Over the past few years I’ve taken baby steps towards Washington, D.C. I lived in Loudoun growing up, and then moved to Fairfax for college, and now I’m working (and hopefully soon living!) in the amazing urban masterpiece that is Arlington.

I thought I knew this place pretty well. After all, I had driven through here loads of times on field trips and frequented the popular night life spots by Metro. But after a few short days of driving blunders, turn-arounds (really, who gets lost walking three blocks?) and a new found love for my GPS, it dawned on me that there is way more to Arlington than I ever imagined. 

Cue Brent Horsley: Multi-Media Marketing Manager for Arlington Economic Development, long time Arlington resident, and my official tour guide. Brent and I headed out on a mission to capture Arlington’s many faces using an old-school 33mm camera and lomography techniques, and that’s where my eyes were opened up to all that Arlington's urban villages have to offer. Over the next couple of days I’m going to share with you the shining moments of my meet-and-greet with Arlington right here on the StayArlington blog. To see our favorite photos from our excursion, visit the Virginia state website.

First on our checklist was Arlington National Cemetery. As I walked past golden eagles perched on top of ornately decorated gates, my eyes settled on waves of tombstones that went on as far as the eye could see. I couldn’t help feeling that this was a place of solitary reflection, and rich history. As we were leaving, the parking attendant waved us to a stop. “You can’t go any further,” she said, “I’m pretty sure the President is coming. That blue helicopter circled overhead three times, and that’s always what happens when he’s about to come through.” Sure enough, we start to see black cars with American flags drive by in front of us. Then black SUVs. Then black limos. After the caravan passed, I couldn’t help thinking, “Oh my gosh! The president just drove 50 feet from where I’m standing!” A once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people is just a normal, everyday occurrence in Arlington.

Written by Cat Miller, Management Intern

Posted by Catherine Miller on January 25, 2012 | Permalink