Oh, time for some sentimentalism around here… After 2 years of working in Washington, D.C. I wrap up this client engagement with mixed feelings. There is more excellent work to be done. Yet, I want to be home. But it’s also hard to leave DC because I just really like this city.
Why, you may ask? Here are some reasons why I love DC – and the photos to go with them!
1. Yes, the tourist “attractions”
Not because they are tourist attractions but because of one of any number of reasons: their architecture, their history, or their contents. The monuments, the Smithsonian museums, the landmarks of the federal government – all these qualify as do other like the Holocaust Museum (a must), the Newseum (surprisingly well-done; with a piece of the Berlin Wall and an antenna from one of the World Trade Center towers), etc.
Don’t need a photo album of these… The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are among the most popular
Everyone wants to see the White House – and they should! I loved walking by to watch tourists. Here undergoing preparations for the Jan 2013 inauguration.
Little tourists…
2. The importance of the place
I just feel the energy of this city, center of power that it is. I was far and very close to that center. Far because I have zero access. Very close because I worked two blocks from the White House itself.
Most obvious in this category: The White House. Taken when the people had the right to tour it.
The Department of the Treasury is a less obvious center of power…
The Old Executive Building on the west side of the White House
3. Its history
Clearly so much history in the obvious places. But also in less obvious or lesser-known ones…
St. John’s Church across from the White House by Lafayette Square – the church of Presidents
Site of inaugural balls, residence of VIPs including pre-President JFK, and a hangout of J. Edgar Hoover: the Mayflower Hotel – my second home!
The Watergate Complex
The famous stairs from The Exorcist (that counts as history, right? film history?)
New South dormitory in Georgetown University. Never heard of it? Well, maybe not famous yet but it will be known as the place where a young ilivetotravelspent 6 weeks while in high school!
4. The incredible neighborhoods
Georgetown is likely the grand-dame (or is it masculine?) of the neighborhoods in DC but the city has so many unique areas like Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, etc. All worth walking around and just exploring and feeling their vibe. I wish I had explored even more but I definitely enjoyed walking around, especially the smaller streets with the brownstones and neighborhood places. I wonder if most tourists venture into the neighborhoods. If they don’t, they are missing out on the best part of the capital city of the U.S., in my humble opinion.
Iconic view of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. across the Potomac
Looking at Georgetown University
A little outside the old part of Georgetown
Sunsets in Georgetown are beautiful
See what I mean about sunsets in Georgetown?
5. Nothing like running along the Potomac – either bank
One of my favorite post-work activities – take a look and you will see why!
Rowers on the Potomac
Looking at Georgetown and the Key Bridge
On the western bank headed towards Reagan National Airport, close to the LBJ Memorial
This runner casts a long shadow…
Great strides are inspired by the Potomac River and its views
6. And the fun!
The food, the drinks, and the places to hang out!
Sitting at the Georgetown Waterfront enjoying some good stuff on a beautiful early evening
A hideout, almost dive, with phenomenal mussels! Way out of the beaten path!
The Adour at the St. Regis – thumbs up!
Drinks at my favorite bar: Le Bar at the Sofitel Hotel with its great mixologist Alan Jones
Chocolate Smore Bomb at The Oval Room – out of this world!!
A drink at The Mayflower prior to the Edgar Bar opening
The Bogart from Le Bar at the Sofitel – genius!!
Au revoir, DC
While my work is done here, I am surely returning to one of my favorite cities in the U.S.!!
Hopefully none of this as I fly out – though it makes for spectacular photography!
The Capitol in the background and the Reagan National airport control tower – probably my last views of DC as I fly out
Ah, I can see why the breakup is a difficult one. DC has so much to offer and I’m sure it’ll be missed. I’m also positive you’ll be back. How could you stay away from such a magical place?
Fantastic…have yet to visit DC – but this reads like a great to see and do list! That s’more bomb will have to be tried too…it appeals to the grown up kid in me! Will have to add DC to my list of priorities for 2013!
Impressive. Prior to reading your blog and enjoying the pictures, when I thought of DC was ” where the White House is”, what was I thinking?. Hopefully one day I get to walk around those streets.
Oh man, you just reminded me that I must get back here! I usually go each year with the 8th grade trip, but clearly, there’s none of that adult fun involved. Each time I come home, I always say that I need to go back and enjoy it as an adult, but I have yet to go. Soon I’m sure.
aww dc is near & dear to our heart, too. the wino & the hubs both went to school there (as you know) and the three of us have spent a ton of time exploring the city together. maybe your next client will be somewhere even more exciting?!
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