On a recent business trip, I took the afternoon off, met my husband and spent the rest of the day enjoying D.C. like a tourist.  The first place we went was back to the National Museum of the American Indian.  We had been to the museum about two years ago with our kids, with them we did not have time to slow down and do the reflection the museum is centered around.  The museum is an incredible tribute to the Indian Nations of North and South America.

I have read reviews of the museum that reviewers did not believe there were enough exhibits.  I think this is a museum where you have to take your time (about 3 hours) listen to the music, read the material presented, and listen to the talks and movies to be able to enjoy the museum the way it was designed.  All of that said, I thought the exhibits were incredible.  The current exhibition, Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America on display through September 13, 2009, was a huge hit with the school tours that were visiting while we were there.  The exhibit that shows the bead craftsmanship was my favorite.

I also think it’s very important to walk around the outside perimeter of the building as part of the experience.  There are beautiful gardens, waterfalls, a water garden and a vegetable garden.

Last, but not least, the cafeteria is incredible!  It is Zagat rated and does a wonderful job presenting authentic foods from many regions, Yucatan, Southwest, Great Plains, Pacific Northwest, etc.  There were grains and vegetables I have never seen in a grocery store.  There was bison, duck, javelina, fiddlehead and dandelion salad, turtle soup, and a wonderful coconut and pineapple drink, just to name a few of the menu options.  All the food is on display, so you get a great idea of what you are ordering, which I love when trying something different.  This is not a cheap place for lunch and there were a few lost tourists the day I was there looking for nuggets and corn dogs.  The museum is free.  I would spend a typical admission price and enjoy an incredible lunch.

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