Walter Shroyer

I love this place. No one seems to know that between the US Capitol and the American Indian Museum is the US Botanical Garden. After you are tired of seeing all the gigantic buildings on the mall, stop in here and take a reprieve back to nature. You will not be disappointed by the variety of plants. I personally like walking the catwalk and seeing the 20 foot tall philodendrons in the Amazonian jungle.

This is a gem of a museum not far off the mall area, maybe a 10 - 15 minute walk from the Archives building. The National Portrait Gallery is only half the museum. The other half is the American Art Museum. Plan on spending at least 4 hours. Better yet take two days and spend 4 hours each. I always go here when in town. Besides all the great art, I love spending time in the middle courtyard with its large atrium. It is bright, relaxing, has food, and a great place to rest your body before seeing more art. If you stay till they close, walk two blocks and eat in Chinatown. I always do.