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North America, Travel
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July 6, 2010

Celebrating Fourth of July in Washington, DC

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Our 2010 Road Trip Adventure has begun!

It was a bit tricky at first. The day before we headed out our car failed us. So we ran to the nearest Hertz and rented what we could afford: a sedan. No DVD, no GPS system, no technology to entertain the kids! But we’ve been there before. 

We left this past Saturday and headed over to Alexandria, VA, where we stayed at the lovely Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria at Carlyle for two nights, and from where we had planned to head out early on to celebrate fourth of July in Washington, DC.

I haven’t been to Washington, DC in over 13 years and honestly, I don’t remember having that much fun the last time I went. But this time, I went with my kids. And if I have learned anything, it is that my life as an uneven five is nothing like my life before them, and thus traveling with them, even to places I have already seen is like a new experience.

What I discovered, and I suppose many families knew this already, is how incredibly great it is to visit DC with kids as all the museums are free!! I know. I am acting as if I discovered gold.

I’ll write up my review of the places I visited in a few, but for now, I just wanted to mention that even after being there an entire day there is still so much we need to go back to see. We started our day watching the parade, however couldn’t watch it in its entirety as the little ones were getting hot and restless.

We visited a lot of the memorials, but not the Lincoln Memorial as this was closed off for the holiday (fireworks were going to be shot from the area). I also couldn’t get close access to the White House, as this was also closed off for a private event.

The day was hot beyond belief, and the museums really saved us. We especially enjoyed the National Museum of Natural History and found refuge and something to eat at the Ronald Reagan Building, which I thought was architecturally stunning.

That brings another point to mind. I thought the architecture in some of these buildings was amazing and themselves served as museum displays would. We loved walking through them when possible. The Environmental Protection Agency headquarters was one of my favorites from the few I saw that day.

We also happened to be there around the same time The Smithsonian folklore Festival was taking place, which was really a treat we weren’t expecting. Even the heat couldn’t keep us from tasting all of the good food and when it did, we were able to enjoy music and art from different participants.

As time approached for the fireworks display we found a spot on the National Mall area, where a stage had been set up and the United States Navy Commodores played jazz. I had put aside a nice, big, comfy blanket for the occasion, and then realized too late I had forgotten it back at the hotel. So, we sat on the ground, which was neither soft nor comfortable, but rather dusty and prickly. But the crowd was nice, and the music was great, and when those fireworks went off I almost lost my breath!

Of all the displays I have seen, even on 4th of July in NYC, I have never seen any as wonderful as the display in DC. And there, sitting on the dusty, prickly grass of the National Mall, sun set, cool breeze blowing, the sky lighting up all colors, as music played, I watched my kids and my husband smile and I realized how perfect that one moment was. I think that the fireworks were so awesome, that I would be willing to endure the heat, the completely incomprehensible DC metro card purchase system, and the INSANE crowds at the DC subway when it’s all over all over again!

Our adventure had begun. With forgotten items and scorching heat, we forged through, as a family, and saw all we could see considering the limitations of the holiday and the heat and we had an amazing time!

Here is a short video of our day in DC. I hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoyed living it.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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4 Comments
  • Barbara
    July 6, 2010

    Thanks for sharing, Carol <>. I got to see the NYC ones from a friends terrace and was delighted – but I love you sharing your very special moment and what must have been a truly spectacular and emotional experience! I hope to see them there one day too.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Barbara
      July 7, 2010

      So great you had a good time Barbara! It's a beautiful site over the Hudson!

      Reply
  • nycgirl0501
    July 7, 2010

    I read this post on my iPhone the other day! I love it! I feel like I was there in DC with you. You're an amazing writer! And what a great picture slideshow!

    How do you this from the road…I'm just in awe!

    Can't wait to meet you at your preBlogher party!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      nycgirl0501
      July 7, 2010

      Thank you for reading! After living the adventures, sharing them with you all is my favorite part!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

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Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

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Today me and mine played at the Keff Joons pop-up in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is @cj_hendry latest art installation where they transformed a Brooklyn warehouse into balloon-filled dreamscape and playground for all. There is no fee and the earlier you arrive the shorter the wait. Once inside you become one with the art in a fun and dramatic way. But hurry! The installation is only up till April 20th! 

📍50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY

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