Summer brings an unusually large crowds to our nation’s capital, filling Metro train cars, museums, streets & hotels. But with a little creativity, visitors can have an authentic weekend without getting bogged down in lines for the wax museum & Hard Rock Cafe.
Arriving
I always recommend, if at all possible, flying in & out of Reagan National Airport. Not only is it the only airport in the region that is accessible by Metro train, it’s only a $15 cab taxi cab ride into the city (a bargain, compared to the $40-$60 ride you’re going to take from the area’s other airports). If you absolutely cannot fly into National, I recommend going for Baltimore-Washington International Airport, known locally as BWI. Since you’d be nuts to rent a car when visiting this city, you can grab the MARC train or Amtrak train into the city from the BWI rail station. Dulles by public transit? Unless you’re willing to take the bus to the Rosslyn Metro Station, you’ll have to wait a few years for Metro rail to reach out that far.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Once you arrive Friday evening, make your way into the city to stay at any of the zillions of hotels. If you’re looking for a less traditional stay, you might consider the Tabard Inn, a boutique property in DuPont Circle. More traditional is the Hotel George, a Kimpton hotel located on Capitol Hill, just a few blocks from Union Station. Luxury? The Williard Hotel, which hosted President Lincoln in the weeks leading up to his inauguration.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
The best way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning in the city is browsing the Eastern Market farmers market, craft vendors & flea market. If you’re up, plan to get there shortly after their opening at 7am for the best selection & to get in line right at 8am at Market Lunch to have their famous blueberry pancakes for breakfast. The market is easily accessible on the Metro’s orange & blue lines.After exploring the market for a few hours, hop back on the Metro, grab the yellow or blue line & head south to Old Town Alexandria. I will admit my bias & love for Old Town, as it’s the part of the city I have called home since moving here. Walking the same streets that George Washington & his friends lived on is certainly worth the short train ride. Wander King Street, the main drag, & pop in & out of antique shops & boutique clothing stores. It’s a 16 block walk from the Metro station down to the waterfront, but don’t let that scare you – it’s downhill on the way there & there is a free trolley to bring you back. Take time to walk down the side streets, stop & read the numerous plaques that adorn the row houses here – you might be surprised who lived in them originally.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
If you’re hungry for lunch, Old Town offers a wide-variety of places to grab a bite, from Thai Old Town (the best of the five Thai restaurants in a four block area), to King Street Blues (smokey BBQ), to the quaint patio in the back of Taverna Cretekou (authentic Greek selections). Once you’re filled up on launch, & have spent some time wandering the magicians & blues players that fill the waterfront area, head over to Bike & Roll for your next adventure: renting bicycles & riding the gently rolling 9 miles of the Mt. Vernon Trail down to George Washington’s home. The trail is relatively flat, with a few steep overpass hills where you can walk your bike if necessary.Once you make it down to Mt. Vernon, lock up your bike & explore the grounds & home of our first president. Mt. Vernon has recently gone through a multi-million dollar renovation & offers visitors many interactive displays. You can return to Old Town either by biking the trail back, or hoping on the Miss Christian boat tour.
Head back into the city & pop by your hotel to clean up for dinner. Tonight, dine at one of D.C.’s most famous, authentic restaurants, loved by locals & tourists alike: Old Ebbitt Grill. Make reservations in advance to avoid a long wait & try the crab cakes while you’re there – you won’t regret it. Following dinner, take advantage of Old Ebbitt’s fantastic location by strolling over to the White House (those interested in adding a tour of the White House to their schedule should contact their Congressperson at least three months in advance). Walk along Pennsylvania Avenue & pause to take in the constant flurry of activity that surrounds the area.
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
Your last day in the city should be spent tailoring D.C. to your interests. Plane buff? Be at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (a favorite of many) when they open at 10:00am. Can’t get enough of history? Stop by the Smithsonian American History Museum to see the original Star Spangled Banner. Love people watching? Head up to Dupont Circle, grab a bench & people watch for hours, perhaps joining in on one of the many impromptu chess games. Fanatic about baseball? Check the schedule for the Washington Nationals – their practically brand-new stadium is easily accessible by Metro & offers great local food vendors (including Ben’s Chili Bowl, Five Guys, & Hard Times Cafe).
(C) Christina Saull – All Rights Reserved
I love your blog!
Left DC in ’98 after 14 years there. Still go back from time to time to visit friends and family.
I’ve been to quite a few of the places on your list. There’s so much to do outside the obvious.
Good luck with the contest!
Marcia
DC’s a great city and thanks for sharing this awesome itinerary. Congrats on being a winner in the Cambria Suites contest!
Congratulations, glad you won!
Marcia
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