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Ellipse
The expansive park on the south side of the White House is studded with a random collection of monuments, such as the Zero Milestone (the marker for highway distances all across the country) and the Second Division Memorial. But the more important function of the Ellipse is to host sporting events, parades and festivals ranging from the lighting of the national Christmas tree to military drill performances to Lance Armstrong's final ride.
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Exorcist Stairs
Movie buffs may recognize the setting of 1973's shockfest The Exorcist : two of little Regan's hapless victims met their fates at the vertiginous Exorcist Stairs. Unsuperstitious Washingtonians often use them as an exercise tool - run up the super-steep stairs and you'll understand. They are hidden next-door to the Exxon Station on M St, almost directly across from Key Bridge, in an appropriately dark and creepy corner.
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National Zoological Park
The latest effort in the National Zoo's modernization plan, the Asia Trail, opened in September 2006. The centerpiece of the area is the renovated Fuji-film-sponsored Giant Panda Habitat, which nearly doubles the outdoor playground for pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and cute cub Tai Shan and attempts to mimic their natural habitat.
The zoo has several shops selling toys and products featuring all manner of charismatic fauna, as well as a book store.
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Smithsonian Castle
James Renwick designed this turreted, red-sandstone fairytale creation in 1855. Today the Castle houses the Smithsonian Visitors Center. This informative first stop on the Mall is a source for an orientation film, multilingual touch-screen displays and free guides and maps such as the excellent Exploring African American Heritage at the Smithsonian pamphlet.
Showing 1-4 of 4 results
