Washington, D.C Revealed–A Local’s Perspective
We have invited friends and bloggers from across the country to share their expertise…give us the “inside scoop” on different travel destinations. We hope you enjoy this insider’s look at Washington D.C. It was written by Priscilla Macy in between flights between Vietnam and Africa. She is a global traveler, (50 countries and more) political activist and one of my closest friends. She introduced me to the idea of local travel on a trip to Mexico years ago and I have sought that local flavor ever since. She lives in Washington D.C. and is the ideal source for insider tips about this political city.
1. Give five adjectives that you would use to describe the “feel” of Washington, D.C and its residents?
Conservative, self-important, power, educated, political
2. What is your favorite neighborhood in your area?
My favorite neighborhood is Clarendon (Arlington). It has good food, good bars, great ethnic restaurants and it is a great place to live.
3. Which cuisine do you think D.C. does best? What is the runner-up?(feel free to share your favorite restaurant)
Middle Eastern and Central Asia cuisine(e.g. Afghani)- these are quite common here but hard to find in other cities.
4. What is the best free thing to do?
Visit just a few of the 19 museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institute, and of course the National monuments.
5. What is your favorite type of entertainment?
This is probably one of the most political cities in the world. I highly recommend attending a few presentations, debates and author talks on political and international issues to get a sense of the city’s unescapable, political culture.
6. List the best family friendly activity?
The best things to do with kids are the Smithsonian Institute, the national monuments and the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall.
7. What spot would you send a couple, looking for a romantic weekend?
Hmmm… not quite the city for romance.
8. Describe the perfect day…one that captures what your area/city is all about? In three sentences or less.
Hike at Great Falls; picnic on or near the National Mall; visit a couple of museums; go out for dinner and attend one of the many lectures and debates around town.
9. Tell us about a place that you love to go even if it is in all the guidebooks.
Taking a hikes along the Potomac- for example the Great Falls Loop or Turkey Run Park–a beautiful refuge from suburbia.
10. What question did we not ask that we should have (and answer it, of course!)?
Avoid the over-rated or too touristy areas.
Want to share, brag or tell all about your town? If so, send an email or comment and you can be the next local expert.
White house garden photo by Patrick Tierney
Turkey Run Park photo from the Turkey Run Park web site.
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5 Responses
Great interview! I went to high school outside of DC and think that I would also add “energetic” as an adjective……the city just seems to seethe with frenetic energy(all politically driven, of course!).
Oh surely there is a romantic side to DC??! Some great intimate restaurant, a fabulous old and charming hotel (the Hay Adams?), a bar with a view? And maybe a really narrow focus at the National Gallery for three rooms of Netherlandish paintings? Strolling on the Mall at midnight? Or is that not safe?!
I really enjoy the five adjectives part of each town/city-centered interview. That part says a lot!! lol Washington D.C. is a fun place to visit. I’ve been with and without kids, and both ways are nice.
I love D.C. Each time I visit I do something new. Although I always revisit the National Mall and the museums. I like the Natural History Museum the most. And, the Lincoln & Jefferson Monuments are awe-inspiring. I really like touring the White House and the Capitol. They are great to see up close and personal. It really makes you feel like an American. The Vietnam War Memorial and the Holocaust Museum also made a big impression on me.
It’s interesting what cuisines you say they “do best.” It’s the only place where I’ve ever eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant. We all shared a big, communal dish and it was really pretty good.
I’ve been to D.C. so many times and am delighted that my brother lives there now. Every time I visit, it seems like there’s something new and great to do! On my visit this past April, I went to the new location of the Newseum. That place is an amazing collection of all types of media that documents the tapestry of our world’s history over many many years. It’s one of the pay museums, but well worth the entry fee!