With countless places dedicated to women’s history, why not start in the U.S. capital?
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By Laurie Contreras
Three days, a bus full of history buffs and 100+ years of women changing the nation. There is no better way to honor the women of our country than to take a trip to Washington, D.C., and see various attractions and memorials dedicated to them. Even the meal breaks can be faithful to the theme of the journey, with several options of restaurants owned by women to choose from.
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is situated within one of the oldest residential properties in town. This monument is dedicated to women who spent their lives fighting for women’s rights, especially the National Women’s Party’s founder, Alice Paul. Using various creative tactics to get their message across to the public and government, Paul directed her party to focus on a woman suffrage amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Navy Yard
Enjoy lunch with a riverfront view at the Navy Yard café. This is a woman-owned restaurant, beautifully decorated with antique décor and floral accents.
Old Town Alexandria
If you’re looking for a place to work down lunch and buy souvenirs, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia is the place to do it. This is the third-oldest historic district in the country and has kept up its appearance since; walking through this town is like a portal through time. With more than 200 independent boutiques, bite-sized historic museums, and restaurants, this is sure to keep everyone entertained.
Vietnam Women’s Memorial
A wonderful photo with a meaning to have as a keepsake, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial is both beautiful and rich in history. It is home to a monument created to honor more than 200,000 women around the world who served in the Vietnam War. Since this is the only memorial on the National Mall dedicated to military women, it is a stop you cannot pass up and a peaceful way to end a day of touring.
National Museum of Women’s Arts (NMWA)
Featuring more than 5,000 pieces of art made by over 1,000 artists, the NMWA is a great way to show support for the fight to give women better representation in the art field. This museum is a vital center for community engagement, social change, and leadership, and is open to everyone.
National Portrait Gallery’s “First Ladies” Wing
This exhibit covers the numerous first ladies our country has had and their varying responsibilities. This gallery intends to shed light on the women who are just as powerful, if not more than, their president husbands. Although some of the first were limited in what they could do for their time, as the timeline moves closer to present times, the women become increasingly influential. Each portrait features a biography, dates of their terms, and some of these women’s most notable works, all of which are available to view seven days a week.
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
Mary McLeod Bethune received her greatest recognition in Washington, D.C., at the last house she lived in the area. This was not just her home; however, it was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where plans to advance African American Women’s interests were set in place and executed. Mary McLeod Bethune fought for racial and gender equality not only in our nation, but all over the world.
Republic Restoratives Distillery
For those over the age of 21, this woman-owned and led distillery is a must-stop to wind down after a long day. There is heavy emphasis on being unapologetically themselves,
American women who show they are groundbreakers with no intention of changing their ways. The distillery is open for shopping, taste testing, but not drinking. Bottles of alcohol can be purchased here, as well as apparel, and if you enjoy what they have to offer, they are available to ship out their products.
“Votesor Women” Specialty Tour at the U.S Capitol
The “Votes for Women” tour is in honor of all the women who fought for women’s right to vote in our country. The efforts of generations of these women culminated in what we have today, and their work is displayed in the U.S Capitol for everyone to see during weekdays.
Capitol Restaurant Vouchers
After touring the specialty tour mentioned above, you can travel down to the lower level and grab lunch at the Capitol Restaurant. For groups of 15 and above, vouchers are needed and can be purchased in advance for $13.60 per guest. The restaurant offers typical American cuisine such as pizzas, burgers, and hot dogs—everyone can find something they enjoy here.
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
Living a long life full of historic actions, Clara Barton seemingly never stopped setting the path for women. From the young age of eighteen until her death, she was active in making a difference wherever she went. When the United States went into the Civil War, she collected supplies and aided wounded soldiers tirelessly in the name of helping those in need. This urge to assist others did not end when the war did. Clara went on to found the American Red Cross. Her heroic deeds and hard work are proudly displayed in this museum in her honor.
Moonlit Monument Tour
End the day with a breathtaking view of the classic monuments that call D.C home at night. The Moonlit Monument Tour is one of the most highly rated tours in the area, where visitors are guided and driven around in a trolley through town to see where historical figures once walked and hear their stories.
For more great travel stories, Read the Full Leisure Group Travel Magazine and Subscribe to the Newsletter for FREE
