Our second day in our nation's capital would have a lot to live up to in order to top our first day.  It had a chance, if for no other reason, because we were in a much better hotel.  We moved to the Marriott - Crystal City at Reagan International.  Don't the let the name fool you.  We were not at the airport, in fact I do not think I even heard a jet.  However, we were at a place where we could leave our car parked and simply walk through an underground set of shops, etc. to the Metro.  That was very helpful.

Travel tip:  When in and around Washington, D.C. always stay at a hotel within an easy walk of a Metro Station.  You can thank me later.

It was a rainy, overcast day, but the weather did not dampen our fun.  On our way to the Smithsonian Air and Space National Museum we stopped by a museum of art, The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.  It's weird to be sure, but compelling in a strange kind of way and, like most (not all) stops in Washington, D.C. it's free. 

The Air & Space Museum was and is a favorite stop of mine.  I love flying and the exhibits are spectacular.  We then went to The National Museum of American History and took in our nation's history, in all its forms, all over again.  I think my favorite exhibit there is the flag that flew when Francis Scott Key was inspired to write our National Anthem.  It is the actual flag thet flew at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.  Amazingly, the flag is still with is and it inspiring to look at, however it is another sore spot with me that I could not photograph or shoot video of it. 

From there we took our chances with the weather (no umbrellas or panchos) and wandered to the monuments.  Sure, we took a glimpse at the White House, but we focused on the Mall.  I found the new monuments the most interesting to me.  Since I had been to D.C. before, I was interested in the WW II Memorial with tributes to both theaters of the war and all fifty states and the monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Leaving the Lincoln Memorial (where the reflecting pool was emptied for refurbishing) we literally bumped into Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin, III who was drafted by the Washington Redskins.  He was heading to the Lincoln with a film crew. 

From there we walked in the direction of Georgetown to catch the Metro and relax at the hotel.  So, let's recap...Charleston, S.C. to Colonial Williamsburg; two full days in Washington, D.C. (named after our first President and honoring explorer Christopher Columbus).  So, what will our next day, our fifth, entail?  Here's a hint: we just spent two days in the city named in honor of him.

Next stop: Mount Vernon, with a special stop on the way.