When we wrote last week about our Pandemic Puppies, Jacob noted a few special places he likes to take Luna. It got us thinking about all the hidden gems in the DMV that we have more time to explore. So we thought we’d start a new topic on special places that you should check out, even in a pandemic!
Kingman and Heritage Islands
In a city like DC, it can be hard to find refuge from the brick and mortar buildings and crawling streets, but nestled just Northeast of RFK Stadium and along the Anacostia River are two human-made islands: Kingman and Heritage Islands. From the DC Government website, “Kingman and Heritage Islands are the product of dredging the Anacostia River over 100 years ago and are now home to important and rare ecosystems, including tidal freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, wildflower meadows, and tidal swamp forests. The islands are home to more than 100 different species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife”. It’s also the home of an annual Bluegrass festival, which was sadly cancelled this year.
With a landscape that is unique in all of the District, you can take a break from the fast lane and enjoy the islands’ trails, bring your binoculars or camera and see plenty of wildlife, or launch a kayak or canoe and enjoy the surrounding lake and wetlands. If going out to Maryland or Virginia for a hike doesn’t float your boat, trust me and take some time checking out the island- and don’t forget to bring your family or dog!
Feel free to peruse their website and find out more here!
The Zoo is Open!
Speaking of gems in DC, one of our collective favorite places just reopened - the National Zoo! Isaac was among the first to check it out during opening weekend and he was kind enough to document his experience and tips for you as you consider venturing out.
The Zoo was a fantastic addition to a lazy COVID Sunday! The Zoo is limiting attendees to allow for social distancing. To facilitate that, all attendees must get themselves timed passes ahead of time. We purchased our tickets the day before and, although some times were booked, there was still a lot of availability. Here is the link for tickets.
In the park, masks are required throughout and they have created one way paths to ensure that attendees are kept apart. Our favorite areas of the park were the Elephants and Seals. Be sure to go through to the underwater area of the Seals exhibit to watch them glide through the water close up.
We had initially gone to meet the amazing new Cheetah cubs. Unfortunately the cubs were all cuddled up away from the heat. But it was still a great day out! Highly recommended! Check out the cheetah cam to visit our newest D.C. residents.
Madison!
We took a little break from MAA Staffer of the Week but great news - it’s back! Madison grew up in Bloomington, IL and graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin in 2017. Right after she graduated, she did a full-time internship with Tammy Baldwin and got bitten by the political bug. Madison traveled west to Vegas to work on Susie Lee’s campaign in 2018 and after that, MAA snatched her up! Readers, meet Madison Oakley!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
In a little cottage in the Netherlands and have a bunch of sheep.
What is your favorite family vacation?
When my dad got remarried, we took our first combined family trip to Hawaii. It was awesome.
What is your favorite thing about working in politics?
There’s never a slow day and keeps me on my toes.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I don’t know if it’s an accomplishment, but being able to live on my own, travel, study abroad in Amsterdam (during college).
What makes you laugh the most?
My friends. We FaceTime a lot. I always laugh the most with a small group of friends.
What was the last movie you went to?
Pre-pandemic? It might have been Star Wars in December!
What did you want to be when you were young?
There was a time I wanted to be a marine biologist. But then I realized I hated science.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Something outside. Kayaking, hiking, and having a little picnic.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play?
I’m not really a sports fan but my favorite thing about the Olympics is gymnastics.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Anything Shania Twain.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Soup.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
When I was younger, my parents called me noodlehead, because I loved pasta.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
My boyfriend. We’re already sort of stranded and don’t hate each other yet.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
A time without technology. Or wait – maybe the year the dinosaurs died and find out what really happened.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Invisibility.
What's your favorite zoo animal?
I really like red pandas.
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Prince, Eleanor Roosevelt, Kate McKinnon and Angela Davis
What's your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving.
What's your favorite fast food chain?
Culver’s. Shout-out to the Midwest.
Who is your hero?
My mom. She’s taught me a lot about kindness and patience.