Glen Echo Park and Clara Barton

As the summer heat was blazing, we tended to walk under the tree shade in the neighborhood park. Then we thought we should expand our options and ventured out to Roosevelt Island, Dyke Marsh, and Gravelly Point. Last week we headed to Glen Echo Park. We went there many years ago to visit Clara Barton’s house and Red Cross headquarters and there was a restaurant we sort of liked that we visited a few times. Clara’s house was obviously closed now, but there was also a park nearby. Our recollection was that there was a reasonably long walking path and it would be a great diversion for the week. It indeed was a beautiful day, but the walking path was short and we ended up in the park that was filled with things that looked more like the 1950’s - or earlier. There were a lot of small shops housed in “urks,” a ship made out of wood in the treetops, a ballroom, playground, and an old carousel that was being restored. We found ourselves walking in the parking lot just to get a few more steps in. Clara’s house looked a bit run down compared to the last time we saw it. The paint was chipping off and it was quite unkempt. The only interesting item was a small house across the street that had a miniature version of it sitting on top of the fence in front of it. The guard dog there was not happy to see us. I can’t say we would go back again any time soon. It’s funny how things never quite look like we remember them. How the times have changed. 

 

The Irish Inn at Glen Echo

A couple years ago we discovered the city of Glen Echo when we went to visit Clara Barton's house. Two of my portraits were displayed there as part of the 100 year anniversary. There is also a park there with an arts vibe and a working carousel. When we passed by this Irish Inn back then, one of our friends mentioned he had been to this place and liked the atmosphere and the shepherd's pie. As it was a day to have lunch, I thought of this place, so we decided to take a ride through the Palisades and give it a try. And it was worth it. Upon entry it reminded us of the many pubs and such in England. To the left was the bar entry, and to the right was the dining room entry. We ended up upstairs in a more private space, but I think we would have preferred a table in the bar! The fish and chips were good as was the shepherd's pie.  They have a more extensive dinner menu with the same items plus more. The only negative thing we have to say was the bread was good but not to our taste, and the parking lot was very full and difficult to maneuver in because it was full! I'm glad I remembered this inn - it was a great ride, a cozy and clean place, the food was good, and we enjoyed it. What else would you want?