President Obama, Here We Come - Please Help The Maitais To Not Commit a "Capitol" Offense!
Jan 30th, 2009, 11:11 AM
#21
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The 1789 for fine dining in Georgetown. Steve Martini mentioned it in his recent book, "Shadow of Power." "I'm looking at Trisha Scott through dim lamplight over a white linen tablecloth in a Georgetown restaurant called 1789, her pick since she's driving. The unlit fireplace, partially covered by a summer-front, and the beamed ceiling give the decor a distinctive Colonial feel with intimate dining areas accented by Early American antiques. Equestrian prints cover the walls." It features a small bar. A few years ago, some of the Kennedys showed up and could not be seated until they were loaned a jacket. If you go to the bar, and if the bartender is "oldish" ask if he remembers Connie. Oh, and Clydes in Georgetown is a good lunch spot.
Bleason
Bleason
Jan 30th, 2009, 11:27 AM
#23
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Do not miss the FDR Memorial. It is visually stunning and very moving. I was able to visit it with my uncle who served as a paratrooper during WWII. He spoke to me of what it was like living through the depression and what FDR meant to people and then what it was like to serve during the War.
They use stone and water to reflect the times and it really is fantastic.
They use stone and water to reflect the times and it really is fantastic.
Jan 30th, 2009, 01:19 PM
#24
Ok -- u need to add Georgia Brown's on 15th St. to your restaurant list--you'll want to be able to discuss it when u have drinks with the Obamas. Michelle O, Jill Biden and Michelle and Adrian Fenty all had lunch there today....only add it if u like Southern food and they have a great jazz brunch on Sundays.
Jan 30th, 2009, 02:24 PM
#25
Original Poster
yes-t,
Thanks for the tip. I just hope the Obamas and Bidens know they are going to have to take some time off in May, because their schedule with us is going to be very hectic. I figure since his predecessor took off most of his eight years in office, one week should be a piece of cake for Barack. I'll try and see if I can get one of them to write a trip report about their experience.
Sharon, the FDR Museum sounds fascinating. Looking forward to visiting.
And 309, that's cool that you got engaged at 1789. Tracy and I were engaged IN 1789. Thanks to you and bleason (I'll look for the "oldish" bartender) for the recommendation. I'll bring a coat for the Kennedys, but they're buying!
If anybody has more DC area suggestions or a hotline to the White House, I'm always interested. Thanks!
Thanks for the tip. I just hope the Obamas and Bidens know they are going to have to take some time off in May, because their schedule with us is going to be very hectic. I figure since his predecessor took off most of his eight years in office, one week should be a piece of cake for Barack. I'll try and see if I can get one of them to write a trip report about their experience.
Sharon, the FDR Museum sounds fascinating. Looking forward to visiting.
And 309, that's cool that you got engaged at 1789. Tracy and I were engaged IN 1789. Thanks to you and bleason (I'll look for the "oldish" bartender) for the recommendation. I'll bring a coat for the Kennedys, but they're buying!
If anybody has more DC area suggestions or a hotline to the White House, I'm always interested. Thanks!
Jan 30th, 2009, 03:25 PM
#29
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This may have already been mentioned, but be sure and check with your senate and house offices to inquire about the special tours of both the Capitol and the White House (two separate tours). You don't have to wait in long lines, and you have reserved times. You said you are visiting in the spring, so I hope you don't hit cherry blossom madness.
If you can't get on the special tours, you can try and reserve a Capitol tour at www.visitthecapitol.gov. For the White House, you could always try and line up very early.
I also agree with another poster about the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown (1226 36th St. NW). Also, in lower Georgetown, visit the Washington Harbour for drinks or dining on the water with a view of the Kennedy Center in the distance.
Lots of tourists use the hop on double decker buses. From Dupont Circle, you can always take the N2 bus that goes up Massachusetts Ave
(also known as Embassy Row. You can see many of the Embassies on your ride up Mass Ave, including the VP Biden Residence at Observatory Circle. Get off the N2 at the intersection of Mass and Wisconsin, and you will be at the magnificant Washington National Cathedral with stunning windows. A must see.
As someone else mentioned, you have to see our fantastic panda family (Tai Shan, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian) at the National Zoo.
You will be staying in the Dupont Circle area. You can walk to the Textile Museum, the Woodrow Wilson House, and the Phillips Collection.
Between Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan is the wonderful Lauriol Plaza (1835 18th St. NW). Latin inspired, and great for lunch and dinner.
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery is not on the Mall, but downtown. In addition to all the Gilbert Stuarts, they just recently put up President Obama's portrait by Shepard Fairey.
In upper NW, there is the Hillwood Museum and Gardens. It was also the home (one of) of Marjorie Merriweather Post. It contains a fabulous collection of Russian Imperial Art and French decorative art. The gardens are also beautiful (www.hillwoodmuseum.org)
The metro (bus and train) website is www.wmata.com) for info about routes, etc. You can also order a SmartTrip card online. They are good on the buses and the trains.
If you can't get on the special tours, you can try and reserve a Capitol tour at www.visitthecapitol.gov. For the White House, you could always try and line up very early.
I also agree with another poster about the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown (1226 36th St. NW). Also, in lower Georgetown, visit the Washington Harbour for drinks or dining on the water with a view of the Kennedy Center in the distance.
Lots of tourists use the hop on double decker buses. From Dupont Circle, you can always take the N2 bus that goes up Massachusetts Ave
(also known as Embassy Row. You can see many of the Embassies on your ride up Mass Ave, including the VP Biden Residence at Observatory Circle. Get off the N2 at the intersection of Mass and Wisconsin, and you will be at the magnificant Washington National Cathedral with stunning windows. A must see.
As someone else mentioned, you have to see our fantastic panda family (Tai Shan, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian) at the National Zoo.
You will be staying in the Dupont Circle area. You can walk to the Textile Museum, the Woodrow Wilson House, and the Phillips Collection.
Between Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan is the wonderful Lauriol Plaza (1835 18th St. NW). Latin inspired, and great for lunch and dinner.
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery is not on the Mall, but downtown. In addition to all the Gilbert Stuarts, they just recently put up President Obama's portrait by Shepard Fairey.
In upper NW, there is the Hillwood Museum and Gardens. It was also the home (one of) of Marjorie Merriweather Post. It contains a fabulous collection of Russian Imperial Art and French decorative art. The gardens are also beautiful (www.hillwoodmuseum.org)
The metro (bus and train) website is www.wmata.com) for info about routes, etc. You can also order a SmartTrip card online. They are good on the buses and the trains.
Jan 30th, 2009, 03:30 PM
#30
Original Poster
I'd like to thank you, but it seems you want to stay Anonymous. Thanks to you and Sharon, though, I went on Wikipedia and the FDR Memorial looks very interesting. We are really looking forward to our visit to DC.
Jan 30th, 2009, 04:35 PM
#32
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The gardens are beautiful in May. It is best to take a taxi from Dupont Circle or from the Van Ness Metro stop to Hillwood (just a few blocks) to find it for the first time. When you leave, you can call a taxi at the Visitor's Center to come pick you up.
Jan 30th, 2009, 04:40 PM
#33
Hillwood is located in a very residential area, void of nearby restaurants, so if you're going to visit the estate plan to arrive when the museum opens and make your lunch reservations at that time in person. If you don't, you'll be at the mercy of the Hillwood members who call in their lunch reservations in the morning and take all of the tables in the small cafe. In the spring you won't have any trouble filling a couple of hours enjoying the estate and the gardens, so biding time until your table is available won't be a problem.
Jan 30th, 2009, 05:04 PM
#34
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Check out Brasserie Beck on K St. - terrific beer, great wine list, delicious frites, mussels, really lively fun atmosphere. it was named one of the best new restaurants in the US by Esquire in 2007 - we had a terrific dinner there last spring . . . really good service, too.
Pizza Paradiso was good too! And breakfast at Kramerbooks is very tasty - and right there in Dupont Circle.
Pizza Paradiso was good too! And breakfast at Kramerbooks is very tasty - and right there in Dupont Circle.
Jan 30th, 2009, 05:22 PM
#35
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Ah, Monticello! Did an internship in the gardens there during my VA Tech days! (Don't bother with the UVa campus! 
Bro and sis went there!) C-ville is only 2 hours away if the cops aren't out on 29. And Bodos Bagels! Ooh, pick me up a baker's dozen of mixed -- don't forget a couple of the salt ones! And the C & O Restaurant on the mall there -- excellent! (Say it's still there!) You could do the entire day there with Ash Lawn-Highland thrown in, too.
And Lauriol Plaza is our favorite for dropping the top on the no-merlot Saab and heading across the Potomac for outdoor dining -- wait for a table on the roof and order the seafood. But for pizza, go to 2 Amys not far from the Nat'l. Cathedral (a great place to walk off the meal -- wonderful gardens!) And Adams Morgan (Madam's Organ) for Ethiopian food! Oh, my!
1789, Old Ebbitt, Clyde's -- still great after all these years (worked at one between my ski bum and Va. Tech years). The Georgetown Clyde's (you have to do Georgetown! -- relive your wonder years!) is much fun -- tell Greg, at the bar, Hi from me and Rich.
Take a picnic (don't forget the brown paper bag for the bottle of pinot (grigio or noir -- your choice) down to the FDR and find a nice spot under the cherry trees, looking out over the tidal basin at the TJ Memorial.
Lots to do. Must get the Saab up and running again!
Bro and sis went there!) C-ville is only 2 hours away if the cops aren't out on 29. And Bodos Bagels! Ooh, pick me up a baker's dozen of mixed -- don't forget a couple of the salt ones! And the C & O Restaurant on the mall there -- excellent! (Say it's still there!) You could do the entire day there with Ash Lawn-Highland thrown in, too. And Lauriol Plaza is our favorite for dropping the top on the no-merlot Saab and heading across the Potomac for outdoor dining -- wait for a table on the roof and order the seafood. But for pizza, go to 2 Amys not far from the Nat'l. Cathedral (a great place to walk off the meal -- wonderful gardens!) And Adams Morgan (Madam's Organ) for Ethiopian food! Oh, my!
1789, Old Ebbitt, Clyde's -- still great after all these years (worked at one between my ski bum and Va. Tech years). The Georgetown Clyde's (you have to do Georgetown! -- relive your wonder years!) is much fun -- tell Greg, at the bar, Hi from me and Rich.
Take a picnic (don't forget the brown paper bag for the bottle of pinot (grigio or noir -- your choice) down to the FDR and find a nice spot under the cherry trees, looking out over the tidal basin at the TJ Memorial.
Lots to do. Must get the Saab up and running again!
Jan 30th, 2009, 05:41 PM
#36
Original Poster
OK, You are all getting me really psyched. Everybody take the week of May 9 to May 16 off. We'll all meet in DC and prop up this sagging economy. First round of martinis is on Kim (he's got all the money). Speaking of martinis, Tracy is finally home from work, which means martinis at the maitai abode. Thanks one and all. Keep the thoughts coming!!!
Jan 30th, 2009, 07:15 PM
#38
If u like gardens, check out Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown -- gorgeous in the Spring
www.duoaks.org/.
Two Amys has fabulous pizza -- prepare for long waits unless u get there b4 6pm or go 4 lunch.
DC Circulator is a cheap way to get around many parts of the city
DCCirculator.com
www.duoaks.org/.
Two Amys has fabulous pizza -- prepare for long waits unless u get there b4 6pm or go 4 lunch.
DC Circulator is a cheap way to get around many parts of the city
DCCirculator.com
Jan 31st, 2009, 02:23 AM
#39
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You might want to look at this article about Washington's historic houses
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/02/01...tml?ref=travel
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/02/01...tml?ref=travel
