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Unless otherwise noted, all content and photos are © 2019 Monumental Thoughts.
Author Archives: Rick
I’m now a certified National Cathedral guide
Ever want to visit one of those old European cathedrals without needing a passport? Come to the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Washington. Commonly called National Cathedral because the Episcopal church welcomes all and serves the … Continue reading
Stephen DeCatur House remains special
Stephen DeCatur must have been one cool cat, if not an unlucky one. After fighting in the War of 1812 and later facing pirates off the Barbary Coast, DeCatur used the “prize money” from Congress to build this three-story brick … Continue reading
What’s the most photographed statue in town?
Nobody really knows, but if it’s not Abraham Lincoln at his memorial than it’s surely Andrew Jackson here in Lafayette Park. Why? First, it’s a great statue. Second, it’s right by the White House. Third, it’s a dynamite shot, especially … Continue reading
The Awakening now entertains tourists
For 36 years, a 70-foot statue has been trying to get up in the morning. Guess I’m not so slow after all. The Awakening is a 70-foot statue of a man trying to get up from the earth. There are … Continue reading
A winter’s peek at Sir John Dill
Why would anyone walk Arlington National Cemetery in January? It’s the best time for photos. This photo above of Sir John Dill would be impossible when leaves are on the trees. By looking for the statue from a non-traditional angle, … Continue reading
John Wingate Weeks worth a side trip
It’s funny how you can walk by something regularly, but come a different way one time and see it entirely differently. That’s how I stumbled upon the magnificent grave of John Wingate Weeks, a former Secretary of War who’s a … Continue reading
Wandering on a cold winter’s day
It’s hard to be alone with your thoughts at Arlington National Cemetery for much of the year. Nearly four million people visit with crowds heavy from March to December. But January is the best time to visit if it’s not … Continue reading
Firefighter monument suddenly No. 2
I’ve determined Washington Post columnist John Kelly secretly wishes he was a Washington tour guide. If not, he’d sure make a fine one. (Must be career wanderlust. As a Washington Post Express sports columnist, I always wanted to be a … Continue reading
Small places I love in town – Lincoln portraits
My favorite places aren’t the biggest attractions, but the smaller venues.The personal connections. It’s what makes travel fun. Maybe that’s why I like covering teams just as much on non-game days as the games themselves as a local sports writer … Continue reading
Monumental Thoughts turns 8
Happy birthday to Monumental Thoughts . . . again. I’ve just finished eight years of tour guiding and writing this blog, which is mostly a journey of continued learning. Last summer saw my 1,000th post of the sites and sights … Continue reading
Posted in Washington life
Tagged Best D.C. walking tours, Monumental Thoughts, Photo by Rick Snider
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Reagan National Airport in gingerbread
Inside the Willard Hotel is a gingerbread version of Reagan National Airport as you head from the lobby to the cafe. Please, don’t eat it. The entire Willard Hotel pastry staff, headed by executive pastry chef Jason Jimenez, pastry cook … Continue reading
Posted in Washington life
Tagged gingerbread, Photo by Rick Snider, Reagan National Airport, Willard Hotel
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