How much does free cost? by MarketFriday

over 2 years ago (Edited)

The Court of Neptune Fountain is a dead giveaway for the Library of Congress, in Washington, DC. Neptune has his sons, the tritons, on either side of him. blowing on conch shells. On either side of him is a nymph riding a wild sea horse. The water creates a wonderful effect, reminiscent of the sea. The sculptures were cast in bronze by Roland Hinton Perry in 1897–98. I would pay good money to just look at it.

Today is #MarketFriday initiated by @dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) Join me as we share our markets across the globe. I always look forward to seeing what you send me! It is amazing to see the different markets and cultures of our friends here on Hive.

A map of the downtown Washington, DC area.

The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations, and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color. Each train car has an exterior electronic sign that marks the color and the direction of the train. Direction is indicated by the final station of that line.

Popular sightseeing Metro stops include the Smithsonian (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines), Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red line), and Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green, and Yellow lines). You can plan your trip and find the best route using Metro's Trip Planner. Metro fares are calculated by how many stops you travel and vary during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip. During off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. source

Welcome to Union Station! This is the main transportation hub for the area and the main train station. and Amtrak's headquarters. It was opened in 1907. The architecture is pure Beaux-Arts. You will have to come and see. It is gracious and beautiful.

The Metro and parking are the high ticket items for the most part when you are visiting the city, discounting food and shelter. I always tell anyone who is money conscious (and who isn't?) to stay outside of the city, perhaps in Maryland and Metro in. It saves money. This was really meant to say that most of the tourist attractions including all the Smithsonian's (although there is another Smithsonian in Virginia that houses planes and space shuttles) It is free, but, if you drive there, the charge for parking is $20.00.

The public Museums are free, so much to see and the entrance fee is nothing. The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It was opened in 1889 and covers 163 acres with over 2,000 animals. Getting to the zoo is easy on the Metro. It is on the Red Line and actually between two stops. I say get off at Cleveland Park because your walk will go downhill. So most things are free!

Columbus Fountain/Columbus Memorial by sculptor Lorado Taft, located right outside of Union Station. It was created as a tribute to Christopher Columbus. You can see the Capitol building in the background. It is an easy walk from there. Admission to the Capitol Visitor Center is, you guessed it! Free! You must get a pass for a tour of the Capitol. Still free! Below is the backside of the Capitol building. This is the way you get in, ever since 9/11. We used to race up the front steps, pretending inside that we were Rocky Balboa, making those stairs. Actually, there were more stairs on this one than his.

So this is across the street from the Metro. See how close? I have to be honest with you. The Capitol and the Library of Congress are hands down my favorite buildings downtown. That is as a generality. Congress is uber cool. The White House was when I went the first time years ago, but, it was the office that humbled me, the building is old and worn. But, I was so enamored with getting a private tour that it didn't matter.

This is definitely on the desolate-looking side, but, give it two weeks and it will be popping. And hey, we are still working on the free side of town.

This is the Supreme Court of the United States. As the final arbiter of the law, the Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. Although the Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, visitors are encouraged to tour public portions of the building on a self-guided basis and take advantage of a variety of educational programs, including Courtroom Lectures and court-related Exhibitions. Court sessions, including handing down opinions are also open to the public. Courtroom seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building or alter programming offered. Please check Today at the Court on the homepage for the Court's daily calendar. source

I have done this with my kids when I was homeschooling them. Definitely an education. Then watching Congress in action. I learned so much from these experiences.

Congressmen scoot in through the tunnels of the visitors center to go to their offices. Follow the stone wall to the Visitors Center.

The National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC It is one of the Smithsonian's too, so it is free! It is opposite Union Station, so an easy walk. It has the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and collecting memorabilia in the world. It has stationary and all different modes of transportation used. Interactive and this is an often overlooked delight! You even receive free stamps to start a collection! This is a definite must-do for fun and really interesting!

I went through some of Washinton, DC to emphasize the fact that there is so much to do in this world, and it doesn't have to cost anything. I know I am fortunate to live here and have all of this available to me, but, there are many things, even a walk through the woods, a hike, walking through your city for enjoyment, stopping to look at the architecture, or even admiring the landscape. We have to make use of what is available. No matter where I happen to be, I try to use what is available. Especially now. So, I hope some of you will make it this way to the Washington, DC area someday. Much to see and do. Don't forget it free!

Please leave the link to your post here so it can easily be found by others. It helps you and me to have them in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤