Lydia from Washington DC
National Portrait Gallery Washington DC
Not just a pretty face
The name of this Washington art museum is technically correct, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the hidden treasures in the collections here. Take, for instance, one of the most visited exhibits: American Presidents. Organized from the first president on, the early part of the collection is, as one might imagine, paintings of the heads of old white men dressed in black. Then John F. Kennedy comes along, and the colorful, full-length portrait by Elaine de Koonig turns the exhibit on its head. The portraits become more personal – even Richard Nixon smiles.
But the crowning glory of the exhibit isn’t a President, but the Amy Sherard portrait of Michelle Obama, which is so stunning it replaced the photo of my dog on my home screen, though I do not know Michelle personally. That’s the surprise of this museum – predictable, but mind the twists. Look for Katherine Hepburn’s Oscars, Kurt Cobain’s attitude, and The Four Justices by Nelson Shanks. The building itself is art – a grand inner courtyard houses a café and a water feature no child can resist running through.
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The Brig
Chill outdoor beer garden
"The Brig" is arguably the flagship beer garden of Eastern Market and Navy Yard in Washington DC. I love how I never have to wait for a table!
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JR
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Public Bar
Wednesday salsa night
"Public Bar" in DC turns into a real salsa club every Wednesday night. If you're serious about wanting to partner dance on a random Wednesday, it's for you.
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Izakaya Seki
Big taste & small plates
"Izakaya Seki" in Washington DC is the restaurant I go to when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, a place for somewhat adventurous diners!
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LeTena
Modern, fast, casual Ethiopian
"LeTena" Washington DC takes a slightly different approach with Ethiopian food, somewhere between being a restaurant & a casual place. I love the prices.
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Aparna
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The Coffee Bar
Charm and personality
"The Coffee Bar" is a wonderful coffee spot in Washington DC, in a somewhat quiet area. I love their outside patio to enjoy my coffee with some sun.
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Aparna
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Donburi
Japanese restaurant
"Donburi" in Washington DC is a Japanese restaurant that makes my mouth water before I've even had a taste of the food! It's my comfort food in DC...
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Aparna
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ArtJamz
Paint and sip
"ArtJamz" in Washington DC is cool. It's basically an art studio where I go to hang out with friends, a date, or just to destress with a drink & paint.
by
Aparna
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Kramerbooks & Afterwords
Bookstore and cafe
"Kramerbooks & Afterwords" Washington DC's Dupont Circle is an old-school bookstore with a café/bar & a restaurant. It's one of my favorites of this style.
by
Aparna
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Food Trucks on the Mall
Eat around the world
The streets ringing the National Mall in Washington DC is full of food trucks with food from around the world. Pick your favorite, find a bench and enjoy!
by
Lydia
Strohl
DC Food Trucks Online
Locate eats on the go
Use the app "Food Truck Fiesta" to locate all the food trucks listed as active in Washington DC -- that's over 200 of them!
by
Lydia
Strohl
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