Peony's world: Catholic destinations around Washington, D.C.
There are things that really drive me nuts about living in the Washington DC area --in particular, traffic and the cost of living. But there are even more things I really like about living here, and it's not just the museums....
There are all kinds of cool Catholic destinations in and around Washington, DC, including many places to spend lots and lots of money on great books! In the city itself, there's the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (around here, just known as "The Shrine"). I used to work at a hospital that was just around the corner from the Shrine -- it was so cool, I could go to Mass before work, Confession afterwards, and see the beautiful dome every morning and afternoon. It is so easy to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine -- the cafeteria serves lunch! And their bookstore gets better and better every year. Someday I would like to be a docent at the Shrine and lead tours around. I even know where to find the mosaic of the dinosaur!
Right up Harewood Avenue is the new Pope John Paul 2 Cultural Center. Drive in the other direction and you can make a stop at the amazing Newman Bookstore. The Icon Book Store (I've never been there) is also nearby.
The Franciscan Monastery is also a nice pilgrimage destination, particularly if you have kids along. The Franciscans built and care for replicas of holy places in Rome and in the Holy Land. There are beautiful grounds to run around in, and then once you get the kids inside the Shrine they can walk through a replica of the catacombs! Ewwwwwwwwwwww, bones! Alas, some of the recreations have grown a little tatty, but it's still a nice place to visit.
All of these destinations are on or around The Catholic University of America. Across town, there's the Catholic Information Center ("come for the books, stay for the book signings, Mass, confession, and spiritual direction") and Saint Matthew's Cathedral.
Moving further out, there are historic churches in Alexandria, Virginia (and a Daughters of St. Paul bookstore in Old Town Alexandria.) If you are interested in a day trip, Southern Maryland is the cradle of English-speaking Catholicism in the US. It is dotted with towns with names like Rosaryville. Historic St Mary's City is building a replica of the settler's chapel. I would like to visit the Carmel of Point Tobacco someday.
Another day trip is to the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Seton, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Got all that? And I'll leave the Baltimore destinations to Mr. Serafin....
