Behzad Taimur

Most people chase the big names that they see in "must see" blogs. So, nearby Trinity Church is usually quite sought out. However, if you would care to just look around you'll find many interesting, historically significant and even quirky pieces of art scattered about New York City that together make NYC an art-filled, living metropolis. One example is this statue. Tucked away in an old cemetery near the Trinity Church, it's oft overlooked. Yet, it shouldn't be. This comment should be seen as a small effort to bring to people's attention such lesser known and often-missed pieces of heritage.

There are several parks and monuments around the White House. This war memorial is perhaps the most gorgeous one. It's a nice and tall stone monument with golden sculptures up top. Great to look at. Great to learn about. Great to photograph. You can get the Eisenhower Building in the background. It's esp worth your while to visit it while you're on tour to visit the White House. Many people miss it because it's not exactly next to the White House. Just a hop away. Therefore, visiting here will make your visit stand apart and also be more comprehensive!

Just another one of those historic sites that you just 'stumble' upon and otherwise wouldn't have noticed - unless you were really paying attention.

Just off Indiana Ave, this building forms a nondescript corner. However, the building is about 200 years old or more. This is the site of the first ever bank that was established in Washington DC. I don't know why wouldn't they list this more prominently on tourism brochures and open up a mini-tour (you can include a walk-tour of Penn Ave and the surrounding district).

Worth getting off and going to check this out.

In the middle of numerous - rather grave looking - government buildings, there is this gem. Well actually - more like gold. This terrific sculpture is a shimmering gold. On a bright day, it contrasts sharply with the deep blue of Washington skies. Great for photography.

If you're not into it - This is still a great place to just sit and take your surroundings in!

One of the finest memorials in all of United States. Why do I say so? Because this memorializes a particularly nasty - and yet, routinely overlooked - episode in American history. That is, when World War II began, the US government put thousands of Japanese-origin persons, including American citizens, in large 'concentration camps'. This memorial looks back at that sorry episode; Reminds Americans of what went on in the past; Notes names and contributions of countless Japanese-origin Americans; and just does a really good job of paying tribute to the suffering of women and men eight decades ago.

Oh, and great cherry trees all around. They blossom gorgeously in spring. Go there in March. The place is heaven!