

The plaque in the park reads: "In memory of my friend Sonny Bono 1935-1998
Entertainer - Entrepreneur - Statesman - Friend"

A little research taught me that buried 4 feet under the plaque is the sheet music to "The Beat Goes On," Bono's congressional cufflinks, a coffee mug from Sonny's Italian Restaurant and other Bono-related gear.  Supposedly the park's founder, Bono's friend Geary Simon, asked Bono's friends for contributions to the underground vault.  Among other items, Simon received two sealed envelopes that were buried as they were given to him.  Adding mystery to an adventure?  Bonus! 

Once we had finally found the park, I darted over and caught the attention of some passers-by, who asked what we were looking at.  One of them said, "I've walked past here 20,000 times and never knew that was here!"  Ta-da, mission accomplished!

Location: New Hampshire & 20th Street, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Dupont Circle (Red)
Cost: Free