What museums are a must-see for visitors to our Nation’s Capital?
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Tel: 1-202-686-5807. www.hillwoodmuseum.org) is my favorite. The house and outbuildings also have special exhibits available to view. During spring, summer, and fall, the grounds are amazing and a terrific place to get “lost” for an afternoon. The café serves small items and beverages, including wine. It’s a great place to relax and reflect on your day. My other favorite is The Phillips Collection (1600 21st St. NW, Tel: 1-202-387-2151. www.phillipscollection.org) located near Dupont Circle in a beautifully restored townhome. The exhibitions vary throughout the year, with impressionist and modern art on display. The Tryst Café in the museum is wonderful, with a large menu selection.
Which guided tours do you recommend most often to your guests?
Most guests prefer the hop-on-and-off tours. There a several, including the Big Bus (Tel: 1-877-332-8689. www.eng.big-bustours.com) tours and Old Town Trolley (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Tel: 1- 202-832-9800. www.trolleytours.com). For the guest who wants to have a private guide, a concierge is the person to ask. We have many who are just the “ticket.”
Fairmont Washington DC
What annual events should we add to our must-see list?
May is my favorite month for visiting the embassies and viewing the Dragon Boat Races (2900 Virginia Ave. NW, Tel: 1-202-333-9543. www.dragonboatdc.com) on the Potomac. The annual Passport DC tours (Tel: 1-202-661-7581. www.cultural-tourismdc.org) include entry into a number of nearby embassies, with local food and drink available on the way. The Dragon Boat races start at the Thompson Boat House in Georgetown, near the Kennedy Center and Rock Creek Park. Viewing is great from the Washington Harbor area.
Where can you go to get the best views of the city?
One of my favorite places is the grounds of the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial (Tel: 1-703-289-2500) next to Arlington National Cemetery. The Memorial is inspiring, and the grounds with the huge pine trees is the perfect place to sit, reflect, and look out over the city.
Where are the best places to workout?
The Balance Gym Foggy Bottom (2401 M St. NW, Tel: 1-202-457-5070. www.balancegym.com/foggybottom) provides personal trainers at a reasonable price and low monthly fees. The gym is free of charge for Fairmont hotel’s registered guests. They are affiliated with Crossfit, which is one of the most popular fitness programs around, for an additional fee. The saltwater lap pool, sauna, and whirlpool are available along with a huge array of fitness equipment. Alternatively, take a walk or run in the Rock Creek Park (Tel: 1-202-895-6000). The trails wind through beautiful scenery and along the way there is a fit- ness course. There is both hilly terrain if you go north toward the zoo and flat terrain as you reach the Potomac River.
If someone is looking for a full-service spa, where do you send them?
The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Tel: 1-202-942-2700. www.reddorspas.com) near the White House is beautiful, with private rooms for couples massages, etc. The ambiance is calm and refreshing and very Zen. The Spa at the Equinox Gym (1170 22nd St. NW, Tel: 1-202-974-6600. www.equinox.com) is a full-service spa, and very well appointed. After you have your treatment you may also use the gym for free.
Designer labels for less—do you have any suggestions for the smart shopper?
I love the consignment shop in Georgetown, Second Time Around (3289 M St. NW, Tel: 1-202-333-2355. www.2ndtimearound.com). Of course, Nordstrom Rack (1800 L St. NW, Tel: 1-202-627-3650. www.shop.nordstrom.com) is always a fun store to drop in.
What are the best LGBT bars in D.C.?
JR’s Bar & Grill (1519 17th St. NW, Tel: 1-202-328-0090. www.jrsbar-dc.com) is recognized as having served the community the longest and is still first rate. JR’s has a great bar scene with great bar food.
Number Nine (1435 P St. NW, Tel: 1-202-986-0999. www.numberninedc.com) an upscale bar with good food in the Dupont Circle area. Known for being a comfortable atmosphere with two levels. One level has televisions set up for sports and movies, and both floors serve delicious cocktails.
What are the most popular gay dance clubs in the city?
Cobalt (1639 R St. NW, Tel: 1-202-232-4416. www.cobaltdc.com) is a hip gay bar and night club with great drink specials. It has three levels: Level One, is the first-floor restaurant, 30degrees; a second-floor bar and lounge; and Cobalt, the namesake, is the third-floor dance club.
Where can someone go at 3 A.M. for a good meal?
Surfside Taco Mexican (2444 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Tel: 1-202-380-9353. www.surf-sidedc.com) is open 24 hours serving tacos, burritos, and stir fries among other dishes. The Diner (2453 18th St. NW, Tel: 1-202-232-8800. www.dinerdc.com) in Adams Morgan is also open 24 hours. Both have good food and interesting ambiance.
What is the iconic tourist souvenir, and where will we find it?
Your picture as the “President” in the Oval Office located at White House Gifts (701 15th St. NW, Tel: 1-202-737-9500. www.whitehousegifts.com). A small purchase is required, but very much worth it! You can also get White House memorabilia, such as Christmas ornaments, etc.
Please finish this sentence: Don’t leave the city without…
Taking your picture sitting in Einstein’s lap outside the National Academy of Sciences (2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Tel: 1-202-334-2000. www.nasonline.org) building on the north side of Constitution Avenue at 23rd Street. Making a pencil-on-paper impression of one of the names on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall (5 Henry Bacon Dr. NW, www.thewall-usa.com). The veterans there will help you locate someone you knew. Visiting the John F. Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW, Tel: 1- 202-467-4600. www.kennedy-center.org). Take the tour, visit the gift shop, and venture outside on the terrace level (Hall of States) to see the Potomac and Georgetown.
