Frederick 20's and 30's Hiking Group

**This walk occurs in the DARK, CONSIDER BRINGING A LIGHTSOURCE OTHER THAN YOUR PHONE (flashlight/ glowsticks/ festive lights). If you can't attend on Saturday, see NOTE #3 for alt. dates.**

Embrace the Holiday Spirit on this festive & photogenic frolic that is a 6+ mile easy ONE-WAY/ THRU walk (from MLK Library to Union Station) that is relatively flat, albeit some sets of stairs as well as an ascent on Capitol hill. Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses the heart of Washington, D.C. showcasing tantalizing Christmas Trees that provide a merry foreground to some of the cities iconic institutions!

The walk departs from MLK Jr. memorial Library, which currently features a Pop-up Shop of Metro apparel with the Holiday motif. Ambling through the Winter- themed Palmer Alley afterwards leads to the 75ft CITY CENTER TREE, followed by a frolic in "Frosted Franklin" park. From there, the circuit skirts by the White House via Layfette park then the Renwick Gallery, en route to the ELLIPSE TREE which is surrounded by tiny timbers from each State/ Territory!

After a short saunter in Pershing park the trek continues with a spur to the WILLARD HOTEL TREE before wandering through Woodrow Wilson Plaza. A second spur later reveals the RIGGS HOTEL TREE. A pitstop at the D.C. Holiday Market follows; anticipate a ~15min recess for vendor browsing/ shopping. Once resuming the walk then snakes through Judiciary Square, D.C.'s judicial/ court corridor that leads to the colorful CANADIAN EMBASSY TREE, an annual gift 'presented' for over 25years!

Latter of the circuit gives a grand gander atop the President Grant memorial then observes the colossal CAPITOL HILL TREE, before arduously ascending around it. After traversing by the Library of Congress and then the Supreme Court, the walk strolls through Senate park which hides a fabulous fountain that may illuminate at night, concluding through a flank of Flags into Columbus circle. The trek terminates inside the "Great Hall" at the (Norwegian) UNION STATION TREE. Explore the Station for more and/or consume a post- social meal at the [mostly Fast-] Food Court with fellow attendees!

Walk Highlights include the epic Eisenhower Executive offices, a Clock Tower at the Waldorf- Astoria hotel, & the sublime Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture... Many more monuments, memorials, & beautiful buildings along the way!

NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP | Festive/ Holiday clothing encouraged! Please adhere to Host directions & pedestrian signage.
2. Commuting via Metro advised, alight from Metro Center or Galley Pl- Chinatown stations then proceed to MLK Library. Exiting early is possible as the walk meanders by many Metro stations.
3. Can't attend on Saturday? Seek Tuesday edition or Friday edition here.
4. This Meetup was self-- composed, crafted, & curated, but does use some 'holiday magic' from this (2023) Meetup organized by Sandra H. of the SSO Meetup that I was unavailable to attend.