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INTRODUCTION
Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia), the capital of the United States of America, boasts a myriad of venues in which to explore American history, culture, and politics. Officially, the District of Columbia is a federal district containing the city of Washington, named after the first American president, George Washington. The District of Columbia is located between Maryland and Virginia, but is not considered a part of either state. As a city, the U.S. Congress officially governs it, but Congress allows the city to be run by a municipal government.
Washington, D.C., is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, largely because the city is full of some of the finest and most interesting museums, architecture, and governmental structures in the world. Truly a showpiece of American culture and history, it is a fascinating destination for both Americans as well as visitors from around the world.
White House
HISTORY
The District of Columbia was founded on July 16, 1790, by combining land from the borders of Maryland and Virginia. The name "Columbia" is a poetic reference to the United States' femininity. The District of Columbia was a planned city, which was initially made up of four sections. The city still goes along roughly with this plan, and is divided into four geographical quadrants with each quadrant equipped with its own personality and charm.
The original White House and much of D.C. were burned down by British forces during the War of 1812, but the city was later restored. In 1864 the American Confederate Army made a brief raid on D.C., but the city has never completely fallen into enemy hands.
During the twentieth century, the capital was host to several riots and marches sponsored by civil rights agitators and war protesters. The most popular site for these demonstrations was the National Mall, a national park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol and includes the Washington Monument. The tradition of using the park as a platform for public demonstrations continues to this day.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- The trick to making the most of a visit to D.C. lies in the planning. There is no way to see and do everything in a week or even two weeks, so travelers will be rewarded by reading up on attractions and prioritizing their itineraries accordingly. Most of Washington's museums offer free admission; however, tickets must be acquired early and return visits are subject to scheduled times. The best strategy is to decide ahead of time which museums are must-sees for your group of travelers. Many of Washington's most popular attractions are right on the Mall or within walking distance.
- D.C.'s excellent train system makes it easy to navigate the city. Between the red, blue, and yellow lines, visitors can use the trains to get to virtually all the landmarks in the city. The city also offers service from Union Station to the surrounding cities, including Baltimore and New York.
- The trains are ideal for navigating the city as parking in the capital can prove difficult, especially around the National Mall. Most metered spots have a two-hour limit, and while some parking lots are available, they do not accommodate larger vehicles and can charge upwards of $15 a day.
- If you visit in the spring, you will see the iconic cherry blossoms, a DC staple!
- If you want to go on a tour of the White House, you have to book at least 2 months in advanced, so plan ahead.
ATTRACTIONS
The White House
Smithsonian
The Pentagon
The Capitol
Independence Hall
National Mall
National Holocaust Memorial Museum
Kennedy Center
Library of Congress
US Supreme Court?
National Gallery of Art
National Air and Space Museum
International Spy Museum
National Archives
National Museum of American History
Arlington National Cemetery
World War II Memorial
International Wine and Food Festival
Filmfest DC
Eastern Market
Union Station
Newseum
Jazz in the Garden
RESTAURANTS
Las Tapas Restaurant
710 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703)836-4000
This restaurant offers the largest selection of Spanish tapas in Washington, D.C. To add to the Spanish ambiance, Flamenco dance performances on Tuesday and Thursday evenings make for an unforgettable dining experience.
http://www.lastapas.us/(approve sites)
Sushi Taro
1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202)462-8999
One of the best sushi places in Washington, D.C, the space is neatly designed, and the sushi is fresh and delicious.
http://www.sushitaro.com/(approve sites)
My Brother's Place
237 2nd St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202)347-1350
A hidden favorite among D.C. locals, this restaurant and bar is famous for its happy hour, starting at 4 p.m., when a beer starts at just a dollar and then increases in price by 25 cents each hour. Locals choose My Brother's Place for after-work drinks, and the delicious food as well.
http://www.mybrothersplacedc.net/(approve sites)
Ella's Wood Fired Pizza
901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202)638-3434
Although the aroma and taste of the wood fired pizza is mouth-watering, Ella's has much more to offer than that. They also serve an array of salads as well as small plates featuring innovative combinations unlikely to be found in other places: artichoke and fontina ravioli in basil butter, sliced melon with prosciutto, and suppli a telefono (mozzarella-filled risotto balls). If you do decide to order an individual or large pizza, try not to be overwhelmed by the selection of toppings: Ella's has over 30 choices!
http://www.ellaspizza.com/(approve sites)
Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202)667-0909
For a look at how the District was in the '50s, check out Ben's Chili Bowl on a busy night. The large neon "Home of the Famous Chili Dog" sign out front harks back to times gone by, as do the red 1950s-style bar stools and Formica counters. Even the music on the jukebox is retro (a mixture of Motown, Stax-Volt, reggae, and a few modern soul tunes thrown in). The staff is cheerful and efficient, a rarity in such a high-volume, high-turnover place.
http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/default.aspx(approve sites)
CityZen
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202)787-6006
Located in the deluxe Mandarin Oriental Hotel, CityZen's dining room is temple-like, accented by cathedral ceilings and low light. With a coterie of acolytes flitting back and forth between tables and kitchen, Chef Ziebold presents modern American cuisine in three menu variations: a three-course prix fixe menu, six-course chef’s tasting menu, and six-course vegetarian tasting menu.
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/dining/cityzen/(approve sites)
Capitol City Brewing Company
2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202)842-2337
Just steps from Union Station, Capitol City Brewing Company serves up its own brewed beer to accompany the salads, burgers, and pizza found on the menu. The restaurant has gotten mixed reviews but is popular in the summer for their happy hour specials.
http://www.capcitybrew.com/(approve sites)
LODGING
Hotel Rouge
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(800)738-1202
Hotel Rouge is a chic, glamorous boutique hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. Nestled along fashionable Embassy Row and just four blocks from DuPont Circle, the hotel is just steps away from exciting attractions, landmark monuments, famous museums, trendy shopping, historic theaters, popular restaurants, festive events, and exhilarating nightlife.
http://www.rougehotel.com/?utm_source=yelp&utm_medium=basic_listing&utm_campaign=milestone_yelp(approve sites)
D.C. Guesthouse
1337 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202)332-2502
A charming bed and breakfast with colorful decor, the Guesthouse boasts an impressive art collection that adds character to the house. Each of the unique rooms has a color theme, from the Gold Room to the new Cinnamon Room. The Guesthouse offers a free hearty breakfast and is situated just a short walk from the city center.
http://www.dcguesthouse.com/(approve sites)
Hay-Adams Hotel
1 Lafayette Square, 16th & H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202)638-6600
The Hay-Adams Hotel is as close as anyone can get to staying at the White House, short of being invited by the President. Originally designed in the 1920's as a residential hotel, the Hay-Adams carefully emulates the ambiance of a distinguished private mansion on Lafayette Square. **Hotel is closed for renovations June 20, 2010–October 20, 2010.**
http://www.hayadams.com/(approve sites)
Phoenix Park Hotel
520 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202)638-6900
America's center of Irish hospitality, Washington's Phoenix Park Hotel combines Celtic charm and a European ambiance with an ideal Capitol Hill location.
http://www.phoenixparkhotel.com/(approve sites)
Hilltop Hostel
300 Carroll St. NW, Washington DC, DC 20012
(202)291-9591
This suburban hostel offers excellent value and is located just seconds from the metro station.
http://www.hosteldc.com/(approve sites)
Hotel Helix
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005\\ (800)706-1202
Once you pass the sprawling mural outside, you will find yourself bombarded with vibrant colors and spiral patterns, making you feel as if you've walked into the center of a giant, swirling lollipop. This is the sort of place where you can't help but smile.
http://www.hotelhelix.com/(approve sites)
Donovan House Hotel
1155 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202)737-1200
The Donovan House Hotel is part of Thompson Hotels. The 126 rooms feature leather furniture, as well as cocoon spiral showers in the bathrooms. The roof of the hotel sports an outdoor pool and a bar, known as ADC (Above DC) overlooking 14th street. The first floor of the hotel features Zentan, an Asian cuisine restaurant offering sushi and sashimi.
http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/dc/donovan-house
PERSONAL STORIES
D.C. at Night by Amanda Torres
