Museums, Monuments,
and More
 Washington D.C.
It’s hard
to believe that our founding fathers would
select what was a mosquito-infested swampland for the nation’s
capital. Fortunately for us, Washington, D.C., has evolved into a
stunningly beautiful city with an impressive collection of
monuments and museums that we all want to see.
A word of
warning: expect to wait in lines. And a suggestion…don't be
afraid to call your congressman or senator for special passes
— they love to help out!
Warmest
regards,
Laura Lesnie
Editor — Your Travel
Insider
 You can spend the better part of a day with a
visit to the Mall, where you’ll find the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol.
Just be
sure to carve out some time for these D.C. gems: The
International Spy Museum reveals the
tricks of the trade for secret agents. The Phillips
Collection, a museum in an 1890 Georgian Revival
mansion, will delight art lovers with postwar
contemporary masterpieces. An ideal place to relax and
enjoy beautiful plantings from the Elizabethan period is
the Folger Shakespeare
Library and Elizabethan Garden.
 To dine in
grand “Old Washington,” style, call well in
advance of your trip to reserve a table at 1789 Restaurant,
a Georgetown institution set in renovated Federal
townhouse (1226 36th St. NW; 202.965.1789).
Looking for
the best Eastern Shore fare? Look no further than Johnny's Half
Shell, best known for its crab cakes (2002 P St. NW;
202.296.2021).Currently on the “hot” list is Lima, with its
Latin-infused international cuisine, hip bar scene and
dancing at night (1401 K St. NW;
202.789.2800).
 History buffs
will feel “presidential” in the Willard
InterContinental, which has hosted nearly every U.S.
president since 1853 (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW;
800.827.1747).
For the
utmost in luxury and gracious service, the Mandarin
Oriental offers subdued Asian elegance (1330
Maryland Ave. SW; 866.526.6567).
A trendier
option is the funky Hotel Helix, with platform
beds and neon colors (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW;
866.508.0658).
• A dramatic — and easy — way to
take in historic sites, including many memorials and the
Washington Monument, is a nighttime tour offered by Tourmobile and
the Old Town
Trolley.
• The historic Penn Quarter in
downtown D.C. is the city's latest hot spot, with the
coolest restaurants, boutique hotels, trendy shopping,
and art galleries. Also in the area is the Verizon
Center (venue for basketball games and rock concerts).
• The Union Station Food
Court (on the bottom level) is convenient for a
quick bite or cup of coffee and gives you an excuse to
walk through the magnificent architecture of this 1907
train terminal, the city’s most visited
site. |
