Description:
Those who have read "The Da Vinci Code" or "Angels and Demons" (in other words, about 85% of us) will know that Dan Brown's third book in the Robert Langdon series, "The Lost Symbol", is set in and around Washington. (Don't worry, there are no spoilers in this guide!)
A key element of the novel's plot revolves around Freemasonry, the fraternal organization that, for many, seems shrouded in secrecy. Brown takes advantage of the Order's rather mysterious reputation to create a page-turning thriller. And those who know a bit about Freemasonry know that DC is chock-full of Masonic symbols, which makes sense considering that the city's namesake, George Washington, was perhaps the most famous Mason of all.
You'll need about two days to see all of the sites that Brown name-checks without tiring yourself out too much. In addition to many notable DC monuments and tourist destinations, Brown also references the wealthy neighborhood of Kalorama Heights, which borders both Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle. Set up camp at the Kalorama Guesthouse before taking off on your adventure through the city.
On the first day, start with the Capitol Building and work your way over to the Library of Congress and finally to the Washington Monument. Stop off in Dupont for dinner at Raku before calling it a night.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria represents, for many, the most striking representation of the Freemasonry Order. So it should come as no surprise that this landmark plays an important part in "The Lost Symbol". You should plan to spend a large chunk of your second day wandering around here, learning about the Memorial's history and all of the things it has to offer (including tours, a gift shop, and a library). Admission is free and the views of the city are beautiful.
You're not too far from the Old Town section of Alexandria here, so wander its cobbled streets and window-shop before hopping back on the Metro and heading back into DC.
Washington National Cathedral, another important landmark in Brown's novel, isn't readily accessible by Metro, but there are several buses that run there from both Tenleytown and Dupont Circle stations, and it's not a long journey. After dinner at popular 2 Amys Pizzeria near the Cathedral, head back to the hotel to contemplate, Langdon-style, the significance of the spots you've visited.
Washington DC
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Kalorama Guesthouse at Woodley Park
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 2700 Cathedral Ave NW
- Washington,DC20008-4120
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Map
check ratesfrom $115- user rating
Description:
Woodley Park offers a unique blend of a peaceful residential neighborhood with the history, attractions and excitement of DC.The Kalorama Guest House is located just 3 blocks north of the Woodley Park Metro Stop.Woodley Park offers a specail blend of resturants whose side walk cafes are perfect for an evening out experience.The National Zoo is only 3 blocks north of us.The National Zoo, Washington DC's 163-acre zoological park set within the Rock Creek National Park, features more than 400 different species of animals. The National Zoo as a part of the Smithsonian Institution the admission is FREE! Located within a 12 min ride away is the Historic and breath taking National Cathedral. Historic events have occurred here and will continue to in the future. Come be a part of this and explore the wonders and excitement we have to offer.
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Kalorama House and Embassy Tour
Contact:
- +1 202 387 4062
- visit website
Location:
- 2340 South Street Northwest
- Washington,DC20008
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Map
- user rating
Description:
Kalorama remains one of the district's most chic and culturally diverse neighborhoods including ambassadors' homes and elegant private residences. As part of this annual mid-September tour, visitors tour the Woodrow Wilson House. The elegant home is now a museum owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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Naval Observatory
Contact:
- +1 202 762 1467 / +1 202 762 1438
- visit website
Location:
- 3450 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest
- Washington,DC20392
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Map
- user rating
Description:
Settled on the hilly lawns of a naval fort in upper northwest Washington, the Observatory measures the times and positions of the stars. Visitors may watch a short movie and view the precision clocks and high-powered telescope. The vice-president's residence is on the grounds as well. Though it is not open to the public, visitors can catch a glimpse of its fine Victorian exterior. Tours are held at 8:30 pm Mondays. Up to 90 people are admitted per tour and prior reservations need to be made either through their website or fax. Admission: Free
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Dupont Circle
Contact:
- +1 202 789 7000 (Tourist Information)
- visit website
Location:
- Connecticut Avenue
- Washington,DC20036
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Map
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Description:
DuPont circle is one of Washington's hubs of nightlife, shopping, and dining. The circle itself is filled with Washingtonians day and night, relaxing on the benches, snacking, or playing music or a game of chess. Around the circle, the neighborhood is filled with interesting museums, shops, restaurants and bars. DuPont, and more specifically 17th street off of DuPont, is considered the center of Washington DC's gay and lesbian community. The Brickskeller, home of the world largest beer list, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is located in DuPont. DuPont is also home to a large number of embassies, and one can easily access Embassy Row by simply walking north-west on Massachusetts Avenue, which intersects the circle. DuPont is also home to some of the most important think-tanks in the country, including the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
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Library of Congress
Contact:
- +1 202 633 4674
- visit website
Location:
- 101 Independence Ave. SE
- At 1st St. SE
- Washington,DC20541
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Map
- user rating
Description:
The national library of the United States, this library houses one of the largest and most important collections of books in the world. Among the 130 million items held at the library is one of only four perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible. For visitors the Library offers tours, in addition to a rotating collection of some of the most interesting exhibits in Washington. Be sure to check online http://www.loc.gov/loc/events/index.php for the latest information on the collections and exhibits at the library. Viewing the great halls and spaces of the library is an experience that should not be missed on any visit to Washington, DC.
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The Capitol
Contact:
- 202/225-6827
- visit website
Location:
- Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center: On East Capitol St. (at 1st St. NW)
- Washington,DC20576
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Map
Description:
The Capitol is as majestic up close as it is from afar. For 135 years it sheltered not only both houses of Congress, but also the Supreme Court and, for 97 years, the Library of Congress as well. When you tour the Capitol, you'll learn about America's history as you admire the place in which it unfolded. Classical architecture, interior embellishments, and hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks are integral elements of the Capitol. The 30-minute tour takes you to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. (For an in-depth description and information about the history and art of the Capitol, go to www.aoc.gov and click on the link "Visiting the Capitol.")
On the massive bronze doors leading to the Rotunda are portrayals of events in the life of Columbus. The Rotunda -- a huge 96-foot-wide circular hall capped by a 180-foot-high dome -- is the hub of the Capitol. The dome was completed, at Lincoln's direction, while the Civil War was being fought. Ten presidents have lain in state here, with former president Ronald Reagan being the most recent; when Kennedy's casket was displayed, the line of mourners stretched 40 blocks. On rare occasions, someone other than a...
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Washington National Cathedral
Contact:
- +1 202 537 6200
- visit website
Location:
- Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW
- Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW (entrance on Wisconsin Ave.)
- Washington,DC20016
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Map
Description:
Taking eighty-three years to construct, the Washington National Cathedral was for years the longest-running construction project in Washington DC. Envisioned as "a great church for national purposes," the National Cathedral is Washington's crown architectural jewel and is cherished by locals and visitors. Worship services are open to the public, but less known to visitors of DC are the spectacular daily tours. Available tours include: art & architecture, behind the scenes, tour and tea (reservations required, $25), organ demonstrations, garden tours (April through October except August), and the local favorite: the gargoyle tour! Guides exude passion as they bring the National Cathedral to life. Revel in the cathedral's quirks and the fascinating stories behind them. Some tours are restricted to ages 10 and up, and other tours involve stair climbing and small spaces. Visit the website or call for details. If mobility impaired, ask about accommodations. Requested contributions: $5 adults, $3 seniors, $15 families. Parking garage available via Wisconsin Ave, rates vary from $4/hr ($16 max) to $5 - $6 flat rate, free Sundays. Public transit accessible via rail then bus, see website for... read more
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2 Amys
Contact:
- (202) 885-5700
- visit website
Location:
- 3715 Macomb St NW
- Washington,DC20016
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Map
- user rating
Description:
2 Amy's is dedicated to creating pizza according to strict Neapolitan standards. As such, they take their job very seriously; only certain ingredients and toppings are deemed worthy of being used, and their pizza making process is old-fashioned and precise. That's not to say the owners are devoid of a sense of humor, though - their website includes directions to the restaurant by car, bus and helicopter.
Reservations aren't accepted here, so be prepared to wait if you want to eat here on the weekend - it gets very, very crowded. Noise level is high, too - making it nice for families but perhaps a little less nice for cozy dinner dates.
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Raku
Contact:
- 1 202 265 7258
Location:
- 1900 Q St NW
- Washington,DC20009
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Map
- user rating
Description:
According to the restaurant's menu, the word "Raku" means, among other things, "pleasure" and "enjoyment. Sit outside and enjoy people-watching on Dupont Circle's busy Connecticut Avenue, or dine inside and admire the restaurant's clean, Eastern-inspired decor. The menu allows for experimentation - sample from a wide array of "Asian tapas" or choose the Ginger Chicken or vegetarian stir fry.
- Destination(s): Washington DC
- Type: Active/Adventure,Arts and Culture
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