Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. is a monument that serves to honor the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. Attracting nearly one million visitors each year, Ford's Theatre houses a live theatre, museum and the Center for Education and Leadership. Combining education and entertainment, Ford's Theatre is a living testament to the values embodied by President Lincoln.
Parking and public transportation at Ford's Theatre
Several paid garages are located in close proximity to Ford's Theatre, including MarcPark on F St., NW and Colonial Parking on 11th St., NW. Visitors may also park at QuikPark at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on G St., NW. Ford's Theatre is also accessible via Metro Center on the Orange, Blue, Red and Silver Lines; Gallery Place on the Green, Red and Yellow Lines and Archives/Navy Memorial on the Yellow and Green Lines.
Best and worst time to go to Ford's Theatre
Bear the chill and visit in the winter, especially mid to late December, when the theater is especially uncrowded. Occasionally the theater is closed for rehearsals and performances. The monthly schedule is available on the website, but it's a good idea to call beforehand in case your visit conflicts with a rehearsal. Be prepared to share the space with students during the school year.
Admission to Ford's Theatre
Entry tickets to Ford's Theatre are $2.50 per person, while parties of 15 or more are $2 per person. Same-day tickets are available for free while supplies last at 8:30 a.m. every day at the Ford's Theatre Box Office. Tickets for performances are also available at the box office and through Ticketmaster.
Must see/do at Ford's Theatre
Don't miss a performance of One Destiny, a one-act play telling the story of two men, Harry Ford and Harry Hawk, who were witness to President Lincoln's assassination. Across the street is Petersen House, where President Lincoln died and which is now preserved as a museum. If you have time, join the two-hour History on Foot walking tour, which is led by a costumed actor who takes visitors on an intimate look at the investigation into President Lincoln's assassination.
Other places to visit near Ford's Theatre
Catch a show at Warner Theatre, just a few minutes away, after touring Ford's Theatre. Also a short distance is the acclaimed National Portrait Gallery, which celebrates American history through different art forms.
Insider tip for visitors to Ford's Theatre
Lincoln's Waffle Shop is a tiny gem of a diner located across from Ford's Theatre. Touted by locals and tourists alike, this greasy spoon-type establishment features a menu brimming with breakfast delights (think oversized waffles and mouth-watering pancakes).
Author's bio: Tanya Sharma has lived in the Washington, DC area for over 30 years. Her work has been published on AOL, Yahoo and several lifestyle and entertainment publications.
Washington, D.C.'s United States Navy Memorial is a popular outdoor spot for locals and a great place to visit if you're traveling down the storied parade route of Pennsylvania Avenue. The prominent sculptures, fountains and signal flags combine to honor those who have served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.
How to get to the United States Navy Memorial
If you're traveling by car, bike or foot, the United States Navy Memorial is located directly off of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets NW, directly opposite the National Archives Building. Street parking in the area is metered. By metro, the memorial is found on either the green or yellow line at the top of the escalator upon exiting the National Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.
Best and worst time to go to the United States Navy Memorial
Beautifully lit during the evening hours, the memorial's fountains are best experienced at night during the Spring and Summer months. If you visit during the daytime and the sun is shining, you'll be sharing the memorial with crowds of office workers lounging on their lunch break.
Admission to the United States Navy Memorial
The memorial is free to all and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Must see/do at the United States Navy Memorial
Take the time to walk around and enjoy at the 26 finely carved relief sculptures which surround the memorial's front entrance. Each one depicts a stirring scene from the navy's history in marvelous detail.
Other places to visit near the United States Navy Memorial
Take a trip across the street to see the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution at the National Archives Building. If the line is too long, head over to the intersection of 7th and E Streets NW to visit Clara Barton's Missing Soldier's Office Museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the United States Navy Memorial
A great nearby lunch spot is Hill Country Barbecue at the corner of 7th and D Streets NW. If you like the idea of eating pulled pork sandwiches and drinking lemonade out of a mason jar, this is the spot for you.
Author's bio: Aaron is a freelance writer and licensed D.C. tour guide living in the nation's capital. He is a true history geek and loves showing off the city to visitors. Follow his exploits by visiting www.historicamerica.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.
Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.
Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.
Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.
Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.
Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.
Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.
