This past week, I decided that I would take some friends to Washington D.C. for the day. The nation's capital is about an hour and a half from where I live in Maryland, which is honestly such a privilege. It's a straight shot up route 50, especially if you take the New Carrollton metro into the city. The three of us paraded around a rainy D.C., walking from the Smithsonian Metro exit to a small selection of the Smithsonian Museums, across the National Mall to the Washington Monument and up to the Lincoln Memorial. We may have been slightly soaked to the bone by the time we walked back to the metro, but all in all, it was a good time.

My main motivation for going to Washington D.C. that day was because I thought it was important for one of my friends, a native Alabamian, to see the nation's capital. So many important things happen in Washington D.C. every day, and I know that not everyone lives so close. I refused to give the opportunity up, even if we had an especially gloomy weather prediction for the day. I strongly believe that every American citizen should take the time, no matter where they are, to visit Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is the center of the nation's history. There is so much to learn from the city, as it was the city that built and has continued to build the land of the free. One might think that going into the city and staying a few days is pretty expensive, but if three broke college kids could go for the day and only spend money on the metro and McDonald's, anyone can go.

What does D.C. have to offer for the public, anyways? Pretty much anything anyone can imagine. You can learn how the government works firsthand by touring the Capital building, the White House, and places like the U.S. Treasury. Visit the U.S. Constitution, and see the D.C. Zoo. Take a walk across the National Mall, which is not actually a shopping mall and also surrounded by the Smithsonian Museums. Washington D.C. is so big on the education of its visitors and gives every single person something to do. Most of the activities are free. For example, going into a Smithsonian Museum only takes going through a security line. Just make sure to invest in the $6 at the Air and Space Museum to buy the bad astronaut food -- that is certainly a memory you will never forget.

D.C. is full of so much culture, and it truly reflects this nation. Sure, we all think that the government sucks sometimes. However, the nation's capital really does offer a one-of-a-kind experience to all of its visitors, and is definitely worth the visit!