DC Travel Tips - Washington DC Bed and Breakfast

Transcription

DC TRAVEL TIPS FROM DCINNS
DC is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city filled with incredible, world-class attractions. Many visitors don’t realize, for
example, that the Smithsonian is not a single museum – it is a collection of 19 museums located on the National
Mall and throughout the city – and they are all FREE and they are all open every single day of the year except
Christmas Day. Many visitors also don’t realize that Washington DC is much more than museums and
monuments. Washington DC is a great place to shop; we have excellent theater; outstanding live performance
venues; great neighborhoods to explore and enjoy; and fascinating one-time-only events going on every day of
the year. Be sure to plan enough time for your visit to Washington DC. We recommend a stay of 4-5 days to
really enjoy the city and some of the many things it has to offer.
CULTURAL TOURISM DC
FESTIVALS, LECTURES, CONCERTS, EMBASSY EVENTS, ETC OFF THE MALL
www.culturaltourismdc.org
DC is a living, cosmopolitan city, so interesting events are going on all the time. A GREAT source for unique
DC events that you might not find listed anywhere else is Cultural Tourism DC. Here you can find listings for
a French jazz trio at the Bohemian Caverns, (Duke Ellington’s old club), book signings at the Smithsonian,
concerts at the Austrian Embassy or the National Gallery of Art, lectures at the Kennedy Center, or films at
National Geographic, the Archives or the Library of Congress.
CULTURE CAPITAL – INSIDE SCOOP ON THINGS TO DO IN DC: www.culturecapital.com
Culture Capital is another great site for discovering interesting and entertaining one-time, one-of-a-kind DC
events. Check out the links on the left-hand side of Culture Capital’s home page for listings of special exhibits
in our major museums, lectures at the Smithsonian and the National Geographic, or films and concerts at the
Library of Congress. Don’t miss the “Free Events”, which, as the name implies, for an exciting list for free
things to do in DC.
SEATS OF POWER
WHITE HOUSE: www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events
The White House has always been a popular tourist destination. If you want to
visit the White House, you must request tickets through your Congressional office.
This process takes quite a bit of time, so you should make your request to your
Congressional office several months in advance of your planned arrival date in
DC. If you are an international tourist, contact your embassy in DC to inquire
about the possibility of a White House tour.
© 2014 DCInns www.dcinns.com - Washington, DC
UNITED STATES CAPITOL: www.visitthecapitol.gov
The US Capitol is open for tours Monday through Saturday and is a favorite item
on the sightseeing agenda. After watching hours of C-SPAN, it is a real thrill to see
the House and Senate chambers, get a look at your Congressmen and Senators in
person, and maybe even hear part of an historic debate. Our favorite part of the
tour involves an historic demonstration of eavesdropping that does not include
wiretapping! You can book your Capitol tour in advance by calling your
Congressional Representative’s office, or just get in line on the day you want to visit.
SUPREME COURT: www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/visitorservices.aspx
When you take a tour of the Supreme Court Monday thru Friday, you will see not
only the impressive and iconic building: you will see the highest court of the
United States in action. Part of the tour includes time spent in the chambers where
cases are argued before the justices. There have many been important and
controversial cases recently and many of our guests have been present in the
chambers for those historic arguments.
MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS
THE NATIONAL MALL: www.nps.gov/index.htm
The National Mall is essentially divided into two sections. From 14th Street east to the Capitol Building, the
Mall is devoted to museums. From 14th Street west to the Potomac River, and then across the river to Arlington
Cemetery, the Mall is devoted to monuments and memorials.
The monuments and memorials have two main themes. The first theme embraces the leaders and ideas that
have shaped this nation. The monuments and memorials in this group include the Washington Monument,
Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and FDR Memorial and the Martin Luther King Memorial. The second
theme concerns the wars in which Americans have fought and died. The memorials in this group include
Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the World War
II Memorial. The monuments and memorials are stunning by day, but we also recommend seeing them at
night, when their beauty is even more poignant and haunting.
To plan your visit to the monuments and memorials, go to the National Park Service website, and select “Find a
Park”. Choose the “by location” option and then choose “District of Columbia”. All of the Park Service
locations are listed with operating hours, entry fees (if any) and advance reservation options (if any). You can
pre-book tickets to the Washington Monument, which is really convenient and certainly beats standing in line
early in the morning to get a ticket!
NIGHT TOURS OF THE MONUMENTS
The monuments are impressive and moving by day, but by night they are even more somber, haunting, and
poignant. We highly recommend that you include a nighttime visit to the National Mall in your DC itinerary.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT: www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm
The Washington Monument, the iconic image of Washington DC and the tallest structure in the city, is
dedicated to our first president, George Washington. Because of its 555 foot height, the Memorial suffered
damage during a mild earthquake in 2011 and required extensive interior and exterior renovation. The
structure has recently been reopened, and visitors can once again check out the view from the top. Instructions
for booking advance tickets are found on the WAMO website. (Link above)
NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL: www.wwiimemorial.com
Dedicated on Memorial Day 2004, The World War II Memorial pays homage to the 16 million Americans who
served in our armed forces and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives in the defining conflict of the 20th
Century. As you look through the 56 pillars that surround a central fountain, you gaze on the somber visage of
Abraham Lincoln, who was president during America’s bloody and tragic Civil War, the defining conflict of the
19th Century. The WWII memorial is striking by day, and even more so at night. We highly recommend that
you include a nighttime viewing in your travel itinerary.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/linc
Possibly the most popular monument on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial features an iconic statue of a
somber Abraham Lincoln, looking exhausted and grieved by the Civil War that defined and consumed his time
in office. The walls of the memorial are engraved with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural
address. The words are powerful, moving, and sadly relevant to our current time. Many important events in
recent US history have taken place on the steps of this beloved memorial, including Martin Luther King’s “I
Have a Dream” speech, which was the highlight of the 1969 March on Washington.
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/vive
The Vietnam Memorial, or “the Wall”, as it is often called, is one of the most poignant memorials on the
National Mall. The heated controversy that surrounded its design and construction has faded away as millions
of visitors have been moved to tears by the simplicity and power of 58,000 names engraved on a continuous
slab of highly polished black granite. The Memorial has attracted so many gifts - including letters, flowers,
photographs, teddy bears and even a motorcycle - that an off-site archival facility now exists to house them.
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/kowa/index.htm
Another powerful memorial on the National Mall, the Korean War Memorial, portrays a 19-member squad on
night patrol. The 19 larger-than-life statues represent the four branches of the US military. Each member of the
squad is dressed in full combat gear, and the anxiety of a night patrol in hostile territory is palpable. Some
visitors have reported that the eyes of the statues actually glow in the dark, making the memorial even more
lifelike and haunting.
THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
The United Sates is a Jeffersonian democracy, and the 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Jefferson
Memorial is oriented so that his piercing eyes are fixed on the Oval Office in the White House. On the walls of
this memorial you can find excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson’s Bill for Establishing
Religious Freedom (1777). This memorial has perhaps the most beautiful setting of all of the memorials on the
Mall, overlooking the Tidal Basin with its ring of Cherry Trees. On a beautiful summer afternoon, you can take
a paddle boat out into the Tidal Basin and enjoy the view of this memorial from the water.
MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm
The newest of the memorials on the mall, the Martin Luther King Memorial is a fitting and powerful homage to
a man whose life, leadership and ideas had a powerful, positive and lasting impact on American history. The
design of the memorial is influenced by MLK’s words in his “I Have a Dream” speech: “Out of the mountain of
despair, a stone of hope.” The 450-foot inscription wall includes quotes from MLK’s writings, sermons and
speeches, including our favorite: “We shall overcome, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it
bends toward justice.”
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL: www.nps.gov/frde/index.htm
This 7 ½ acre memorial celebrates FDR’s 12 years and 4 terms as President of the United States. Each term is
represent by an outdoor “room”, featuring, beautiful sculptures and bas reliefs. Among the most poignant are
the Bread Line, showing haggard men, hats in hands, waiting patiently for a handout of bread. As with all the
memorials, the words engraved in stone are powerful and as relevant today as they were in the Depression or
during World War II. And as always, one leaves the memorials wondering why we never take these words to
heart.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
Arlington National Cemetery, located across the majestic Arlington Memorial Bridge in Virginia, is the final
resting place of more than 400,000 members of the American Armed Forces and their families. The site was the
home of Robert E. Lee, the leading Confederate General during the Civil War, and his wife, Mary Anna Custis
Lee. The Lee’s abandoned the property at the beginning of the war and moved to Richmond. The Union Army
used the Lee mansion as its headquarters, and to ensure that the Lee family would never move back into the
house, they buried Union war dead all the way up to the front door. Be sure to take the National Park Service
bus tour of Arlington. The stories you will hear are rich and exciting, and the bus will take you to the Kennedy
gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and, of course, the Lee mansion
MUSEUMS
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS: www.si.edu/Museums
Washington DC is full of world-class museums, many of them given as gifts to the American people by
visionary donors. The Smithsonian Institution, with its 19 museums and many research facilities, was
established through a gift given to the people of the United States by an Englishman named James Smithson.
Smithson’s instructions were to establish an institution for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge among
men”. To accomplish this worthy purpose, all Smithsonian museums are FREE, and they are OPEN EVERY
SINGLE DAY of the year except Christmas Day.
NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM: www.airandspace.si.edu
Remember when you wanted to grow up and be a pilot or an astronaut? This museum will recapture that
feeling and rekindle that flame through spectacular exhibits and exhilarating IMAX films. Among the 60,000
items in the museum’s collection, you will see the original Wright Brothers’ Spirit of Saint Louis, the Apollo 11
Command Module, and the Apollo Lunar Module.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY: www.americanhistory.si.edu
A few days in Washington DC will make it very clear that history is NOT boring! From the 1963 March on
Washington, to the First Ladies Inaugural gowns, to Julia Child’s kitchen, to the original Star Spangled Banner
and George Washington’s uniform, this museum demonstrates that history is not only the big events, it’s also
the everyday events that shape our lives.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: www.naturalhistory.si.edu
Full disclosure! This museum is our family favorite. Our dad spent almost 50 years at the Natural History
Museum, most of them as Curator of the Meteorite and Tektite Collection. In addition to seeing his “space
debris”, you can see fascinating exhibits on gems and minerals, the oceans, and human origins.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN: www.nmai.si.edu/home
Enjoy soaring architecture as you explore American Indian cultures from the Northern and Southern
hemispheres – and plan to stay for lunch! You can try tribal foods and regional specialties like the bison burger,
buffalo chili, and plank-smoked salmon in the excellent Mitisitam Cafe. The Café is the only American Indian
restaurant we are aware of anywhere in the Washington Metro Area and it is not to be missed!
THE CASTLE – SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUILDING:
www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building
The Castle is the original Smithsonian building, and originally housed the vast mineral collection and all of the
personal, scientific journals that were part of James Smithson’s bequest to the people of the United States.
Unfortunately, the building suffered a catastrophic fire in 1865 and all of Smithson’s personal journals and
collections were lost. The only artifacts remaining of the Smithsonian’s founder are a portrait hanging in the
National Portrait Gallery, and his grave, which is located on the National Mall. Today, this beautiful Renwickdesigned building houses the Smithsonian Information Center, the Institution’s administrative offices and the
Castle Café - a great place to have a light meal and grab free Wi-Fi.
HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN:
www.hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/ - collection=home
This unique donut-shaped building houses amazing collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as a
spectacular sculpture garden. Plan to spend some time in the garden contemplating Auguste Rodin’s Burghers
of Calais and the Giacometti bronzes.
FREER + SACKLER GALLERIES: www.asia.si.edu
The Freer and Sackler Galleries house the Smithsonian’s fabulous collections of Asian art, including ancient and
modern, sacred and secular works from India, China, Japan, Iran, and the Near East. They also house an
extensive collection of works by the American artist James McNeil Whistler. These works include the Peacock
Room, which was designed for a British industrialist to showcase his collection of Chinese porcelains. This
peripatetic room-sized display case has moved from London, to the Detroit home of Charles Lang Freer, one of
the museum’s two major benefactors, to Washington DC. Not many rooms have so many frequent flyer miles!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART: www.africa.si.edu
The Museum of African art showcases the rich and diverse artistic traditions of the African Continent. The
museum was originally located at the Frederick Douglas House in DC, and was transferred to its own building
on the National Mall in 1979. Both the Museum of African Art and the Sackler Gallery have the unusual
distinction of being almost completely underground!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE (COMING 2016!!)
www.africanamerican.si.edu
This long-awaited museum will open its doors to the public in 2016, but you can get a sneak preview of its
exhibits in the African American Museum Hall at the Museum of American History. The new museum will
house extensive collections showcasing both the tragedies and the triumphs of the African American
experience. The building, which is currently under construction, already houses some critically important
artifacts, including the Jim Crow Railway Car and the Angola Prison Guard Tower.
NATIONAL PROTRAIT GALLERY/SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART
www.npg.si.edu & www.americanart.si.edu
A fabulous addition to the Smithsonian’s 19 museums is the newly renovated National Portrait
Gallery/Smithsonian Museum of American Art, located at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro exit. Many
guests who hear about this museum look a bit skeptical and put it at the bottom of their “to see” list, but we
would urge you to move it up near the top. This huge new museum is not stuffy at all. It is contemporary in
tone and style and is bringing the art of portraiture to a whole new generation. And it’s one of the few
museums anywhere in the world that lets you into the “storage area” to see the thousands of items that aren’t
on display.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART: www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb.html
A gift given to the people of the United States by financier Andrew Mellon, the National Gallery of Art is a
national and international treasure, and you can easily spend weeks enjoying this superb and voluminous
collection. It is an amazing thing to be walking quietly through a room filled with paintings and come face to
face with Van Gogh’s Self Portrait or Renoir’s Girl with a Watering Can. Even if you have seen these images
many times in print, seeing them in person just takes your breath away. And while you’re there, shop in the
incredible gift shop and have lunch in the rotunda or the lower level cafeteria.
EAST WING OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART: In the National Gallery’s EAST WING, an elegant
contemporary structure by the noted architect I. M. Pei, you can’t miss the huge Calder mobile that dominates
the atrium. Unfortunately, this is about all you can see for the next couple of years. The museum is currently
under renovation and only the atrium is open at this time. The EAST WING will re-open in 2016 with two new
towers connected by an outdoor sculpture garden that will overlook Pennsylvania Avenue.
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM: www.ushmm.org
The most powerful and heartbreaking museum on the Mall, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, is a
testimony to human triumph over unthinkable evil. The capacity of men and governments to destroy human
lives certainly did not stop with the Holocaust, and the Museum’s bold and intimate examination of this
terrible tragedy is focused on the hope that those who understand history will not be destined to repeat it.
Everything about the Museum, from the descending spiral of its architecture, to the passport you receive when
you begin your tour, to the pile of victims’ shoes is haunting and profoundly moving. Not focused exclusively
on the past, the Museum also shines a spotlight on current world tragedies.
NEWSEUM: www.newseum.org
Calling all political junkies, news hounds, historians, citizens of the world, and students of media, culture, the
arts, science, technology – and just about everything else you can think of! We hope that covers all of you,
because we want everyone to visit The Newseum, Washington’s exciting new museum of news and media. The
Newseum is owned and operated by the Freedom Forum, a non-partisan foundation dedicated to America’s
First Amendment rights and freedoms. In this age of failing newspapers, The Newseum is a powerful reminder
of the absolutely vital role of a free press in a free society. Entry tickets cost $23 per person – we sell them for
the discounted price of $20 per person - and the experience is worth every penny! FYI, the tickets are good for
two consecutive days, which will allow you sufficient time to contemplate exhibits showcasing Pulitzer Prize
winning photos, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the tragedy of 911.
*There are five rights/freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Can you name
them all?
OTHER FAVORITE ATTRACTIONS
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: www.loc.gov/visit
The Library of Congress is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, DC and we highly recommend
that you include this stop on your sightseeing agenda. It is a shame to go to the Library of Congress and not be
able to get into the reading rooms, so why not plan to do something unique to Washington and Library of
Congress library card. Plan to visit the Genealogy Reading Room and dig into your family’s history. Be sure to
see Thomas Jefferson’s Library and the Gutenberg Bible.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
www.archives.gov/museum/visit/?p=//nae/visit/index.html
The National Archives houses the original copies of the Declaration of
Independence, The Constitution of the Unites States and the Bill of Rights. Like the
original works of art at the National Gallery, it really doesn’t matter how many
times you have seen printed copies of these great contributions to human government: seeing them in person is
breathtaking! The Archives holds millions of records in addition to the “Big 3″, and the Public Vaults highlight
a thousand or more records of various kinds at any given time. The records on display in the Public Vaults
show the depth and breadth of the Archives’ collections and provide a fascinating portrait of American life.
Working on your family genealogy? You will definitely want to check out the resources available to you at the
National Archives.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING: www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/washingtondctours.html
Who says the government doesn’t have a sense of humor? What other government agency boasts a web
address that reads “moneyfactory.org”. In the case of the agency that prints our money, the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing, the description is true. They really are the government’s “money factory”. And you
are invited to tour the “factory”. Unfortunately, they don’t pass out free samples!
WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL: www.nationalcathedral.org
Within easy walking distance of the Woodley Park Guest House, and a beautiful (longer) walk or quick bus ride
up Massachusetts Avenue from Embassy Circle Guest House, the Washington National Cathedral is a favorite
stop for our guests. The Cathedral offers many touring options, including guided and self-guided tours, garden
tours, Tour and Tea, Behind the Scenes tours and Gargoyle tours. Whichever tour you take, be sure to take the
elevator to the 7th floor observation tower for an excellent view of the city and its environs … and if you enjoy
liturgical music, check the Cathedral’s calendar for organ and choral recitals.
NATIONAL ZOO: www.nationalzoo.si.edu
Did you know that the National Zoo – a short 10 minute walk from the Woodley Park Guest House and one
Metro station and a short 10 minute walk from Embassy Circle Guest House – is also part of the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian National Zoo is a great place for both children and adults, with its giant pandas, including the
new baby panda cub, Bao-Bao, great cats, and a “Think Tank” full of pretty smart orangutans. The zoo opens
early, and with its miles of pathways from Connecticut Avenue to Beach Drive
in Rock Creek Park, it is a popular route for runners and walkers.
THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION: www.phillipscollection.org
The Phillips Collection, located in Dupont Circle, is one of the world’s great,
private art collections. Duncan Phillips opened his home/gallery in 1921, a
memorial to his brother who died in the great flu epidemic, as the first modern art gallery in the United States.
The Phillips is the home of Renoir’s Boating Party, the Rothko Room and many other impressionist to modern
masterpieces. They are open late on Thursday evenings and they host great Sunday afternoon concerts.
Because the Phillips Collection is a private museum, there is a small entry fee.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS: www.nmwa.org
This beautiful museum, located at 13th and New York Avenue, NW, celebrates women artists, and the often
overlooked contributions they have made to the arts over the past centuries. It’s not surprising to hear of
women artists in the modern era, but many of us are quite surprised to find out that there have always been
outstanding women artists - in all eras. Unfortunately, they were largely hidden from public view, as their
artistic pursuits and expressions were considered radical, unorthodox, dangerous, and perhaps most
importantly, unladylike. Women who are free to express themselves are dangerous, indeed!
NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM: www.nbm.org
The National Building Museum, housed in an architecturally spectacular building at the Judiciary Square Metro
Station, is one of DC almost-hidden treasures. The museum explores the topics of architecture, engineering and
design, with exhibits that are both fun and instructional. For example, the museum has the world’s largest
collection of architectural toys!
FORD’S THEATRE: www.fordstheatre.org
Abraham Lincoln was sitting in a box a Ford’s Theatre enjoying a performance the night he was assassinated.
Today, the Ford’s Theatre provides tours of the historic site and hosts a library and museum about Abraham
Lincoln – all while continuing to function as a modern theater.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: www.events.nationalgeographic.com/events/national-geographic-museum
You have probably enjoyed National Geographic magazine your whole life! Now here’s your chance to visit
the exciting National Geographic Museum in downtown Washington, DC. National Geographic is a worldrenowned scientific and educational institution, and the museum reflects this breadth with dynamic exhibits
focusing on exploration, cultural anthropology and concern for our environment. They also host great lectures,
films and events.
THE INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM: www.spymuseum.org
Who was a spy? You’re kidding? This is a revealing museum on a largely hidden profession – espionage.
You’ll be amazed to find out who was a spy, and the profound influence espionage has on world events. And
where else can you find Board members that include the CIA’s former Chief of Disguise and the KGB’s former
Chief of Foreign Counterintelligence?
UDVAR HAZY CENTER: www.airandspace.si.edu/visit/udvar-hazy-center
Located about 30 miles outside of DC near Dulles Airport, this incredible companion to the National Air and
Space Museum features the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Gemini 7 Space Capsule, an Air France Concord, the
Enola Gay, and the SR71 Blackbird among many other civilian and military air and spacecraft. It’s definitely
easier to get to this museum if you have a car, but you can also get there through a combination of public
transportation options. If you have a late afternoon flight out of Dulles Airport, this is a great way to spend a
few hours the day of your departure. You can take the shuttle from Dulles Airport to the Museum and stow
your carryon luggage in lockers provided at the museum. If you have larger suitcases that won’t fit into the
lockers, you will need to roll them around with you during your visit.
MANSIONS AND GARDENS
UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN: www.usbg.gov
This beautiful greenhouse on the National Mall is a living plant museum. This is a must-see for every gardener
who visits Washington DC. The Botanic Garden was the vision of our first President and Gentleman Farmer,
George Washington. It was established in 1820 and has been in continuous operation since 1850. Our favorite
exhibit is the spectacular orchid collection and the “rooms”. The Botanic Garden hosts great summer concerts!
Check their website for details.
DUMBARTON OAKS MUSEUM AND GARDENS: www.doaks.org
Dumbarton Oaks is a delightfully serene escape from the city, located right within the city. Take your time and
explore the various pathways that wind through unique gardens featuring beautiful fountains and wall mosaics.
The museum (free admission) is also worth a visit. The permanent collection features byzantine and preColumbian art, rare books, and a beautiful textile collection. Check the website for a current list of special
exhibitions.
HILLWOOD ESTATE: www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Hillwood Estate, the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, advertises itself as the place “Where Fabulous
Lives”. We have to agree! The estate is fabulous. Mrs. Post left her estate to the Smithsonian when she died,
along with a generous bequest that has funded the ongoing operation and maintenance of the property and the
preservation and expansion of her extensive private art collection. The collection includes Russian icons,
fabulous paintings, Faberge eggs and porcelain, as well as fashion and jewelry. The 25 acres of landscaped
gardens are spectacular and should not be missed.
TUDOR PLACE HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS: www.tudorplace.org
Tudor Place is located in the heart of Georgetown. Once home to descendants of George Washington, the estate
is now a nationally recognized museum featuring over 5 acres of lawns and beautiful gardens. The guided tour
of the house is especially worthwhile for a unique look inside Washington, DC history. Be sure to take in the
view of the Potomac River.
MOUNT VERNON ESTATE: www.mountvernon.org
George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, 20 miles south of Washington DC, is a beautiful place to spend a
day. The house and the outbuildings have been meticulously maintained, giving you an intimate sense of life
on a grand estate in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and as you stand on George Washington’s back porch,
looking out over the Potomac River, you are seeing the same view that our first president saw. There are
several ways to get to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The estate is approximately 20 miles away
by car. A very popular option is to take a cruise(mid-March through October, only on select days) along the
Potomac River from the SW Waterfront to the estate. Another unique way to reach Mt. Vernon is by bike, or a
bike and cruise combination. Mount Vernon is also accessible by public transportation via a combination of
metro and city bus.
FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Washington DC is a city known for its free festivals, special events and neighborhood celebrations. Guests from
around the world travel to the city every spring to experience the beauty of the National Cherry Blossom
Festival. Thousands of tourist and locals lather on sunscreen and gather on the National Mall to celebrate our
nation’s independence every 4th of July. This annual birthday party culminates with the country’s most
spectacular fireworks display majestically set against the backdrop of the Washington Monument. Here’s a
listing of our hometown favorites:
FEBRUARY-MARCH: DC INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL: www.dciff-indie.org
MARCH-APRIL: NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Washington, DC welcomes the arrival of spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a tradition that
showcases the beautiful gift of 3,000 cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital. The
National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 cultural
performances and over 90 other special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something
for everyone to enjoy!
MARCH-APRIL: BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
The Blossom Kite Festival is an annual event that is traditionally a part of the festivities at the National Cherry
Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Kite enthusiasts show off their skills and compete
for awards in over 36 categories including aerodynamics, beauty, box, and humor. The Smithsonian’s Kite
Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Washington, DC and features kite fliers from across the
U.S. and the world.
APRIL: SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW: www.smithsoniancraftshow.org
The Smithsonian Craft Show is an exhibit of 120 exceptional craft artists, representing works in ceramics,
decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, basketry, and wood.
This is your opportunity to purchase items from the most prestigious exhibition of contemporary American
crafts in the nation, and a great opportunity to see the exquisite National Building Museum as well.
APRIL: FILMFEST DC: www.filmfestdc.org
MAY: PASSPORT DC: www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/passport-dc1
A month-long celebration including 4 major events: Around the World Embassy Tour; Shortcut to Europe:
European Union Embassies’ Open House; Embassy Chef Challenge; and the National Asian Heritage Festival:
Fiesta Asia Street Fair.
MAY: NATIONAL CATHEDRAL FLOWER MART: www.allhallowsguild.org/fm/come.html
The National Cathedral Flower Mart is Washington, DC’s annual outdoor festival for garden enthusiasts and
families. Each year one of Washington’s embassies is honored. The 2008 event celebrates the centennial of the
National Cathedral. Details will be announced as the date approaches. The Flower Mart encircles Washington
National Cathedral with its tents and includes more than 50 booths offering gardening items, handbags,
jewelry, and more. Food vendors will be stationed throughout the grounds with fare including Asian
specialties, pizza, BBQ, Cajun cuisine, lobster rolls, Italian sausage, fried mushrooms and artichoke hearts.
JUNE: AFI DOCS – DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL: www.afi.com/afidocs
JUNE: DC JAZZ FESTIVAL: www.dcjazzfest.org
JUNE-JULY: SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL: www.folklife.si.edu/
Open daily 11 AM to 5:30 PM. Evening events at 6 PM
The Smithsonian Folk Life Festival is a special annual event sponsored each June-July by the Smithsonian
Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage celebrating living cultural traditions from around the world. The
Folk Life Festival includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking
demonstrations, storytelling, and discussions of cultural issues.
JULY 4TH: NATIONAL MALL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION:
www.dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm & www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/home
The nation’s premier Independence Day holiday celebration, A Capitol Fourth concert and show includes an
evening of patriotic and uplifting music followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington
Monument.
AUGUST: DC RESTAURANT WEEK: www.ramw.org/restaurantweek
SEPTEMBER: WALKINGTOWN DC: www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/walkingtown-dc
DECEMBER: NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE:
dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/ChristmasTree.htm
NEIGHBORHOODS WORTH VISITING
Washington DC is a city of great neighborhoods, and they are fun to explore during the day or in the evening!
Look for interesting boutiques, great restaurants, sidewalk cafés, bookstores, and coffee shops.
DUPONT CIRCLE (Metro Red Line – Dupont Circle Station)
Dupont Circle is a vibrant, iconic, cosmopolitan community located in the heart of Washington DC. A visit to
Dupont Circle will find you surrounded by beautiful historic homes, stunning embassies and ambassadorial
residences, and small art galleries. Connecticut Avenue, the long commercial corridor that runs through
Dupont Circle, is filled with restaurants, sidewalk cafes, book stores, coffee shops, boutiques - and on Sundays,
DC’s incredible, organic farmer’s market.
The Circle itself is a friendly and inviting public space – large enough for hundreds of people to participate in
winter snowball fights, compete in outdoor chess competitions, enjoy group yoga classes, watch the World Cup
on the huge video monitor, or listen to a musical performance by talented street musicians.
Some of the neighborhood gems that should not be missed include the Phillips Collection private art gallery,
Woodrow Wilson House, a stroll along Embassy Row, and Sunday’s Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market. Also,
don’t miss the opportunity to browse the collections of two of the city’s best independent bookstores: Second
Story Books and Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café.
WOODLEY PARK (Metro Red Line – Woodley Park/Zoo/Addams Morgan Metro Station)
Woodley Park is a beautiful, walkable neighborhood that offers the safety and serenity of a leafy, upscale
enclave coupled with the incredible convenience and vibrancy of downtown Washington DC. Woodley Park is
home to both the National Zoo and National Cathedral, which are just a short walk from the Woodley Park
Guest House. Bordered by beautiful Rock Creek Park, Woodley Park is a walker’s and runner’s paradise.
Washington’s largest convention hotels, the Marriott Wardman Park, the Omni Shoreham, and the Washington
Hilton, bring people from around the world to enjoy the neighborhood’s many restaurants and sidewalk cafes,
which feature a variety of ethnic cuisines and American favorites, including Lebanese, French, Italian, Indian,
Afghani, Irish and Cajun. A short walk across the beautiful Taft Bridge with its imposing lions at either end
takes you to Dupont Circle, and the popular Adams Morgan neighborhood is located just a short walk across
the Duke Ellington Bridge.
ADAMS MORGAN
Adams Morgan is an eclectic, artistic enclave and a go-to destination for nightlife in DC. Historically, Adams
Morgan was the melting pot for international immigrants living in the city. This cosmopolitan vibe is still very
much in evidence in the variety of ethnic restaurants, bars, live music venues, dance clubs, and unique clothing
and accessory boutiques.
Adams Morgan is within easy walking distance of both the Woodley Park Guest House and the Embassy Circle
Guest House. A daytime stroll allows you to take advantage of the many funky consignment shops, high end
ladies clothing boutiques, ethnic souvenir outlets, bookstores, music shops and more. For lunch you have your
pick of excellent Ethiopian, French, Middle Eastern, West African, Brazilian, Central American, or North
American cuisines. After dinner, stroll 18th Street and enjoy live jazz and blues, Cuban and salsa dancing,
Korean style karaoke, up-tempo dance music, and more.
U STREET
When Washingtonians mention “U Street”, we are referring to the 700 – 1700 blocks of U Street NW, as well as
the surrounding neighborhood. During the first half of the 20th century, U Street was the cultural hub for DC’s
African American residents. “Black Broadway” as U Street was known, predates the Harlem Renaissance and
was home to some of America’s most distinguished jazz musicians, intellects and artists. Today there are still
traces of DC’s renowned entertainment history in some of the city’s most popular jazz clubs, music halls,
theaters and restaurants.
In addition to great music of varying genres, today’s U Street corridor is home to many fun clothing boutiques,
the historic Howard and Lincoln theaters, the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial, historic
landmarks, and several popular restaurants. If you are strolling along U Street midday or late night, it is
common to notice a long line leading to Ben’s Chili Bowl – a DC Institution that serves casual fare such as its
famous smoked sausage. U Street is an easy one-mile walk from both the Woodley Park Guest House and the
Embassy Circle Guest House. There is also a metro station in the heart of the neighborhood.
GEORGETOWN
Great shopping, good food, abundant history and a really cool waterfront make Georgetown a very popular
DC neighborhood. A visit to Georgetown is a distinct reminder that this neighborhood was a thriving port
town well before Washington DC was created to serve as the nation’s capital. Through the years, Georgetown
has retained its distinct character highlighted by cobblestone sidewalks and streets, federalist architecture,
historic row houses and churches.
Enjoy a walking tour of Georgetown, as practically every block features a fascinating point of history. It truly
takes an enthusiastic history buff turned professional tour guide to recognize and tell the stories of the
hundreds of historic buildings (Georgetown’s history is so much more than just the private home of the
Kennedys.) It is also easy to spend an entire day exploring the campus of Georgetown University, visiting the
graceful gardens of Dumbarton Oaks and Tudor Place, shopping along Wisconsin Avenue and M Street,
enjoying a sumptuous meal, or strolling the waterfront.
CAPITOL HILL/EASTERN MARKET
The term Capitol Hill is often synonymous with the US Capitol buildings and seat of the United States
Government. But if you ask a Washingtonian, Capitol Hill also brings to mind the historic neighborhood which
lies east of the US Capitol grounds. Similar to Georgetown, Capitol Hill is a largely residential neighborhood
lined with stylish row houses and historic churches.
In addition to a distinct ambiance, remarkable architecture, and a history of famous residents, visitors head to
Capitol Hill for the excellent restaurants located along Pennsylvania Avenue SE and 8th Street SE. The DC
Marine Corps Barracks gives 8th Street SE its distinctive nickname, Barracks Row. This vibrant stretch of
restaurants and sidewalk cafes is a great place for week-end brunch, lunch or dinner. Eastern Market is always
a worthwhile excursion, especially on weekends. The part-outdoor/part-indoor farmer’s market and flea
market is great for finding unique art and handmade crafts, local in-season produce and seafood, and a
delectable, inexpensive lunch. If your DC trip won’t be complete without a celebrity sighting, Capitol Hill is
definitely your spot. The Hill restaurants and bars provide great people-watching and celebrity-spotting
opportunities.
SHOPPING
There’s no need to wait until you get to NYC to start shopping. Plan to spend a day or more exploring some of
DC’s shopping hotspots. Whether you’re a luxury shopper looking for expensive designer boutiques or a
bargain shopper looking for deep discounts, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Washington DC. And
if you’re feeling a little guilty about missing a museum or two while you spend time shopping, just think of it
as spending time in the Living Museum of American Commerce!
Great places to shop include:
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown is home to some of DC’s wealthiest residents and some of the city’s most budget conscious college
students. What we love about Georgetown is that there are shops and restaurants that cater to both groups
from elite “appointment only” boutiques to the hipster college student bargain shops. The heart of the
Georgetown shopping district, within easy walking distance of our Embassy Circle Guest House, is located at
Wisconsin and M Streets, NW. Need a new iPad, gifts for the kids, or some great clothing and accessories for
yourself – Georgetown has it! And when you’ve finished shopping and need lunch, dinner, a glass of wine or a
cup of coffee, Georgetown has lots of options for you to choose from.
METRO CENTER
Did you forget your blue blazer, leave your best black dress shoes at home, or arrive in DC while your luggage
remains on the tarmac in Chicago? If so, there is great shopping just a few Metro shops away at Metro Center.
Metro Center, just blocks from the White House and the National Mall, offers a collection of well-known and
well-loved stores that appeal to a broad cross section of shoppers. Metro Center’s anchor store is Macy’s, the
quintessential American department store that carries everything you need – including new suitcases to carry
your purchases back home. Whether you are looking for Black Tie for the Presidential Inauguration or a pair of
running shoes so you can hit the trails in Rock Creek Park, Macy’s will have it - and there’s a good chance that
it will be on sale! For the younger, hipper set, Metro Center offers H & M, Forever 21, Zara, J. Crew,
Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor, and the one-of-a-kind Upstairs on 7th. As we said, there’s
something for everyone!
CITY CENTER
Historically, downtown DC offered the best shopping in the region, with high-end stores that catered to ladies
and gentlemen of fashion and leisure. With the advent of huge new suburban communities, stores that had
clothed and accessorized DC’s elite for generations moved to the suburbs, or closed altogether. City Center has
decided to turn back the clock and bring that high-end retail ambiance and vibe back to downtown DC with
such ultra-high-end stores as Tumi, Burberry and Kate Spade. It’s a fun place to shop, even if you don’t intend
to buy.
CONNECTICUT AVE CORRIDOR
You will find some great shopping opportunities as you stroll the Connecticut Avenue corridor, including
Rizik’s, Brooks Brothers, Thomas Pink, Burberry and DC’s favorite jewelry store, Tiny Jewel Box. In additional
to high-end shopping options, you can find outstanding bargain shopping at the huge, newly opened
Nordstrom Rack. Find your favorite designer labels at deep discounts, or treat yourself to (yet) another pair of
shoes!
FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
There’s no need to go to New York City for great shopping. All the great stores and boutiques of Fifth Avenue
are right here in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington DC. Need a little retail therapy? You’ll
find over 100 stores lining this one mile expanse of Wisconsin Avenue, including Niemen Marcus, Saks Fifth
Avenue, Tiffany’s, Jimmy Choo, Barney’s, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. If your are looking for something a little
more down to earth you can check out Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Eileen Fisher, J. Crew or Chico’s. And
for bargains – and who doesn’t love a great bargain – you’ll find Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx and Designer Shoe
Warehouse (DSW).
THE FASHION CENTER AT PENTAGON MALL:
Whether you’re a veteran of the American shopping mall or you‘re brand new to this experience, a day at
Pentagon City, as this mall is called, can be both productive and entertaining. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon
City houses 170 stores, including Nordstrom and Macy’s, Apple and Microsoft, Kate Spade and Michael Kors.
This shopping hub is easily assessable via the Blue Line Metro and is open 7 days a week. If you need to take
gifts home to the family or you want to check out the latest fashion trends, you’ll find everything under one
roof at Pentagon City.
U STREET
This hipster neighborhood is home to hundreds of young, recent college grads who have come to DC to start
their careers and make a name for themselves, and the stores that line U St reflect the youthfulness, edginess
and eco-friendly ethos of this neighborhood. Although we don’t quite fit in the hipster category these days, we
love many of these eclectic U St stores, including Caramel, Lettie Gooch, ShoeFly and Miss Pixie’s
KENSINGTON ANTIQUE ROW
We have a passion for antiques and our favorite place to shop is Antique Row in Kensington, Md. It’s located
about six miles from Dupont Circle. It’s not easily accessible via public transportation, however, the beautiful,
high quality merchandise and the reasonable prices could well warrant a cab ride up Connecticut Avenue.
There you can visit Goldsborough Glynn – Classic Furnishings and Finds. This is our FAVORITE shop and you
will find lots of Goldsborough Glynn furniture and furnishings at both the Embassy Circle Guest House and
the Woodley Park Guest House. Sisters Margaret Goldsborough and Susan Glynn have creatively filled their
beautiful store with gorgeous antique furniture, eye catching art, a unique selection of Persian and hand
knotted wool rugs and, for a purchase that fits nicely into your suitcase, a great collection of antique jewelry.
DC THEATER SCENE
DC is a great theater town. Whether you prefer musicals, comedies, or thought-provoking drama, you will find
great choices being offered by our many, talented theater companies. In order to help you explore the DC
theater scene, we have highlighted several of our favorite theater venues, a great theater blog that will
introduce you to many more venues, and, of course, links to cheap tickets. Enjoy!
GOLDSTAR – Half-price tickets
http://www.goldstar.com/washington-dc/events/?page=2&category_id=9&mode=infinite
TICKETPLACE: Half-price tickets
http://culturecapital.tix.com
DC THEATER SCENE: http://dctheatrescene.com
DCTheaterScene.com advertises itself as “DC’s Liveliest Theater Blog”. We can’t argue with that. You can find
just about everything you need to plan a great theater evening on this one site, including links to cheap tickets,
dining suggestions near various theaters, etc.
WASHINGTON POST THEATER & DANCE:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/theater-dance/
Another great choice to find out what is going on in the DC Theater & Dance scene.
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: www.kennedy-center.org
Your choices in live entertainment are almost unlimited at the Kennedy Center. Enjoy the symphony, theater,
Broadway musicals, ballet, jazz, the opera, or any number of international and contemporary art forms. Just
check the calendar on the Center’s website to see what’s happening at the Kennedy Center on the dates you will
be in DC. Be sure to take a look at the schedule of MILLENIUM STAGE performances every day of the week at
6 PM. The rich and varied Millennium Stage programs are the Kennedy Center’s free gift to you!
ARENA STAGE at the Mead Center for American Theater: http://www.arena-stage.org
Next to the Kennedy Center, the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theate is the largest performing
arts complex in the city. Arena Stage houses three intimate theaters: The Fichandler Stage, the Kreeger Theater,
and the Kogod Cradle. The mission of this visionary, local and national force in American Theater is stated
beautifully on their website: “Our focus is on American artists. We produce and present all that is passionate,
exuberant, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit.” Now that’s a recipe for a great evening of
theater!
THEATER J: www.washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/theater-j
Theater J, located close to the Embassy Circle Guest House in the DC JCC, presents powerful, thoughtprovoking theater focusing on topics of historic and current interest to DC’s Jewish community. The plays
often deal with Israel and the Middle East, bringing tremendous depth and insight to a dangerous, ongoing
situation that has too often been reduced to sound bites.
SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY: www.shakespearetheatre.org
DC loves Shakespeare and the Shakespeare Theatre Company offers you an outstanding opportunity to spend
an enjoyable evening with the Bard. The Shakespeare Theatre Company has become “the Nation’s foremost
Shakespeare Company” according to the Wall Street Journal garnering more Helen Hayes awards than any
other local company.
FORD’S THEATRE: www.fordstheatre.org
Abraham Lincoln was sitting in a box a Ford’s Theatre enjoying a performance the night he was assassinated.
Today, the Ford’s Theatre provides tours of the historic site and hosts a library and museum about Abraham
Lincoln – all while continuing to function as a modern theater.
STUDIO THEATRE: www.studiotheatre.org
WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY: www.woollymammoth.net
DC LIVE PERFORMANCE VENUES
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: www.kennedy-center.org
Your choices of live entertainment are almost unlimited at the Kennedy Center with its four, world-class
performance venues: the Concert Hall, the Opera House, the Eisenhower Theater, and the Terrace Theater.
Take your pick of symphony, theater, a Broadway musical, ballet, jazz, modern dance, opera, or many other
international and contemporary art forms. Just check the calendar on the Center’s website to see what’s
happening at the Kennedy Center on the dates you will be in DC. Be sure to take a look at the schedule of
MILLENIUM STAGE performances every day of the week at 6 PM. The rich and varied Millennium Stage
programs are the Kennedy Center’s free gift to you
9:30 CLUB: www.930.com
Standing – only. Live music concert venue. Music genres vary.
BLUES ALLEY: www.bluesalley.com
Historic DC jazz club, located in the heart of Georgetown features some of the most recognized names in jazz.
BOHEMIAN CAVERNS: www.bohemiancaverns.com
Hip jazz club and restaurant located in the historic U Street neighborhood.
THE HAMILTON: live.thehamiltondc.com
Restaurant and live music space featuring artists from a wide variety of genres.
THE HOWARD THEATRE: thehowardtheatre.com
Recently restored historic performance venue, features live R&B, Rock, Jazz and Gospel artists
THE LINCOLN THEATRE: www.thelincolndc.com
Historic venue in the U Street neighborhood features live music shows
LISNER AUDITORIUM: lisner.gwu.edu
Performance venue located on the campus of George Washington University. Varied events such as musical
performance, theater, and lectures.
BLACK FOX LOUNGE: www.blackfoxlounge.com
Intimate Dupont Circle lounge featuring various live music acts, as well as spoken word.
TWINS JAZZ: twinsjazz.com
Intimate Jazz club located in the historic U Street neighborhood.
JOJO’S: jojodc.com
A relaxing venue boasting two levels of live jazz and other genres. Arrive early to enjoy the appetizing dinner
menu at a table or the carved mahogany bar.
DC IMPROV COMEDY CLUB: www.dcimprov.com
Comedy club featuring nationally recognized headliners as well as the home of DC Improv Comedy School.
THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE: http://www.strathmore.org
World renowned artists of many genres perform at this outstanding regional music center.
TRANSPORTATION - GETTING AROUND DC AND THE WASHINGTON
METRO AREA ON FOOT, BY TOUR BUS, BIKE, BOAT OR PRIVATE LIMO
BOAT OR PRIVATE LIMO
METRO - The Subway and Bus Systems
Washington DC has a convenient, clean, and easy to navigate public transit system. The quickest way
to get around is via subway, which is most often referred to as the 'Metro'. The Metro system is
organized into six different lines identified by unique colors.
The Woodley Park Guest House is just 200 feet away from the elevator entrance to the Woodley Park Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station's elevator, and one block away from the main entrance escalators.
The Embassy Circle Guest House is a scenic 5 - 7 minute walk to the Dupont Circle Metro Station. Be
sure to take-in the gorgeous architecture along the way.
Both stations, on the Red Line, run through our downtown Washington DC neighborhoods and are
just a few Metro stops away from the National Mall. Occasionally a city bus is the best option for a
destination nearby, and we have bus timetables and information readily available at the guest house.
Our staff are all knowledgeable about Washington's public transit system, so do not hesitate to ask us
for guidance.
The best method to pay for fare on both the Metro's subway and busses is by using a reloadable
SmarTrip Card. They are available for sale in Metro stations, online, and we also provide them at the
Guest Houses for your convenience.
TAXIS – A convenient and Inexpensive Form of Transportation
Washington DC taxis are convenient, plentiful, and inexpensive. Our central locations make it easy to
flag a taxi on the street. When you get tired after a long day of walking through museums and
memorials along the National Mall, simply hail a taxi to bring you back to the Guest House.
If you have an early morning departure to the airport, we are happy to arrange a taxi pick-up by one
of our favorite drivers in advance.
UBER – A High-Tech Car Service
UBER is a private, GPS-based car service offering private cars, taxis, limos and S
SUV’s. If you know that the Metro will not be convenient for your jam-packed itinerary, business
meetings, or elegant night on the town, then the UBER app is for you. Simply Download the UBER
app to your Smartphone, follow the account setup instructions and you will have access to taxis,
sedans, and limos right at your fingertips. Our B&B locations are so central that our guests' average
wait time for an UBER pickup is less than 5 minutes.
Download the Uber app!
CAPITAL BIKESHARE : www.capitalbikeshare.com
Yes, those red cruiser commuter bikes you keep seeing all over DC are available to you too. The bikes are a
great option for traveling around or between DC neighborhoods, or for cruising the sites along the National
Mall. There are convenient 1-day and 3-day membership options that are perfect for tourists. Just remember
that these are commuter bikes, so they are most economical for short trips. The first 29 minutes of each ride is
free. After that, you begin to accrue hourly usage fees. You will need a smartphone to locate nearby bike
stations, check bike availability, and check slot availability for returning the bike. There are two Capital
Bikeshare stations near the Embassy Circle Guest House. There is one station near the Woodley Park Guest
House.
BUS TOURS
OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS: www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc
Daily narrated tour with free re-boarding from 19 sites. See the city in daylight, or choose the popular
Monuments by Moonlight tour. For your convenience, tickets for this tour are available for purchase at both of
our Washington DC Bed and Breakfasts.
BIG BUS TOURS: eng.bigbustours.com/washington/home.html
Known by the terms “hop on hop off” and “open top” alike, the daily big bus tours are a fun way to tour the
city with an unobstructed 360 degree view of everything around you. Due to the “open top” roofless upper
deck, this bus tour is especially appealing to photography buffs. Several ticket combinations allow you to hop
on and off the bus throughout the day. They also offer a moonlight tour.
BIKE TOURS
BIKE AND ROLL National Mall: Bike and Segway Tours, and Bike Rentals: www.bikethesites.com
955 L’Enfant Plaza SW, North Building Suite 905 p.202-842-2453
Rent a bike, helmet and lock and enjoy a guided tour of the mall including all the monuments and museums.
Daytime and evening tours available, please visit the web site for the complete schedule.
Open For Tours March through December
BIKE AND ROLL Alexandria, VA: Self-Guided Bike Tours, and Bike Rental: www.bikethesites.com/Tours
Old Town Waterfront (Near the King Street Trolley Stop) p. 202-842-2453
Pedal along the Mount Vernon Trail, Tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Cruise back to Old
Town Alexandria. Open April through October
BIKES TO BORROW: www.bikestoborrow.com
p. 202-684-8086
If you are ready to set out and tour the city on your own, arrange for Bikes to Borrow to deliver your bike, lock
and helmet to the guest house between 8AM – 6PM. They then pick up after your rental period is over. It
doesn’t get any more convenient.
SEGWAY TOURS
We highly recommend taking a Segway Tour of Downtown Washington DC. It is a unique experience that
incorporates the fun of riding a Segway with touring several miles of sites, without exerting half the energy of
walking or biking. You will feel really wise cruising Pennsylvania Avenue at 15mph while hundreds of people
on foot look at your tour group longingly, wishing they thought of it too. A guide will instruct you on the
proper operation of the Segway (learning takes a matter of minutes), and then impress you with their
knowledge of DC history and all its interesting sites.
BIKE AND ROLL - Bike and Segway Tours: www.bikethesites.com
CITY SEGWAY TOURS: dc.citysegwaytours.com
PRIVATE CHAUFFER-DRIVEN TOURS
PRIVATE TOURS OF WASHINGTON: www.privatetoursofwashington.com
This is one of the best ways to see and learn the history and culture of Washington DC. Just book a tour of your
preferred duration, sit back and enjoy. Your guide and driver will pick you up at the guest house in a luxury
vehicle, and give you a tour of the city tailored to your individual interests. This is a great for the luxury
traveler who would like to save their endurance for a day waking inside the museums and galleries, instead of
covering several miles along the national mall.
WALKING TOURS
WALK OF THE TOWN: www.walkofthetowndc.com
This is a free, no-reservations-needed group walking tour of the National Mall (which means the payment is tips.)
Tim has been the Trip Advisor #1 ranked DC tour guide for quite some time. Take a look at his website for the
different tours, meeting points and schedule.
WASHINGTON WALKS: www.washingtonwalks.com
p. 202-484-1565
Washington Walks offers group, no reservations needed walking tours of Washington, DC. They offer tours of
the National Mall and memorials, but also several different tours tailored to some of the historic and unique
neighborhoods of DC. Most tours cost $15 per person. See the website for the tour descriptions, meeting points
and schedule.
DC BY FOOT: www.freetoursbyfoot.com/washington-dc-tours/
This is another great option for pay-what-you-like walking tours. See the website for a schedule of their daily
tours which include the staple National Mall tours, but also several themed tours around the city. Reservations
Required.
DC METRO FOOD TOURS: www.dcmetrofoodtours.com/index.html
Choose a neighborhood, book your tour online, meet the tour guide at the designated location, and bon
appetite.
ARCHITECTURAL TOURS: www.nbm.org/programs-lectures/tours/self-guided-architecture-tours/
National Building Museum: Self-Guided Architecture Tours around DC
ARCHITECTURAL SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF DUPONT CIRCLE
dc.curbed.com/archives/2014/06/take-a-ten-point-architectural-walking-tour-of-dupont-circle.php
BOAT TOURS
DC DUCKS: www.dcducks.com
World War II refurbished amphibious vessel takes you on a 90 minute land and water tour. Season runs midMarch through October.
MOUNT VERNON BY BOAT: www.cruisetomountvernon.com
Spirit of Mount Vernon
6th & Water Streets SW, Pier 4 (Walking distance from Waterfront-SEU Metro Station)
BOAT TOUR OF THE MONUMENTS: www.potomacriverboatco.com/monuments-cruise.php
Washington by Water Monuments Cruise
31st & K Streets NW
PADDLE AROUND THE TIDAL BASIN: www.tidalbasinpeddleboats.com/boat_rentals.htm
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
1501 Maine Ave SW (Walking distance from Smithsonian Metro Station)
Open seasonally, check website.
RUNNING, WALKING, HIKING
Washington DC is a great city for runners and walkers. No wonder it annually ranks among the Top 10 Fittest
Cities in the US. Our guests are always surprised by how many runners (lots!) they find on DC’s streets and all
around the National Mall.
DC’s nickname is “Walking Town DC”, and with a walkability score of 98 in our neighborhoods, we can
honestly say we are a walkers’ paradise.
GREAT RESOURCE FOR DC JOGGING TRAILS: washington.org/article/dc-jogging-trails-biking-routes
ROCK CREEK PARK: www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
Rock Creek Park’s scenic running/biking trails are easily accessible from both Woodley Park Guest House and
Embassy Circle Guest House. Turn one direction and you are running toward the National Zoo thorough
beautiful shaded parkland that follows Rock Creek. In the other direction, you will encounter the beautiful
Potomac River on your right, and the iconic monuments that make Washington so special on your left.
NATIONAL ZOO: nationalzoo.si.edu
The National Zoo’s grounds are open to the public at 6:00AM. Many of the animals are early birds, so although
the exhibit buildings aren’t open that early, your run will likely include sightings of the pandas, lions, zebras,
and many other unusual exercise pals. The Zoo is a five minute walk from the Woodley Park Guest House and
an easy 1.5 miles from the Embassy Circle Guest House.
NATIONAL MALL: www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm
There is something special about incorporating the fabulous views that make the National Mall one of
America’s greatest parks into your exercise regimen. Include the Tidal Basin in your early morning route to
experience iconic views of the sunrise, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument reflecting off of
the water. Or run the 2.5 mile path from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol to really feel like a
Washingtonian.
C&O CANAL: www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
The historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was a major source of commerce and activity in the 19th century. It
stretched from Washington DC to mountainous Western Maryland. Today you will find the entrance to the 185
mile trail in the heart of Georgetown. It leads you along a beautiful shaded path that follows the water.
GREAT FALLS – BILLY GOAT TRAIL: www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
The 5 mile hiker’s delight is situated between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. The strenuous path is
well worth the effort to experience spectacular views of the Potomac River and the water falls. A 30 minute
drive from the guest houses, it is easily accessible from the Great Falls Visitor’s Center in Potomac, Maryland.
CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAL: www.cctrail.org
This 11 mile trail runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring, Maryland. The gradual uphill seven-mile section
running from Georgetown to Bethesda, is very popular with DC cyclists. The first 3 miles beginning in
Georgetown includes impressive views of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. (Accessible from the Foggy
Bottom-GWU Metro Station.)
MOUNT VERNON TRAIL: www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm
The Mount Vernon Trail spans 18 miles from Theodore Roosevelt Island near the National Mall, down to
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The view of the Potomac River from the shoreline is amazing
while cycling. A wonderful idea is to rent a bike, pedal the trail, tour George Washington’s Estate, then cruise
back to Old Town Alexandria on the Miss Christin’s narrated boat tour (see http://bikethesites.com/Tours for
details.)
SPORTS AND SPORTING EVENTS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: WASHINGTON REDSKINS: www.redskins.com & www.stubhub.com
The Washington Redskins is the most beloved team in DC despite the controversy over its name and the lack of
post season play last year. No matter what the team doles out, the loyalty of its fans is rabid and relentless. In
a metropolitan area strife with bipartisanism, there is one thing that Washingtonians, Marylanders and
Virginians agree on, we love our NFL franchise. If you’d like to attend a Redskin game, you’ll want to obtain
tickets before coming to town. Redskin tickets are rare and are owned almost exclusively by season ticket
holders. StubHub and other online ticket vendors offer the best chance at securing tickets but be warned, they
come at a premium. If you can, buy your home team tickets from your NFL ticket office and travel to FedEx
Field for the game.
BASEBALL: WASHINGTON NATIONALS: washington.nationals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=was
Washington DC was a town without a Major League Baseball team for 33 years. Nixon was President the last
time Washingtonians headed to RFK Stadium to enjoy a cold beer, a grilled hot dog and the Boys of Summer.
Throughout baseball’s extended absence many investors, sports insiders and team owners tried to bring the
game back to the Nation’s Capital. Finally on April 4, 2005 the words “Play Ball” rang out at National’s Park,
home to the newest MLB franchise. Thanks to local real estate developer Ted Lerner and his son Mark, a deal
was finally struck for both a team and a beautiful new stadium right off the Navy Yard metro stop. Today a
trip to a National’s game is on the agenda of sports fans from around the country. Because it’s so easy to get to
thousands of Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies fans come to DC to take in a game, cheer for their home team and
fire up the Nat’s local base. DC is a city with “Natitude” and we’ve got the team and the stadium to back us up.
BASKETBALL: WASHINGTON WIZARDS: www.nba.com/wizards
If you enjoy heart pounding, down to the wire NBA action, you’ll love spending an evening at a Washington
Wizards game. Wizard’s games are played at the Verizon Center which is easily accessed via the red line metro
at the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop. The entrance to the game is just feet from the top of the metro escalator,
making it convenient for those cold late winter game nights. The Verizon Center, located in the Penn Quarter
neighborhood is surrounded by some of our favorite restaurants, (see restaurant list). A great night in DC
includes watching intense NBA action and then heading to one of the many bars or restaurants for a little game
night nourishment.
ICE HOCKEY: WASHINGTON CAPITALS: capitals.nhl.com
Sharing the Verizon Center with the NBA Wizard’s is DC’s high energy and hard hitting NHL Hockey team,
the Washington Capital’s. You’ll know its game night when you enter Metro and notice that all those daytime
suits and ties have changed into bright red hockey jerseys. Hockey is growing in popularity in DC as more and
more Washingtonians discover the therapeutic benefits of screaming and cheering as their favorite players
aggressively attack the other team’s goal and often the other team’s players. After a good hockey game catch a
late dinner in one of our favorite Penn Quarter restaurants or head to one of the many great local bars for a
burger and a beer.
DAY TRIPS
DC BREWERY TOURS: www.restonlimo.com/services/tours-trips/brewery-tours/
p. 1.800.546.6141
DC’s craft beer scene is quickly growing. Several of the popular breweries offer guided tours and tastings.
Leave the transportation to Reston Limo, which offers Northern Virginia and DC Brewery Tours. Check their
online calendar for weekend public brewery tours, or contact Reston Limo to arrange a private tour including
your preferred pickup and drop off locations.
VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY TOURS: www.restonlimo.com/services/tours-trips/wine-tours/
p. 703.478.0500 option 1
Visit the Reston Limo website calendar of weekend wine country tours. For $39 (wine tasting entry fee not
included), meet the Limo Bus at East Falls Church Metro Station and be shuttled to two wineries and back to
the metro station. This tour is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Some tours sell out so booking in advance is
highly recommended.
GREAT FALLS VIRGINIA: www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
This is one of our favorite places to go when Washingtonians want to get away from it all, but don’t have time
for a trip. Whether you want to take in the picturesque water falls from one of the overlooks, hike one of several
trails, bring your bike to cycle or simply relax with a picnic lunch, Great Falls Park is the perfect place. The
Great Falls Visitor’s Center in Potomac, Maryland is a 30 minute drive from Woodley Park Guest House and
Embassy Circle Guest House.
GETTYBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK: www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Gettysburg Battlefield, only 80 miles from Washington DC, is a great option for a day trip. Gettysburg was the
sight of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War and the inspiration for President Lincoln’s historic
Gettysburg Address. There are a number of options for touring the battlefield. You can choose to have a
licensed tour guide drive your vehicle so you can spend your time looking out the window at the battlefield
being described, or you can opt for the bus tour or a self-guided audio tour of the park. Check the park’s
schedule of events for dates of weekend reenactments of the battle.
ANNAPOLIS: www.visitannapolis.org
Have you ever heard that Annapolis, MD once served as the Capital of the United States? Maryland’s capital
city is a beautiful colonial town full of history, nature and fun. Just drive 35 miles from the guest houses, leave
your car in the Park and Ride lot on the edge of town, and use the free shuttle to get around. Stop at the
Visitor’s Center to get a map and begin a self-guided tour, or join a group walking tour or trolley tour. Find out
why Annapolis is nicknamed “America’s Sailing Capital” by taking a tour of the US Naval Academy, visiting
the Annapolis Maritime Museum and enjoying one of the dozens of sailing tours of the Chesapeake Bay. Be
sure to enjoy a view of the water while you indulge in Maryland Blue Crabs at one of the many dockside
restaurants.
ALEXANDRIA: www.visitalexandriava.com
Just across the Potomac River, Alexandria is a worthwhile trip that is just a stone’s throw from Washington.
Alexandria is a colonial town filled with excellent restaurants, boutiques, bustling waterfront, galleries and
tours of the historic sites. You can easily drive or take the Metro and then use the free King Street Trolley to get
around. There is also the Potomac Riverboat Company’s water taxi (May - September) or Monuments tour
(April – November) that cruise between the National Mall and the Alexandria City Marina. Be sure to visit the
Torpedo Factory Art Center (http://torpedofactory.org), a World War II torpedo factory that has been repurposed to provide studio and gallery space for over 80 working artists.

DC Travel Tips - Washington DC Bed and Breakfast

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