At the Frederick Douglass National Site in Washington, D.C., you can walk the halls of the famed abolitionist, author and orator’s home, known as Cedar Hill. Come along on this Nerd Trip to see where and how Douglass lived, plus hear the name of the guest who caused three girls on our tour to squeal with delight.

Composer George Fredric Handel (1685-1759) created one of the most famous choral works ever – the Messiah, with its well known “Hallelujah Chorus.” But a trip to the Handel House in London revealed an interesting connection to a famous 20th century musician. It’s a connection that appears to have grown stronger since our 2013 visit.

Baltimore’s Washington Monument has 227 steps winding up a tight spiral to the top. If you thought climbing up was scary, it’s even scarier going down. However, there is much to explore on the ground floor, including some incredible ironwork on the fences and gates. Check it out in this Nerd Trip.

It’s name is Congressional Cemetery, but this Washington, D.C. landmark is the final resting to place to dozens of famous (and infamous) persons beyond those connected to Congress. From composer John Philip Sousa to famed photographer Matthew Brady, there’s a lot to learn at this landmark.

A rain delay at Nationals Park turned into a scavenger hunt to find statues of the Nationals president mascots. You’ve got to see these guys.

Who would win a presidential footrace? A trip to Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace inspires a debate and a trip to see the Washington Nationals “racing presidents.”

He’s one of the world’s most famous detectives with one of the most famous addresses in literature: 221B Baker Street, London. Sherlock Holmes’ fictional address is the real address of the Sherlock Holmes Museum. In summer 2013, I waited in line for two hours (including two brief rain storms) to tour the townhouse of this fictitious figure. The...