No Access Washington, DC: The Capital's Hidden Treasures, Haunts, and Forgotten Places

by Beth Kanter

No Access Washington, DC tells a story of the nation’s capital through places in, near, under, over, or around the city—a collection of spaces that most people don’t see, can’t see, rarely see, don’t know how to see, or haven’t seen. Come journey beneath DC’s most iconic buildings like the massive undercroft below the Lincoln Memorial and discover hidden-in-plain-sight wonders such as the mini Washington Monument or a neighborhood home that is a thriving habitat for plastic dinosaurs. Journey deep into historic archives, embassies, theaters, and studios. Imagine ringing the bells at the National Cathedral. NoAccess Washington, DC is a tribute to a side of the city not shown on postcards, but that is gaze-worthy all the same. What a fun way to “explore” the capital.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

195 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[Casey]

This book was interesting from the perspective that Washington, D.C. is my all time favorite city and it reveals a number of items that I was totally unaware of in my many visits. The author does a good job of mixing in public and nonpublic places that one does not normally hear about or find in any of the guides to the city. An added bonus is the photography contained in the book. Of particular interest to me was the drawing on the support columns and walls underneath the Lincoln Memorial and the original stone markers outlining the boundaries of the city. It is an easy and engaging read.

I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in Washington DC and wants to learn more about places off the tourist path.

I received a free Kindle copy of No Access Washinton DC by by Beth Kanter courtesy of Net Galley  and Rowman & Littlefield, the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my fiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus pages.

I requested this book as Washington is my favorite city and the theme sounded very interesting. This is the first book by the author that I have read.

[James]

An interesting look at sites around Washington that are not easily accessible. However, contrary to the title several of the places mentioned are not in DC itself.

[Jeff]

This is an interesting book of an eclectic mix of places around Washington, DC-- most aren't accessible by the general public (at least not on a regular basis); and most are of significant historical importance, even if they aren't places you'd choose to visit, if you could. There are an impressive number of sites related to documenting African American history and some sites that are just unique.

As a traveler, I'm always interested in the hidden places that tourists don't usually see. Unfortunately, most of those included in this book can't be visited even if you know their location. Still, historians and history buffs would probably find this all fascinating.

If you are looking for places to visit 'off the beaten path', this book won't really be beneficial. Many really are 'no access' and honestly, many you wouldn't probably want to visit anyway.

For me, the most interesting part was the stories of how some of the parks, spaces and records were saved or reclaimed from near oblivion.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[David H.]

Retroactive Review (16 Nov 2023): This was a really cool book about the city I lived in, I really enjoyed all the stuff I didn't know about.

[joyce w. laudon]

This book offers a fascinating look at either places you may not have heard of or interesting aspects of places where you may have been. A few examples...you may have been in Rock Creek Park but did you know that discarded stones from the Capitol building are there? Have you heard of the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument or the home of Carter G Woodson that is located in the Shaw neighborhood? For those who don't know Dr. Woodson was "the man known as the father of African American History." Have you visited the home with a front yard filled with dinosaurs? How about the President's Suite at Regan Washington National Airport where Roosevelt held meetings? There are many places listed, described and photographed in this book. It is worth having for both first time and frequent visitors to DC, along with DC residents.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I learned a lot.

[Jocelyn]

This is a pretty fun book. While I find some of the choices of places a little strange, I enjoyed reading about the mysterious, weird, and tucked away places in DC like the Finnish spa. The descriptions are just the right length and cover a wide range of sites and topics. It will be fun to try and see some of these the next time I'm in DC.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.