Capital Expression
Some might argue the big event of October is MEA weekend in Minnesota, not Halloween. The extra-long weekend, resulting from the annual statewide Education Association conference, provides a perfect excuse to travel. Many people escape up North one last time before winter or head across the Wisconsin border to hike, bike, and enjoy the fall colors. And if you decide not to travel, the abundance of fall festivals and pre-Halloween events make for a nice staycation. MEA Weekend is, in effect, the real end of summer.
In 2019 we took the ‘education’ inference of the weekend literally and boarded an eastbound plane. Our duffle bags were packed and ready to traverse Baltimore, Georgetown, and Washington DC. This was our first family excursion to the Northeast, a deviation from our preferred trips South, escaping the cold. There would be zero beaches to sit on, swimsuits to wear, or pools to swim in during our Greater DC adventure. Only walking shoes, sweatshirts, and curiosity filled our bags.
We began our journey in Baltimore with two things in mind: blue crab and seafood. Beyond the Oriels and Ravens, most of what I knew of the city came from Bizarre Foods or some other travel/food show. The blue crab was abundant and delicious, and made for a few photos and art
The surprise of Baltimore was our ferry ride over to Ft McHenry. It was where Francis Scott Key Wrote the Star-Spangled Banner and much of our founding heritage or folklore resides.
The fort itself was fascinating in both its shape, utility and location. A pattern I’ve seen from Ft Walton, Ft Pickens, to Ft. McHenry is the use of water as a tool of defense. Maritime trade and the adjacent land were the prize possessions to be guarded in almost all the historical ports and forts we’ve visited over the years. They must’ve really wanted to protect the blue crabs!
We drove for about an hour to get our hotel in DC, The Capital Hilton right off K Street. We were thrilled to be in the middle of the action; Lafayette Square and the White House were two blocks away and the rows of monuments just past the President’s home.
If previous travel has taught me one thing, its that TV is a terrible way to learn about a place, let alone form an opinion. The sounds, smell, and the energy you feel walking a city reveals its identity. Pretty sure the footage from NCIS or Independence Day are not good proxies of DC. The cities of Baltimore, DC and Georgetown are vibrant, unique, and offer a lot to love. It just takes time to explore them, and when you do, you might find some delicious food!
The same is true about whatever town you reside in. The local news, or latest blog can’t replace your own eyes, ears, and tastebuds. Make time to walk your city to find new routes, new stores, and meet people. If your nearby, come check out my home town, Edina, Minnesota.
Travel On!