Did you know that the last fifteen U.S. Presidents have all had dogs in office? It's true. Ever since Warren G. Harding brought Old Boy (a bulldog) and Laddie Boy (an Airedale) to the White House in 1921, all of the other presidents have followed suit. And if you consider how pet-friendly Washington, DC is, it kind of makes you wonder if there's been a presidential influence on pet policy in our nation's capital.
Of course, it's not SO pet-friendly that your four-legged friend will be able to play on the White House lawn with the First Dogs, but he can watch them from the viewing fence on Pennsylvania Avenue. And he will also be welcome to join you at the National Mall and many of our national monuments. At both the Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, for example, dogs are allowed everywhere except underneath the domes. That means you'll get a good view of the statue at both locations, and be able to sit together on the Lincoln Memorial steps to enjoy the view of the Washington Monument just beyond the Reflection Pool. Your dog can also join you at the FDR Memorial (with its statue of his dog, Fala), Arlington National Cemetery, and National Arboretum, just to name a few.
Thanks to the small scale of the city, your feet will get you around most areas just fine. But if your dogs are tired at the end of the day, chill out at Sweet Licks in Dupont Circle. The shop serves 21 flavors of homemade ice-cream, including one that's a special blend of yogurt, banana, and peanut butter, made especially for their canine clientele.
When you're in Washington, DC, you should definitely take your dog to the National Arboretum. There are miles of walking trails in the 446-acre park, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them! Only the Administration Building, National Bonsai Museum, and Penjing Museum are off limits to pooches.
The National Arboretum is said to be most beautiful in late April when the azaleas are in full bloom, but it is certainly one of the prettiest places in Washington, DC throughout all four seasons. If you are lucky enough to be visiting in the spring, drive along Azalea Road or hike to the top of Mount Hamilton for the best view of the blooms. And be sure to check out the National Herb Garden and Capitol Columns too. They're both captivating at any time of the year.
The National Arboretum is located in about 2 miles northeast of the Capitol at 3501 New York Avenue. Admission is free and the grounds are open every day of the year (except Christmas) from 8am to 5pm. For more information, call 202-245-2726.
