For the gents. Read Wall does custom suits, which is cool and all, but the real winners in here are the ties. They’re just the right amount of patriotic without being overbearing…you have to see it to see what I mean. Guessing this place is an image consultant’s dream when it comes to a young congressman.
Read MoreWhatever you do, make sure you take the Metro to the Foggy Bottom stop and walk down M Street into Georgetown. I cannot stress how much I love Georgetown, and how beautiful it is. There are great shops here, very historic homes, fantastic restaurants, and the University itself is impressive and lovely.
Read MoreThe Georgetown Flea Market takes place every Sunday, year-round, and is your stop for the best prices in antiques and is just plain fun to wander.
Read MoreI’m not really one for over-hyped places, but I really love Le Diplomate. It’s très Parisien, which also isn’t usually my thing, but holy moly. The beef bourguignon. The baguettes. The butter! Plus, it's the best for people watching. If you like talking heads, you’re almost guaranteed to spot em here. Definitely worth a dinner, also worth a brunch. Make reservations!
Read MoreI’m all about Eastern Market, which is both an actual market and a general area off a metro stop in Capitol Hill. I lived here when I was a DC resident, and it will always hold a special place in my heart (mostly because of Ted’s!) I recommend going on the weekends with a tote bag and stocking up on produce, art, and lots and lots of pastries. And stroll through the neighborhood, because houses around here are GORGEOUS.
Read MoreThe famous one. Ever seen the West Wing? Ever seen any TV show or movie about DC? Chances are someone stayed at the Hay-Adams, someone got drinks at the Hay-Adams, or some shady politicking went down at the Hay-Adams. It’s pricey, but it’s so bougie, and it’s right across the street from the White House.
Read MoreThe! Pasta! At! This! Place! Oh my stars, y’all. At Sfoglina, they make it all by hand and you eat it on couches off plates that are mismatchy and probably taken from your grandma’s china cupboard and it’s all so delicious that I can only recommend bringing a friend with a big appetite and doing the tasting menu (you’ll get three!).
Read MoreI used to run through Rock Creek Park park every weekend. It’s absolutely stunning, and will make you forget you’re in the city. It’s one of the nation’s oldest national parks, there are dogs as far as the eye can see, and it’s a great way to get in a hike without having to leave the city. Plus, it’s really, really beautiful. Pro tip: watch out for rollerbladers.
Read MoreIf you’re going to stay in a luxury hotel, the Hay Adams is probably your best bet, but if you want the off chance of getting a better rate try the Jefferson. I like it better than most of the others because there aren’t as many weddings/conferences/events/fundraisers going on at any given night (aka loud, annoying, egomaniacs), it’s newly updated, and you can usually find a pretty good deal if you start trolling Kayak/TripAdvisor/Expedia/etc.
Read MoreTiny Jewel Box place has a really impressive selection of vintage jewelry (and amazing engagement rings!) Really fun to pop in and think about what your life could be like if you were married to a Senator.
Read MoreBen’s Chili Bowl is iconic. Ask someone about food in DC and it will inevitably come up, usually alongside some story that begins with “one night we were out on U street…” If you’re going in the summer, be prepared to wait in lines out the door—people will wait as long as it takes for one of those amazing half-smokes.
Read MoreI know, I know. You’re thinking, lady, this is my first time in DC, you want me to waste my time on kayaking when there are approximately 75 museums and monuments vying for my attention? Yes, I do want you to spend your time doing this and, no, I don’t think it’s a waste. You get a beautiful view of the city (and many monuments) from the water, you’ll get to see the surrounding areas, as well, it’s absolutely beautiful, and for crying out loud, DC is HOT in the summer and you’re going to be really happy that you’re on the water when the humidity is 100% and you have completely soaked through your clothes. You’re welcome.
Read MoreIf you’re not into the old-world elegance thing (and don’t want to pay as much, definitely stay at Mason & Rook. It’s a newer Kimpton in Logan Circle that’s trendy, affordable, and within walking distance to the Mall.
Read MoreCava Mezze is the first place I’ve ever had flaming cheese (aka saganaki) and will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s delicious Greek mezze, and has spawned fast-casual Chipotle-style pop-ups all over the city called Cava Grill. This place is the original, and is still a sit-down restaurant with a full menu that is fresh, delicious, and worth a stop if you’re in Eastern Market.
Read MoreI’ll admit, I’m not the biggest baseball fan (sue me) but the Nationals are much more of a thing in DC than the Capitols (sigh) and going to a game is really, really fun. The area is up and coming (read: the restaurant scene in the surrounding area is strong), it’s not crazy expensive, and it’s a great date.
Read MoreThis. Hotel. Is. So. Cute. I. Could. Die. It’s in Adams Morgan (think trendy restaurants, shopping) and more affordable than most of the hotels downtown. Close to a Metro stop to get you wherever you need to go, and you’ll be instagramming like a boss the whole time.
Read MoreI wish I could explain how delicious the food is at Bar Pilar and tell you what to order to experience it for yourself, but they switch their menu up WEEKLY. It’s amazing (and it's Hemingway inspired, which is a whoooole nother level of amazing). The chefs here are so creative, I don’t know what to do with them. Just trust me.
Read MoreApparently seeing movies in theaters isn’t really a thing anymore…? I don’t know about that. I’m definitely a fan of seeing movies in theaters, and I’m definitely a fan of E Street Cinema. They do a good job of curating what’s showing—you’ll get your big hits, but you’ll also get the classics and those indie films you hear about from Sundance but don’t always get to see yourself, all while siping Merlot because this place has alcohol (praise).
Read MoreSo when it comes to B&B’s in DC, you’ll usually hear everyone who's into the B&B scene swooning over Swann House, but I personally think the American Guest House is better. It’s a little bit farther outside the center of the city in Adams Morgan (think trendy restaurants and shopping), but it’s near a Metro stop, it’s cheaper than Swann House, and I think it’s a little more elegant and certainly more comfortable.
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