DC TRAVEL TIPS FROM DCINNS

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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.


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 Renwick-designed 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 world-renowned 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 pre-Columbian 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, thought-provoking 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 mid-March 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 re-purposed to provide studio and gallery space for over 80 working artists.

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DC TRAVEL TIPS FROM DCINNS