Monuments and Museums: Our Port of Call to DC

Every month, residents in participating affiliated communities will learn about a different port city through engaging activities, fun facts, and delicious cuisine through our Port of Call program. During the month of July, the port of call theme is Washington DC! Learn more about DC, its history, attractions, and cuisine below!

About DC

Washington DC is the capital city of the United States. It is located on the east coast of the US, with Maryland to the north and Virginia to the south. The Potomac River and Washington Channel sit on the southern edge of DC.

During George Washington’s presidency, he created plans for the location of the United States’ capital city. In July of 1790, Washington DC was officially established after Maryland and Virginia gave up parts of their land. The design of the city was created by French designer and engineer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant. The grid system he designed is still in use today.¹

Today, over 702,000 people live in DC. The primary language of Washingtonians is English, with 18 percent of citizens speaking a different language.² DC has a relatively mild climate. The temperatures in the winter average between 44 and 56 degrees, and 79 to 88 degrees in the summer.³

Attractions in DC

One attraction you could visit is the National Mall. The National Mall is anchored by the Washington Monument and Capitol Building, which offers free daily tours. After the tours, you could visit one of the many free museums on the Mall, such as the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.⁴

If you want to get a great tour of DC, you could hop on the Big Bus. While on the bus, you will be given a narrated and scenic tour of DC’s most popular attractions and historical sites, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the MLK Memorial, and the White House. Additionally, each ticket includes a self-guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery.⁵

Another fun activity you could do is take a Capitol River Sightseeing Cruise. Each tour provides a detailed forty-five-minute narration of all of the monuments and sites you will pass by. While on the cruise you will see the Kennedy Center, LBJ, Jefferson, and Lincoln Memorials, and the Capitol. If you get hungry or thirsty while on the tour, there is a refreshment bar for your convenience.⁶

Another attraction you could visit is George Washington’s house, Mount Vernon. While at the estate, you will learn about Washington and the significance of Mount Vernon, as a tour guide takes you through each room. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the outbuildings and beautiful gardens on the ground.⁷

DC Cuisine

Today’s DC cuisine is heavily influenced by the 1990s. During this time, Spanish chef José Andrés opened a restaurant downtown. Later in the decade, DC’s NBA team, the Washington Wizards, and the NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals moved to the city. With these additions to the city, an influx of people moved to the city, bringing cuisine from their culture.⁸

Here are some of DC’s most popular dishes:

Half-smokes: Half-smokes is a chili and cheese dog dish that is recognizable among Washingtonians. You can eat it for lunch, dinner, or a snack⁹
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Cakes: The crabs used to make crab cakes are native to the area. The Old Bay seasoning on the crab cakes is what gives them a distinctive flavor.¹⁰
Jumbo Pizza: Another famous DC food is jumbo cheese pizza. They can be found in a variety of restaurants and food stands.¹¹
Chili Cheese Fries: Chili cheese fries are a tasty snack that is a staple in DC. You could add shredded cheese, onions, and other toppings.¹²

Saber Healthcare

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides consulting services to more than 130 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

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