Things To Do Near Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
On particular days, you can join park rangers on a 19-room Mary McLeod Bethune Council House tour in the Logan Circle neighborhood. See the home that Marshall Field III helped Mary McLeod Bethune purchase in 1843. Learn how she lived in the home while starting the National Council of Negro Women. The organization remained in the house until it was damaged in 1966 by a fire. Learn how supporters raised funds to restore the home after it laid dormant for 11 years and hear the story of people like Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas; the latter worked tirelessly to see that it became the first museum and archives dedicated solely to collecting, preserving, and interpreting African American women's history.
Hiking Trails
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Cross Country Trail
The Cross Country Trail starts at the Potomac River at Difficult Run within Great Falls National Park. It runs through northern Virginia's hardwood forests as it meanders along streams in Fairfax County, Virginia. It passes through Laurel Hill Park and other sites until reaching the Occoquan River.
Location
Difficult Run, Great Falls National Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, Virginia 22102
Length
40 miles
Intensity
Difficult
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Burke Lake Park
The relatively flat rail at Burke Lake Park runs 4.5 miles around the lake. It passes by the lake's dam and several trees. This hike is beautiful in the evening when the sun is setting. The trail is mostly gravel, but it has been left natural in some places.
Location
Burke Lake, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039
Length
4.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Catoctin National Recreation Trail
The Catoctin National Recreation Trail runs for 26.5 miles along the easternmost slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick County, Maryland. You can see several historic districts, including Camp Greentop and Camp Misty Mound, as you hike along this trail that skirts several lakes and streams. This trail starts in Catoctin Mountain Park and runs through Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
Location
14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788
Length
26.5 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Studio Theater
Since 1978, theatergoers have enjoyed watching shows at Studio Theater. There are four theaters, including a Black Box theater. Often, shows that were just on Broadway are staged at this location.
Location
14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788
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Logan Circle Park
View the statue of John A. Logan in Logan Circle. He was a Union general and a United States senator. There are also reliefs telling you about his life. This park is a great place to relax and read a book.
Location
Logan Cir Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
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Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, located where the Shenandoah and Potamic rivers meet, is a great place to go river rafting. You can also go tubing at this location. Enjoy a treetop adventure on the high-ropes course or while ziplining.
Location
37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia 20132
Museums
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O Street Museum
There are over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors at the O Street Museum. This museum focuses on exploring the creative process, and special events are almost a daily occurrence. Over 60 signed Gibson guitars are on display, including ones signed by Les Paul, U2, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and Rolling Stones. There are over 30,000 objects on display in all, covering all types of art media.
Location
2020 O Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036
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Old Korean Legation Museum
The first and second floors of this house museum have been restored to resemble their appearance during the Joseon dynasty and the Korean Empire. That period ended in 1905. The house became a museum after the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Trust for Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Korea repurchased the home in 2012. The third floor of this house contains artifacts about the relationship between the United States and the Korean government at the end of the 19th century.
Location
1500 13th St. Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Salt and Sundry
Pamper yourself with beauty products from Salt and Sundry. Then, decorate your home with their wide assortment of housewares for every room. You can also find cute cards and stationery at this location.
Location
1625 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
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West Elm
Add a new vibe to your RV or an apartment by shopping at West Elm. They offer rugs, bedding, art, mirrors, and many things for your living space. Use their design team to help you create the perfect space. Then, select from their assortment of outdoor living and garden items.
Location
1728 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
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Le Diplomate
Choose to dine at the raw bar or on the French-inspired menu at Le Diplomate. Their duck is delicious, or try the lighter foie gras mousse. This restaurant also serves a fabulous weekend brunch.
Location
1601 14th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
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Estadio
Try the small plate selections featuring different regions of Spain when dining at Estadio. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or the weekend brunch at this restaurant. You will love the creative food presentations at this restaurant, which is also a great place to watch people.
Location
1520 14th St Northwest, Washington, DC 20005