Jean

I recently visited Hole in the Rock at sunrise and it was an incredible experience. The sun was just starting to rise over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the desert landscape. The hole in the rock was perfectly framed by the rising sun, and it was truly a sight to behold.
There were only a few other people at Hole in the Rock at sunrise, so I had the place to myself. The only other people were doing trail running at 90 degrees before it turned 115 later on in the day. I was able to hike to the top of the rock and take in the amazing views of the surrounding desert. It was a truly peaceful and serene experience.
There a few spots near it but you can also park closer to the Zoo for access.
The hike to the top of Hole in the Rock is short and easy, but it can be a bit steep in some places. The best time to visit Hole in the Rock is at sunrise or sunset. The light at these times of day is simply magical!
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the desert, I highly recommend visiting Hole in the Rock at sunrise. It's a truly magical place.

The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, from ancient pottery to contemporary art, and its exhibits are well-curated and informative.
One of the things I appreciated most about the museum is its focus on telling the stories of Native Americans from their own perspective. The exhibits are not afraid to address difficult topics, such as the history of colonialism and forced assimilation. However, the museum also celebrates the resilience and strength of Native American cultures.
I would recommend spending at least 1-2 hours at the museum, depending on how much time you want to spend in each exhibit. There are also a number of special events and programs that are offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the museum's website for upcoming events.
Overall, I thought the National Museum of the American Indian was a great experience. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Native Americans. One thing I always love checking out is the movie 🎥 you see on the 4th floor. Right now it's being renovated as of Aug 7, 2023.

The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center is a small but well-curated museum located in Washington, DC. The museum's permanent collection focuses on the art history of Washington, DC, but it also hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe.

I had the opportunity to visit the museum today 07/21/23 and I was very impressed with the quality of the work on display. I particularly enjoyed the exhibitions by Leigh Wen, Rhoda Baer, and Pilar Albarracín. Wen's paintings are incredibly beautiful and her sculptures are both haunting and thought-provoking. Albarracín's installations are powerful and challenging, and they really made me think about the world around me in a new way. There was also an exhibition of photographs from Ukraine pre war. Which made it seem like a place that was still damaged from WWII.

The museum is also home to a number of educational resources, including a learning lab, a theater, and a variety of public programs. I would highly recommend visiting the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center if you are interested in contemporary art or the art history of Washington, DC.

Here are some additional thoughts on the four exhibitions I mentioned:

Leigh Wen: At One with the Elements I was really drawn to the way that Wen's paintings and sculptures capture the beauty and power of nature. Her work is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Pilar Albarracín: Take a Knife and Open My Heart Albarracín's installations are incredibly powerful and thought-provoking. They challenge us to think about difficult issues such as gender, violence, and social injustice.

Rupert Garcia and the Chicano Art Movement: Prints and Posters from the Corcoran Legacy Collection This exhibition was a great introduction to the work of Rupert Garcia and the Chicano art movement. Garcia's work is both visually striking and politically engaged.

Glass Sculptures by Rhoda Baers Baers' glass sculptures are incredibly beautiful and intricate. They are also technically impressive, and they demonstrate the artist's mastery of her medium. The way she plays with light and Glass is impressive. Bonus was that I got a chance to meet the artist while I was there.

Overall, I had a great experience at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. The museum is home to a wide variety of high-quality art, and it offers a number of educational resources. I would highly recommend visiting the museum if you are interested in contemporary art or the art history of Washington, DC.

The DC Carnegie Library is a historic landmark in Washington, D.C. that has been transformed into a modern Apple flagship store. The building was originally built in 1903 with funding from Andrew Carnegie, and it served as the city's central library for many years. In 2019, the library closed for a two-year renovation, and it reopened in 2021 as an Apple store.

The Apple Carnegie Library is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The exterior is made of white marble, and the interior features a soaring rotunda with a skylight. The store which is on the first floor is home to a wide variety of Apple products, as well as a Genius Bar for technical support. There is also a space called the Forum that is used for events and workshops.

In addition to being an Apple store, the DC Carnegie Library is also a museum of DC history which is on the second floor. The store features a number of exhibits about the library's history, as well as the history of DC. There are also interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the city's past. Some of the collection was moved to the MLK library a few blocks away to make room for apple.

Overall, the DC Carnegie Library is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or Apple products. The store is a beautiful and historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored and repurposed.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the DC Carnegie Library:

Pros:

Beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture

Wide variety of Apple products
Forum for events and workshops
Museum of DC history

Cons:

Can be crowded, especially on weekends

Not as much selection of Apple products as some other Apple stores

Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the DC Carnegie Library. It is a beautiful and historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored and repurposed. Whether you are interested in Apple products, history, or architecture, you are sure to enjoy your visit.

Buckle up, time-travel enthusiasts, because the DAR Museum and Library in D.C. is the ultimate historical playground. It's a whimsical blend of period rooms and artifacts that will make your inner history nerd squeal with delight. From colonial bedrooms to Victorian parlors, you'll experience interior design through the ages. If you are in the 23 and me crowd and you're looking for old relatives, the library holds a ton of census records. The staff, with their encyclopedic knowledge and witty banter, are like time-traveling tour guides who'll leave you laughing and learning. So, put on your tri-cornered hat, polish your manners, and prepare for a hilarious journey through history, powdered wigs included.