By Franklin Zessis

The University of Maryland is less than 10 miles from our nation’s capital, and because of the short proximity, many students from this university spend their free time in Washington, D.C.

While many students said they enjoy visiting major tourist attractions such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, others prefer spending their time at hidden gems within the city. Here are a few of their recommendations for spending a day in Washington, D.C.

ARTECHOUSE

ARTECHOUSE is just a couple blocks from the International Spy Museum. The art and technology space uses lasers and cutting-edge to immerse viewers in digital light shows. 

Senior information science major Matthew Byers attended an ARTECHOUSE show a couple of weeks ago with his girlfriend after seeing an advertisement on Instagram. 

“It’s different patterns with lasers, so they would go back and forth in different increments of flashing [lights] and stuff like that,” Byers said. “We’re probably gonna go back.” 

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art

The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Art is located near the White House and next to the General Andrew Jackson Statue. It features the nation’s first collection of American art as well as other categories of art including New Deal art, photography, African-American art, Latino Art, folk and self-taught art and video games, according to Renwick’s website.

“The collection captures the aspirations, character, and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries,” according to Renwick’s website.

Sophomore environmental science and policy major Andrew Byrne said he frequents the museum because of his and his family’s love of art.

“What’s so great about this museum is it’s small,” Byrne said. “They change the sculptures or the pieces of art every single month. So, every month, you get an entirely new experience, and you get to learn about an entirely new artist and an entirely new piece of art.” 

Daikaya

When it comes to food, senior information science major Jared Maynard-Weicherding said he goes to Daikaya, a Japanese noodle shop in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown, to get his ramen. 

During COVID-19, Daikaya gave customers instructions on how to properly heat the food when they ordered takeout so they could still feel like they were at the restaurant, Maynard-Weicherding said.

“It’s by far the best ramen,” Maynard-Weicherding said. “It’s just packed to the brim with everything you could wish.”

Featured Image: The ARTECHHOUSE laser show in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Matthew Byers.