Washington, DC - My Favorite City For Long Weekends

Washington, DC - My Favorite City For Long Weekends

My first venture to the nation's capital was just
a few short years ago, but in that time what has
developed has been a great relationship with a
city that has more to offer than I expect to fit
into this lifetime.

One of the major things that make this city such
a great destination for travellers are the museums.
The Smithsonian is a multi-interest extravaganza
that has so much to offer that I won't even try here.

Just go check them out HERE.

Being the creature of habit that I am, I tend to stay
at the same hotel in any one city, once I find one that
I really enjoy.

In DC that place is the Hamilton Crowne Plaza.
Having stayed there at least eight times now, it
has begun to feel like my home in DC. The rooms
are beautifully furnished, and the service is just
outstanding.

Conveniently located one block from McPherson
Square Metro and 4 miles (15 minutes) from
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is
accessible by taxi or Metro. Just 5 blocks from
The White House, 4 blocks to the Washington,
DC Convention Center and within walking distance
to the Smithsonian Museums, national monuments,
Verizon Center Arena, Chinatown, and the Warner,
Ford, Shakespeare and National Theatres.

They are also a member of the Priority Club Family
of Brands, that lets you quickly earn free nights
with a generous points system.

I guess you can see why I like staying there. It is
also within walking distance of my favorite DC
restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites:

DC Coast.

This is right across the street from the Hamilton
Crowne Plaza also at the corner of 14th & K Streets.
The very definition of fine dining. A regular haunt
of the prominent and the famous folk of DC (on my
last visit Linda Carter was there). Washington is
known for both the quality of it's eating and drinking
establishments, and their high prices. This one ain't
cheap, but it's worth it!

Frequently what I have done here is to eat from their
excellent bar menu. It definitely saves on the cost,
while the quality and selection are sill outstanding.


Old Ebbit Grill - Since 1856

This one qualifies as an institution in it's own right.
Just up the street from the White House, it is always
hopping!

There are four bars, and each is special in it's own
way. The Corner Bar is just to the left and up a couple
of steps. Here you may be served by my two favorite
bartenders in all of Washington, DC. Margaret &
"Joey V". These two will make your time here a joy!
My first visits to Ebbit's I enjoyed the Oyster Bar
immensely, and both Grant's Bar and The Old Bar
are treasures (my last meal at the Old Bar was shared
with a major movie star that just happened to be there
and sitting on the stool next to mine)

But for me, no trip to DC is complete until "Joey V"
pours me a Black & Tan...


Odeon Cafe'

I came across this gem walking around Dupont Circle
one night trying to decide what I wanted to do with
an evening on my own. It looked kind of smallish from
the outside on Connecticut Ave, but I'm always up for
good Italian food, and the menu looked promising, so
I gave it a try.

OMG!

This place is a don't miss in my book. Hands down
the best Calamari Fritti that has yet past my lips.

While this definitely qualifies as an Italian Bistro,
don't think The Godfather, but rather a modern,
warm upscale place that makes you feel very
comfortable and immediately like a regular.

The staff is warm, friendly and personal from the
owners, to the wait staff, to your Korean bartender
"Fabio" you'll always feel welcome and well taken
care of.


The Dubliner

"Joey V" introduced me to the owners of this
outstanding Irish Pub one night downing a few
Wellfleets at Ebbits's Oyster Bar. Having acquired
an abiding appreciation for Irish Pubs years ago, I
felt obligated to accept their invitation to sample
their fare the very next evening.

I chose the wrong evening!

Evidently it is a DC tradition for the attendees
of the annual Correspondents Dinner to start out
at The Dubliner. Boy did I feel underdressed...

I was so surrounded by tuxedo and evening gown
clad correspondents that I could hardly find a place
to park, lol...

It was worth it though!

There is always Live Music, and the food is authentic
and wonderful. They are located behind the Capitol
Building at Number 4 "F" Street, downstairs from
the Phoenix Mark Hotel.

Having had so many wonderful times in Washington, DC
makes it hard not to list the dozens of places that have
made my trips memorable. Hopefully these few will
give provide a start, and encourage you to take a trip
to DC soon...

Enjoy!

Floyd Bogart




PS I have another trip here planned for the end of June '08, so will have more for you then!