Believe it or not, the last time I visited Washington, D.C. was in the 6th grade. That was a looooong time ago! haha!
My recent trip was focused more on the art world than the political world. I toured several monuments and museums; one notable museum called the National Museum of Women in the Arts was dedicated solely to women artists. It’s a beautiful museum that shouldn't be missed on your next visit to The District. Oh, and I also hobnobbed with The British Ambassador and Lady Darroch. Tally ho!
Speaking of “shouldn’t be missed” — here’s my list of places to stay, dine and see for your next visit to Washington, District of Columbia:
Stay
If you’d like to catch a sporting event, this hotel is conveniently located in the Penn Quarter near Chinatown and across the street from The Verizon Center. At first, I was hesitant to acknowledge this hotel as there were several mishaps. But it grew on me as I settled in for the week. The cool factor about this hotel is that it’s a national historical landmark. It was originally The General Post Office building constructed in 1839. I met the night security guard and he gave me some inside scoop about why some of the rooms have been sealed off. Eeeks!
Dine
A José Andrés tapas restaurant in a casual setting with incredible Spanish food. This restaurant is within walking distance from Hotel Monaco. It’s funny how the Uber driver didn’t tell me it was right around the corner!
You must try the duck at this amazing Georgetown Michelin star restaurant. No, seriously. The duck dish is a combo of Peking and Mallard duck, which is cooked to perfection with moist meat and a crunchy skin. Absolutely to die for! It’s a big duck, so come hungry to this restaurant which is on the lower level of the Park Hyatt. I would recommend staying there, too!
This José Andrés haute cocktail lab destination serves hundreds of libations that could be doubled as science experiments. It’s a hard reservation to obtain as there are less than 16 seats. So, be sure to call ahead.
See
The National Museum of Women in the Arts
The NWWA is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to women artists. How cool is that? This exquisite museum was the main reason for my trip to D.C. since it was celebrating its' 30th anniversary with a momentous gala for members of the museum. And, as a member of the San Francisco Advocacy for NMWA, I just had to be there. We’re currently working on the “Women To Watch” Program where San Francisco will be sending one woman artist to NMWA to exhibit her works. If you’d like to become a member of NMWA, Just Ask me and I’ll provide you with membership details. Thank you, Wilhelmina Cole Holladay for being the founder of this empowering museum!
The National Museum of African American History & Culture
I was fortunate enough to obtain these coveted museum passes from my connections at NMWA (thank you!). Set enough time to visit this museum as there are four levels of galleries above the main entrance and three levels of galleries below. You’ll experience the African American culture, community, heritage, and its’ history. However, there’s a nine month waiting list for this museum entrance, so plan accordingly.
This was the summer home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Yes, the cereal company! Her estate was filled with Russian and French decorative collections. There was an in-home theatre, a pretty in pink boudoir, several estate Fabergé eggs and a magnificently landscaped garden that was in full bloom with dogwoods, tulips, azaleas and more. This historical estate is not to be missed!
This museum is located on The National Mall and there are two wings, The East Wing and The West Wing. I toured the new East Wing, which displays modern works such as the biggest mobile I’ve ever seen by Calder. The architect of the new East Wing is I.M. Pei, yes, the same famous architect of Le Louvre in Paris. The West Wing is filled with European and American art from the thirteenth through the sixteenth centuries. Don’t miss the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, which is also a part of this complex.
And, of course, I toured The Capitol (thanks to my terrific guide, Kelly!) and visited The House of Representatives Chamber, which was very cool. Unfortunately, the joint sessions of Congress were not in session but I sat in the seats above the chamber and got a sneak peak of where the President delivers the State of the Union speech and other events take place. I drove by the White House and the Washington Monument, visited the Lincoln and The Jefferson Memorial, had lunch and dinner in the historic district of Georgetown, and paid tribute to those heroes who fought in Vietnam War and died in service for our country.
Should you like me to help plan a trip to The District, Just Ask your adventure stylist (me!) by sending a note and I’ll gladly be of service to you!
