When I was married in Washington, D.C. two years ago, I prepared several one-day itineraries for family and friends. These were meant to be a starting point as they planned their visit for our wedding. Since I am back in D.C. for the inauguration, I thought I’d share those old itineraries in case anyone else is seeking inspiration for their trip to the Nation’s Capital.
Each day’s itinerary will be a separate post with “Day in D.C.” as the name with the specific focus after that. Safe travels and enjoy my hometown!
January 17, 2009
Art Museums & Capitol Hill
Visit the Smithsonian art museums. Smithsonian Institution museums are free in Washington, D.C. so you’ll get your money’s worth and then some. First, explore the National Gallery of Art. Break for lunch on Capitol Hill at the Hawk ‘n’ Dove, a watering hole for many Senators and Representatives. After lunch, walk over to the Freer Gallery of Art to see Whistler’s Peacock Room and its neighbor the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. If you have the chance, also visit theNational Portrait Gallery (reopened in July 2006 after extensive renovations).
For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Occidental Grill in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just west of the White House. Main courses range from $25 to $40. Their lobster bisque is truly memorable. If the weather isn’t too humid, opt for patio dining, but be aware that the inside and patio menus differ. This is the hotel where the term “lobbyist” was coined and the place where Martin Luther King, Jr., stayed while in town to give one of his most memorable speeches ever. For an authentic mint julep made according to Henry Clay’s own recipe, visit the hotel’s Round Robin Bar.
January 17, 2009
There is such an energy and excitement in D.C. right now. It reminds me of the city I remember growing up. Some say four million people (including “stars“) will be in the District for the inauguration as well as other related events and countless bridge and road closures! I just noticed The Raveonettes are playing at The Black Cat tomorrow night. Can you believe it!? And for about $20 pp. As much as I’d love to go, I also want to avoid the crowds since I am getting over a bad head cold flu thing. Thankfully, Sunday’s HBO concert will be broadcast free to cable customers and we’ll all be by our television sets on Tuesday. I think if my husband were here with me, I’d be more inclined to make the brave trek downtown (or to crash at a friend’s flat the night before to make it easier), but that’s because he has such enthusiasm himself that it helps give me pep when I am running low, like now when I am on the mend and grumbling about sinus pressure. Which makes me wonder if our new President will do much the same thing for citizens of our nation – lend us his enthusiasm and energy so we can regain some pep in these tough times.
I rely on this to keep informed: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-central/
Bars are behind this too. Did I mention there will be over 200 pubs in D.C. staying open all night? And Maryland passed emergency legislation (gotta love it) that makes it easier for some to stay open one hour later on Tuesday night.
January 17, 2009
