Summerhouse — Attraction in Washington

As someone who admires the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, it felt necessary to visit Summerhouse. It was built as a cooling station for visitors of the park to have some respite from the summer heat. The brick color in person is so rich, almost like a deep vermillion clay and the sprialing outward appearance also harkens back to Olmsted's time. It's such a wonderful piece of history, and I wish there were more scattered all over the park cause it's so special.

There is seating inside Summerhouse, as well as a relaxing water fountain in the center. There weren't too many visitors when I visited on a Tuesday morning, so I recommend stopping by if you have time. Just for the history alone, it's worth appreciating...

Completed in 1880, the Summerhouse was built to provide rest and shelter to visitors of the US Capitol. The red brick is striking with multiple arches in a basket weave kind of texture. The inside has a fair amount of seating on benches shaded a projected tile roof. Above each bench is an oval window with different views - the mall, the Capitol, a hedge, and a small grotto complete with a small stream. This is a gorgeous little building that most don’t know about. It’s not always open, but when it is -...

A secretive little spot, quiet and peaceful. Stairs lead down into the small plaza ringed with stone seating. A gated window looks out into a small bit of nature, a small pool of water.

I went at a good time of day in the morning and the sun was shining down and reflecting on the water as songbirds came down to it to drink and clean themselves.

Definitely worth stopping in if you're nearby, even just to...