Packing our Travelpro luggage for Stop #5 of our special “Let’s Go America! Tour” was easy— as we have a strong connection to the area having been married there — so taking our popular national travel radio show to the nation’s capital was something that we embraced. This Washington, DC visit however also coincided with the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 — meaning it would be a more subdued visit — as we were granted special permission by the Pentagon to visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
Stop #5 of the tour included a live broadcast of America’s #1 Travel Radio Show from The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC — and this iconic hotel is located in the highly walkable and vibrant college section of Georgetown — just minutes from the monuments and major sites of Washington, DC. They’ve just restarted their famous Sunday brunch known fondly by locals for a place to gather with friends and family and enjoy a celebratory dining experience — with great cocktails, seafood, seasonal options and a dessert room that will have you transfixed from the moment you step inside!
We’ve always felt that DC is a great city for travellers with families. The monuments and history of America’s Capital are perfect outdoor activities to enjoy — and a visit with a tour of the Capital building is well worth the legwork of working with your local Representatives to help get it organized. In a city steeped in American history, politics and culture — there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You could spend a few hours alone just taking in the National Mall!
A nice addition to our recent visit was just a 20-minute drive outside of D.C. to The National Harbor for lunch on the water. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to peruse and you can ride the Capital Ferris Wheel for scenic views of the harbour and city. Sculptures saluting American greats like former presidents, Rosie the Riveter and Louis Armstrong line the streets and make for fun photo opps. There’s also the MGM National Harbor Casino adjacent if you want to test your luck.
There are 19 Smithsonian museums, including The National Zoo to enjoy in the DC area with the National Air and Space Museum a favorite. Others to consider are The National Museum of African American Art & Culture as well as the National Portrait Gallery. A nice perk is admission is free of charge at the Smithsonian museums.
The food scene in DC has grown immensely over the years — as the cultural diversity of the city is reflected back in the food. What was once a town for great steakhouses and seafood options, still is, but its scope has broadened and you’ll find high-end Sushi, Ethiopian cuisine, African cuisine, Belgian cuisine — even a new New Orleans’ style creole restaurant where we dined one evening-- — Dauphines located on the ground floor of the former Washington Post building.
There are many neighborhoods to explore in DC and two of our favorites are Dupont Circle and Georgetown. And a short car ride away is Old Town Alexandria — also a favourite, and if you go be sure to check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Dupont Circle is an engaging neighbourhood where Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut Avenues converge. You can enjoy the elegance and architecture of Embassy Row and stroll around visiting its numerous art galleries, bookstores, night spots and eclectic restaurants.
Georgetown, where we stayed on this trip, and home to Georgetown University is a fast-paced, walkable area of the city filled with shops, restaurants and historic sites. If you get off the main drag, and walk the tree-lined streets, you’ll enjoy restored Colonial row houses, the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks and the C&O canal is a nice walk but also bike-friendly. Martin’s Tavern is a few blocks off the main drag and it’s been serving customers since 1933 and is one of our favorite Georgetown haunts.
There are very few cities that compete with the politics, history, architecture and culture of Washington, DC. It’s a year-round destination famous for the cherry blossoms in the spring but we think it’s enjoyable in any season. If you’re going this fall, The Washington Ballet returns with in-person performances of The Nutcracker for the 2021 Christmas season and DC around the holidays is a real treat.
Share your favourite Washington DC moments and experiences with us by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab at www.RMWorldTravel.com. Let’s Go America!
Safe and Happy Travels!
Robert & Mary Carey, Hosts
America’s #1 Travel Radio Show
