Spoiler alert: we love DC!

It’s not only the nation’s capital and a destination for millions of global visitors each year, but a vibrant, endlessly interesting city where everyday folks live, work and play.  And we have some favorites to share.

But first, a shout out to our equally beloved Baltimore. It’s a whole different proposition entirely, but if you have time to make a trek north to check it out, you’ll be rewarded with warmth, grit, and one-of-a-kind hospitality. Glad to share recommendations for dear Bmore, just ask.

Now back to DC:

Museums

The Smithsonian packs in an amazing array of 21 free admission, world-class museums on or near the National Mall. Take your pick: American Museum of Natural History and Museum of American History are full of extraordinary objects and stories, from ancient to modern. The National Gallery of Art includes the East Building, a brilliant IM Pei-designed temple of modern art, and the classically designed West Building which has everything else (and a central fountain that is one of Mark’s top-five interior spaces in all of DC). The National Museum of African-American History is terrific and one of Ken’s favorites; the Air and Space Museum is, literally, out of this world, and the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museums, directly adjacent to one another in Penn Quarter are a real treat.

But wait... there’s more! The National Building Museum is a must-stop for anyone who cares about design and the built environment. It’s housed in the Pension Building, which stands alone as its own beautiful exhibit.  The Phillips Collection and Renwick Gallery are more intimate but well-stocked with fabulous, genre-crossing art.

Favorite Neighborhoods

Adams Morgan – the scene of Mark and Ken’s infamous/historic first meeting at The Grill from Ipanema some 23 years ago (!), our favorite ‘hood is a wonderful, walkable, diverse community full of interesting spots and well-loved personal landmarks.

Miss Pixies is a great vintage home goods store that recently relocated to Columbia Road, just a block from our apartment on Mintwood Place. And our favorite bookshop, Lost City, on 18th Street feeds Ken’s chronic addiction. (Kramers in nearby Dupont Circle is a local landmark as well - just Google it and Monica Lewinsky.) 

The Line hotel, at Euclid and Columbia, is a neighborhood landmark - a converted, historic church with a beautiful lobby that’s a terrific place to get coffee in the morning or close out the day with a nightcap. For coffee, sandwiches and gelato, Pitango on Columbia Road is a find; Tryst is the OG neighborhood coffee shop for the ages. There's a new ice cream place on 18th Street called Van Leeuwen that’s awesome. Taqueria Al Lado is the best taco in the hood with excellent margaritas. And Lauriol Plaza further down 18th Street is perennially popular.

Perry's on Columbia is great for sushi and other stellar fare and has a terrific rooftop. Revelers Hour and Tail of the Goat, sister restaurants, are both fantastic; the former is pasta-focused and slightly less expensive. And Lapis, at corner of Mintwood and Columbia has absolutely delicious Afghan cuisine.

Nearby Meridian Hill Park is a lovely Olmstead-designed treasure with great views of the city at Euclid and 16th Street.

Other neighborhoods/suggestions:

Capitol Hill – where it all began for Mark waaaaay back in 1985.  In addition to that domed white building around which L’Enfant designed the city, there are beautiful leafy streets and historic homes and small parks worth seeing. Take a stroll around Eastern Market and pay a visit to the Market Lunch, where you’ll willingly want to stand in line for DC’s best crabcake.

The Wharf - New development on the DC waterfront with lots of restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, etc. The Anthem music venue is there and it has a great bookshop, Politics and Prose. There are places to walk out and sit. You can also hop on a water taxi to get to Georgetown or get on the free water jitney that goes to East Potomac Park, which is a nice spot for strolling about.

Georgetown – this perennially charming, historic hood is near and dear to us.  It’s chock full of restaurants, shopping and opportunities for strolling and seeing old homes and walking along the Potomac.

Other Eats

So, so many options it’s hard to pick favorites. If you’re looking for something not found in the neighborhood suggestions above, don’t hesitate to ask Mark.  He’ll talk your ear off with recommendations.

14th Street/Logan Circle – The home of our wonderful venue, Studio Theatre, it’s an interesting and fun place to walk around for coffee, eats, shops, etc. Great used furniture store called Goodwood on nearby U Street is worth a visit as is the fabulous Le Diplomate restaurant, a snazzy French bistro in a building that was a dry cleaners back in the day.

Union Market - Super cool food hall and retail shops with neat astroturf rooftop called the HiLawn where you can hang out, grab drinks, food, etc. St Anselm’s restaurant nearby is terrific.