There is always something new to discover in Washington, D.C. This trip I found the Eastern Market neighborhood in Southeast DC (8th Avenue SE) filled with local independent shops and restaurants, including the fabulous Come as You Are gay bar and restaurant, which features a tuna melt sandwich that’s absolutely amazing. I also enjoyed the new Grandma Moses exhibit and Presidential portraits in the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery Art Museum.
• GETTING THERE
I took American Airlines nonstop into Reagan National Airport (operated by Republic). The flight was on time in both directions, and you can hop on The Metro and be at your hotel in no time.
• WHERE TO STAY
I like the Washington Plaza Hotel in Thomas Circle, D.C.’s only hotel with an outdoor pool. You can easily navigate to all the bars and restaurants on 14th Street in this cute and walkable area close to the Metro. The rooms are spacious and quiet. They clean the room every day without asking (rare these days). Even rarer, you get a four-cup coffee maker. A complainer, I was miserable as everything was perfect. And the $98 special winter rate on a cold Friday night was a deal.
Other lodging options I visited: Westin Downtown, Conrad, Comfort Inn and Tabard Street Inn.
• WHAT TO DO
Visit the National Portrait Gallery, the Center for American Art and the great atrium between the two. These free Smithsonian Museums are at 8th and G Street NW. You don’t want to miss great presidential portraits and a Stonewall Equality exhibit. You’ll find them in Penn Quarter near the Capitol One Arena.
Enjoy the indoor garden and the U.S. Botanical Garden. Learn about plants from around the world and enjoy the orchids. You will find them near the U.S. Capitol at 100 Maryland Avenue SW. You’ll also want to see the orchids on display and the African American Museum.
All the Smithsonian Museums are free, and they are all having special exhibits for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Run or walk with the Frontrunners up Rock Creek Park to the Zoo. I went to their happy hour on a Friday night. Shop ‘til you drop at the high-end City Center DC just off 9th Street, featuring several good coffee bars as well as fancy clothiers. The Apple Store and DC History Museum (Mass Avenue and 9th Street) are worth a visit. They’re in a Beaux Arts building, which is one of the old Carnegie Libraries.
• WHERE TO EAT
Bindas at 415 7th Street NW has a great salmon bowl with saffron rice and other Indian delicacies. It is a fast casual restaurant. Yardbirds has great Southern food and tender steak. Try the beef tenderloin. You’ll find them on 9th Street near Mass Avenue. Yard House has over one hundred beers. And you’ll feel like you’re in Havana at Cuba Libre. Try the salmon. Sweetgreen (various locations) was founded here and has great salads. Streets Market (1221 Mass Avenue near Thomas Circle) has great pre-made meals and snacks. Lastly, The Wawa on Thomas Circle has pre-made and made-on-the-spot sandwiches and salads. They’re open 24 hours!
• NIGHTLIFE
With 27 bars, there is something for everyone. I like Number 9 (across from Whole Foods) off 14th Street and their great two-for-one happy hour. Trade on 14th Street also has a great happy hour, expanded outdoor patio and downstairs bar. There is something going on every night. Green Lantern has free popcorn, a lengthy happy hour and lots of special events.
• GETTING AROUND
You can walk everywhere or take The Metro.
Bill Malcolm is based in Indianapolis. He focuses on value and is self-funded so freely expresses his opinions, including his detest of hotel resort fees and other made-up junk charges courtesy of the hotel and rental car industry.
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