This is my last post for 2019. As much as I love to travel, it can be weary. I feel lucky to share my staycations as a local with you while I recharge in between trips. Thanks to you, I have learned to appreciate the many free museums in Washington, D.C. and have been encouraged to explore more as a resident.
Table of Contents
Following are recommendations from my D.C. staycation.
As you can imagine, D.C. has some of the best hotels in the world, so let’s start with where to sleep.
1. Could a Hashtag Get you in Bed?
Aahh! the Four Seasons @FSWashington in Georgetown, D.C. If there’s one thing world leaders, not to mention Congress, can agree upon is you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons brand. My first experience with @FSWashington was thanks to a hashtag, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Read the hashtag story here.
2. The Jefferson Experience
Thank Thomas Jefferson. Not only was Thomas Jefferson an architect, diplomat, and third president of the United States, this Founding Father is the inspiration for one of the most lux hotels I’ve ever spent the night. Built in 1923, The Jefferson is perfectly located in D.C. for sightseeing and playing politics. More info here.
3. Meet me downtown.
At The Hay-Adams, which offers the best view of the city. The architecture celebrates the Italian Renaissance style. If those walls could talk, what history lessons they could teach. Tip: This is the time to put the Fourth of July @hayadamshotel on your calendar (and make the reservation!). With this hotel’s viewscape, the fireworks show will be unbelievable. Dinner reservations will afford the same show.
4. Sleep where George Washington slept.
Have you heard about @thegeorgeofoldtown? You can Airbnb in a property once owned by George Washington. We were lucky to score the George Washington suite the first time staying at an Airbnb. Since I know the area, it was easy and fun to explore the area at a staycation stay. Perfect for an out-of-town wedding party to stay! With presidential suites available to the parents of the bride or groom (or bridesmaids or groomsmen), to the fun attic room for the flower girls or boys, there is a perfect space for everyone @thegeorgeofoldtown Airbnb in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Here’s a special tip: @thegeorgeoldtown is two blocks away from a few of my favorite restaurants.
1. Landini Brothers on King Street.
Great food, check. Including dessert, wine, and ambiance, check, check, and check! With its Tuscan-inspired menu and exposed brick walls, Landini Brothers offers old world romance in an updated setting. You may see faces dining next you that you’ve only seen on a television screen previously.
2. Gadsby Tavern on Royal Street.
Gadsby has been serving since 1770. Needless to say, the style is colonial, and a visit is a history lesson unto itself. There’s also Gadsby’s Tavern Museum for extra credit. The museum does an excellent job of recreating the role of a tavern in 18th century society. Not only were taverns a place for travelers to eat, they served as public meeting spots, gave the opportunity to catch up on the latest news and gossip, provided privacy to seal business deals, and offered entertainment, among other social interactions. Some Gadsby Tavern history. There was a restaurant and a hotel in the late 1700s. Patrons included early presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison. The buildings faced demolition last century when the local American Legion, Post 24 bought them, enabling preservation. The city of Alexandria oversees the property and leases the retail space. Tip: The Prime Roast Beef and Brie Dipping Sandwich. Split it with a friend and perhaps order a salad to share to get some greens in your diet.
3. South Block Juice.
I Love the vibe at this place. My go-to order is their Super Green drink and their Acai bowl. I normally request for the almond milk in lieu of the pineapple juice (in hopes of cutting down the sugar intake).
The above is a short list of foodie recs for now. I will work to add more of my favorite good eats soon. Stay tuned. And hungry.
Mark your calendars
What’s the best time to visit the DMV area? The most popular is spring for the spectacular cherry blossom show. If you are lucky to catch the cherry blossoms in the spring, I offer the following research:
Cherry Blossoms Washington, D.C.’s the Place to Be Find the best viewing spots and how to get there, with or without a car. (Without a car is better.) Discover other cities with equally magnificent Cherry Blossoms on display. Synchronize your timing for the peak blossoms and beating the crowds.
What else to do in the Washington, D.C. area (DMV)? Plenty
Believe it or not, there is SO much more to the DMV than politics. Art, for one. And not just portraits of the Founding Fathers and Betsy Ross. For starters, check out Virginia’s Mosaic District to take in 10 Fun Colorful Wall Murals in One Location.
Grab your camera (phone is OK) and create perfect Instagram vignettes no matter what the season.
Get specifics at Tis the Season: 10 Reasons to Visit Washington, D.C. (DMV) for a Perfect Instagramable Moment.
See how D.C. grows. Not to brag, but my hometown has wonderful public and private gardens of the educational, ornamental, demonstration, and historical varieties to visit. Plant your seeds at 10 Best Washington, D.C. Gardens and When to Visit Them.
How about the paths less traveled? Are you the type to venture from the well-worn tourist track to enjoy some quieter time at equally outstanding attractions? Washington, D.C. Gardens, Museums, and Estates off the Beaten Track is a must read.
Would love for you to share any delights you discover in the DMV. I’ll continue to share mine. Before I sign off, a couple of fun facts.
Did you know?
- George Washington is one of only two presidents whose face appears on a U.S. bill and coin.
- On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States, according to whitehouse.gov.
I hope you will be able to visit my favorite D.C. jaunts. More to share with you in 2020. Safe travels!
