From Smithsonian museums to sightseeing tours, to blue crabs and to countless historical landmarks, the DMV has plenty of places to check off your family bucket list. But sometimes, your most prized memories and experiences as a family could come from hidden gems throughout the area you may not have heard about. Iโve mined three precious gems in the D, M and V (get it?) that I think would be worth paying a visit to.
D – Planet Word
When you think of museums, you probably think of canvases against clean white walls with no explanation as to their meanings, or overwhelming pieces of history you end up forgetting as you move to the next exhibit. While these have their lovers who take the time to appreciate everything behind them, itโs hard for everyone to leave a museum feeling fulfilled or passionate about something new. Especially for your kids, a more interactive and hands-on experience is needed โ Planet Word does just that.
Planet Word is not your typical museum like I described above. When I came across it, the concept combined with free admission and its mission had me wondering why I had never heard of it before. Since its opening in October 2020, itโs no wonder that it hasnโt got the recognition it deserves. Shocking considering its overall 4.8 stars on Google, with one reviewer saying itโs a must-visit โif you have kids or just love books and language.โ
โPlanet Word is the only museum in the country dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language,โ the website says.
From the wondrous Speaking Willow tree to a talking word wall, to fun yet educational karaoke, and of course, the new full-out puzzle room called Lexicon Lane, the excitement never stops as you move through the exhibits, as recommended from the top floor to the bottom.
Constructed from a historic school connects to its mission as well. Itโs known that at the ages of 10-12, children begin to lose interest in reading for fun. It becomes a chore for school. I personally began to have that experience myself. Planet Word wants to change that and mostly caters to that audience (perfect for a family trip). As NYTimes author Deb Amlen states, โItโs not just about being able to pass an examโ for Ms. Ann B. Friedman, a former teacher and founder of the place. But that does not in any way mean all ages canโt be immersed in the museum experience and fall in love with reading once again.
M – Way Off Broadway
Imagine seeing a fantastic quality (off) Broadway show with the ones you love, including a full dinner buffet without the long trip to NYC and hurting your wallet. Itโs a good thing you actually didnโt have to imagine, because Way Off Broadway is mid-Marylandโs greatest overlooked treasure. Did I mention the included buffet?
From interactive plays, to hit musicals, to extra-kid-friendly productions for your little ones, Way Off Broadway has something for the whole family all year long. I mean it when I say all year, as they are the Frederick area’s only year-round producing theatre.
From March 3rd-5th, donโt miss a WOB special event, A Fairytale Storybook Who Dunnit?: An Interactive Murder Mystery Event. See if your family has what it takes to solve a fairytale gone wrong and unmask a murderer by calling (301) 662-6600 to get your tickets today.
I have a feeling this place wonโt be way off Broadway for long, so experience the feeling of finding a hidden gem before it shines.
V – Eden Center
Personally, this one hits close to home. Iโve been going here since I remember and there has never been a dull moment. Located right off of Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church, Eden Center has been the heart of Vietnamese culture (mostly food) for over 4 decades. Though it might not be much of a hidden gem for Asian locals on the east coast, most others have yet to step in.
The one place that always seems to have a line out the door, and the one place my family always visits first is Thanh Son [pronounced like tahn suhn] Tofu. From freshly fried different varieties of house made savory tofu & soymilk to countless options of Vietnamese sticky rice, desserts called chรจ, drinks, spring rolls, and endless others in the tiny space it occupies, thereโs no wonder itโs a must-visit when youโre at Eden. Personally, my basics are the Onion Mushroom Fried Tofu,
Pandan Tofu Pudding, xรดi sแบงu riรชng and a free pandan soymilk if I spend a certain amount of money. View their menu here. Not to mention, in the years I have visited you start to notice the passionate chosen family business that runs the small but big-hearted store.
Now that Iโve talked your ear off about just one shop out of the over 115 family-owned stores and 230,000 feet of retail space, I highly recommend this piece by dcistโs Matt Blitz that talks about the past, present and future of Eden Center.
If youโre looking for a small piece of history:
โThe Eden Center Clock Tower, an exact replica of downtown Saigon, was erected as a reminder of the home away from home for the thousands of immigrants who settled in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.โ โ fxva.com
All in all, I couldโve gate kept these gems, hidden them away to be โour little secret,โ but these places deserve to thrive, and I genuinely hope youโve discovered your new favorite spot in the DMV.
