Where We Stayed
The Palomar
The Palomar is perhaps one of my favorite hotels I've ever stayed in. A part of the Kimpton brand of boutique hotels, the Palomar is modern chic to its finest. Located in the Dupont Circle area of DC, the location is bustling with activity; there are bars, restaurants, shops, and the metro all within a short walking distance. Upon entering the hotel, you are greeted by a lobby that feels more like an upscale lounge, and often doubles as just this during the nightly complimentary wine reception between 5 and 6 o'clock. The rooms (and hallways) are on the smaller side, but are lushly decorated with a variety of fabrics, textures, and lighting. Even better; when we arrived at 10:30 for a 3:00 check-in, we were given a room on the spot, along with a list of suggestions for what to do over the weekend. We booked the room through Hotwire, so the rate was fantastic as well.
Hotel Palomar
Hotel Palomar
What We Did
Monuments, Memorials and Buildings
Instead of ranking each individual memorial, monument and building that we walked around to, I decided to just lump them together. Over the course of two days, we managed to see all of the following:
The White House Jefferson Memorial
The Washington Monument US Supreme Court Building
WWII Memorial Federal Reserve Building
Vietnam Vets Memorial US Capitol
The Lincoln Memorial
The Korean War Vets Memorial
FDR Memorial
George Mason Memorial
After taking the Metro (and I swear, DC has the most confusing Metro system I've ever used) to the Metro Center, we walked around to the different buildings we wanted to see. Upon reflection (and for future consideration), there were a few things we would have also liked to see; the reflection pool was under construction, and they're also in the process of construction a memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr. Also, you can write to your state senator in advance, and receive insider tours/passes for some of these buildings; for us it was a last minute trip, but if you have the time I'm sure it's wonderful to see.
Over the two days we did quite a bit of walking-be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes; apparently Washington DC in the middle of July is quite warm. We mapped out the routes we took each day, because we were interested in seeing just how much we actually did walk-over 10 miles in 2 days! Our personal favorites were the Lincoln Memorial and the FDR Memorial. FDR's Memorial is like a small park, with jutting rock structures, statues, and flowing waterfalls. It's incredibly peaceful, and a true insight as to the memory of the President.
The White House Jefferson Memorial
The Washington Monument US Supreme Court Building
WWII Memorial Federal Reserve Building
Vietnam Vets Memorial US Capitol
The Lincoln Memorial
The Korean War Vets Memorial
FDR Memorial
George Mason Memorial
After taking the Metro (and I swear, DC has the most confusing Metro system I've ever used) to the Metro Center, we walked around to the different buildings we wanted to see. Upon reflection (and for future consideration), there were a few things we would have also liked to see; the reflection pool was under construction, and they're also in the process of construction a memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr. Also, you can write to your state senator in advance, and receive insider tours/passes for some of these buildings; for us it was a last minute trip, but if you have the time I'm sure it's wonderful to see.
Over the two days we did quite a bit of walking-be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes; apparently Washington DC in the middle of July is quite warm. We mapped out the routes we took each day, because we were interested in seeing just how much we actually did walk-over 10 miles in 2 days! Our personal favorites were the Lincoln Memorial and the FDR Memorial. FDR's Memorial is like a small park, with jutting rock structures, statues, and flowing waterfalls. It's incredibly peaceful, and a true insight as to the memory of the President.
Folger Shakespeare Library
As an English teacher the Folger Shakespeare Library was a must see for me. The Library is small, but had an amazing exhibit on the First Folio, and the Library contains the largest collection of First Folios in the world. Not only this, but the gift shop/book store was fantastic, and I was able to pick up quite a few materials for my classroom. Admission is free, and we were able to walk through the museum in less than an hour.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library
Smithsonian: Museum of American History
Upon arriving in DC we were convinced that we could accomplish everything we wanted to; unfortunately, as others say, this is just not possible in 2 days. We focused on this one Smithsonian Museum, and spent about 3 hours here, but easily could have spent the entire day. Highlights included:
Julia Child's kitchen The American Flag
The First Lady exhibit Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
Plan to spend an entire day at this free museum, that features not only wonderful exhibits but a great cafe and gift shop as well.
Smithsonian Museums
Julia Child's kitchen The American Flag
The First Lady exhibit Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
Plan to spend an entire day at this free museum, that features not only wonderful exhibits but a great cafe and gift shop as well.
Smithsonian Museums
Nationals Game
Continuing our tour of stadiums across the US, we caught a Nationals game on our 2nd night in DC. The stadium is spread out, but we were able to get great seats off the right field foul line. There may not be as much history as at other parks, but the layout makes you really feel as if you are part of the game.
Where We Ate
Old Ebbitt Grill
The Old Ebbitt Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in Washington DC-it opened in 1856, and is centrally located to the White House and Smithsonian Museums. It has an old world charm with dark lacquered wooden beams, American flags, and waiters wearing bow ties. We split a double order of crab cakes that were fresh and moist with very little filler, served with a corn and tomato salad and potatoes from local farms. Make reservations, because they do get quite busy, especially around lunch time.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill
Pizzeria Paradiso
Pizzeria Paradiso was down the block from the Palomar, and provided us with a great meal at the end of a long day. Although the place was packed, we only had to wait 25 minutes or so for our table, and the time was well spent at their bar that included a huge selection of craft and local beers for reasonable prices. Our meal consisted of one of their large homemade pizzas that was topped with chunks of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Delish!
Capitol City Brewing Company
Capitol City Brewing Company is a great brewpub that is located downtown, and is perfect for a quick snack and cold glass of beer. We ate at the bar, where they only have 6 beers that they brew-but they greet you with fresh hot pretzels that were wonderful. If you go, make sure to ask for the beer sampler; for $5.50 you get small glasses of 5 different beers, and they were all quite tasty. My personal favorite was the Capitol Kolsch.
Capitol City Brewing Company
Capitol City Brewing Company
Our Itinerary
Day 1
Drive from NY to DC
Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill
Memorials/Buildings/Monuments:
Dinner at Pizzeria Paradiso
Day 2
Memorials/Buildings/Monuments
Folger Shakespeare Library
Smithsonian American History Museum
Dinner at Capitol Brewing Company
Washington Nationals Game
Day 3
Drive from DC to NY
Drive from NY to DC
Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill
Memorials/Buildings/Monuments:
Dinner at Pizzeria Paradiso
Day 2
Memorials/Buildings/Monuments
Folger Shakespeare Library
Smithsonian American History Museum
Dinner at Capitol Brewing Company
Washington Nationals Game
Day 3
Drive from DC to NY