Of course when you go to Washington DC you’re going to see places like The White House and the Smithsonian National Air and Space collection. But the capital is about much more than landmarks, memorials and museums. In this itinerary, we pick out a few places that complement the city’s classic spots, where you can wine, dine and sightsee your way through an idyllic weekend.
Friday
Kick off your weekend with an evening tipple at Plume Bar in The Jefferson Hotel (1200 16th St NW, 202-448-2300). Ask the bartender Ivan – a living legend in DC – for a tour of all 34 different types of Madeira on the wine menu by the glass. One on the list, the 1780 Borges Madeira Bual is almost as old as the United States.
For dinner, head to Indique (3512 – 14 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 202-244-6600), which serves some of the best Indian inspired food in DC. Try a bottle of the Riesling, which works well with richly spiced flavors.
Saturday
Often overlooked by DC visitors, wrongly in our opinion, The Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, 202-292-6100) charts over five centuries of news history. There are a number of permanent exhibits and temporary installations delving in to both the great stories of the past and the people and processes behind their telling.
No matter if you go for lunch or dinner, just don’t miss the cheeseburger at Palena (3529 Connecticut Avenue, 202-537-9250). Skip the beer, though – here it’s all about washing your burger down with a nice glass of the rich house red wine.
Sunday
For us, a simple Sunday brunch of French toast, bacon, apples and a large bottle of lip-smacking good Champagne at Cashion’s Eat Place (1819 Columbia Road NW, 202-797-1819) equals heaven. It’s the perfect start to the day.
And of course, you can’t leave DC without visiting the Library of Congress (101 Independence Avenue, SE, 202-707-5000). With its dazzling architecture and all the incredible history, art and books inside, they might as well call it the “Library of Awesome.” If you’re sticking around town for a while, consider signing-up as a member to get your hands on what has to be the most powerful library card on the planet.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Rob Shenk)
