Dupont Circle Area and Kalorama

I was hosted by two couchsurfers around Dupont Circle known for its Embassy Row. Strolling around the area gives a tourist a glimpse of Washington, DC’s past wealth, affluence and beautiful view (kalorama). The streets are filled with flags of different countries outside their embassy buildings while on others parts–restaurants, cafes and bars littered everywhere.

The embassy buildings here are impressive! You would be surprise at the elegance and grandeur of the third world countries’ embassy which they must have spent a fortune–from their country’s already impoverished coffer–to buy such place. These buildings were once the luxurious residences of the city’s rich and famous until they lost their fortune during the Great Depression—and were sold to foreign delegations.

Not far from Dupont Circle is the gayborhood.

Start your stroll from Dupont Circle. Sit on one of the benches there and admire the marble fountain designed by same sculptor who carved Lincoln’s huge statue at the Lincoln Memorial. The fountain has three allegorical figures representing wind, stars and sea.

1307 New Hampshire Avenue
This residence turned into a museum is a great example of a Romaneque dark-stone castle.

The Blaine Mansion at 2000 Massachusettes Avenue stands out with its red brick and late-Victorian style. It was built in 1881 for presidential candidate james Blaine who lost to Grover Cleveland.

2020 Massachusettes Avenue NW
The Indonesian Embassy’s facade is truly an architectural marvel. It boasts of 60 rooms! Yes, 60! The daughter of the original owner of this house is said to be the last owner of the infamous Hope Diamond.

2018 Massachusettes Avenue NW
No, this is not where Anderson Copper lives. LOL… This was used as a headquarter for the Society of Cincinnati, a patriotic organization whose first president was “The Great Father of America”, George Washington.

2340 S Street, NW
I highly recommend you to visit Pres. Woodrow Wilson’s house. This is where he lived after his term and died here, too. This is the ONLY presidential museum in America where you still can see a lot of things he used from his canes to his bed to silver wares and typewriter—and even a glimpse of his bathroom that speaks of its era! A tour guide is ready to help you wander around. $10 entrance fee.

2320 S Street, NW
Right next to Wilson’s House is a Textile Museum founded by his neighbor, of course. A collection of 18,000 textiles and carpets dating from 3000 BC to present are waiting for you.

1600 21st Street NW
The Phillips Collection is one of the best small museums in the world! It houses exceptional collection of the masters of Impressionism, European and American modern art!

Few steps from Phillips Museum is the statue of one great man, [easyazon_link asin=”0807059099″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Mahatma Gandhi[/easyazon_link]. It’s a good way to end your stroll here. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Where to stay in Washington DC:

International House of Washingto (Hostel)
1110 6th St. NW, Washington, DC.