Fountains and Gardens on Columbus Day

Let's go for a tour of the fountains and gardens on the east end of the National Mall!

For bonus points, the National Christopher Columbus Association and Italian-American organizations from the DC area will be hosting a ceremony honoring Christopher Columbus at the Columbus Memorial Statue, and we should arrive at Columbus Circle just in time to enjoy the
United States Marine Band begin the program with patriotic marches.

❶ What we'll do:

Starting from the Enid A. Haupt Garden, just south of the Smithsonian Visitor Center, we'll go for a clockwise walk around the National Mall, checking out notable fountains, gardens, and monuments along our way, plus enjoying the Columbus Day ceremony at Columbus Circle.
The walk is about 4 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The path is level and mostly paved, with steps in places.
Google map: https://tinyurl.com/2em8nyay

❷ How to get there:

Metro (recommended): The Haupt Garden is 0.2 miles' walk from the Smithsonian Metro Station (see https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2), or 0.4 miles' walk from the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station (see https://[goo.gl/maps/94VqmFRnQ2T2](ttps://goo.gl/maps/94VqmFRnQ2T2)).
Driving: If you must drive, the Haupt Garden's street address is 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. There is paid parallel parking in the area.

❸ Weather: The forecast is mostly cloudy and a high of 73F, with light NNE winds and a 12% chance of showers. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ycnap

❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen and sunglasses are a good idea.

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Smithsonian Visitor Center, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the US Botanic Gardens, and the Dwight David Eisenhower Memorial.

❼ Notes:

Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, https://www.si.edu/museums/smithsonian-institution-building
Columbus Day Ceremony in Washington, DC, https://www.ciaowashington.com/columbus-day-ceremony-in-washington-dc/