SILVER SPRING, MD, USA
My mom was here this weekend to look at the cherry blossoms. As per tradition, here’s her post…
What a wonderful weekend. I am sure I had a better time than Gary. After all now Silver Spring is Gary’s home and this was a vacation for me.
After arriving in Silver Spring late Friday afternoon I was given the grand tour before heading out. We had dinner at the Quarry House which is noted for their huge fresh delicious burgers. I have since learned they are also known for their extensive beer selections. Not being a beer connoisseur I opted for a glass of wine. Then we strolled through Downtown Silver Spring. It is a nice revitalized eye appealing area that offers some outdoor shops and eateries and a small multilevel indoor mall area. All we ate and we still found room for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream before heading back and calling it a night.
Saturday was a busy day beginning with the Cherry Blossom parade down Constitution Avenue featuring bands, floats and helium filled character balloons. After the 2 hour parade we went right over to the crowded Street Festival which focused on Japanese culture. Then we went to the top of the old Post Office Tower for a beautiful view of the DC area. We viewed most of the Mickey’s on display in celebration of 75 years. Then it was over to the Tidal Basin area to see the blooming Cherry Blossoms. It truly is a photo opportunity and everyone was taking full advantage of the gorgeous springtime event. It is hard to believe the amount of people these lovely trees draw. There were thousands of people everywhere, young and old alike. We also saw the World War II Memorial which Gary told me was very controversial when being built but I thought it was beautiful with the many fountains. We also went by the White House. For once, I think I surprised Gary by me knowing the Blaire House located across the street from the White House. Later, Gary took me to Ben’s Chili Bowl where we enjoyed Bill Cosby’s favorite, a Ben’s original chili half smoke, just a tad bit too spicy for my liking. And last but not least we got desert from Cake Love. Truly delicious! We were out for a full 12 hours. On foot I might add.
After a restful nights sleep and a later start on Sunday we went to the Smithsonian National Zoo. We did see the Panda’s that the zoo is known for as a gift from China. We also saw my personal favorite, the monkey’s. In addition, giraffes, elephants, a hippo and small mammals. Recently the Zoo experienced the loss of their camel. On a happier note, they have baby cheetahs but they are only available for viewing between the hours of 12 – 2. Since we were there later we didn’t get to see them. I enjoyed the zoo. I am not sure that Gary did but I know he had fun making bear jokes via instant messenger on the phone. Tonight dinner was at Union Station before I headed back to NJ.
If Gary is your friend I strongly suggest you take him up on his offer to visit. He is a great host and certainly knows his way around our Nation’s capital and will show you the DC sites and knows lots of little tidbits of information. He may point out the Anthrax contaminated post office, where Wolf Blitzer does the news in front of the White House and knows what Kiss & Ride is just to name a few. Just one word of warning. Those “V” (Visitor) spots can be difficult to come by so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
Gary, thanks for a wonderful weekend. You make a Mom proud. I had a great time and I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. Plus, it didn’t rain on my parade.
Next trip: DC for the Spy Museum and Baseball
Current Mood: V. Good.
Filed under: Guest Posts, Life, Washington, DC/Silver Spring, MD
