Within walking distance from the Lincoln Memorial,...

Within walking distance from the Lincoln Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center was my last stop after spending half a day exploring the National Mall.

I was there slightly after 5pm and missed the free guided tour that starts as early as 10am (Ends at 5pm Mon-Fri. Ends at 1pm Sat-Sun). For those interested, the tour meets near the gift shop and takes you through the Hall of States, the Hall of Nations and the main theaters.

Though I missed the tour during my short visit, I was glad to settle in at the Millennium Stage for their free daily performances at 6pm. Backbeat Underground was performing that music, flooding the Grand Foyer with their funk-jazz sounds. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis and you are free to leave anytime (just be mindful of other guests).

The staff on-site are very friendly and readily offer directions if you ever get lost. Last but not least, the center has a shuttle that runs back-&-fro from the Foggy Bottom metro station, making it very convenient for people taking public transportation.