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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Ala
Bottomless Turkish brunch
"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...
by
Kelley
Smith
Rooftop at 801
Funky rooftop
"Rooftop at 801" is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Washington DC because they always have something going on each season. But I love it in winter.
by
Kelley
Smith
Lulu's Wine Garden
Urban escape on busy U street
"Lulu's Wine Garden" in Washington DC is one my favorites on U Street. It's the perfect spot for both tourists and locals. I love their back patio!
by
Kelley
Smith
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!
by
JR
Denson
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.
by
JR
Denson
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.
by
Aparna
Krishnamoorthy
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.
by
Aparna
Krishnamoorthy
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...
by
Aparna
Krishnamoorthy
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
Krishnamoorthy
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!
by
Aparna
Krishnamoorthy
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