Moms Day 2012

Glen Echo Carousel.

Kris’ folks came out to visit us in mid-May and a dandy time was had by all.  A highlight was a Mother’s Day twirl on the historic carousel at Glen Echo Park, a superbly restored merry-go-round that’s been the focus of the (formerly much merrier) amusement park for over 90 years.  Originally the grounds for an educational Chautauqua, the site converted to an amusement park in the early 1900s.  It then served as a major hot spot—and end of the trolley line—for countless DC-ers over the next six decades.   The other rides are gone now, but the remaining structures have been preserved by the National Park Service which manages the site in partnership with a nonprofit.  A major restoration of the carousel was completed in 2003, resulting in a museum-quality experience that will set you back $1.25 for a pretty good spin.  A half-million people still visit the park each year.  It was a true delight to find the carousel open and operating when we happened by.  Also at Glen Echo, worldly dances for the masses (swing, tango, contra and more), including instruction, are regularly held at the attractive Spanish Ballroom next door.  And if that isn’t enough history immersion for one stop, the park is only a few steps from the former home and headquarters of Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross.  Wow, amazing woman.  If you’re ambitious, a mile-long walk will take you down to the C&O Canal and tow path and a pleasant stretch of the Potomac (Great Falls is five more miles upriver).