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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

Silver Spring, Maryland, has a variety of fun attractions to explore, including many that give you an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're looking to get outside and check out the natural side of Silver Spring, head to one of these beautiful outdoor locations. more Wheaton Regional Park Located in the northern part of Silver Spring, Wheaton Regional Park is a 536-acre public park that offers a variety of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The entire family will love hopping on board the replica 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train for a scenic tour through the park. You can then take a fun ride on the historic Herschell Spillman Company carousel. You can also take a walk on the trails, see what's biting at Pine Lake, or take a stroll through the gorgeous Brookside Gardens. U.S. National Arboretum For a fascinating look at botanical research, take a trip to Washington, D.C., to walk through the U.S. National Arboretum. The 446-acre arboretum has an extensive collection of trees, flowers, and other plants from all over the world. Some of the popular gardens and collections in the arboretum include the National Herb Garden, Fern Valley, Friendship Garden, and Asian Collections. Another popular spot is the National Grove of State Trees, which has specimens of almost every state tree in the country. DC Insider Tours Washington, D.C. is a fascinating city rich in history and heritage. DC Insider Tours gives you an opportunity to enjoy some time outside while you learn about the city and its interesting past. One of the most popular tours is DC in a Day. This walking tour lasts about 6 hours and takes you to some of the most popular attractions in the city. If you need something shorter, consider the 3.5-hour Full Throttle DC tour, which is the city's first electric bike tour. Potomac Riverboat Company If you're interested in a unique view of the area, take a ride with Potomac Riverboat Company. Along with offering cruises and water taxis, Potomac Riverboat Company also has a number of sightseeing tours. The company has two different monument tours that take you by some of the famous monuments and landmarks along the Potomac River. Another fun tour is the Canine Cruise, which is a dog-friendly sightseeing cruise that lets you enjoy some time on the water with your four-legged family members. Sligo Creek Trail Sligo Creek Trail is a 10.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail that runs beside Sligo Creek. The trail is a popular spot for runners, walkers, joggers, and bikers because it passes through plenty of tree-filled parklands. If you plan on spending the afternoon traveling from one end of the trail to the other to explore the outdoor beauty of the area, don't forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the 15 picnic areas along the way. Whether you're interested in taking a tour of the capital or spending some time exploring nature, you know you'll have a good time when you check out these top outdoor activities around Silver Spring. Some rights reserved by ssfaulkn

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