in this new series, i’m highlighting cities: what to do, see, eat, and drink for a foray into some of the world’s coolest cities.
our nation’s capital insider is dc local vanessa schutz. vanessa works at washingtonian mag and has lived in dc for four five years after graduating from miami university in ohio. in addition to the roundup i’ve done with images and day-trip suggestions around the city, i’ve included vanessa’s picks at the bottom which break it down into more specific neighbourhoods. unless noted (in the image links below), all photos were taken by vanessa.
what to do:
where to stay:
what to eat:
sources for farmers markets: washington post + fresh farm markets + i’m good dc
{national mall :: smithsonian :: korean war memorial :: pentagon memorial :: farmers market :: baked and wired :: bier baron tavern :: kramerbooks :: citronelle :: we the pizza :: pov lounge at the w :: w hotel :: monaco hotel :: hay adams hotel :: willard intercontinental :: mini burgers at matchbox}
from vanessa:
“DC is an incredibly active city, but it’s also an important place to pause and reflect on those that have helped establish our nation and who maintain our freedom and safety. Arlington Cemetery is permanent home to more than 300,000 people, including presidents and veterans. More than 4 million pay tribute each year, and every December, Wreaths Across America, place thousands of wreaths in several sections of the cemetery. Dedicated in 2008, the Pentagon Memorial pays tribute to the 184 men and women who lost their lives as victims of the 9/11 attack, killed both in the building and on American Airlines Flight 77. It’s one of the few ways you can get close to the Pentagon.
A trip to DC would not be complete without a visit to the National Mall. The grounds house monuments to presidential legacies (Washington and Lincoln to name a few), as well as memorials to honor veterans of past wars. The Mall does get crowded with tourist groups, especially in the spring/summer, but completely worth the views!
Everyone wants to see President Obama’s current residence, the WhiteHouse! After you take the standard photos, head nearby to Old Ebbitt Grill. The restaurant is a DC tradition (established in 1856), and is still a popular meeting spot for politicians, journalists, celebrities and the like. After dinner, head a few blocks to see a show at the National Theatre, currently playing Jersey Boys. Not ready to end the evening? Walk a block over to the P.O.V. Roof Terrace at the W Hotel Washington D.C. for drinks. The atmosphere is trendy and well-to-do, and the views are spectacular.“
speaking of drinks…
“Dupont Circle is an active neighborhood full of great restaurants, nightlife, and sites. The circle itself provides a great venue for a picnic lunch or people watching. The Dupont Circle Hotel is a great place to grab a few drinks with friends to keep a close eye on all of the action. When you are hungry, head to nearby Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill on Connecticut Avenue for any meal, and pick up a few books to read in the circle later. Feeling like ethnic food instead? Try nearby Zorba’s Cafe for delicious Greek, sushi at Sakana, or join the crowds at Lauriol Plaza for chips & salsa and margaritas. All that food make you thirsty? Stop by the Bier Baron Tavern for 50 rare draft brews, cask ales, and more than 500 bottled beers from around the world, or the Russia House for flights of (you guessed it!) vodka. Still have money left to burn? Visit Beadazzled to create your own jewelry or Lou Lou Boutique to select for countless pieces of pre-made jewelry, handbags, necklaces, and other accessories.
Feeling famished from walking the Mall and the Capitol Grounds? Head to Top Chef star, Spike Mendelsohn’s, recent projects, Good Stuff Eatery and We, The Pizza for your choice of burgers, shakes, and pizza (the two restaurants are right next door from one another!) Grab a margarita at Capitol Hill’s popular Tortilla Coast where a lot of Hill staffers go after work to unwind. Hawk ‘n’ Dove is a popular spot for the intern crowd due to the cheap happy hour specials, or you can stop in to Pour House/Top of the Hill for skeeball, trivia, or to catch a Pittsburgh Steelers game. As if you needed more pizza, visit Matchbox for delicious mini burgers (they are offended if you call them sliders there!) and oven baked pizza. You can also indulge in Greek meze, wine and martinis at nearby Cava.
Capitol Hill is close by two other great neighborhoods, namely Eastern Market on 7th Street which offers patrons fresh food, community events, and on weekends, local farm fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts. If the Washington Nationals are in season, catch a game at the new stadium which debuted in 2008. Go another direction to the H Street NE extension of Capitol Hill, which is an up and coming neighborhood full of new, exciting restaurants and bars. Grab a few steins at Biergarten Haus which offers authentic food & drink, as well as charming outdoor patio and then head to nearby H Street Country Club for bar games and indoor mini golf that features DC scenes.“
and just a note on transportation…
“The best way to get around DC is to walk if possible and to take advantage of its vast public transportation system. The Metro may seem overwhelming, especially if attempting during rush hour, but it beats getting stuck in the notoriously bad traffic the nation’s capital hosts. Don’t be afraid to ask station managers for help. Learning the bus routes is also another great way to get to places more directly. If all else fails, cabs will do the trick, but remember that they don’t accept credit cards like NYC.“