By Shelby Robinson
Despite living so close to Washington, D.C., you might have seen less of it than your kids of late—those lucky devils who shuffle from landmark to landmark on their school field trips.
This spring, go on an urban safari of the District grown-up style, nice hotel and live music included.
The Stay:
Offering its guests luxurious, historic rooms and views of the Washington Monument and The White House, The Hay-Adams hotel provides vacation-style luxury and the perfect location. This historic D.C. site offers guests gourmet dining served in the hotel’s restaurant, The Lafayette, which can be followed by a trip down the hall to renowned the Off the Record Bar.
Or if you want something more modern…
The newly-renovated Hotel George is a chic and modern boutique hotel located within walking distance to Union Station, the Smithsonian Museums and Capitol Hill. The Hotel George has a spacious, open layout and is made complete by it’s in-room spa treatments, complimentary yoga program and free use of hotel bikes to explore the city. Hotel George has a total of 10 different portraits of George Washington, including an oil-on-canvas portrait of Washington done by Warhol protégé Steve Kaufman.
Breakfast or Lunch on the go:
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop is located on historic 10th St NW, not far from Ford’s Theatre. With a menu deep in dining options beyond its eponymous waffles, this restaurant is hearty enough to feed “The Railsplitter” himself. 504 10th St. NW, Washington D.C.
It’s hard to argue with Amsterdam Filafelshop’s slogan: Simply, the best falafel. Whether you feel like grabbing lunch to go or getting a table on the patio and doing some people-watching, Amsterdam Filafelshop is your lunch destination. For the outdoor diner with a penchant for people-watching, Amsterdam Filafelshop’s French fries come in a conical paper bag, and tables with holes to hold the cone while you eat. Open late; 2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
District Taco is a great spot to stop while you’re doing some D.C. touring because it is cheap, delicious and quick. With multiple locations in D.C., it’s a great option that’s hard to miss. Hours vary but it’s always open for lunch. Multiple locations.
Chop’t Creative Salad Company is a great option for a vegetarian or healthy meat-eater looking for a great lunch in D.C. At Chop’t, customers can choose from over 60 different fresh ingredients that are fresh and delicious. 1105 19th St. NW, Washington, D.C. or 618 12th St NW, Washington, D.C.
What to do:
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has continued to fulfill President Kennedy’s vision to foster and promote the arts since it opened in 1971. The Kennedy Center hosts a variety of entertainment, including dance and ballet, musicals and theater, orchestral pieces, folk music, multimedia performances and more. 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Or see some jazz…
Twins Jazz has been bringing culture to D.C. for over 23 years. Whether you love jazz or have never heard it before, Twins is the place to go. Twins also serves a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and—because it opened originally as an Ethiopian restaurant—signature Ethiopian dishes. The Twins Lounge carries a variety of wine, beer, and signature cocktails. 1344 U St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Fine Dining:
A Bar + Kitchen is a cocktail and wine bar with a modern design and layout. A Bar specializes in small plates ideal for sharing with friends or that special someone. A Bar also has a spectacular outdoor patio with comfy couches and a fire pit, ideal for a mini-vacation. 2500 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington D.C.
Founding Farmers is an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant built around the idea that everyone benefits from knowing where their food comes from. At Founding Farmers, your food is so fresh the freezers are only ever used for ice cream. 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Ristorante Tosca serves authentic Italian food, frequently cited as some of the best in the city.. Tosca is great for a fancy dinner, with its dim lighting and flowing wine setting the mood for a romantic night out. 1112 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
