Top 5 Things to Do in Washington, DC While at the NASP Meeting

While many stick to touring the White House, the National Mall, and other cornerstone sites, Washington, DC, has much more to offer attendees of the upcoming National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) annual meeting, especially if you have already been to the typical spots.

The NASP annual meeting is an opportunity for specialty pharmacy stakeholders to network and strengthen their knowledge about the industry. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC, from September 18-20, 2017.

While not in sessions or at NASP events, here are the top 5 things to do in Washington, DC:

1. Visit the Dumbarton Oaks Museum

This museum is famed for its collections of Byzantine and pre-Columbian art and is the former home of Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, who were patrons and collectors of art and scholarship. Through March 2018, the museum will be hosting several exhibits: Women in Art, 1850-1910, Ancient Bronzes, and Ancient Textiles.

This museum is only a 10-minute drive from the NASP meeting. View their website for more information.

2. Truckeroo

From September 1 to 22, Truckeroo, the world-famous food truck festival will be stationed in Washington, DC, next to Nat’s Park in the Navy Yard. The festival features live music, games, and several food trucks.

This festival has been voted the third best festival in the southeast and is a 20-minute drive from NASP meeting headquarters. Read more about the festival on their website.

3. Free Walking Tours

Just in time for NASP, Cultural Tourism DC is sponsoring Walkingtown DC, which is a week of free guided tours. This event is available from September 16 to 24, and features dozens of walking tours. The tours are free and flexible, as they run during the weekday during lunch and after the work day is over, which is beneficial to conference attendees.

Popular tours include: Netwalk the Murals of Greater Shaw, Buzzard Point: Its History and Future, Place: A Walking Tour for Children, and more, according to Trip Savvy. While these tours are free during the NASP meeting, registration is required.

For more information, visit Cultural Tourism DC’s website.

4. Visit the United States Botanic Garden

This living museum was founded in 1820, making it one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The museum features flowers, rainforests, rare and endangered plants, and plants that you can grow in your own home.

The Conservatory is open from 10 am to 5 pm and the National Garden is open from 10 am until 7 pm. Bartholdi Park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Admission to the US Botanic Garden is free and it is only a 20-minute drive from NASP. Be sure to visit their website to learn more.

5. Visit the National Gallery of Art

Another free and fun option for NASP attendees is the National Gallery of Art. This gallery features a sculpture garden and numerous other works of art.

During NASP, the gallery will be hosting several scheduled tours, including Great Paintings: The Nation’s Collection, French Collection: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, Intersections in Modern Art: 1900 to 1960, and much more!

Visit National Gallery of Art’s website for more details about what will be offered.