Old Post Office Pavilion

Yesterday, I visited the Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue. I was able to go up into the tall clock tower and catch a spectacular view of D.C. from the top. There aren't any windows on two of the sides, just wires, so you can get a feel of "really being up there". The Pavilion was originally used as a Post Office to revitalize the area between the Capitol Building and the White House. In 1970, the demolition of the building was approved, but it was saved by advocates who admired the architecture. The building is now home to federal offices, a food court and several shops. You can also visit the Bells of Congress on the 10th floor of the tower. The Congress Bells were a gift from Great Britain for our national bicentennial in 1976. The bells are replicas of the 400-year-old set in London's Westminster Abbey. They are only rung on special holidays. The tours are free and quick and the view is entirely worth the effort. However, I would suggest avoiding the swarms of Boy Scouts that have taken over the city. -Haley