Update: The Washington Monument is closed due to structural damage.

They say that Tropical Storm/Hurricane Irene has added additional damage to the cracks that a recent earthquake left in the Washington Monument, but hopefully it isn’t anything that some masons can’t fix.

The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is one of the biggest tourist attractions in a town filled with tourist attractions — both in draw and size. The monument was built in honor of George Washington and reflects beautifully in the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.

Admission is free, but a ticket is required. If the stairs are open, take them!

While you are in town make sure to try Georgia Brown’s on 15th St NW for Happy Hour. They also put out a nice brunch. Heck, do both, you’re on vacation!

There are a number of other monuments, memorials and museums in the D.C. area, but we’ll save those for another day.

This post is part of UpTake’s Monday Museum & Monument Series

Photo: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr

Apparently there are dinosaur caves at Pismo Beach, CA, but it’s not what you think — unless you are thinking of a giant cement dinosaur that you could walk inside to enter some cliff-side caves via said dinosaur’s belly. If that is the case then it is what you think. Or it was.

However, the dinosaur was never completed and then there was a fire and now it’s just a bunch of ruins and caves below a crumbling wall of sheer rock. Also, a playground.

The kids will love it. So will the dogs. Read More »

If I were younger, single, or at least child-free (by choice!) and I lived in a renovated factory in downtown Los Angeles, like the cool people do, I might head downstairs for a pint or two on a regular basis.  After all, such buildings also have gyms, yoga centers, and organic markets in quick walking distance.

Royal Clayton’s will provide you with that regular pint as well as a host of typical British pub fare – bangers and mash, anyone?  Situated in the corner of the first floor of the Toy Factory building in downtown Los Angeles, Clayton’s is a recreation of an

Read More »

Happy WW!