Let's Chat About Some Lesser Visited Ideas in Washington DC on This Week's Fast Five!

 Haven't we all been to the Smithsonian and the memorials?  I mean, really.  Here's some stuff I bet you either never checked into, never thought of, or never even imagined!

1.    Paddle Boats on the Tidal Basin.  Most of what we do in Washington DC to be fair is look at stuff.  Even activities like boat cruises are a lot of sitting and looking.  The National Park Service are the people who help us out with a more active and involved lifestyle when in town.  Therefore, you can rent kayaks and paddle boats to take out on the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson Memorial.

Why do I mention this?  Because for anyone who's been to DC as much as I have; you might be looking for something besides the stuff first timers do.  This is fun.  This has views of the cherry trees in spring and some of the memorials throughout the year.  It's great for kids, and if you like plane spotting; you won't be disappointed.  Prices for the paddle boats start at $38 an hour, with different prices for kayaks, tours, groups, etc.

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/tidal-basin-pedal-boats.htm  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d10098115-Reviews-Tidal_Basin_Paddle_Boats-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html   

https://dguides.com/washingtondc/activities/recreation/paddle-boating-on-the-tidal-basin/   

https://www.getyourguide.com/washington-dc-l62/washington-dc-tidal-basin-pedal-boat-rental-t984563/   

https://www.colonialroads.com/tidal-basin-paddle-boating/   

2.    The Mounted Police on the National Mall.  Yes, I found something new in Washington DC!  Not the mounted police; they've been around for decades and beyond.  Washington DC is obviously a place of pomp and circumstance.  It's our country's capital.  Mounted police are integral to the dignity of the National Mall area, and it's always been an effective way for the police to patrol the area, which is always overrun with buses, cars, bikes, Segways, and pedestrians.  It's just part of what you learn to expect to see in DC; just like the National Guard in the subway or the Secret Service patrolling on foot on the White House Lawn.  It's part of life.

But here's where it gets different.  In 2023, a new stable opened, between the Washington Monument and the reflecting pool and the Tidal Basin.  It's not just where the horses live.  They have visitor hours, exhibits and an educational center for the public.  That's right; police as a tourist stop.  I won't lie; I didn't stop in because I'm deathly allergic to horses and hay; but it's a great idea.

https://home.nps.gov/places/usppstables.htm   

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2026/03/29/park-police-horses-national-park-service-washington/88324675007/   

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2023/08/02/park-police-horses-get-new-home-in-nation-s-capital   

https://nationalmall.org/monuments-memorials/horse-stables-and-education-center   

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=260683   

3.    The White House Gift Shop and Visitor Center.  This used to be on the White House grounds, but it was moved; not recently; but in 2014 to provide better security at the White House.  It's just a few blocks away from the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue, just off Federal Triangle, and is easily accessible by subway.  It's designed to give you a good idea of the context and history of the White House just in case you aren't planning on visiting.

Let's tackle this one.  The websites all say you can still tour the White House although the East Wing is missing and security is backed up to where you can hardly see it from any viewpoints.  Can you take a tour?  Apparently, contact your congress person and they can help you with that.  It's the best information I found.  I did not attempt to go to the White House.  I've been and wanted to do other things anyway.

Now, that being said.  There's a lot of security, so if you visit the visitor center, it is free, but be prepared for TSA like security checks.  If you like, you can check the website for a list of things you can't bring before you go.  The Visitor Center is run by the National Park Service.  There's a museum like space with exhibits and there's also a gift shop, which was one of the few places I actually found to buy souvenirs, so take advantage.  They have public restrooms which can be difficult to randomly find in Washington DC; so take note of that.  Is it worth it?  I thought so.

https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/white-house-visitor-center.htm   

https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/white-house-visitor-center   

https://www.viator.com/Washington-DC-attractions/White-House-Visitor-Center/d657-a22319   

https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/faqs/   

https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/faqs/   

4.    Union Market & Its Neighborhood.  It's story time!  In my younger years, many years ago, I wasn't nearly as astute of a traveler as I am now.  I booked a hotel room in Washington DC and it was inexpensive and I was proud of myself.  When I got there, the neighborhood scared the crap out of me to the point that I left and went to a Holiday Inn in Maryland.  True story.

Union Market was that neighborhood and look at it today!  I had to go and check it out when I heard how wonderful it was.  I was non plussed.  Not only do they have the actual Union Market with great food and craft shops with the Artechouse dome on top showing immersive art, but they have an entire gentrified neighborhood to check out.

This neighborhood is full of shopping and entertainment.  I had some of the best coffee I've ever had outside of New York City there.  It's walkable, easy to navigate. reachable by the subway, and completely redone to be a great neighborhood to visit.  I highly recommend checking it out and having a meal there if you can decide where to eat.

https://unionmarketdc.com/history/   

https://unionmarketdc.com/   

https://washington.org/dc-neighborhoods/noma   

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d3629285-Reviews-Union_Market-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html   

https://www.theorydc.com/blog/living-in-union-market-faqs-things-to-know   

5.    Ben's Chili Bowl.  When I'm out and about, I like to take in the local flavor, especially the food.  This trip was no exception.  1958 was the founding of this Washington DC institution.  The flagship store is on U Street and is currently being renovated.  That's not a problem, because directly across the street is the temporary location of this iconic restaurant.  It's reported to have been a favorite of a certain President too.

The idea of Ben's Chili Bowl is chili, obviously.  If it involves chili, it's on the menu along with drinks, sides, and desserts.  I caught the subway to U Street to check it out, and it's right by the subway station, making it very accessible by public transit.

I sampled a half smoked, which is the hot dog they are famous for.  Delicious!  I opted for a newer creation of a chili rice bowl and loved every bite.  No, I don't always give a boost to restaurants or hotels, but this one was delicious.  They have locations all around the city, but I recommend a trip to the original neighborhood.  Friendly people and you can still get a good look at the iconic building where it all started.

https://benschilibowl.com/   

https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/bens-chili-bowl   

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g28970-d450468-Reviews-Ben_s_Chili_Bowl-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html   

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bens-chili-bowl-washington   

https://www.instagram.com/benseverything/   

There you have it.  I've been to Washington DC at least 20 times.  This time I literally only went because I'd never been there for the cherry blossoms.  I made it my mission to do some things that I'd never done before, and I'm happy with the way it worked out.  I hope you look into some of the things I put out there.  It's really worth it.  Especially the chili.  

If you'd like to see what I'm doing currently; check out my YouTube channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon!

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025   

Don't let time pass you by!  Never stop adventuring!  Enjoy!

I Flew During the Shutdown; Let's Talk

 

We need to talk.  I traveled during the partial shutdown that everyone has been talking about.  I've traveled my whole life, so I've seen more than one tail wag the dog.  I do believe there were lines.  But we were led to believe that they were everywhere.  I want to set the record straight.

I flew from Bradley International Airport in Hartford/Springfield, Connecticut/Massachusetts to Sky Harbor, Phoenix, Arizona.  Bradley is small and normally my favorite airport in the world to navigate.  Sky Harbor is enormous, has a history of security line issues, and was one of the airports that ICE Agents were sent to.  Reality says that I should have had two very different experiences at these two very different airports.  

What really happened?

I left for Bradley, knowing that they'd not received any assistance from ICE.  I left very early for my flight.  I arrived at the airport 3 hours ahead of time for the morning lines, which is one of the busiest times of day at that airport.  When I arrived, I was shocked in a good way.  I didn't wait in line to drop my bag.  I didn't wait in line for more than five minutes at TSA.  I had my passport because I haven't gotten a real ID yet.  There was no issue.  I have a prosthetic body part, so I have to be pulled aside at the scanner, and there was no issue.  Everyone working was smiling and helpful and I was through TSA in a few minutes and then waited for almost three hours for my flight.  Part one, no issues.  If anything they were overstaffed.

Then, it was time to fly home.  I dropped off my rental car a mere two hours early and went to the terminal.  My bag drop was immediate.  ICE Agents were at this airport.  

How did that work?

ICE Agents are not trained to evaluate ID's or data from scanners.  There's very little they can actually help with at these stations.  However, here's what I can say.  The agents helping at Sky Harbor were doing everything they could to help TSA.  They guided people to the lines in an orderly fashion.  They helped load the bins at the scanners and restocked them when necessary.  They helped people with questions whenever they could.  They were personable and friendly and helpful in any way they could be.  I had a pleasant experience.  As far as the lines go.  There were none, and everyone working there said they haven't had much of a problem.

End result.  I went through TSA in a matter of minutes in both airports.  I had no problems and neither did anyone else near me.  I don't know about any other airports, but that was my experience at those two.

Be very careful listening to news.  It's not always there to be accurate and to help us.  Sometimes it is incredibly skewed and not worth listening to.

A tip for anyone traveling and dealing with TSA.  Thank them for what they do.  Do as they ask.  Smile and be polite.  It always works for me.

Let's talk ICE.  I wanted to say something.  I know everything about these guys has become controversial.  I just wanted to say that the agents I met were just doing their jobs.  They'd been sent to do a job at airports and they were doing what they were told to do.  I always remember, whether it's the National Guard in the subway in DC or ICE Agents at the airport.  They are not the boss.  They go where they are sent and do what they are told to do.  They handle any situations that they encounter the best that they can.  We all know that this hasn't always been successful, but most of them try their best.  Not all, most.  And always remember, if you have a beef with the agency; don't blame the messenger.

The ICE Agents I saw didn't overstep with the TSA professionals.  They did whatever they could to help.  They didn't act all big and bad with the flyers.  They did whatever they could to help.  I saw one go get a wheeled chair for a lady who was struggling and helped her through the process and made it easier for her.  They were stopped by flyers and asked questions and they answered every question they could.  Their boss ordered them to go there.  They did what they were told.  Remember that, whether you're dealing with TSA, ICE, or the National Guard.  You might meet some really nice people.  It's not all bad.

Let's talk Sky Harbor.  Historically, this is one of my least favorite airports IN THE WORLD.  I've been flying through there for 25 years.  They still don't have airport Wi-Fi.  Takeoffs and landings can be a nightmare due to the location in the hot arid desert in a bowl surrounded by mountains.  Sometimes you feel like you've come in too fast when they pretty much slam on the brakes.  Sometimes you feel like the takeoff is going straight up.  The airport has it's challenges.  

All of that aside, in the old days, Sky Harbor had one TSA checkpoint and you did wait for hours to get through.  Not during a crisis.  All the time.  There were times that I came hours early and still almost missed my flight.  The signage was poor in the old days and you sometimes could follow all the signs and end up in the wrong terminal.  No it's not me, I travel a lot.  It's analysis.  Personally, I never got lost, but a lot of people asked for assistance.

 

In more recent times, they've added several TSA checkpoints, better signs, a sky train to help you navigate the property and many other things.  They have nursing stations, animal relief areas, and enough bathrooms.  That's important.  That being said, it worked out in a time of need.  Because of all the improvements, they were able to handle the partial shutdown.  For the first time in my life, I have to say, good job Sky Harbor.

And then there's Breeze.  I've talked about this airline before, but I want to do it again.  I've flown multiple budget airlines in several countries.  There's something about Breeze.  They know how to treat people.  I recommend to anyone to check them before booking a flight within our borders.  They have some unusual routes that other airlines don't service, they are budget, they are reliable, and they are nice.

My main route is from Bradley to Sky Harbor and they do that.  Most of the time it's direct.  You can't beat that.  On the occasion that they have to make a stop, normally in Norfolk, Virginia, they call it breezing through.  The passengers going to Norfolk get off the plane.  The ones going from Norfolk to Sky Harbor get on.  The rest of us have the plane to ourselves.  We get up, walk around, go to the bathroom, have a snack.  Then we sit back down and go.  There is no layover for us.  I like that.

Breeze is like any other budget airline, most items from Wi-Fi to snacks are for sale.  That's the life of budget air flying.  But the staff is always extremely nice, the pilots are informative, so you never wonder what's happening.  It's comfortable and even I who cannot sleep on planes; will sleep on Breeze.  It's that comfortable.

So, next time you fly; check them out.

Those are my thoughts for this week.  In a nutshell; don't believe everything you see and hear on the news.  Don't be afraid to fly because a bunch of people who fly all the time tell you it's too inconvenient or unsafe.  If it's all of that, why are congresspeople and news people flying at all?  Think about that.  Try a reliable budget airline.  Thank a TSA agent for all they do.  Be cooperative on planes and in airports.  Not all ICE Agents are bad.  Give them a chance and judge each one on their individual behavior as I hope you do for any other person you meet.  In conclusion, go with the flow, don't judge too quickly, don't take the news as gospel. 

https://www.skyharbor.com/   

https://bradleyairport.com/    

https://www.expedia.com/    

https://www.flybreeze.com/home    

https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5808010-government-shutdown-impacts-tsa/    

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/13/nx-s1-5744648/as-partial-shutdown-drags-on-morning-edition-checks-out-tsa-lines-at-3-airports   

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/26/nx-s1-5759159/trump-ice-airports-tsa   

Always fact check the news.  You may be surprised what you find.  Be a proactive person.  Don't let the tail wag the dog.

Now, if you're curious about my travels or what I'm doing at the time,  check out my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon.

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025    

Happy Travels!  Enjoy!

A Really Quick Fast Five About Cherry Blossom Season in Washington DC!

 

It's cherry blossom time in Washington DC and I took advantage of that this week and saw some beautiful things!

1.    Take a City Cruise to view the cherry blossoms.  I did this.  It's with City Cruises operated by Hornblower.  It was a lunch cruise.  The views were amazing from either inside or outside.  Most of the boat is glass, so you can get the views either way.  Lunch was a three course meal with options for the main dish.  It was delicious.  The cruise lasts 2 hours and you get to go all up and down the river.  We had a guide telling us what we were seeing and he was also a DJ and the boat had a dance floor.  A good time was had by all and we sailed along one entire section of the cherry trees.

https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/cherry-blossoms-cruises/

https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/springtimeadventures/

https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/water-taxi/washington-dc-water-taxi-cherry-blossoms/   

2.    The best way to get to the Tidal Basin and see the cherry blossoms.  I've been to Washington DC so many times I've lost count.  One thing that I do know is that if you trust your phone with Google Maps to get to that Tidal Basin where some of the most beautiful views of the trees are; you will work way too hard to get there.  Number one, no matter what mode of travel you put into Google maps, it can't shake the idea that you're driving.  Therefore, it will probably tell you to take a very long route and go to the Jefferson Memorial.  Don't do that.

The road is Independence Avenue, and it's just across that street from the Washington Monument (you can't miss that one) to the park where you can view the trees and the memorial.  You can walk the bridge as well if you like.  It's quick and easy, especially if you're not driving as I wasn't.  I don't drive unless I have to when I travel.

I promise it's quick and easy and the views are magnificent.  There are also cherry trees on the mall, especially by the Washington Monument for added viewing.

https://www.nps.gov/articles/dctidalbasin.htm   

https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/bloomfest-at-the-tidal-basin/   

https://cherryblossomwatch.com/monuments-tidal-basin/   

https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/tidal-basin   

3.    Another way to see beautiful cherry blossoms is to take the water taxi.  Also operated in part by City Cruises and Hornblower, the water taxis have many functions.  They operate some cherry blossom cruises.  However, they are also a regular transportation option and you can go to a lot of cool places and see the cherry blossoms along the way.

I took the water taxi to Alexandria, Virginia and National Harbor, Maryland along with seeing the blossoms.  It was a great ride and reasonably priced.  You catch it at the wharf on the DC waterfront.

https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/water-taxi/washington-dc-water-taxi/  

https://www.wharfdc.com/getting-here/water-taxi/  

https://visitalexandria.com/things-to-do/waterfront-activities/   

https://alexandrialivingmagazine.com/lifestyle/city-cruises%E2%80%99-potomac-water-taxi-launches-from-alexandria-fr/   

4.    Visit the waterfront.  I can't say enough about this neighborhood.  It's full of marinas if you have a boat.  It's where you catch the City Cruises and the water taxis.  It's largely a pedestrian area and it's large.  It is home to beautiful views with the cherry trees right across the way and the river area to gaze at.  It's absolutely gorgeous at sunset.  There's clubs, fine dining, snacks and drinks.  It's a place to gather, eat, drink and be merry.

I got there by taking the Green Line subway to the conveniently titled Waterfront Station.  From there, it's just a couple of blocks to the waterfront.  I spent a lot of time there this trip and it was fabulous.

https://www.wharfdc.com/   

https://washington.org/dc-waterfronts   

https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/waterfront-activities   

https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/  

https://www.wmata.com/   

5.    National Harbor, Maryland and the Capital Wheel.  This one was a bit of a surprise for me.  I love a good wheel and they have one 180 feet tall.  The area looks a bit like an overly patriotic playground for rich people, but that didn't stop me.  

I got to take the water taxi out there and it's almost an hour ride.  It was a beautiful ride along the Potomac River and the wheel was a fabulous ride too.  This whole place is built for tourists, and it isn't my normal vibe, but they had a wheel.  The restaurants were expensive and didn't look that yummy.  It was still off season, so not every place was open.  Still, it was great and I would tell anyone to take that afternoon trip.

https://www.getyourguide.com/national-harbor-l116217/cruises-boat-tours-tc48/?campaign_id=21890360134&adgroup_id=&target_id=&loc_physical_ms=9192792&match_type=&ad_id=&keyword=&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&assetgroup_id=6538663094&synthetic_keyword=national%20harbor%20md&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21886561097&gbraid=0AAAAADmzJCN7JXGe1XN9ahRl73eSiSsuu&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZjOBhCmARIsADDuFTCzsbG5ULpp3wILAhPnbhVzGqvuGho1_AIUkuvZ73tZ8q-d2Y9phjEaAqWuEALw_wcB  

https://www.nationalharbor.com/  

https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/visit-national-harbor   

https://www.visitmaryland.org/listing/music-venues/national-harbor   

There you have it.  Those are some things that I learned when I was visiting DC this week.  I'll have more to say, but this is a start.  If you want to see the cherry blossoms, I'd hurry.  They're already peaking and they don't last long.  Enjoy!