#13: FDR Memorial

Outdated websites forced us into a situation where I was aimlessly searching for "The Awakening" at its former location, near Hains Point (I'd like to point out: that's a SENATE website).  After I broke down and told Matt what we were looking for and we determined that it didn't exist (at least where we were), we decided to walk through the FDR Memorial, also on the adventures list.  Based on convenience, we made our way to the George Mason Memorial directly after.

The FDR Memorial is a lived-in memorial.  Bronze statues are life-sized and almost encourage you to take photos next to them.  As we walked through, we saw at least 4 visitors standing in the "bread line" for a photo, and even more people petting the status of the Roosevelt's dog.  The memorial tells a story, breaking FDR's presidency into phases and taking you on a physical trip as you pass through time.  It's also in the shade, which I can't help but think is intentional, as most of these decisions are.  

Water is a big part of the memorial.  During my 8th grade class trip (throwback!) I remember the guide explaining the symbolism behind the water, and a quick trip to Wikipedia broke it down:

"Each of the four 'rooms' representing Roosevelt's respective terms in office contains a waterfall. As one moves from room to room, the waterfalls become larger and more complex, reflecting the increasing complexity of a presidency marked by the vast upheavals of economic depression and world war. Tour guides describe the symbolism of the five main water areas as: 

• A single large drop - The crash of the economy that led to the Great Depression 
• Multiple stairstep drops - The Tennessee Valley Authority dam-building project 
• Chaotic falls at varying angles - World War II 
• A still pool - Roosevelt's death 
• A wide array combining the earlier waterfalls - A retrospective of Roosevelt's presidency"  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Delano_Roosevelt_Memorial)

Matt and I went right at sunset, so we were spoiled by few visitors and perfect weather.  It also allowed for some great photos as we walked around the Tidal Basin to the George Mason Memorial, in addition to a visit by a fox.  

We photo-stalked the fox for awhile but I thought this photo was more appropriate

Location: 1850 W Basin Dr. SW (the NW side of the Tidal Basin, in between Independence and Ohio, on the Potomac)
Closet Metro Stop: Arlington Cemetery (blue/yellow) or L'Enfant Plaza (blue/yellow/green/orange) - but both are a hike
Cost: Free

#11: Kramerbooks & Afterwords

On a whim, a Saturday morning "I'm hungry" became an opportunity to knock an item off of the adventure list, so off to Kramerbooks & Afterwords we went.  After calling in advance, we were told reservations weren't taken but if we hurry over we could be seated relatively quickly.  For an 11:30 arrival at a Dupont cafe, we expected to wait (and wait...and wait...) but were pleasantly surprised when our phone call paid off.  In a rare DC weather break, Matt and I were able to sit outside in partial shade and not count down the minutes until we left, thanks in part to some good grub. 

I couldn't turn down Eggs Benedict and I'm glad I didn't.  The homemade Hollandaise was sweet and slightly smoky.  Matt is a big homefries fan and though my potatoes were a little soggy, they were still consumed thanks to his attention.  He opted for a big ol' omelet with mushrooms, cheese, peppers, bacon and other Matt-esque ingredients.  I'm fuzzy on the details but remember it being devoured.

The menu was creative but not pretentious, which was a nice plus for a brunch spot.  $12 for Eggs Benedict seems to be fairly standard around these parts, so I can't complain too much, though $40 for brunch better fill me up until dinner... and it did.

Location: 1517 Connecticut Ave., NW (you can also enter from 19th Street)
Closest Metro Stop: Dupont Circle (red)
Cost: Around $40 for brunch for two with orange juice

#10: PS 7's

Chinatown's PS 7's reeled me in with its 4pm-close Monday happy hour and kept me around with its perfectly balanced atmosphere.  Matt and I stopped in after work and were offered a pair of comfy chairs separated by a table in the front of the lounge area.  It was so refreshing to be greeted by a hostess who didn't immediately interrogate us over how much we'd be eating/drinking/spending, but instead seated us in a no-fuss, laid-back way.  The other side of the restaurant had tables for dinner, but we wanted to soak up the happy hour vibe our first time through.

Yelp reviewers warned that it would get crowded, but the Monday crowd was exactly what I would want after work.  We were in an energetic room full of people standing around tall tables and sitting at the bar - no one was pushing past anyone else and we felt no pressure to give up our prime real estate by our waiter or other patrons.  In addition to a cool vibe, it was, simply put, pretty.  PS 7's didn't seem like it was trying too hard with decor, heavy music or barely-there lighting.  It was inviting, comfortable and spacious - a rarity in the DC happy hour world.

(Lifted from http://www.nightclub.com/bar-management/alcohol-free/hold-alcohol-not-flavor)

I always love when happy hours have food discounts that are desirable, as opposed to light, unsatisfying fare.  Monday was half-price burger night, so we dove into those and some spicy salami popcorn that our waiter recommended.  Both were delicious.  I drank one of their punches while Matt got something more complicated from the menu.  We loved all of the visuals behind the bar: huge jars of pickled vegetables and house-infused liquors.  PS 7's drink menu kept Matt interested for quite some time, so I knew it was a good pick.

Overall, PS 7's had a great vibe for a happy hour - soft lighting that wasn't so dim that we couldn't see each other, an energetic crowd that wasn't overwhelming, and music that didn't overpower the room.  Factor in a happy hour that actually discounts its prices?  Sold!

Location: 777 I Street, NW
Closest Metro Stop: Gallery Pl-Chinatown (green/red/yellow), though it's a quick jump to Metro Center (blue/orange/red) also
Cost: $4 burgers, $7 punch, $10 cocktails

#9: Butterfly Habitat Garden (NMNH)

Luckily for us, there haven't been too many failures in our adventures - that is, assuming we don't get lost and abandon the trip.  One of the biggest letdowns, unfortunately, was our visit to the Butterfly Habitat Garden outside of the Natural History Museum.

The garden is located on the eastern lawn of the National Museum of Natural History, in between the museum itself and the highway that runs next to the Sculpture Garden.  It's a shady passageway between the mall and Constitution Avenue, and now that we know it exists, we wander through with some frequency to duck out of the sun.  In all of our times passing through, though, we have yet to see a single butterfly.

The Butterfly Habitat Garden's website boasts a viewers' ability to see "the actual butterfly life cycle," but we must be strolling through during the hibernation phase.  The garden itself is beautiful - there are plenty of bright flowers and it's in an area with a rare balance of shade and sun - but without butterflies, it's a bit of a bummer. 

(Lifted from Smithsonian Gardens' website - http://www.gardens.si.edu/our-gardens/butterfly-habitat-garden.html)

On the upside, within the Natural History Museum there is a fantastic butterfly exhibit where guests are able to go inside of a "Butterfly Pavilion" and watch butterflies fly around from plant to plant.  I visited with my parents and my dad was a big hit - multiple butterflies landed on him and took a free ride as he walked around.  As of 6/12, tickets are $6 for adults but free on Tuesdays.

Location: The lawn adjacent to the National Museum of Natural History - 12th St. NW in between Constitution Ave. NW and Madison Dr. NW

Closest Metro Stop: Federal Triangle (orange/blue)

Cost: Free (pay your taxes!)