Washington National Cathedral

For a day of fun; bring a set of binoculars, go into the gift shop (which is wonderful, there is so much stuff there, all reasonably priced, and I want to buy it all...) buy the guide to gargoyles book, and start from the beginning. I've been several times and I haven't seen anyone else doing this... but, every foot of the cathedral is decorated, you just have to look. Not just the gargoyles, but every corner and ledge has something on it. One turret is all ocean themed... the gargoyle is a dolphin, and the corners have a lobster, an octopus, etc. You can spend hours, or just a few minutes. no binoculars, or a short attention span? go to the national cathedral website and print out the short tours. they'll show you how to find low gargoyles, and give you some history about them, you can even find Darth Vader (Yes, there really is a Darth Vader gargoyle...) more

Washington National Cathedral has a full and active membership that busies itself with various social justice activities. But remembering that this is a church can be a bit difficult, with so much going on. For those of us who aren't members, it feels more like an experience. The cathedral is on the order of St. Patrick's in New York City or Westminster Abbey in London. It has a long and interesting history, it's huge and tours are available. If you're going to attend services on a holiday, you'll probably have to wait on line outside and you might wind up in a hard wooden chair near the back, behind a pillar. (except for New Year's Day, when the service is small and abbreviated). The tours are interesting, particularly the stories behind all the various chapels. Some are lavish. One holds no more than eight people! There is a gift shop with religiously themed objects -- CDs, cards, books, Bibles - of course -- decorations, and there also is a small cafe as well as a greenhouse. Parking always seems to be adequate on the grounds or on the street in the surrounding neighborhood. more