Eternal Flame at the Kennedy burial plot, Arlington Cemetery, Washington DC

Visitors to the nation’s capital, have long made Arlington Cemetery an important visitation spot, and the Kennedy gravesite is one of the most popular stopping spots in the cemetery, the other being the Tomb of the Unknown.  When I visited the cemetery, those were two sites on the top of my to-see list, although I spent a great deal of time walking around the entire cemetery.

Upon entry to the cemetery, a sign points the way to the Kennedy gravesite.  At the head of the JFK gravesite, is the Eternal Flame.  The flame was lit by Jacqueline Kennedy at the time of burial,and has only been extinguished once – when a visiting group of Catholic school kids poured holy water directly onto the flame.  A sprinkle, and it should have been, would not have extinguished the flame.  It was quickly relit by a guard standing nearby.  A continuous spark re-ignites the flame should it be temporarily put out by weather.  In this gravesite lies the President, two young children who preceded him in death, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

The grave of Senator Robert Kennedy is adjacent to the main grave site.  Senator Edward Kennedy’s grave will be nearby.

Arlington Cemetery is closed to the public today for the burial of Senator Kennedy, and will be open to the public once again on Sunday morning.  The cemetery is open to the public daily at 8 am.  It remains open until 7 pm April through September, and closes at 5 pm the remainder of the year.  Parking is nearby, although in very short supply.

If you plan to visit, consider taking the Tourmobile or the Metro (Blue line, Arlington Cemetery stop).  Cemetery visitation is expected to be very high for the next several weeks, so plan on crowds, long lines, little parking, and heavily used public transportation.

Photo credit: public domain

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Off we went to on the Metro, opting to get off near the US Capitol Building, with the plan to walk along the National Mall ending up at the opposite end and the Washington Monument.  We didn’t figure that we’d have quite enough time (or energy) to make it over to the Tidal Basin, but still, it was a solid plan.

The Capitol Building was beautiful.  I’ve always been impressed with its rotunda and dome.  Its stateliness inspires me to believe that despite the many political differences that we might have, the Capitol building remains a symbol of the very best that democracy offers us.

The Capitol grounds cover a large expanse, and there were lots of cherry trees in varying stages of blossoming.  After walking around the grounds we headed down the path on the east side of the mall, stopping to look at anything that captured our attention.  We’d occasionally veer off the beaten path, and, unfortunately, that’s where the cherry blossom viewing was cut short.

Looking up and around, I failed to notice an uneven piece of sidewalk.  I hit it pretty hard, causing me to trip and fall forward even harder.  I was pretty scruffed up, with wounds on my arms, hands and leg – but perhaps even more wounded was my pride.  How embarrassing!

Thus ended my viewing and photo session of the cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital.  But at least I got these photos!

I recommend you check out The DC Traveler for more information about viewing the cherry blossoms in DC.  But there’s lot of other cherry blossoms, too:  in the Atlanta area, all over the South, and even up in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

A new President:

Sworn in on the west steps of the US Capitol Building:

Living and working in the people’s house, The White House:

Images:  All from wikimedia, Presidential portrait; US Capitol Building; White House

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This little peek at what’s to come, is a result of a dress rehearsal for the big day.

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Get to the polls, or mail off your absentee ballots today, and you can help decide who gets to live in this big, white house.

Photo credit:  Wikimedia, public domain

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

But everyone in awhile I come across a matchbook that evokes no memory at all.  And that’s the case with today’s matchbook from the West End Cafe.

I had to do a little searching to find out where the West End Cafe is located.  Turns out that it’s located at the Circle Hotel, an affiliate of George Washington University, at One Washington Circle in Washington DC.

Okay, now that I know where it is, I’m still not having any memory of being there!

My best guess is that I stopped in here with a Flight Attendant from another carrier while back in DC doing some work.  The matchbook is pretty beat up, and given where I found it, I’m guessing it’s from five to six year ago.

If anyone knows anything about this cafe, I’d appreciate hearing about it in the comments.

Photo credit: personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Occupying prime real estate at the corner of Wisconsin & M Streets, Nathan’s fashions itself as a neighborhood saloon.  The bar has dark walls with lots of wood and brass, and when I’ve been there, there has always been a sporting event on the television.

The restaurant has wood paneled walls, red leather banquettes, and black and white photographs on the wall.  It’s rumored as a favorite haunt of several recognizable DC figures, although I’ve never seen any — or haven’t recognized anyone.

The menu covers typical American fare, with steaks and seafood, and pasta is made fresh daily.

Nathan’s is open Monday – Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, serving lunch until 3 pm, with dinner service starting at 5:30 pm.  Weekend brunch is served 10 am – mid-afternoon.  A bar menu is also available.

Dress code is business casual, although I think a little more heavily weighted toward business attire rather than casual.  I figure it’s the tourist who are there in shorts and flip flops.

Nathan’s is not my favorite stop in Georgetown.  It seems more of a boys’ club, guy-oriented place.  While I wouldn’t make it a regular hang out, it’s a fun stop for a drink, a quick bite at the bar, and some good conversation.

Do you have a matchbook to share?  I’d love to feature your contribution on a future Matchbook Monday!  Take a photo of your matchbook, and email it to me (along with any details that you might wish to add).

Photo credit: personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The Georgetown location (1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC) was the original home for Paolo’s, and the restaurant has now expanded to additional locations in Reston and Towson.  You can check out the menu here.

I haven’t tried Paolo’s, and am wondering if I need to put it on my list.  Anyone else care to chime in on it?

Do you have a favorite restaurant or club that you’d like to share?  Please email a photo to me for use on a future Matchbook Monday.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

A friend sent me this matchbook and reminded me of many an evening we had spent there with a bottle of wine and a lively conversation.  I’m not sure that we ever had a meal there; we’d mostly stop in for a little music, conversation, and the people watching that the neighborhood is known for.

The restaurant and bar was always busy, whether from it’s location, reputation, or food, I’m not certain, and at times it could be a bit on the raucous side.  I haven’t been back for quite some time, so the matchbook was a nice reminder.

La Tomate is located at 1701 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington DC (map it), at the triangular intersection of Connecticut, “R” and 20th NW.

It is open Monday – Wednesday, 11:30 am – 10:30 pm; Thursday, 11:30 am – 11 pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 am – 11:30 pm, and Sunday, 11:30 am – 10 pm.  Reservations are recommended.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe