Welcome to the Nation’s capitol! Yes, folks talk politics in this town like the rest of us talk about our sport’s teams. But they aren’t really that bad – the D.C. folk really do know how to loosen up those ties. D.C. is a town that loves its Happy Hour – a time when you can catch up with friends or meet new ones.
We saw you smuggle your after-work change of clothes into your cubicle so that you’re ready for the 5 o’clock bell. Go ahead, leave your car in the office garage – you can always cab it home or Metro it back to work the next morning.
Like most cities, Washington, D.C. is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (there are 14 of them), each having its own flavor and charm. Architecture and attitude changes from one block to the other, creating a cultural patchwork that can be fascinating for locals and tourists alike. The city has plenty of energy from all the politics, government, and colleges in town. From the Vietnamese places in Arlington, V.A. to the charming brownstones of Georgetown; from the urban feel of the Connecticut Corridor near Woodley Park and Cleveland Park to the alternative minded Dupont Circle, each area in this city offers up something unique.
One of our favorite things to do in D.C. is to just waste the day or night away on the Mall. But remember, this is not the shopping type. It’s the Quad or grassy park in between all the cool national monuments and museums in the heart of the city. The Smithsonian museums are free and allow you to explore art, history, space, and much more. You also feel the National pride as you stroll through the Mall. So, even if you hated science class, you’ll still have fun whispering inside the Capitol rotunda. While in the area, you must stop by the Spy Museum – with all its interesting tidbits about the real James Bonds. Just try to remember your alias as you navigate through the interactive maze of espionage. And, make a reservation since the lines are known to get a bit out of hand.
Worked up an appetite seeing all those landmarks in our nation’s capitol? When you’ve had your fill of historical lessons and facts that you’ve forgotten since the 6th grade, it’s time to get your groove on. Here then are our journeyPod Picks for wining and dining your own party (political or not), while in D.C.:
Restaurants
CityZen (Downtown) – Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (1330 Maryland Avenue SW, at 12th St.), CityZen’s chef extraordinaire, Eric Ziebold was voted as one of ‘America’s Best New Chef’s’ – and the restaurant one of the ‘Hottest Restaurants in the World.” This American-French restaurant (with Asian roots) boasts soaring ceilings and an exhibition kitchen – where you can watch your scrumptious dishes like foie gras risotto, chicken and dumplings or proscuitto with melon get prepared. Three and five-course tasting menus are also available and will not disappoint. With an 800-bottle wine cellar, a sophisticated lounge, dining area, and a signature martini or champagne cocktail – CityZen will allow you to indulge in a fine culinary journey.