2023-04-27 10:09:00
EWhat if it was best to go on a loop around the capital? Green itineraries for little-known nuggets, our few side roads to roam from Maryland to Virginia, via DC.
Founded in 1791, the capital of the United States has the art of surprising, starting by connecting the two neighboring states. Heart of Federal America, memory of civic struggles, Washington DC showcases history on its impressive National Mallwith memorials as emblematic as those of Lincoln Memorialof Washington Monument or even Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial ; But in the middle flows… the Potomac, and it is an astonishing natural identity that we discover and, oh surprise, easy to access by public transport.
An incredible network of trails and natural parks
Whether national, regional or local, trails and parks dot the outskirts of Washington, DC and form a veritable green belt. The vast majority are interconnected, crossing the hearts of historic or recent towns. All present an excellent level of equipment and bring together a family crowd. In addition, these trails sometimes connect historical jewels and provide access to some of the most beautiful local panoramas. Non-exhaustive inventory…
Mount Vernon Trail
Attention, a must to place at the top of the “Virginia” list: from the beautiful Alexandria (which alone is worth the stay), the superb Mount Vernon Trail guides you from viewpoint to viewpoint along the Potomac; to the famous residence of George Washington. The eye and the mind – and the calves – are well worth a whole day to savor this spectacular site steeped in history.
Capital Crescent Trail
As popular as it is practical, the Capital Crescent Trail is a green corridor in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, and might take you 11.5 km further… to the heart of Washington, DC. Shared bike/pedestrian use, and even a portion of the countryside Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Footpath. You have just crossed the door of Maryland: difficult to stop, DC reaches out to you.
Seneca Street State Park
Located in Maryland northwest of Washington, the Seneca Street State Park easily reached from Bethesda (28 km) or DC (40 km) and offers one of the most beautiful natural enclaves around. On nearly 2550 hectares of trails, walk, paddle, ride a horse, pedal or fish.
Great Falls Park / W&OD Trail
Virginia or Maryland? The essential Great Falls Park occupies each side of the Potomac but remains officially Virginian, in Fairfax County. 12 km from the cozy town of Reston, this park is one of the most spectacular views of the rapids. THE Difficult Run Trail guarantees committed walkers a nice mix of paths and rocks. As to Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (say W&OD Trail), it will delight cyclists and geographers – scrabble enthusiasts. Push on to the Bike Lane Brewery shop-brewery. Beers and patches: what more might you ask for?
Culture for all: more than 15 museums and 100 free activities!
Washington, DC is often referred to as the capital of museums. Historical, artistic, scientific… the places of culture bear the seal of the Smithsonian Institution, convinced since 1846 that free access to heritage founds and elevates a nation. Difficult to sort! If it remains interesting to wander around, it would be sad to overlook the imposing National Air and Space Museum and its annex the Center Steven F. Udvar-Hazy.
Washington, DC also achieves a splendid synthesis between buildings and collections, creating a dialogue between Native American culture and architecture in the National Museum of The American Indian, or scream the story of the African-American cause in the poignant National Museum of African American History and Culture (2016). Finally, Annapolis in Maryland preserves one of the most striking jewels of national military history: on 137 hectares, l’U.S. NavalAcademy racks up 177 years of excellence and some of the finest buildings in Maryland.
Gastronomic heritage: a sea to preserve… and all the cuisines of the world.
Gastronomy, history, terroirs: would there be an air of France? Inconceivable to visit the region without learning everything regarding the oyster farming tradition, thanks to l’Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. Overexploited until 1990, the waters of the Chesapeake threatened its people and its ecosystem with certain death. Without the efforts of a few enthusiasts, the oyster would not have been reintroduced for filtration purposes… up to 5 liters per hour and per oyster. Delicious, small and meaty: forget our n°2 to savor these, the first place of production on the East Coast, at the Rappahannock Oyster Bar.
From romantic to luxury, a diversified and sustainable accommodation offer
From the warmth of Annapolis B&Bs to the elegance of the most modern addresses, all budgets will find an offer as diversified as it is geared towards sustainable development. In addition to offering an ideal location 10 minutes from the National Mall, the emblematic and luxurious Four Seasons is a pioneer thanks to a rare eco-responsible commitment: terminals for electric vehicles, process of “digestion” of food waste, exclusive short circuits, donations of food surpluses, even the voluntary commitment of each employee… more than 30 measures of a drastic ecological protocol! And if in 2023, luxury was that?
Public transport favored: share your little queen – and not only!
Easy to say: but how to move from setting to setting? Washington, DC and its conurbation have thought of everything, starting with a network of shared bicycles that is astoundingly simple. Thanks to the CaBi application, Capital Bikeshare offers nearly 4,500 bicycles spread over 600 stations; from north of Alexandria to Bethesda. Very reasonable price (less than $8/24h non-subscribers) and first half hour free, the system is easy and the devices in very good condition. In addition to occasional and numerous bus connections, the platform Metrorail offers 6 reliable metro lines with a single package. Very recently, the extension of the Silver metro line now connects Washington Dulles International Airport to the center of DC in regarding fifty minutes for only 6 dollars.
The Maisons du Voyage offer a driving itinerary from Washington, DC highlighting the natural, cultural and culinary heritage of the Capital Region of the United States: In the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln.
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