Churches and Cathedrals in Bull Run

"The gorgeous architecture of the Washington National Cathedral is reason enough to head way up Wisconsin Avenue. Daily self-guided tours showcase the cathedral’s history and intricate architectural details. But if you want to experience perhaps the best rooftop view in the city (located on a hill, the cathedral claims the highest point in DC), you’ll want to book the Tower Climb tour."

"Constructed between 1907 and 1990, this huge neo-Gothic cathedral blends the spiritual with the profane in its architecture. Most of its richly colored stained-glass windows celebrate religious themes, although... Landmark in Capitol Hill & South DC"

"The National Cathedral’s charter, written in 1893, declared that the church would be both an Episcopal see and “a House of Prayer for all people, forever free and open."

"Although Saint Patrick’s is the oldest Catholic church in D.C., the largest and most prominent is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, found in Northeast D.C. near The Catholic University of America. It is not a parish church but a national one, dedicated to the patron saint of the United States: Mary, the mother of Jesus, under her title of the Immaculate Conception."

"The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and is one of the largest churches in the world. The National Shrine is designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. It boasts the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world."

"The great basilica in Washington D.C. If you're into church architecture, this place is a must. Beautiful stained glasses, grand chapel, the whole package. Tripod and flash are NOT allowed."

"During the time period of the famous invasion when the British burned the White House to the ground, British troops attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for Sunday mass. Washington’s oldest Roman Catholic parish is St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 10th Street and G Street NW. The original wooden church on this site was constructed in 1794 and the second brick structure was built in 1809. That brick church was a major witness to the British sack of Washington, D.C."

"Saint Patrick’s was founded in 1794, making it the oldest parish in the Federal City, which is what Washington, D.C., was known as back then. At this time, many Irish immigrants were living in D.C. and working on the construction of federal buildings."

"Scrambling eggs since 1935, this diner has three locations throughout Maryland, two of which – Laurel and Silver Spring – serve beer and wine. Open round-the-clock, the diners have jukeboxes and televisions to keep younger ears and eyes entertained. To fill mouths, check the daily blue plate specials such as the crab cake platter on Wednesdays at the Bethesda location."

"One of the last original and authentic American diners left, this restaurant has been serving the Metro area since 1935. There are three locations to chose from in Maryland: Silver Spring, Bethesda and Laurel. Crack open a menu and you will find classic Americana offerings like fried chicken, pancakes and eggs."

"Tastee Diner has two locations in Bethesda and Silver Spring. It’s open 24-hours a day, and each booth comes with its own jukebox. The hotcakes are the main attraction here."

"Columbia Heights's Flip it LJ Diner, located at 1432 Park Road (between North Hiatt Place and North Kenyon Street), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it five stars out of 87 reviews. Alex S., who visited it on Dec. 26, wrote, "This is a great neighborhood spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We came for breakfast and I was impressed. Tons of food for cheap. Many things are of Hispanic influence, which makes for some unique breakfast items not typically found at your regular diner."

"A somewhat hidden memorial tucked away in the Constitution Gardens, search for the most famous signature of the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial—John Hancock. Get creative by framing the picture with the Washington Monument in the background."

"DC's best meditation spot has to be the West Potomac Park, the area between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It includes the Tidal Basin, which shimmers pink when the beautiful cherry trees bloom around March or April (according to spring's whim)."

"This is a national park adjacent to the National Mall, west of the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument. Major attractions in the area include Constitution Gardens, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, Jefferson, World War II, and FDR memorials."

"The historic Northern Renaissance style structure was built in 1901 on the Embassy Row of DC’s Massachusetts Avenue for Commander Frederick Augustus Miller, who was a Navy officer during the US Civil War. Known as “the finest surviving mansion” designed by Paul J. Pelz, the main architect of the Library of Congress, the house features a masonry cat statue representing a cat on a ship, as well as other maritime motifs. Olga Hirshhorn, wife of entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Hirshhorn, used the building to host her artwork between 1986 and 2009."

"Formally known as the Old Executive Office Building, the massive building next to the White House was renamed in honor of President Eisenhower in 1999. Historically, it was also called the State, War, and Navy Building because those departments had offices there. Today, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building houses a variety of federal offices, including the ceremonial office of the Vice President of the United States."

"NW Washington, DC. Located next to the West Wing, this building houses a majority of the offices for the White House staff. The impressive structure, a fine example of the French Second Empire style of architecture, was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments."