Wandering and Pahndering Part Deux

So, here we go with last weekend’s non-food events! I know, I took my sweet-assed time, but that’s life. I run this place so deal. This should just be some updates from previous posts, with a dash of new fun mingled in here and there.

Colbert!

National Museum of American History – I feel like I raped this museum in my first outing, but having given it time to settle down I decided I’d give it a second chance. Well…hrmm… I’m still not convinced the museum was laid out the best. It doesn’t flow well and there are bottlenecks on both ends that tend to hold up crowds. However, they have improved the exhibitions. The introduction of the Lincoln and First Ladies exhibits very much improves the value of visiting this museum and I definitely enjoyed revisiting several other exhibits that I had seen previously. Overall, the museum has grown on me some and I will obviously return since I am a complete sucker for American History.

I must say, the most breathtaking part of visiting this museum is by far the Star Spangled Banner. Just…wow… Annie and I were both completely impressed with the entire exhibit. As two history geeks, it was the pinnacle of the weekend.

So many people to look at!

Wineries – We did my normal wine trail with a couple of twists. First off, we decided to go in reverse of my normal route and hit up Breaux (my fav) last. We were recommended to go to a new winery that’s right across VA 9 from Corcoran Winery. Sunset Hills Winery is where we ended up and it was in a gorgeous restored barn that just filled your lungs with that fresh cut smell. Sadly, the rest of the experience doesn’t quite live up to the gorgeous building. The service was very business-like with no explanation of the wines, winery, or any real small-talk whatsoever. Wham-bam thank you ma’am! Of course, I guess that somewhat goes along with the wine, which was sub-par in my own amateur opinion. They have a decent dessert wine, but that’s about as good as it gets.

National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum – This is museum is a must-see. There’s such a wide array of art here that there’s bound to be something here that tickles your fancy. You just really need to go here, and be sure to check both museums out in the building, not just one.