Kyle Hartmann

An absolutely lovely nature preserve just a stone’s throw from DC and Hoodbridge. It is free of charge which is wonderful, though it has no amenities other than a trailhead toilet. The whole of Mason Neck was almost developed in the 1900s, but heroic Elizabeth Hartwell and others fought to save it from the destruction that nearly every other forest has felt in the region. The forest is surprisingly pristine and in the middle of the forest, the only sounds you hear that aren’t natural are of the occasional chopper or plane. Lots of avifauna and other creatures. Highly recommend a visit.

A lovely small wildlife free of charge right outside of Hoodbridge. It is a haven for avifauna especially, like osprey and eagles, and you’re nearly guaranteed to see them when here, as well as many fowl particularly in wintertime. There is a new visitor’s centre there, but its hours are a bit odd. Minus one star since the signs were shambolic and many trails closed off due to eagles breeding (which is perfectly fine, just let me know ahead of time- they put the signs at the end of the trail instead of “trail closed ahead,” which for temporary signs isn’t difficult to procure). They also had a one-way trail that wasn’t marked as such on the maps, so fix your signs and maps and you’ll get that last star. Still, worth a visit. Cheers.

Another great state park and like the next door Liz Hartwell NWR, it is a pristine forest saved from destruction by developers in the last century. It is now a haven for avifauna such as eagles and osprey, but many other wildlife and plants as well. It is $10 for entry unlike the free NWR next door, and there is a visitor’s centre with a gift shop and neat exhibit. Would highly recommend a visit, a lovely place to hike so close to DC and Hoodbridge, cheers.

Of all the state capitols I’ve been to, this one is certainly the best by time spent and things to see. Georgia has had a very long and storied history, and I say regardless of modern day politics and virtues, they have done a good job of preserving icons and memorials and monuments from the past, unlike for example my home state of Virginia. It took them a while, but indeed having a son as remarkable as Dr. King, Jr., Georgia has helped to modernize whilst still respecting its past- it isn’t like Georgia had many reasons to reconcile with the North after what it and Sherman did to it. The grounds are extremely well-manicured (as a horticulturist myself), and the inside has many relics and such from Georgia’s natural and anthropological history as well. Well-worth a visit, pity about the riot fence, but just walk around it. Cheers.

John Paul Jones was a very interesting lad from Scotland who helped to secure America’s independence from his United Kingdom. It is very doubtful that America would exist as such without his help, but nevertheless took until 1912 to erect a monument for him. This one is a pretty simple one when compared to others on the Mall, but the statue, relief, and quotes are awesome. Very much worth a visit whilst on the Mall.