Georgetown Waterfront Park: Relax in a Natural Setting

Georgetown Waterfront Park is part of the National Park Service, but is also a popular place for locals to hang out and work out. Come in and enjoy the view of the Potomac River as you stroll along the car-free pathway. It’s a great way to get your exercise and to relax! The pathway is also a great place for cyclists and skaters. Enjoy the view – and what a view! With Georgetown to the north, Foggy Bottom south and Roosevelt Island across the river, you’re bound to see something beautiful. If you like water sports, there are places to rent kayaks and canoes. The shores of the park are also home to boathouses for many competitive rowing teams. Or just bring a picnic lunch, relax and watch the boats roll by!

Georgetown Waterfront Park
3000 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-4545
http://www.yelp.com/biz/georgetown-waterfront-park-washington

The Pretzel Bakery: Tasty Twists

How good can a pretzel be, really? That’s a question you’ll never ask yourself again after your first visit to The Pretzel Bakery. Producing hand-rolled, small batch Philly-style soft pretzels out of a small door in a tiny storefront, this local favorite has grown into a Washington, D.C. destination spot for hearty snackers. So what’s the big draw? Plain and simple, these are some of the best pretzels you’ve ever eaten. Soft and fluffy on the inside with the perfect amount of crust and salt on the outside, all you need to pair them with is a little mustard (which you dispense yourself) and you’ve got the snack of a century. You can also opt for fancier toppings like Nutella and caramel mustard for a buck. Considering pretzels are just $2 apiece (and cheaper if you buy in bulk), that’s quite a deal. The Pretzel Bakery also lets you quench your thirst with a variety of Pennsylvania regional soda pops.

The Pretzel Bakery
340 15th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 251-0953
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pretzel-bakery-washington

Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Cutting Edge Art

Lovers of modern art who are seeking the latest, most cutting edge art of today will find the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden truly enthralling. Modern art aficionados will be challenged by exhibits, including one consisting of large blue letters stating A Rubber Ball Thrown On The Sea displayed on a white gallery wall. Is it the height of genius? Or is it just self-indulgence posing as art? It's all for you to decide. The pieces here, at the Hirshorn, will inspire you, confuse you, make you frustrated, or, perhaps, all of the above. The most important facet of art, modern or otherwise, is that it sparks emotions, encourages you to think, and introduces you to things that you wouldn’t otherwise experience.

The Hishorn is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 357-1300

Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Cutting Edge Art

Lovers of modern art who are seeking the latest, most cutting edge art of today will find the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden truly enthralling. Modern art aficionados will be challenged by exhibits, including one consisting of large blue letters stating A Rubber Ball Thrown On The Sea displayed on a white gallery wall. Is it the height of genius? Or is it just self-indulgence posing as art? It's all for you to decide. The pieces here, at the Hirshorn, will inspire you, confuse you, make you frustrated, or, perhaps, all of the above. The most important facet of art, modern or otherwise, is that it sparks emotions, encourages you to think, and introduces you to things that you wouldn’t otherwise experience.

The Hishorn is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW
L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 357-1300

CulinAerie: Release Your Inner Chef

Whether your culinary interest runs to making Spanish tapas, Indian curries, or Italian pasta dishes, you’re sure to find something to stir your inner chef at CulinAerie, an informal cooking school in the heart of Washington, D.C. State of the art kitchens are set up with spanking new commercial equipment, plus flat screen TVs at each cooking station for optimal learning. Everything you need to unleash your inner Julia Child is provided, including aprons, ingredients, and cooking utensils. Wine flows throughout the fun classes and when you’re finished cooking, you get to feast on your culinary creations. 3-hour classes are $85 for singles and $175 for couples. See their website for schedules and registration. 

1131 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 587-5674

Crepes at the Market: Sweet and Savory

French crepes are one of the most versatile takes on the wrap concept, capable of lending themselves to both sweet and savory dishes with equal aplomb. If you’re looking to get a taste of a fresh, full crepe, Crepes at the Market might be one of the best spots. This local institution dispatches griddle carts to farmer’s markets all over the Washington D.C. area, most notably the bustling Eastern Market. Regulars rave about the great selection of fillings. Some of the most popular sweet choices include the Latin Lover, made with walnuts, apples, dulce du leche, and coconut, as well as the strawberry, banana, and chocolate. Basically anything with fresh fruit comes out wonderfully here. Savory crepes are just as good, with the breakfast special of scrambled eggs, spinach, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and melted Asiago cheese winning praise from hungry diners. Prices are reasonable but the payment system is a little change – you tally up your own bill and put your cash in jars on the counter, then use the honor system to calculate your change.

Crepes at the Market
7th Street SE and North Carolina Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crepes-at-the-market-eastern-market-washington

The Kreeger Museum: Creative Excellence

Formerly the residence of art collectors David and Carmen Kreeger, the Kreeger Museum is a small venue for art lovers who want a brief excursion into the realm of creative excellence. A tour takes less than an hour, during which you can explore an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculpture. Cézanne, Monet, Miró, Picasso, Renoir, Chagall, and Calder are represented here, along with a myriad of other well-known artists, some from the Washington, D.C. area. Also featured is a collection of African, Asian, and Pre-Colombian artworks, plus some historic illustrated books. Open Tuesdays through Thursdays. Reservations are required for admittance. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students, military, and seniors. Children under age 12 are free. 

2401 Foxhall Road NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-3050

National Postal Museum: The History of the U.S. Post Office

Don't worry, you do not have to be a stamp collector to relish in a visit to the National Postal Museum. This beautiful marble structure, replete with a 90 foot atrium, across from Union Station chronicles the history of the U.S. Post Office from the days of the Pony Express to old airmail biplanes to the current boxy postal truck. During the tour, you'll get a complete picture of the history of mail delivery in the United States. Also, you'll get the chance to look at stamps from around the world, view important historic correspondence, and find out fascinating facts about the evolution of the postal service. Children will adore learning about Owney the Postal Service Dog, a stray who made the rounds with D.C. postal workers, and eventually became their beloved mascot — plus, kids will get the chance to sit in an 18-wheeler delivery truck! A trip here will convince you that mail delivery is anything but mundane!

Admission is free. The Museum's open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE
(at N. Capitol Street)
Union Station Metro Station
Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood: NoMa
(202) 357-1300

2 Amys: D.C.’s Certified Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Did you know there are guidelines that govern the status of authentic Neapolitan pizza? If you meet those requirements, you receive the Italian government’s D.O.C (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) seal of approval. Washington, D.C.'s 2 Amys is a proud recipient of the award, ensuring its pies adhere to standard ingredients: soft-grain flour, fresh yeast, and sea salt for the crust, and Italian plum tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and extra-virgin olive oil for the toppings. Amy’s pizzas are also baked in a wood-burning oven (another D.O.C. requirement) to ensure they arrive sizzling hot and cooked to perfection, with that crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside crust. If you love pizza — D.O.C. recognized or otherwise — you’ll fall in love with the food at 2 Amys.

3715 Macomb Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-5700
 

Little Serow: Could This Be D.C.’s Best Thai Restaurant?

Maybe it’s that the food is from the extreme northern part of Thailand and not what we’re used to. Maybe it’s just that the cooks are especially talented. Whatever it is that makes the cuisine at Little Serow especially delectable, diners are lining up to get a taste of it. For a prix fixe of $45 you can indulge in the weekly menu of assorted dishes that comprise a Thai family-style feast, which might include Pork Ribs with dill and Mekhong whiskey; Chicken with turmeric and fermented cabbage; and Catfish with shallots. The week’s menu is posted on their website. Reservations aren’t taken at Little Serow – just show up and put your name in and they’ll text you when your table’s ready.

Little Serow
1511 17th Street NW
Washington DC 20036