Thankful Thursday: Where I live!

Everyday, I am so Thankful that I live in the DC area; this area is the best. Now, I know people who have lived here, and it just did not do it for them, but I thrive off the energy of this city.

So, here are some of the things that I am Thankful for in this area:

1. The Smithsonian Museums! First and foremost they are FREE. Yes, that's right. They are absolutely free always and are open every day of the the week with the exception of a few holidays. They have some of the greatest permanent exhibits and there are always great traveling exhibits as well. I spend quite a bit of time at these museum just because I can, and I really enjoy them. My favorite is the American History Museum, and my favorite two exhibits in the History Museum is the first lady exhibit and the American Flag exhibit. I see these two exhibits quite often, and I am always in awe.

The American Flag

Helen Taft's Inaugural Gown

 2. The Trails! There is the W&OD trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, The Custis Trail, The Capital Crescent Trail, The Sligo Creek and Branch Trails, and the list goes on and on. Most of these trails are for exercise: walking, biking, running etc. There are always people taking advantage of these trails. So, living here is very conducive to living an active lifestyle. I rode on the W&OD trail yesterday, and the scenery is wonderful.

W & OD Trail

3. The Closeness! From the DC area a person can get to great wineries, national Historic sites such as Jamestown, Virginia, New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia and a whole bunch of other cities in four hours or less. I love to get in my car and drive to Philadelphia, see the liberty bell, and drive back home. Anyday can be a day full of adventure and a person can be back at home in their own bed by night fall.

The liberty bell!

4. The Bars and Restaurants! The DC area has some fabulous bars and restaurants and there seem to be new ones popping up all of the time. Dining out here is such a great experience, because there are so many unique places with such great character. One of my favorite things to do is too meet someone out at a great bar or restaurant just because of the atmosphere.

Masa 14: One of my favorite restaurants.

Now, let's bring this back to my neighborhood!

5. My street! On my street are my two favorite grocery stores, the Best Trainer in the World, my favorite Dunkin Donut, one of my favorite restaurants etc. Very close to my house is my gym, Old Town Alexandria, another one of my favorite grocery stores, two train stations, a trail, a movie theater, a community center, a great park, my church etc. I could remain within five miles of my condo all day everyday and be quite content.

Old Town Alexandria

6. Condo Building! I believe that my condo building is the best on my street. The people are friendly, the building is clean, the grounds are well manicured, we have a well-kept tennis group, an Olympic size pool, public gardens, and the scene from my balcony is quite awesome; it's where I do most of my writing in the summer. When I bought and moved into this place, it was a true leap of faith. The market was so hot back then, and I had about 24 hours to make a decision, and it just so happened to be the right decision.

Scene from my balcony

Now, I could go on and on and on, but I won't. But, the DC area and my neighborhood suit me just fine.

When I moved here 13 years ago, a small voice said to me "Everything that you need is here," and so far, this statement has been very true.

I am just soooo Thankful that I followed that voice inside and ended up in a place that is perfect for me.

I know there are other people who are Thankful for where they live so, tell me about it.......

Happy, HAPPY Thankful Thursday!!!!!