Washington D.C. in September
 

My husband and I live in the country of Panama (ex-pats) and are visiting the States in mid-September, including a trip to Washington D.C., Boston and the Cape. We enjoy walking, exploring non-touristy areas and dining in non-chain or restaurants that only tourists seem to visit. Also, our culinary habits are quite supressed in Panama so food is definately high on our entertainment list. Excellent seafood, rib-eye steak, Japanese, Thai and sushi are a must. Since we rarely return to the states, we don't want to waste time on mediocre food. We want the best! While in Washington for 5 days, we will be staying at the Westin Embassy Row hotel and will be taking the metro everywhere. Any suggestions on where to eat and self-guided walking tours would be greatly appreciated. Will the regular sites be crowded at this time of year? Can you purchase weekly metro tickets? Also, what type of clothing do you recommend for mid-September.
Many thanks
Ramona

It is not easy to search in this forum. I am going to D.C. end of August and found an interesting post about good restaurants near Dupont Circle in Tripadvisor. (We reserved a hotel near there.) Have you checked Washington, D.C. forum in TA? Other than just for the area near Dupont, there are several suggestions. In planning trips I check out fodors, frommers, and TA to get the most info/rec.

I have always had a fantastic meal at Equinox in DC. Go to www.menupages.com and you can look up the menu.

Ramona,

The area where you are staying is a good mix of residential and business. Just walking around Dupont Circle and up Connecticut Avenue will be fun! I would also say visit the 14th St./U St. areas as there are lots of shops, good restaurants and cafes, and it's not very touristy yet.

For restaurants, I would recommend either Sushi-Ko on Wisconsin Ave. or Sushi Taro on 17th and P NW (the latter is walkable from your hotel) for sushi. If you want a real "DC" experience, eat steaks at The Palm on 19th st, also walkable. It's a big DC journalist/politico restaurant, last time I was there I saw James Carville. Also, if you get the chance, try Ethiopian food! DC has America's largest Ethiopian diaspora community, and two good restaurants are Dukem and Etete, both probably walkable although you might want to take the metro to U Street/Cardozo. 1789 is a delicious restaurant in Georgetown (ask to be seated on the ground floor and definitely make a reservation). Equinox as the previous posted said is quite good.

As far as touristy sites, they shouldn't be too bad in September, since school has started and it's too early for school trips. To see some of the more popular things - National Archives, Natural History museum - I would recommend going either very early in the morning or near closing. In particular the Archives is best to visit at the end of the day.

I can't remember if you can purchase weekly metro passes, but you can find out what is available on the DC metro site: wmata.org

September will be WARM and likely humid. I would say pack lightweight clothes and possibly include a sweater or light raincoat for evening in case it gets cool. DC is fairly casual and you won't need anything too dressy - you can wear jeans to many restaurants although it's best to check beforehand as some of the nicest places will require you to wear a jacket.

Have a great time on your trip! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

I agree that you are in a great neighborhood for dining.

Very close to you are:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...&id=800493
(steak and so much more)

http://www.pescebistro.com/
(seafood)

Not in your neighborhood but still walkable (or a 5 minute taxi) is Rice Restaurant - the best Thai in DC -
http://www.simplyhomedc.com/Welcome.html

I also strongly suggest you try one of the hundred or so Ethiopian restaurants in DC - a regional speciality. There are about a dozen in the U St. area alone - Dukem being a good choice - http://www.dukemrestaurant.com

It is right next to stop #1 on this self guided walk of the neighborhood.

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/inf...?doc_id=156636

Another self guided walks (Dupont- by your hotel)http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/inf...?doc_id=222461

I also suggest you consider a guided walk - this organization is the best:
http://www.washingtonwalks.com/tours...ng-tours.shtml

Long trousers and short sleeve shirts a good bet for Sept.

Also consider this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-Walki.../dp/0028604717

Dupont Circle is largely a gay area so I hope you are comfortable with that. DC is usually still hot in mid-September. I live there and I would count on days reaching 80 fahrenheit, but with cool enough evenings to warrant bringing a light jacket or sweater...

Bardo always gives great restaurant advice, with links.

DC's weather tends to remain hot and humid until about the firts day of Fall, about Sept. 20th or so. Dress accordingly. For dining, consult the Washington Post's Tom Sietsema restaurant guide.

Washington should be crowded in September as family vacation season is over. The town may be slightly ill-tempered by late September, depending on how well the local ***skins football team is playing.

All great suggestions! dupont circle is a very good location with all the restaurants and access to the metro so conveneint. I will only offer slightly different advice re the weather. I've lived here my entire life and find September to be very changeable. There are usually a couple of very hot days but generally the humidity has decreased. Otherwise its low 80's or high 70's. It can get rainy so plan accordingly. Overall I think September has some of the nicest weather for DC.

Definitely agree with GerogeW re the 'Skins....Here's hoping everyone will have much to be happy about!

... but if the Redskins are 0-3, a September Monday might find the city a might bit cranky.

GeorgeW--u go tthat right!

GeorgeW--u got that right!

Rice is an excellent choice for Thai food. However, my favorite Thai place is The Old Siam on Capitol Hill. Take the metro to Eastern Market, and when you emerge it's ahead of you a block at Penn and 8th SE. The prices are very reasonable and the ambience is nice. Don't miss out on the amazingly delicious pina coladas (made with real coconut, not "pina colada mix"). The website isn't very nice, but does have the menu. http://www.theoldsiamrestaurant.com/home.tos

If you're wine drinkers or just like a loungey atmosphere, head to Sonoma for drinks afterward, and maybe some cheese or charcuterie. It's on Penn between 2nd and 3rd SE. http://www.sonomadc.com/ They also have excellent food if you're looking for California cuisine (menu on the website).