Another great but really hot day. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
After packing our bags and storing them at our BnB, we visited the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated. This working theatre had a great museum. I wished there was more time to spend in the museum section before we went to the talk in the theatre section. The exact box where Lincoln was assassinated was clearly visible.
Tickets for the talks and museum are timed and free. If you want to skip the line-ups, go on line and purchase your timed ticket in advance. The cost is $3.50 per ticket.
The house where Lincoln was brought and died after the shooting is located across the street from the theatre.
We then walked to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. You know. The one that features prominently in “Night at the Museum”. There were so many great things to see and do there for both adults and kids. I personally enjoyed the gem display with the gorgeous Hope Diamond. The kids were more into the dinosaurs and early man exhibits. Once again, this museum was free.
Outside, the thermometer continued to rise, so on our way to the National Portrait Gallery, we stopped at McDonalds…not my favourite restaurant but it was cool, had free WIFI and cheap ice cream.
I enjoyed the portraits of the Presidents in the gallery. There was also a really touching room dedicated to President Reagan. The portrait of the real (not Disney), Pokahontas got everyone talking. And yes, this museum was also free.
After leaving the museum, we stopped for more feeding, watering, and bathroom breaks.
Drawn by a large number of Canadian flags, we stopped to check out the Canadian Embassy. Because of security measures, we couldn’t go in.
We walked to the Capital Building but couldn’t get in because it was 5pm. We did enjoy looking around the outside and checking out what I believe to be a Civil War Memorial.
Hot, tired but happy we made our way to Union Station for more snacks and returned to our B and B to freshen up and retrieve our luggage.
After a really delicious (and well-priced) meal at Mark’s Kitchen in Takoma, (recommended by our B and B host, Kyle), we returned to Union Station.
It was dark by this time and we were a tad behind schedule. We ended up taking a wrong turn and realized a few blocks down that we were heading in the wrong direction. After looking nervously at our watches, our panicked group broke out in a sprint in the correct direction, suitcases bouncing behind us.
We needn’t have worried. The bus was a few minutes late.
Our return Mega Bus trip was uneventful. My only gripe was that my seat wouldn’t stay reclined.
We had an amazing time and this trip was a real bargoon.
Mega Bus- return transport Toronto-Washington $120.00
2 nights 1850’s Mansion BnB $150.00
Attractions $ 96.00
Food $165.00
Total for three people $531.00
Would I do it again? You betcha!