By Diane Steinbach
Quirky Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is filled with history and world-class museums and monuments, but there is more see and do in Washington if you like a little odd fun with your vacation. Stuffed mascots, haunted steps and crazy artists all await the tourist looking for the quirky underbelly of this city. If you are ready for a tour with a different twist, there are some places to put on your Washington itinerary.
Visit J. Edgar Hoover
Check out the Congressional Cemetery to view J. Edgar Hoover's final resting place beside his life partner and devoted friend, Clyde Tolson. This historic cemetery is also home to Push Ma Ta Ha, a Native American chief who died during the War of 1812; John Philip Sousa; and Elbridge Gerry, signer of the Declaration of Independence. A unique sculpture garden also awaits you.
Congressional Cemetery
1801 E. Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 543-0539
Smithsonian Postal Museum
Not only will you view the "Art of Cards and Letters" and an exhibit of vintage collectible stamps, but you also will find yourself face to face with Owney, the stuffed remains of a postal mascot from the early 1900s. Friends of Owney delight in seeing its little furry face and are intrigued by its postal badges and pins.
National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 633-5555
"The Exorcist"
Re-create your favorite scenes from the film at this Georgetown location, where scenes from the movie were filmed. Near Thomas Sweets, a Washington favorite ice-cream shop, you can grab a cone and then check out the 97 steep stone steps. Even though it was just a movie, the stairs give you the creeps.
"The Exorcist" filming location
3607 M St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
National Museum of Health and Medicine
This museum sitting quietly on the campus of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center actually holds some rare items, including the bullet that killed former President Abraham Lincoln. During the bicentennial celebration of Lincoln, the museum featured information and items related to the assassination, including the Ford's Theatre flag, locks of hair from the president and the autopsy report filed in the Surgeon General's Office. Bone fragments round out this exhibit, which is interesting for parents and teens.
National Museum of Health and Medicine
6900 Georgia Ave. NW, Building 54
Washington, D.C. 20306
(202) 782-2673
Throne of the Third Heaven of Nations Millennium General Assembly
Folk art or the work of a deranged mind, the Throne is a compilation of tin-foil-covered sculptures of tables, altars and accessories fashioned out of found objects, junk and light bulbs. This achievement was found in James Hampton's garage in the mid-1960s upon the artist's death. Unbelievably ornate, detailed and breathtaking, the Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations was created by a mysterious man who also wrote volumes in a secret language that has still not been interpreted.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Eighth and F streets NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 633-1000
About the Author:
Diane Steinbach has been writing for a variety of professional, educational and entertainment publications for over 15 years. Her work consists of three books on art therapy including : "Art as Therapy: Innovations, Inspiration and Ideas" (Steinbach, 2005.) She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art therapy and behavioral science from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photo Credits:
dbking flickr.com, Mr. T in DC flickr.com, cliff1066 flickr.com, humain flickr.com, ~MVI~ flickr.com,cliff1066 flickr.com
