Popular Gardens in Bull Run

"Just down the hill from the Capitol building is a place where children can stretch their legs and everyone can enjoy a diverse oasis of green. Sparked by George Washington’s notion that a national garden would demonstrate the importance of botany, the United States Botanic Garden was established by Congress in 1820 and has since grown into an impressive showplace, a museum of plants from the desert to the tropics. The glass and stone Conservatory offers a canopy walk above a tropical rainforest and a collection of 5000 orchid varieties."

"Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. The sprawling lands of the National Mall & Memorial Parks include the Mall, the public promenade extending from 3rd Street near the Capitol to 14th Street, including the:"

"While crowds are drawn to the smelly 'corpse flower' (Amorphophallus titanum – we'll let you translate that), which blooms every three to five years, the United States Botanic Garden is equally fragrant at other times. The greenhouse conservancy and the children's garden are particularly beautiful spots to stroll through."

"The great Gordon Bunshaft conceived the landmark cylindrical building for this modern art museum established by collector Joseph H. Hirshhorn. Set halfway between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, the Hirshhorn was ready in 1974 and houses one of America’s best collections of modern and contemporary art. Think Picasso, Matisse, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper and Franz Kline, just by way of introduction."

"A modern icon among so many historic buildings on the National Mall, the Hirshhorn Museum building was designed to be a piece of artwork in and of itself. A hollowed-center elevated cylinder, the contemporary building floats above its lovely landscaped grounds and features curved galleries. The drum-shaped structure is eye-catching and stands out among its many Neoclassical neighbors in the area."

"The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum dedicated to contemporary culture and art. Located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum offers tours, a cafe, exhibits, monthly events, and a museum shop for people of all ages and all interests. They also have a storytime event for children (ages 6 and younger) that features book readings, arts, and crafts."

"Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a decorative arts museum. The museum's collection includes nearly 17,000 objects from Hillwood’s collection of Russian imperial art, French 18th-century decorative art, and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal collection of apparel, jewelry, and accessories. The Gardens consist of 13 acres of beautiful and thoughtfully landscaped "outdoor rooms."

"This Washington, DC attraction is outside the city limits in the Northwest Washington, DC area next to Rock Creek Park. The Hillwood Estate Museum is in the historic Mansion and consists of more than 15 interesting rooms and exhibits. When you finish inside, wander around outside in the gardens."

"The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame, this lavishly decorated 1920s mansion showcases her extraordinary collections of Russian imperial art (icons, paintings, jewelry, Fabergé eggs)..."

"Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood. The Museum is known for its specialized collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. It also is home to the House Collection which includes historic interiors, Asian, European, and American artworks, and interior furnishings."

"Taking a trip to Dumbarton Oaks feels like you’re in a totally different country. With its $10 admission fee it’s well worth the price if you want to be engulfed in unique gardens. The grounds also include a museum to explore as well."

"Set on the highest point in Georgetown, this park area is filled with hiking and running trails that follow behind many of the local embassies. In late spring, the full bloom of the peonies welcome visitors."

"You can be forgiven for assuming that the Heurich House Museum is some grand palace built for long-forgotten aristocracy. Its Victorian-style architecture includes stone archways, wide windows, spire-topped towers and all of the stairs and alcoves that you’d expect from a gothic building. The truth, however, is that the Heurich House Museum was built by a European immigrant in the 1890s."

"Heurich House Museum is a Gilded Age mansion in Washington DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood. The house museum preserves the legacy of historic brewer Christian Heurich. The museum offers one-hour-long tours every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm."

"Built from 1892 to 1894, this uniquely intact Victorian mansion was the home of German-American philanthropist and beer magnate Christian Heurich. Considered the world's oldest brewmaster, he ran the Christian Heurich Brewery on the site where the..."

"This underutilized patch of grass, complete with flowers, fountains, and benches, sits next to the Smithsonian Castle, one of the more memorable looking buildings on the National Mall. While the hordes of tourists are huddled, drenched in sweat, on the steps of the various museums, in-the-know Mall-goers can escape to this oasis of green for some shade, a moment of peace, and the free Wi-Fi.Best for: checking your e-mail while smelling flowers.Photo by Flickr user cliff1066™"

"Botanic Garden, this park is located across the street from the conservatory. A beautifully landscaped flower garden has as its centerpiece, a classical style fountain that was created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor who also designed the Statue of Liberty. ​Independence Avenue & First Street SW, Washington, D.C."

"is that it looks like a small place, but it’s surprising how much walking you do when you're here. Walking in and between the museums, monuments, and other landmarks, you’ll be exhausted if you don’t pace yourself...."

"Your profound respect for one another will abound while you both appreciate the excellent architecture of the National Cathedral and its magnificent gardens. Bishop’s Palace Garden pic:flickr,chris"

"Green Spring Gardens, spanning about 31 acres, is a historic garden featuring a plantation house constructed between 1777 to 1784."

"Like Red Velvet Cupcakery, Sprinkles Bakery is not specifically known for their gluten-free baked goods. But this Georgetown spot is doing gluten-free cupcakes the right way with a lemon blueberry and red velvet that are just as good, if not better, than a traditional gluten cupcake. Sprinkles also offers a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie that stands out from all others, with a uniquely soft and chewy texture and plenty of creamy chocolate chips."

"Sprinkles offers freshly baked cakes in a variety of flavors. They also offer special cakes such as vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free ones for those on specific diets."

"With more than 30 acres of recreation and open space, Long Bridge Park is a new-school, distinctive showplace of environmentally sound redevelopment. The park has a central expanse of attractive public green spaces and high-quality outdoor facilities. It used to be an EPA SuperFund site, and now it’s entirely transformed — it just shows what can happen with the will and great planning."

"With a focus on environmentally sound redevelopment, the 30-acre park features public green spaces, high-quality outdoor sports and recreation facilities, a network of walkways, public art, and a view of capital monuments. // 475 Long Bridge Dr., Arlington"

"Who would have guessed there would be such a gorgeous picnic spot located under a bridge?. The path gravel paths will lead you to the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a flatbread (or two)!. Choose to setup at one of two fishing piers, under the trees on the banks of the Potomac River or even at the base of Jones Point Lighthouse."

"The Jones Point Lighthouse is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse operated from 1856 to 1926. You can find it inside Jones Point Park."

"Green Spring Gardens, spanning about 31 acres, is a historic garden featuring a plantation house constructed between 1777 to 1784."