WASHINGTON, D.C. RESTAURANT LINEN, MEDICAL LINEN, AND UNIFORM RENTALS

Washington, D.C.: A Brief Overview

Washington, D.C. is a place of startling contradiction. People living in the capital of a country founded on a dispute over taxation without representation have no actual representation. Residents of D.C. have no voting representative in Congress and zero presence in the Senate. Although there is an elected Mayor, Congress retains complete power and, at its discretion, is permitted to overrule the actions of the Mayor and the City Council. Truth be told, residents couldn’t even vote in a Presidential election prior to 1961.

At the turn of the 20th century, due to neglect and a lack of oversight, the District of Columbia found itself in a downward spiral. Congress’ McMillan Plan cleaned up the slums, landscaped the city and grounds around the Capitol buildings and monuments, and established an incredible park system. Oddly, there is an obvious lack of skyscrapers that one would typically expect to see in a large city. Tall buildings are literally banned by Federal law. As no edifice can be taller than the width of the street it sits on, with a maximum height of 130 feet, D.C. has retained an unusually light and airy sensibility with scenic views all around.

The two largest employers are the Federal government and tourism-related businesses. In addition to well-known places like the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Smithsonian, there are many fascinating destinations just off the beaten path.

Millions of tourists from all over the world visit D.C. to see the sights and often avail themselves of free, self-guided walking tours of the city. Guided tours based on themes like Historic Georgetown, Holiday Lights, or Ghost Tours are also quite popular. Often, the cost of these guided tours is at your discretion; simply pay the guide what you believe the tour was worth. Bus, boat, and night tours are also popular options!

The National Cathedral is the place to revel in breathtaking architecture and stained glass. Plus, while you’re there, be sure to check out the 112 gargoyles and grotesques. Gardens and grounds are open to visitors every day from dawn to dusk, and the public is welcome to attend Sunday church services.

To book a free, self-guided tour of the White House, you must submit the request through the office of your member of Congress up to three months and no less than 21 days in advance. As there are restrictions on what you can bring, it’s a good idea to review the rules on the National Parks website (https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/the-white-house-tour.htm). Keep in mind that even tours booked three months in advance are subject to a last-minute cancellations.

Numerous embassies from around the world are located in the District. Every year, in May, participating countries hold an event called Passport D.C. During this celebratory month, visitors are allowed to enter the embassies and enjoy festive demonstrations representing many diverse cultures. The embassies are surrounded by hundreds of local restaurants, heavily patronized during the event, whose menus reflect a myriad of globally-influenced tastes and trends.

Washington, D.C.’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center, founded in 1909, serves active and retired military personnel, is equipped with more than 5,500 rooms, and employs a staff of more than 7,100. Traditionally, the President of the United States avails himself of its world-class medical personnel and facilities. In 2011, the Army and Navy hospitals combined to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Walter Reed Bethesda is now the largest military medical center on the planet, stretching out over a 243-acre footprint, housing in excess of 2.4 million square feet of clinical space, and providing expert medical care to more than a million people each year.