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There are lots of museums in Washington, D.C., but not all of them get the attention they deserve. With over 17 museums in the nation's capital, there are a couple of really unique options when you are looking for a few museums to tour. Here is our list of unique lesser-known museums in Washington, D.C. more The Mansion on O Street The Mansion on O Street is one of our best picks for a unique museum in Washington, D.C. This eclectic museum has secret doors, themed rooms, and various types of diverse artwork. There is plenty to do and look at when you stop at the Mansion on O Street. This museum is designed for promoting and embracing life, art, and creativity. The International Spy Museum Get ready for a fascinating museum. The International Spy Museum is a non-profit organization that teaches the public about the world of intelligence and espionage. This museum has tons of interactive exhibits and lots of high tech spy gadgets. Get lost in the history of how spy work has influenced our past and explore how it will continue to shape our future. The Heurich House Museum Known as the Brewmaster's Castle, this museum is in historic DuPont Circle. It's goal is to preserve the legacy of Christian Heurich, a German-American immigrant who had the largest brewery in Washington, D.C. The mansion was built for him in 1894 and has been retained for its Romanesque residential architecture and impressive interior. The mansion was built with some of the most technologically advanced equipment of the time, with metal speaking tubes, electric lighting, burglar alarms, and even fireproofing. The museum keeps this building preserved and hosts a variety of beer-inspired events throughout the year, including an on-site homebrew class. Old Stone House The Old Stone House was built in 1766 in the British colony of Maryland. This building is preserved for its architecture. Originally it was protected as a location that was significant in the life of George Washington. It was believed to be Suter's Tavern, a place George Washington once stayed. The Old Stone House was actually the location of a clock shop owned by the son of the tavern owner. Over time, the history of the two buildings had become mixed up. The museum is open daily to the public and offers excellent insight into the architecture and design of the 1700s. The Culture House This museum is another contemporary art project, located inside an early 1900s Victorian church. The building itself serves as a work of art, as the entire exterior of the church has been painted as a mural. You can find lots of dynamic art and large-scale paintings inside the Culture House. So if you're heading to Washington, D.C., head over to one of these museums while you're there. There are plenty of exciting things to see and learn while exploring our nation's capital, so take some time to check out some of the more unique museums. You are sure to have a good time in the process. image via pixabay

A sip and paint can be a great time for you and your friends! They offer drinks and fun while encouraging you to express yourself creatively. We have come up with a list of what you should know about a sip and paint night. Read it before you go and you are sure to be a pro! more Are They All They're Made Out to Be? Absolutely! Everything you have seen on social media or the internet about sip and paint parties is shared for a reason. They are entertaining, informative, and a fun time with friends, what more could you ask for? Plus, when you are finished you get to take home a masterpiece of your very own. How Long Do They Last? On average a sip and paint class will last around two hours. This allows you to settle in and get comfortable, have some drinks, maybe even enjoy some food, and then paint your picture! This time frame is perfect for a date night, part of a bachelorette party, birthday, or a night out with your friends. Do I Need to Bring Anything? Nothing! All of your art supplies will be provided for you with the cost of the class you are attending. You will be able to use their brushes, paints, and your own canvas to take home. You will want to find out if the alcohol is available for purchase on-site or if you are expected to bring your own. If you are unsure whether the alcohol is available for purchase at the venue, you can always bring a bottle of wine along and leave it in the car, just in case. What Will I be Painting? Usually, it is a preselected photograph of a landscape or nature scene specific to the class you sign up for. Either the instructor will walk you through the steps on their canvas, or you will get a photo of what the final product should look like to view while painting. Some classes also allow you to select and paint your own picture. In those instances, they may provide multiple images for you to pick from or encourage you to come up with your own idea. There really is no right or wrong way to do it. Just have fun with it. Are there Events Near Me? Yes! Right now, there is actually a Taco Tuesday Takeover Sip and Paint available at The Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Bar. It is located at 8131 Georgia Avenue. They will provide you with step by step instruction for your painting. These classes will last through the month of October and are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are taught by local, Tychelle. All of the materials will be provided at this class. In addition to this class, there are other local classes around at The Art Lounge. Whether this is your first or sixth sip and paint, there is always something to learn to make your evening perfect. We hope that your paint night is great and you get to take home a beautiful piece of art you will treasure forever. Enjoy your evening! image via pixabay

Silver Spring, Maryland is home to over 50 pieces of street art. Street art refers to visual art that has been created in a public space outside of your typical art venues.  Here is a brief list of where to find some of the most interesting street art in Silver Spring. more A Brushstroke of Discovery When artist Narcissus Quagliata was hired to create the 170-foot outside mural on the Discovery Communications Headquarters Building, he was given the opportunity to live on in Silver Spring history forever. The vibrant painting was done on enamel overlaying steel. This piece includes a variety of art forms and focuses on our planet's history. You can find this unique street art at 8500 Colesville Road. The Hand The Hand is a sculpture with a story. It was created by artist Ray Kaskey with help from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It's a take on the story of Noah and the Ark from the Bible and was created based on the part in the story where Noah releases the doves from the arc. The giant bronze hand can be found at 1325 East-West Highway. Botero Ballerinas This beautiful kinetic sculpture, created for The Premier Apartment complex, is moved by wind. It was made to celebrate life and the sense of community. The sculptures are made of steel and move with any breeze. They show off beautiful lights and evoke the delicate feeling of the feminine form. Symbolizing the beauty of a ballerina and human interaction, the Botero Ballerinas can be found at 8711 Georgia Avenue. East/West Beacon This towering 35-foot high sculpture was designed and created by the artist Ray King to greet the busy travelers on the East/West Highway. The illuminated, freestanding piece is constructed of stainless steel and holographic glass. It's laminated with a light-refracting film that glows a beautiful iridescent color. This brilliantly designed beacon can be found driving down the highway or in person at 1200 East/West Highway. Acorn Park All that's left of Francis Preston Blair's estate is the lovely Acorn Park. It's nestled up against the Silver Spring Discovery Building. There's a small park, a gazebo, and a collection of murals. The murals consist of five different panels created by the artist Mame Cohalon. The Caldor Company restored the park and gazebo and these can be found at 1190 East-West Highway. Coastline Coastline, also known as the Wave Pool, is not only a piece of street art but also an educational tool. This work was commissioned by Foulger Pratt Companies and created by Jim Sanborn. The water environment replicates a 65-foot coastline with waves so you can envision the workings of a coastline. You can find this piece at 1301 East-West Highway. There are so many different works of art in the area that allow you to glimpse into the mind of an artist. We hope that if given the chance, you choose to check out some of the lovely pieces of interesting street art in Silver Spring. Some rights reserved by Elvert Barnes

Silver Spring, Maryland, is a quiet suburb located just outside of Washington, D.C. The area offers plenty of interesting things to do, including a variety of options for visitors on a budget. If you're looking for something affordable to do around Silver Spring, check out some of these excellent options. more National Air and Space Museum The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. is part of the Smithsonian Institution, which means it offers free admission. The museum covers everything from the first attempts at flight to the manned space missions. One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, which showcases special airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft. Some of the pieces on display include Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Pioneer planetary explorer, and a moon rock that you can actually touch. Gateway to NOAA Although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works every day to protect our waterways and atmosphere, most people aren't familiar with the agency. If you're interested in learning more about the agency and some of what it does, check out the Gateway to NOAA exhibit in Silver Spring. This free permanent exhibit features a variety of interesting displays, including one that looks at the scientific tools and instruments NOAA employees have used in its 200-year history, one that examines the difference between climate and weather, and one that highlights how NOAA gathers information about the environment. Wheaton Regional Park When you're interested in spending some time outside around Silver Spring, head to Wheaton Regional Park. This 536-acre park is split into three named areas that all offer exciting activities. If you want to do some hiking or biking, check out the 11 miles of trails in the Shorefield Area. The Glenallan Area is home to the Brookside Nature Center and award-winning Brookside Gardens. If you're bringing your four-legged family member with you, be sure to stop by the dog park in the Orebaugh Area. National Art Gallery The National Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. is another great museum that's open to the public free of charge. The collection started with 26 sculptures and 126 paintings donated by Andrew W. Mellon. Today, the collection has more than 145,000 works of art that include drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. The collection also ranges from the Middle Ages to the present day. As you tour the museum, you'll see pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Claude Monet, and Thomas Cole. Great Shoals Winery Tasting Room If you want to sample some wines and ciders made from locally grown fruit, head just south of Silver Spring to Great Shoals Winery Tasting Room in Takoma Park. Here, a tasting flight that has a selection of six wines or beers will cost you just $10. Or you can savor a glass of wine and a fruit and Brie platter for only $16. Whether you want to tour a museum or spend some time outside, you know you can enjoy some outstanding budget-friendly activities near Silver Spring when you check out these great options. Some rights reserved by szeke