Doing it the Local Way: Washington D.C. Edition
So, you’re headed to the nation’s capital and are looking to see the sights with a low profile. Perhaps you’re spending some time as a “hilltern” (the “affectionate” nickname for Capitol Hill interns), and just long to blend in with your resident D.C. bosses. Or, possibly you are spending a weekend browsing for grad programs and want to get a true feel for the city. Maybe, you just are looking for an authentic, truly local stay in one of the greatest, most active cities in our country. If so, perfect, we’ve compiled a list of things to DO and AVOID during your stay in the president’s stomping grounds, that stray from the tourist-trodden path.
Photo by Bryant Juarez from Pexels
Photo by Bryant Juarez from Pexels
DO: Baked and Wired | AVOID: Georgetown Cupcake
Begin your morning in Georgetown, and start off with a nice cup of coffee (or tea) and a pastry. Now, it might seem tempting to beeline to the all-to-famous Georgetown Cupcake, but with a temporary shutdown this summer for health code violations and a line always out the door, for truthfully a very mediocre snack, we recommend checking out Baked and Wired. Nestled just a few streets over from Georgetown’s pastry tourist trap, Baked and Wired is an artsy, neighborhood coffee house known for its signature big cupcakes, granola and widely favored espresso drinks. Also while in Georgetown, be sure to walk the waterfront and browse through the hidden side streets to view the historic townhouses; don’t shy away from taking pictures, the locals do it too! If you decide you like Georgetown too much to leave after you’ve had your morning escapade, some shops and lunch places we recommend include Georgetown Flea Market (Sunday only), Peacock Cafe, Dean and Deluca (grocery), the brand new Glossier store and Ladurée.
Baked + Wired
DO: the Metro | AVOID: Driving in Dupont Circle
After an eventful morning in Georgetown, it is only natural to want to spend some quiet time feeding your intellectual side at one of D.C.’s many famed museums, or perhaps you’re feeling ready to venture into a new part of the city to experience a different side of D.C’s multifaceted excursion options. But to do it right is to utilize D.C’s public transportation system. It’s cheaper, easier and frankly, in our opinion, is up there with the convenience of the New York subway. If you happen to have your own car while visiting, definitely avoid driving in traffic jammed Dupont Circle and watch out for parking tickets, the D.C. police make it very difficult to stay clean from additional fees.
DO: The National Gallery of Art | AVOID: Air and Space
While all the D.C. museums offer something extraordinarily special, and the Smithsonian is truly a crowning gem of the city; if we had to pick one museum that tourists and locals alike keep coming back to, it would have to be: The National Gallery of Art. With an impressively hefty Degas collection and a beautiful sculpture garden, the National Gallery is one of the most Instagram-worthy, thought-provoking places to check out in D.C. In terms of other museums, do take caution with the Air & Space Museum. Currently, it is under renovation and hardly any exhibits are open to the public; the ones that are currently operating are pretty underwhelming compared to what other Smithsonian museums have to offer.
DO: The Anthem/A Night at the Theater | AVOID: Ultra
D.C. is not really known for its club scene, but that doesn't mean it isn’t there and available… it’s just something that probably should be avoided if you want to have the best night possible. Specifically, avoid Ultra — an 18+ club that locals have never-ending complaints about. Instead head to one of D.C.’s hippest concert venues: the Anthem. The Anthem is located right on the Wharf which is a new, revamped and fresh section of D.C. right on the water with cool restaurants and views. The Anthem has had some amazing performers come through it in the past including Lizzo, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala and 21 Savage. The concert scene in D.C really is top-notch and is a great way to get out for the night. Also, the theater scene is stellar with shows happening at Ford’s Theater, The National Theater, The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage and The Shakespeare Theater Company, seasonally.
DO: Monumenting at Night | AVOID: Monumenting During the Day
If you’re in D.C. you have to go to the monuments, but when you go makes all the difference. Instead of joining the sweaty crowds of tourists under the beating sun, do what all locals and D.C. college students do, and go monumenting at night. “Monumenting” is what D.C. locals call visiting all the monuments in a set period of time; it's also a term D.C. students use when referring to Bird scootering around the National Mall at night to have their “coming of age” moment. At night, the monuments are lit up beautifully and the views are unforgettable. It's a peaceful way to end an eventful day, and you too can have your “coming of age” moment.
Stay tuned for more city specific content, and make sure to tag us @theedgemag if you do it the local way.