Welcome to the blog today!
Quote of the Day!
“A man says a lot of things in summer he doesn’t mean in winter.”
― Patricia Briggs, Dragon Blood
Hello, friends, and welcome or welcome back! How are you? Make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by adding a little salt to your water.
Today I’m doing something a little different. It’s HOT 🔥 (well, it’s hot everywhere, but especially here in DC or what we call the “DMV”). What I’ve noticed is that the heat isn’t stopping people from enjoying everything the city has to offer, so, in the spirit of resilience and not passing out, I’m taking you on a day (with me) in my city.
Washington, D.C.
I was born and raised in the NE part of DC, close to Catholic University and major hospitals. I moved about 30 minutes away (to Virginia) in 1999, but DC will always be my home. I still work in the DC area and have family and friends who wouldn’t live anywhere else. So, let’s start this day… shall we?
All days begin with a good breakfast, so let’s head over to Founding Farmers, located in the Foggy Bottom area of downtown DC.
From oatmeal to chicken and waffles or avocado egg toast, there’s something for everyone. This is sure to get you started on a day of walking, shops, and museum visits.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Unconventional Diner, Capitol Business Center
The Silver Diner, Navy Yard
Ted’s Bulletin, 14th St
After breakfast, let’s head over to one of the many museums DC has to offer.
1st stop – Hirshhorn // Nat’l Mall, DC
Exhibit: Basquiat × Banksy
Major paintings, one by Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988) and the other by Banksy (anonymous; b. near Bristol, England). Placed in dialogue, Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (1982) and Banksy’s response, Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search (2018), reveal throughlines among street art, contemporary art, and the popular imagination. (Source: Hirshhorn)
🧋 Afternoon BREAK! Let’s check out the line of food trucks for a cool icy treat.🧋
2nd stop – National Museum of African American History and Culture // Nat’l Mall, DC (The Best Experience!)
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it has helped us shape this nation. (NMAAHC)
And I can’t leave out the cafeteria and the delicious soul food from every region. So worth it.
While I haven’t listed several of DC’s Smithsonian Museums, these two WILL take you all day to experience.
THERE’S ALSO:
*Air & Space, Natural History, American History, Art History, the Anacostia Museum, and several others.*
**EARLY DINNER!**
Let’s make our way over to Anne Paramount Steakhouse for an early dinner. My friend and I come here for Sunday brunch regularly. Simple, delicious, and filling.*
After an early dinner, a shower, and a little rest from the day (and the heat), it’s time to head back out. Maybe a concert, movie on the lawn, a speakeasy, or some Jazz sounds.
**NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN!**
Check out the Hamilton Live for music and bites. Centrally located in downtown DC.
A little further out is the Bethesda Theater (Maryland), which offers dinner and a live show. See tributes to your favorite bands, or enjoy a jazz or comedy show.
Off the beaten path **a Vinyl Bar.**
**The Press Club** Downtown (https://www.pressclubdc.com/)
The very definition of an old-school vinyl bar, Press Club feels like going back in time. Every detail is accounted for, from the vinyl record coasters to the old typewriter keeping reservations, and the small, cozy seats perfect for sipping and lounging. Rosenbaum says this is the cream of the crop when it comes to vinyl bars. (Source: Hey DC)
**Cana** ~ Adams Morgan (https://www.barcanadc.com/)
A new edition, and one of our team’s personal favorites, Cana is a retro-modern ode to Brazilian cuisine, music, and drinks. They specialize in the Brazilian cocktail, the caipirinha, and have DJs on vinyl setup most weekends.
Off-Off the beaten path… a Speakeasy.
The Alchemist DC, U Street Corridor
(https://www.facebook.com/alchemistbardc/)
The Mirror DC, (psst if you know you know…secret bar)
(https://themirrordc.com/)
This spot is “literally” a hidden gem. You have to do a little investigating even to find the door.
Still Hungry? Late Night Bites
Wiseguy Pizza, Dupont-Navy Yard-China Town
(https://www.wiseguypizza.com/)
Closes at 4 am on Fri-Sat
Proper 21, F Street
(https://proper21.com/)
Closes @ 2 am on Fri-Sat …delicious wings!
Exiles Bar, U Street Corridor
(https://www.exilesbar.com/food-cocktails-to-go)
Closes at 4 am on Weekends
After this full day of food, museums, and taking in all the sights and flair that DC has to offer, I think it’s time to call it a night.
By no means am I a one-stop shop for all things DC. These spots are just a drop in the bucket of everything you can do. DC still offers boat rides, dinner cruises, the arboretum, shops, historical tours, and so many things you can do in a day. It’s just a matter of what mood you’re in. I can’t wait till the Fall season to rerun this post with some updated “free” activities.
Friends, thank you so much for hanging with me today, and please share one or two great things to do in your town or city. Don’t forget to subscribe. — Duces ✌🏾