When it comes to my travel bucket list, Washington has never been high on my list, partially due to the fact that it is one of the most publicized American cities on television and in movies. So, when my parents and I planned a trip to Washington, our expectations weren’t overly high. To our pleasant surprise, we were met with a lively city with beautiful architecture, tasty restaurants, and a wide range of places and activities to keep us happy and occupied throughout our stay.
To Stay:
Our stay at the Embassy Hotel and Suites. The hotel was one of the highlights of our trip, in part due to the clean and comfy rooms, good location near Georgetown, but primarily because of the sweet deal they have on happy hour! From 5-7 you can get unlimited COMPLIMENTARY glasses of wine, beer and/or cocktails with your stay at the hotel. Needless to say we, um, took advantage of this! 🙂 The hotel also has a nice pool, and buffet breakfast (which is also included in your stay).
To Do:
Wandering Around Georgetown (and the rest of the city):
In my opinion, there is no better way to explore a new city than by just walking around. Washington, in particular, is a very pedestrian friendly city with clean streets, and lovely architecture. My parents and I spent a large part of our time in Washington just wandering around Georgetown, Pennsylvania Avenue, etc.
Lincoln Memorial: Though you’ve likely seen the Lincoln Memorial in a variety of films and TV shows, they do not fully justify the impressive stature and intricate detail of the monument. Albeit a bit overcrowded with tourists, the Lincoln Memorial is still a must go see if visiting D.C.
War Memorials: The various war memorials, such as those representing the Vietnam and Korean wars, were all very well done honoring those who served and died, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice but at the same time starkly demonstrating the horrors of war.
Visit the White House: Don’t feel like waiting in line to have a tour of the White House? Alternatively, you can just go to Google Maps and get a full inside tour of the White House from the comfort of your home 😉
Newseum: I am a big lover of museums in general…and I have visited many famous museums around the world such as The MET in NYC, the Louvre in Paris, and the Museo Del Prado in Madrid. And, The Newseum was without a doubt the coolest and most interesting museum I have ever visited. The Newseum which focuses on (you guessed it) the history of news, has a variety of interesting exhibits such as one on the Cold War which contains an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, American Newspaper archives, and an exhibit regarding censorship of the media worldwide. It is organized in such a manner that its material and content are relatable and understandable to individuals of all ages.
To Eat:
Tony Cheng’s: My family and I make it a point to try Dim Sum (essentially the Chinese version of brunch for those of you who have never tried it) in every city we visit…and Tony Cheng’s did not disappoint! The atmosphere was lively, and bustling with servers coming around with carts full of delicious dumplings and tasty bites. The food was tasty and flavorful. Definitely worth a check out for the Asian food lover. www.tonychengrestaurant.com
My parents and I enjoying our Dim Sum feast 🙂
The Dancing Crab: We initially chose to frequent The Dancing Crab for their fabulous wine specials. Unfortunately for me, after we walked over an hour to the restaurant, I forgot my ID and did not get to partake in the wine :(. However, despite this (sad) hiccup, the seafood was fresh and tasty…albeit a bit messy on a windy day on the patio!
Dean and Deluca: Generally i’m not a huge fan of chain restaurants…but Dean and Deluca is most definitely an exception. This gourmet deli and bakery plays host to an extensive array of wines, jams and compotes. The fresh salads, tasty sandwiches (and desserts) are all made in house with a wide range of quality meats and cheeses to choose from. http://www.deandeluca.com/aboutus/WashingtonDC.aspx
Bangkok Thai Dining: Having lived in Thailand…I am somewhat hard to please in terms of quality Thai food. But Bangkok Thai Dining served the best quality Thai food I have eaten outside of Thailand. With pleasant décor, and a warm, friendly and efficient staff to boot…this restaurant makes for quite the enjoyable dining experience. http://www.bangkokthaidiningdc.com
Savoury Travels 