This just in from the Department of the Obvious: Washington D.C. is an interesting place. It’s also a well-planned city. The Capitol building is on one end of the Mall and Printing and Engraving is on the other. Keep the supply close to the demand I always say. Cynicism aside, Washington D.C. is one of my favorite places to visit. Most of the museums are free to visit and the history is plentiful.
The Smithsonian and all its museums on the Mall are where I spend most of my time. The Star Spangled Banner (the real one….the one that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would become our nation’s anthem), the Spirit of St. Louis, the Hope diamond, and some of the most beautiful art on the planet are all there. Then there is an original copy of the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States safely housed in the National Archives.
Of course, you don’t have to enter the museum to learn a thing or two. Just stroll along the streets. For example, I’ve never given much thought to what Abe Lincoln would have done after he finished his second term as POTUS. I would guess he might have returned to his law practice. Opening a short-order restaurant wouldn’t have come to mind, but it crossed someone’s mind.
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop is located on 10th across from Ford’s Theatre. It’s a traditional breakfast, burgers, and milkshakes spot where you can sit at the counter or a booth. I’ve never pictured Abe trading the shawl and stovepipe hat for an apron and hairnet, but the place is always packed proving he would have done well.
Apparently Abe was more of a businessman than I thought as right next door is Honest Abe’s. The sign proudly proclaims Honest Abe’s is your spot for “Asian American Cuisine and Gifts”.
It seems that Alexander Hamilton was also interested in doing more than posing for the twenty dollar bill. He also had an aptitude for hospitality. The Hamilton Hotel at Franklin Square is a nice place with a well-equipped fitness center, but no dueling yard for recreating his dustup with Aaron Burr. Oh well, I guess the parking deck had to go somewhere.
All of this street-stroll education has me wondering about the sorts of places other famous D.C. residents would have opened. Here’s a short list:
Nixon’s Records and Tapes…blank cassettes also available
Teddy Roosevelt’s Build-a-Bear
Hoover’s Tent City-your one-stop shop for camping supplies
Truman’s Toppers
Jefferson Real Estate Agency-specializing in large tracts of land
