Enjoy a pleasant drive down the George Washington Parkway. Start out in Old Town Alexandria with breakfast at a pleasant spot in this colonial town with narrow streets. Alexandria is also home to a Crate & Barrel Outlet Store (1700 Prince Street). After breakfast, drive to Mount Vernon for a tour of George Washington’s home. Admission costs $13 per adult. Tour the home, walk down to the historic Potomac River from his house. Lunch is available daily at the Food Court. For dinner, return to Old Town Alexandria or find a spot near your hotel since you may be tired from walking around outside all afternoon.
Tag Archives: capitol
Day in D.C. – Northwest D.C.
Northwest D.C.
Start with a breakfast bite at Cosi by Dupont Circle then go to the National Zoo. It is free to everyone. Pandas reside there and are themselves worth the trip. Spend the morning there, then head to Georgia Brown’s (950 15th Street, NW) for your last lunch before leaving town. Main courses range from $17 to $26 and are worth every penny. They specialize in Low Country cuisine so you can have fried green tomatoes, catfish fingers, she crab soup, lump crabcake, southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or any of a number of mouth-watering treats to show your taste buds what it means to extend southern hospitality. Reservations are wise since it is popular, 202-393-4499.
Day in D.C. – Art Museums & Capitol Hill
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 the National 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.
Day in D.C. Ideas!
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!
Day in D.C. – History Museums & The National Mall
Day in D.C. – Penn Quarter & Chinatown
Start your day with a visit to the International Spy Museum in Penn Quarter. Admission is $15 per adult and time specific so advance purchase may be preferred so you can plan your day. Visit the museum’s website to order advance tickets or to learn more about the museum’s exhibits. Have a late lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works at 726 7th Street NW. You will leave satisfied and having spent less than $10 on your entire meal. Wander around Penn Quarterand neighboring Chinatown or catch an afternoon matinee at the movie theatre around the corner. For dinner, eat at Zola’s, which is located beside the Spy Museum.
Day in D.C. – Art Museums & Capitol Hill
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.
