George Washington Memorial Parkway 1 Day Road Trip in Washington DC
video description
Date: 2023-08-24
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 27
blah
This is home, i grew up in Alexandria!
i'm surprised you didn't encounter much traffic, the GW Parkway is a major commuter route and regional connector!
I remember when they built the museum at Mount Vernon, quite an improvement over the old one! I also remember the old Wilson Bridge, its one of the few drawbridges on the interstate system and the replacement was needed not just for increased capacity but to make the bridge higher so it doesn't need to open as often, the old one would have to open sometimes multiple times a week by the early 2000s, crazy for an interstate!
I was surprised when I saw the shot of Bread&Water, it's next to Dishes of India, I haven't eaten there in probably 15 years, but I have fond memories of the place, it's a local institution. The Jones Point boundary stone is technically obsolete now that the entire VA portion was returned from DC and the border is the river's edge, but it's still a cool landmark.
Alexandria has a really cool old downtown that's older than DC itself, and there are too many incredible things to list to do (even though Washington St through downtown is busy and ugly)
reply
This is home, i grew up in Alexandria!
i'm surprised you didn't encounter much traffic, the GW Parkway is a major commuter route and regional connector!
I remember when they built the museum at Mount Vernon, quite an improvement over the old one! I also remember the old Wilson Bridge, its one of the few drawbridges on the interstate system and the replacement was needed not just for increased capacity but to make the bridge higher so it doesn't need to open as often, the old one would have to open sometimes multiple times a week by the early 2000s, crazy for an interstate!
I was surprised when I saw the shot of Bread&Water, it's next to Dishes of India, I haven't eaten there in probably 15 years, but I have fond memories of the place, it's a local institution. The Jones Point boundary stone is technically obsolete now that the entire VA portion was returned from DC and the border is the river's edge, but it's still a cool landmark.
Alexandria has a really cool old downtown that's older than DC itself, and there are too many incredible things to list to do (even though Washington St through downtown is busy and ugly)
reply
Trish
Thank you for sharing! I lived in the DC area back in the late 1980's and early 90's. My Mom and sister also lived nearby. I have been to all the places you visited but never to the top of the Washington Monument because it was rarely open. My Mom and I would often go to Great Falls and join a group that did wildflower identification tours. I was there with friends when it was near flood stage one time, and it was awesome! The other side of the river is cool also with the canal and Billy Goat Trail. Your video brought back a lot of fond memories! My Mom and sister are both gone now, and I haven't been back to the DC area since my sister's memorial service in 2003. I surely do miss the area.
reply
Thank you for sharing! I lived in the DC area back in the late 1980's and early 90's. My Mom and sister also lived nearby. I have been to all the places you visited but never to the top of the Washington Monument because it was rarely open. My Mom and I would often go to Great Falls and join a group that did wildflower identification tours. I was there with friends when it was near flood stage one time, and it was awesome! The other side of the river is cool also with the canal and Billy Goat Trail. Your video brought back a lot of fond memories! My Mom and sister are both gone now, and I haven't been back to the DC area since my sister's memorial service in 2003. I surely do miss the area.
reply
Ben
Nicely done! The parkway is my backyard and you captured its highlights well.
Unless you're a true Civil War buff and can appreciate the subtleties of earthworks and fort development, there's really not much to see there. However, Fort Marcy does give you access to the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT. The PHT is a rugged trail that runs from parking lot at Roosevelt Island to the American Legion Bridge. If you're looking for a 'real' hike in the woods, this trail totally delivers.
reply
Nicely done! The parkway is my backyard and you captured its highlights well.
Unless you're a true Civil War buff and can appreciate the subtleties of earthworks and fort development, there's really not much to see there. However, Fort Marcy does give you access to the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT. The PHT is a rugged trail that runs from parking lot at Roosevelt Island to the American Legion Bridge. If you're looking for a 'real' hike in the woods, this trail totally delivers.
reply
The
Neat fact. While visiting Iwo Jima (Marine Corps) Memorial, a Marine told me that if you walk around it, the angle of the flag appears to change making the flag look more straight. While walking around it gives the viewer the perception of the flag pole being raised. I took photos at all angles as I walked around. Scrolling through them quickly looks like an animation of the flag pole being raised up. Super cool I thought and very ingenious of the designer of the memorial.
reply
Neat fact. While visiting Iwo Jima (Marine Corps) Memorial, a Marine told me that if you walk around it, the angle of the flag appears to change making the flag look more straight. While walking around it gives the viewer the perception of the flag pole being raised. I took photos at all angles as I walked around. Scrolling through them quickly looks like an animation of the flag pole being raised up. Super cool I thought and very ingenious of the designer of the memorial.
reply
GoodPizza
Living in DC the past six years, I mostly just complain about the traffic. But, I do need to pause more to reflect on all the history that surrounds me. I live in Calvert County, Maryland which actually features the spot where the British camped before heading into DC to burn down the White House in the War of 1812. (Patuxent River) Another terrific video!
reply
Living in DC the past six years, I mostly just complain about the traffic. But, I do need to pause more to reflect on all the history that surrounds me. I live in Calvert County, Maryland which actually features the spot where the British camped before heading into DC to burn down the White House in the War of 1812. (Patuxent River) Another terrific video!
reply
Oliver
I enjoyed seeing you and pops exploring some more touristy less hikey kinds of attractions. Your take on places like this is straightforward and genuine, thanks! P, S, I really enjoy the small details of the trip, things you wou; dn't know or hear about unless yoiu went. Loved the kayakers, cannon at Marcy. things that arent on wikipedia or in the brocure.
reply
I enjoyed seeing you and pops exploring some more touristy less hikey kinds of attractions. Your take on places like this is straightforward and genuine, thanks! P, S, I really enjoy the small details of the trip, things you wou; dn't know or hear about unless yoiu went. Loved the kayakers, cannon at Marcy. things that arent on wikipedia or in the brocure.
reply
Bob
This one really resonates with me. Growing up I lived less than 2 miles from Mt. Vernon just off the parkway. I attended Fort Hunt High School (now a jr high) and the first stop you made after visiting Mount Vernon was a favorite place to park with your sweetheart. Great memoriesand the parkway is a beautiful drive. Thanks for sharing!
reply
This one really resonates with me. Growing up I lived less than 2 miles from Mt. Vernon just off the parkway. I attended Fort Hunt High School (now a jr high) and the first stop you made after visiting Mount Vernon was a favorite place to park with your sweetheart. Great memoriesand the parkway is a beautiful drive. Thanks for sharing!
reply
tquist61
Fantastic video - nice to see the sights on the east coast. Tip for visiting Great Falls - I understand it can be incredibly busy at times. I visited there a few years ago on a Saturday. I avoided the crowds by arriving right when it opened at 7 am. When I left at 10 am. there was a long line of cars waiting to get in.
reply
Fantastic video - nice to see the sights on the east coast. Tip for visiting Great Falls - I understand it can be incredibly busy at times. I visited there a few years ago on a Saturday. I avoided the crowds by arriving right when it opened at 7 am. When I left at 10 am. there was a long line of cars waiting to get in.
reply
Kevin
Some geography trivia. After you left Gravelly Point and crossed under the 14th Street Bridge you were in DC. The parking lot for TR Island is in Virginia, but the bridge and island are also in the District. Did you know you passed the CIA on your way north? Also, Fort Marcy. Ask Dad if he remembers the name Vince Foster.
reply
Some geography trivia. After you left Gravelly Point and crossed under the 14th Street Bridge you were in DC. The parking lot for TR Island is in Virginia, but the bridge and island are also in the District. Did you know you passed the CIA on your way north? Also, Fort Marcy. Ask Dad if he remembers the name Vince Foster.
reply
Stephanie
Great video! Ive lived in the DC area for 25 and I had no idea the lighthouse existedcant wait to check it out. Perhaps on a future visit to this area, your and your dad can check out the awesome C&O Canal. My husband and I have done and pieces, but never its entirety. Best of luck on your future travels!
reply
Great video! Ive lived in the DC area for 25 and I had no idea the lighthouse existedcant wait to check it out. Perhaps on a future visit to this area, your and your dad can check out the awesome C&O Canal. My husband and I have done and pieces, but never its entirety. Best of luck on your future travels!
reply
Matthew
It's been about 6 or 7 years since I went to DC, but I absolutely love that area. Great video and super fun to watch. I'll have to visit that Teddy Memorial island, as he is my personal favorite president. It's a bit hard to beat the man who created the NPS haha. :)
reply
It's been about 6 or 7 years since I went to DC, but I absolutely love that area. Great video and super fun to watch. I'll have to visit that Teddy Memorial island, as he is my personal favorite president. It's a bit hard to beat the man who created the NPS haha. :)
reply
Peter
Once upon a time I was being ferried from Dulles to. I don't remember; maybe Springfield Town Center? Anyway, the friend's father who was giving me the ride asked if I'd been on the GW Parkway. I said No, so we went that way instead of 495. Sweet ride.
reply
Once upon a time I was being ferried from Dulles to. I don't remember; maybe Springfield Town Center? Anyway, the friend's father who was giving me the ride asked if I'd been on the GW Parkway. I said No, so we went that way instead of 495. Sweet ride.
reply
travel
Great Falls used to have many bridges that you could walk over to get right over the falls. A few years after they were built, a flood destroyed most all of them. This was sometime in the 1960s. It appears that they were never rebuilt.
reply
Great Falls used to have many bridges that you could walk over to get right over the falls. A few years after they were built, a flood destroyed most all of them. This was sometime in the 1960s. It appears that they were never rebuilt.
reply
Peter
I wonder if Great Falls is on the Fall Line. I think you'd be interested in that, no matter if GF is part or not.
Ooo, there's some cool looking side falls and canal locks. I hope you didn't miss them. Hm. wrong side of the river.
reply
I wonder if Great Falls is on the Fall Line. I think you'd be interested in that, no matter if GF is part or not.
Ooo, there's some cool looking side falls and canal locks. I hope you didn't miss them. Hm. wrong side of the river.
reply
sheneedsyrruup
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is my favorite part, because of how many forgotten lives there have been due to war.
You also mentioned you visited a family member's grave there, I'd like to thank them for their service.
reply
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is my favorite part, because of how many forgotten lives there have been due to war.
You also mentioned you visited a family member's grave there, I'd like to thank them for their service.
reply
Happysower
DC is a charming place. Too many great scenes to visit for just a few days visit. I missed this part of DC in my last trip. Thank you and your Dad for guiding me through mt Vernon and the parkway. Enjoyed very much with you!
reply
DC is a charming place. Too many great scenes to visit for just a few days visit. I missed this part of DC in my last trip. Thank you and your Dad for guiding me through mt Vernon and the parkway. Enjoyed very much with you!
reply
disco07
Howdy Lense and Dad! Very thorough coverage. Fort Marcy is only one of the many Fort Parks in the area. Many are just like Fort Marcy, mostly empty. If you did not bring any KFC, you will not be staying long. Great videos!
reply
Howdy Lense and Dad! Very thorough coverage. Fort Marcy is only one of the many Fort Parks in the area. Many are just like Fort Marcy, mostly empty. If you did not bring any KFC, you will not be staying long. Great videos!
reply
Nicole
This is pretty neat. I was just thinking about taking a trip out the Capital and surrounding area but then you made a video about some of the items I wanted to see. You should do a DC tour during the cherry blossom season.
reply
This is pretty neat. I was just thinking about taking a trip out the Capital and surrounding area but then you made a video about some of the items I wanted to see. You should do a DC tour during the cherry blossom season.
reply
Mary
I grew up in Arlington, VA. These are my old stomping grounds. I have been to everyone of the places you went to. I miss living there now. Your coverage of the history and gorgeous scenery is awesome!
reply
I grew up in Arlington, VA. These are my old stomping grounds. I have been to everyone of the places you went to. I miss living there now. Your coverage of the history and gorgeous scenery is awesome!
reply
Derry
Thanks for another great video, Josh. I have family living in Alexandria and we'll add this drive to our to-do-list for a future visit. Love your camera work and your laid-back style of narration.
reply
Thanks for another great video, Josh. I have family living in Alexandria and we'll add this drive to our to-do-list for a future visit. Love your camera work and your laid-back style of narration.
reply
Kaylee
Love this! The DMV is such a great area. So much to do. You mentioned you have a video of your 24 hours in DC. Has it been uploaded or am I just being impatient? Sorry, love your stuff always!
reply
Love this! The DMV is such a great area. So much to do. You mentioned you have a video of your 24 hours in DC. Has it been uploaded or am I just being impatient? Sorry, love your stuff always!
reply
Betsy
I grew up in that area so this brought back many memories to me. My family would picnic often at great falls in the summer to get out of the heat. Glad they added the overlooks on the VA side.
reply
I grew up in that area so this brought back many memories to me. My family would picnic often at great falls in the summer to get out of the heat. Glad they added the overlooks on the VA side.
reply
Dianne
Amazing thanks for sharing this In a time when we need to be reminded that we are Americans and the love an pride of being an American means so much more than democrats and Republicans
reply
Amazing thanks for sharing this In a time when we need to be reminded that we are Americans and the love an pride of being an American means so much more than democrats and Republicans
reply
Doug
Clara Barton and GW pkwy are kinda the same in spirit, the Clara Barton side has a cool canal that freezes in the winter where people ice skate and play hockey, really neat to see!
reply
Clara Barton and GW pkwy are kinda the same in spirit, the Clara Barton side has a cool canal that freezes in the winter where people ice skate and play hockey, really neat to see!
reply
Peter
Look all around you. You are in the fort.
15: 06 - The Fort Marcy page on Wikipedia shows this exact sign and the picture is labeled Looking towards Ft. Marcy's ramparts.
reply
Look all around you. You are in the fort.
15: 06 - The Fort Marcy page on Wikipedia shows this exact sign and the picture is labeled Looking towards Ft. Marcy's ramparts.
reply
ch11ew12y
Drove it every day for two years. We built the tunnel boring machine that dug the tunnel from the pentagon parking lot to Alexandria and built the Chrystal City station.
reply
Drove it every day for two years. We built the tunnel boring machine that dug the tunnel from the pentagon parking lot to Alexandria and built the Chrystal City station.
reply
Show
Taking a road trip with my mom next year from St Louis to Delaware and itll be her first time in DC! Ive never been to Mt Vernon and this will definitely be on our list!
reply
Taking a road trip with my mom next year from St Louis to Delaware and itll be her first time in DC! Ive never been to Mt Vernon and this will definitely be on our list!
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
