The Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C.

As a D.C. native, I grew up playing on the National Mall and visiting the Smithsonian museums regularly. It was a gift to have that upbringing and gave me a glimpse into the real city of Washington – not just its political personality. Here is a six-day itinerary I created for friends and family visiting the Nation’s Capital. Hope you enjoy it too and if you have some suggestions of your own, please feel free to share them in the comments section.

Day 1 – Northern Virginia

Enjoy a pleasant drive down the George Washington Parkway. Start out in Old Town Alexandria with lunch at a pleasant restaurant in this colonial town with narrow streets. Walk along the shops and browse for non-touristy souvenirs. A Crate & Barrel outlet store is located at 1700 Prince Street in Alexandria, so perhaps a side trip for some domestic accessories is in order. Drive down to Mount Vernon after lunch for a tour of George Washington’s home. Tour the home, walk down to the historic Potomac River from his house. For dinner, return to Old Town Alexandria.

Day 2 – 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 may 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 3 – 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. To order advance tickets or to learn more about the museum’s exhibits, visit the museum’s website. Have a late lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Works (726 7th Street NW). You will leave satisfied and having spent less than $10 on your entire meal. Wander around Penn Quarter and 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 4 – History Museums & The National Mall

Continue your exploration of the Smithsonian museums with visits to the Museum of American History (temporarily closed in 2007). The gift shop has unique gifts and there is a separate music shop with American folks, roots, blues, and rare recordings that have been collected and restored by the Smithsonian. This museum also houses Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Indiana Jones’s hat. Next, visit the Museum of Natural History and explore its treasures, including the Hope Diamond. If it’s hot outside, stay a while and enjoy an IMAX movie or proceed to the Air & Space Museum to see a showing at their IMAX. Air & Space is one of the most popular museums on the National Mall for good reason. You can see the Spirit of St. Louis and other planes actually used in the early exploration of air travel. Have lunch in one of the museum cafeterias, but realize that they are geared toward school groups and family visitors so the menu selection is limited. The newest museum on the Mall is the Museum of the American Indian and their cafeteria is an improvement. Enjoy touring the museum during the afternoon. Consider walking up to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (west of the museums).

For an early dinner, return to Penn Quarter to get Potbelly sandwiches ordered to go. You’ve just made yourself a picnic. Walk down to the National Mall and settle in for dinner. If you are dining on a Monday night, you may be able to enjoy Screen on the Green. Every Monday night between mid-July and mid-August, a film is shown on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets. Admission is free and seating is first-come on blankets on the grass. No alcohol is permitted since it is National Park Service property, but picnics are encouraged.

Day 5 – Georgetown

Spend the morning strolling around historic Georgetown. This neighborhood in DC has a rich history and is now a thriving area for businesses and restaurants. For the funky shopper, check out Commander Salamander (1420 Wisconsin Ave, NW). Traditional chain stores, such as Banana Republic and Benetton, are also present. Have lunch at Rocklands (2418 Wisconsin Ave NW). Known for its barbecue. For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Bistro Français (3128 M Street, NW). Early dinner specials are available for $20 per person. After your Friday or Saturday early bird dinner, go to see a performance of The Capitol Steps at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Day 6 – 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 crab cake, 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.

Images of Washington D.C. All images ©2009 Evin O'Keeffe

Day in D.C. – History Museums & The National Mall

History Museums & The National Mall

Continue your exploration of the Smithsonian museums with visits to the Museum of American History. The gift shop has unique gifts and there is a separate music shop with American folks, roots, blues, and rare recordings that have been collected and restored by the Smithsonian. If you love music, set aside an hour to browse that shop! This museum also houses Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Indiana Jones’s hat. Next, visit the Museum of Natural History and explore its treasures, including the Hope Diamond. If it’s cold or hot/humid outside, stay a while and enjoy an IMAX movie or proceed to the Air & Space Museum to see a showing at their IMAX. Air & Space is one of the most popular museums on the National Mall for good reason. You can see the Spirit of St. Louis and other planes actually used in the early exploration of air travel. Have lunch in one of the museum cafeterias, but realize that they are geared toward school groups and family visitors so the menu selection is limited. The newest museum on the Mall is the Museum of the American Indian and their cafeteria is an improvement. Enjoy touring the museum during the afternoon. Consider walking up to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (west of the museums).

For an early dinner, return to Penn Quarter to get Potbelly sandwiches ordered to go. You’ve just made yourself a picnic. Walk down to the National Mall and settle in for dinner. If you are dining on a Monday night, you may be able to enjoy Screen on the Green. Every Monday night between mid-July and mid-August, a film is shown on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets. Admission is free and seating is first-come on blankets on the grass. No alcohol is permitted since it is National Park Service property, but picnics are encouraged. When I lived here, I went every week for a few years.

Day in D.C. – Mount Vernon

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.

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. – Georgetown

Georgetown

Spend the morning strolling around historic Georgetown. This neighborhood in DC has a rich history and is now a thriving area for businesses and restaurants. For the funky shopper, check out Commander Salamander (1420 Wisconsin Ave, NW). Traditional chain stores, such as Banana Republic and Benetton, are also present. Have lunch at Rocklands (2418 Wisconsin Ave NW). Known for its barbecue. For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Bistro Français (3128 M Street, NW). Early dinner specials are available for $20 per person. After your Friday or Saturday early bird dinner, go to see a performance of The Capitol Steps at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Tickets are just under $40 per person.

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. – Mount Vernon

Day in D.C. – Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Day in D.C. – Northwest D.C.

Day in D.C. – Art Museums & Capitol Hill

Day in D.C. - Georgetown

Free Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

My Favorite Places to Eat Inside the Beltway

The D.C. Streets – Understanding the Quadrants & Names

The Streets and Highways of Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Streets – Understanding the Quadrants & Names

Washington, D.C. is defined by four quadrants: NW, NE, SW, SE. Northwest is where you will probably spend your time. This section of D.C. is comprised of many neighborhoods, each with its own charm and personality. SW is small since it was the part of DC taken back by Virginia way back when. 

Some find the streets confusing, but if you know the rules you will always know exactly where you are just by looking at the nearest intersection’s street signs (just remember that the quadrants are key).

·      The Capitol Building is the center of everything. All streets and addresses are numbered based on their location from the Capitol. A building’s street address signifies its distance from the Capitol in the direction of the street (north-south or east-west).

·      All North-South Streets are numbered (First Street, Second Street, 17^th Street, and so on)

·      All East-West Streets are alphabetical. There are three alphabets (none include X, Y, Z). Starting closest to the Capitol, the first alphabet streets start with “A Street” this follows the alphabet as you go away from the Capitol with one exception, there is no J in this alphabet and “I Street” can sometimes be referred to as “Eye Street” and the same sometimes goes for “Q Street” or “U Street”. The second alphabet is two-syllable words (example: “Calvert Street”). The fourth alphabet is three-syllable words (example: “Brandywine Street”). There are some other tree names used as a fourth alphabet, but only in part of NW as it approaches Maryland. Non-Street names do not follow this, so beware Place names.

·      State names are Avenues and run diagonally, intersecting with Avenues & Streets at traffic circles.

·      An address can give you all the information you need to find a location in the District. If you in the 5400-block of Wisconsin Avenue of Chevy Chase, Maryland (the numbering carries over to Bethesda and Chevy Chase) and want to go to 3600 Connecticut Avenue

The following information on grid-based naming systems is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

In many cities laid out on a grid plan, the streets are named to indicate their location on a Cartesian coordinate plane. For example, the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811 for Manhattan provided for numbered streets running parallel to the minor axis of the island and numbered and lettered avenues running parallel to the long axis of the island, although many of the avenues have since been assigned names for at least part of their courses. In the city plan for Washington, D.C., north-south streets were numbered away from the United States Capitol in both directions, while east-west streets were lettered away from the Capitol in both directions and diagonal streets were named after various States of the Union. As the city grew, east-west streets past W Street were given two-syllable names in alphabetical order, then three-syllable names in alphabetical order, and finally names relating to flowers and shrubs in alphabetical order. Even in communities not laid out on a grid, such as Arlington County, Virginia, a grid-based naming system is still sometimes used to give a semblance of order. Often, the numbered streets run east-west and the numbered avenues north-south, following the style adopted in Manhattan, although this is not always observed. In some cases, streets in “half-blocks” in between two consecutive numbered streets have a different designator, such as Court or Terrace, often in an organized system where courts are always between streets and terraces between avenues. Sometimes yet another designator (such as “Way” or “Circle”) is used for streets which go at a diagonal or curve around, and hence don’t fit easily in the grid.

In many cases, the block numbers correspond to the numbered cross streets; for instance, an address of 1600 may be near 16th Street or 16th Avenue. In a city with both lettered and numbered streets, such as Washington, D.C., the 400 block may be between 4th and 5th streets or between D and E streets, depending on the direction in which the street in question runs. However, addresses in Manhattan have no obvious relationship to cross streets or avenues, although various tables and formulas are often found on maps and travel guides to assist in finding addresses.