Have you ever seen the film The Exorcist? It's a classic horror movie that still sends chills down spines, even decades after its release. Based on William Peter Blatty's book of the same name, the film hit theatres in 1973 and became an instant phenomenon. People fainted, screamed, and some even ran out of cinemas during its most terrifying scenes. The story revolves around a young girl named Regan MacNeil, whose life takes a dark turn after being possessed by a demonic force. Her desperate mother seeks the help of two priests, and what follows is one of the most intense exorcisms ever captured on film. The MacNeil family lived in a quiet town that, in the movie, was Georgetown---a picturesque, historic neighbourhood in Washington, D.C.
One scene in particular has fascinated me for years. It's when Father Karras, one of the priests, sacrifices himself by compelling the demon to enter his body before throwing himself out of a window. His body lands at the bottom of steep, narrow stairs, a moment that is both horrifying and iconic. These stairs are very real and can be found at the intersection of Prospect Street and 36th Street NW in Georgetown. Fun fact: while the facade of the MacNeil home was filmed in Georgetown, the interior scenes were shot in a studio in New York City. Movie magic, huh?
The "Exorcist Steps", looking north, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. (Inspired Pencil)
I was reminded of those infamous stairs in 2019, just as I was boarding a flight in Jakarta to attend an event at the White House organized by an international development agency. The thought of seeing them in person stuck with me the entire journey. After landing in Washington, D.C., I asked my American colleague if Georgetown was close to the White House. To my delight, it was just about 1.5 miles away---a pleasant 30-minute walk or a quick 10-15 minute taxi ride costing roughly $10-$15. Public transport, like the DC Circulator bus, was another easy option.
Once I arrived, Georgetown's charm took my breath away. Established in 1751, it's one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Washington, D.C., known for its cobblestone streets and Federal-style architecture. The area is steeped in history, with landmarks like the Old Stone House, the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, and Dumbarton Oaks. Beyond its history, Georgetown boasts trendy boutiques, lively cafes, and the stunning Georgetown Waterfront Park, where you can relax and enjoy views of the Potomac River.
The steps from The Exorcist were just as steep and narrow as I had imagined, and they were not far from the heart of Georgetown. Reaching them was easy, whether by a leisurely walk or a quick taxi ride from the White House. But my visit to Georgetown wasn't solely about horror movie nostalgia. I also took the opportunity to explore some of Washington, D.C.'s incredible museums.
Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest building structure still standing in Washington, D.C. (Hu Totya)
Close to Georgetown, you'll find the Phillips Collection, America's first museum of modern art, and Dumbarton Oaks, which features exquisite Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. However, my favourite was the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), located on the National Mall. This place is a dream for anyone fascinated by flight and space exploration. I spent hours marvelling at iconic exhibits like the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module. If you're willing to venture a bit farther, the museum's annexe near Dulles International Airport houses even larger exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Discovery.
After a full day of exploring, I needed a comfortable and affordable place to stay near the White House. Hotels like the Club Quarters Hotel, Hotel Harrington, and Hampton Inn Washington, D.C. White House were all excellent choices. Each offered a balance of price, convenience, and amenities, making them perfect for both budget-conscious and casual travellers.
Paramount's filming model of the Star Trek starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) was under restoration before it was displayed at the NASM. (FlugKerl2)