Rather than having the federal government based in only one state, the area now known as the District of Columbia was designated on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. George Washington hired Pierre-Charles L’Enfant to design the city, and his grid of streets and avenues is still visible today.
The White House and the majestic Capitol Building with its dome are two of the most recognisable structures in the world. They are connected by Pennsylvania Avenue, the most significant of these streets. L’Enfant’s city plan’s open and airy concept is reflected in the National Mall, which is lined with museums and monuments.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge may be found on the southern edge of the Rattlesnake Hills, in the centre of the Columbia River Plateau. Spectacular aerial views may be had of the canyon, which divides Washington and Oregon and passes through the Cascade Mountains. This location’s beauty is accentuated by the Multnomah Falls plunge directly into the canyon at one point. When visiting the Columbia River Gorge from the state of Washington, a trip via State Route 14 is highly recommended.
Bellingham
North of Seattle, in what would be considered “Northwest,” you’ll find Bellingham, which is just about an hour from the Canadian border. Mount Baker is only one of several Pacific Northwest landmarks that may be reached from this location. The town is especially popular among college students because of its relaxed atmosphere and its focus on outdoor activity.
Take a walk around Fairhaven Historic District, go into some art galleries, and soak in rays on a terrace at a local eatery to taste what makes this Pacific Northwest town so special. Western Washington University, located outside the city proper, has a world-class Outdoor Sculpture Collection that may be seen throughout its sprawling campus. The four waterfalls and miles of trails at Whatcom Falls Park make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
In the neighbourhood, tourists may go on picturesque drives through the vast fields of Skagit Valley tulips in the spring or via the winding, narrow Chuckanut Drive all through the year.
United States Capitol and Capitol Hill
The United States Capitol building serves as the meeting place for the House of Representatives and the Senate and is a well-known emblem of the United States. All other structures in Washington, DC, take a backseat to the enormous dome inspired by the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome.
The inside is adorned with works of art such as frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, particularly the rotunda beneath the vast cast-iron dome, which has a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and enormous paintings of episodes from American history on the walls. It is next to the House of Representatives Chamber, which has monuments of prominent Americans. The Old Senate Chamber, where the Senate convened until 1859 and the Supreme Court until 1935, is wonderfully renovated and may be accessed via the modest Senate Rotunda.
When the free tours resume, they may be scheduled in advance online. They will begin in the visitor centre on the ground level, where an informative display chronicling the structure’s history can be seen. In the afternoons throughout the week, visitors may take a free tour of the Senate wing, which was created by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859 and has beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings of the halls. Contact your senator or representative to get a permit to access the chamber during the session; visitors from outside the United States can contact the visitor centre to make arrangements.
Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
Located on the northern side of Bainbridge Island, the Bloedel Reserve is a beautiful 150-acre property. Virginia and Prentice Bloedel, who became wealthy in the logging business, previously owned the property. Moreover, the Bloedels invested over thirty years into developing beautiful, organic gardens that visitors may still enjoy today.
Since its opening to the public in 1988, the Bloedel Reserve has been one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors may walk the two-mile looping route around the whole property for the price of entry. The Residence itself is a must-see since beautiful grounds surround it.
Because of its closeness to Seattle, Bainbridge Island is often visited on weekends. The island is home to amazing destinations, including the Grand Forest, where a network of paths invites exploration.
The White House
To be sure, the President of the United States lives in the White House. It was initially constructed by James Hoban in 1792 but was destroyed by British soldiers in 1814 and rebuilt in 1818. It has served as the presidential Residence for every President save George Washington.
A short walk away, at the free White House Visitor Center, are great interactive displays that provide insight into the history of the White House and the lives of the President and first lady. It features artefacts used by previous presidents, a replica of the White House, an explanation of the building’s evolution, and movies in which former presidents reflect on their time in office.
While Seattle may be the most recognisable landmark, Washington is home to various natural wonders. In Washington, you may get up and personal with waterfalls, gaze in awe at snow-capped mountains or spend the day exploring coastal islands.
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