Tuesday, 13 January 2009

• A Guide to DC for the Inauguration

  by Molly

  

  This year's inauguration is slated to be one of the most monumental of our lifetimes. It has been predicted that between 3 and 5 million people will be in the DC area to watch Obama be sworn in as our next president. But with an average population of less than 500,000, DC will be quite the sight to see with an increase of up to 10 times that during inauguration! With all of these people coming into the DC area, you're probably going to want to throw away those travel books that everyone is looking at, and take advice from an insider's guide to the city!

  1) U Street: U Street was one of the busiest places to be after Obama was announced winner of the election. It is the site of the African American Civil War Memorial, and has gone through a wide range of transitions throughout the years. It is now labeled as an up-and-coming neighborhood, with both new and old restuarants and bars lining the streets. One place that shouldn't be missed is Ben's Chili Bowl, on 13th and U, one of the oldest restaurants in the area. If you want to taste the best cheesy fries, chili buger or milkshake in town, you should definitely make a stop in. For a bite to eat or dessert, Busboys and Poets is a great, reasonably priced place to go, and is located just off of U St on 14th. You can either lounge out on one of their couches with a book from their on site book shop, or taste their interesting drinks and have a tasty meal at a table....either way, it's a great experience! As far as bars go, if jazz is your thing, this is the place to be. Jazz music has been around on U St for years, and any jazz bar you walk into is sure to be a good time. Other bars to go to are Solly's on 11th and U, for a more locals-oriented, low key but fun time. Then there is Pure on 13th and U, where you can salsa the night away, and Local 16 for a more hip hop-type scene in a great location! Anywhere you go on U St is great, and the area itself is fun to walk around in.

  2) Adams Morgan: This is one of the most popular bar scenes in the city, and is busy any night of the week. With tons of different bars and restaurants to choose from, you are sure to have a good time. If the bars aren't really your scene, the restaurants and shops are fun to go to during the day as well. For a great cup of coffee and a comfortable couch to sit on, try out Tryst, at 2549 18th St NW. During the night, you can head over to Madam's Organ for a little karaoke, Meze for amazing Turkish food, music and some of the best blackberry mojitos in town, and Union Station for a 2 story, sports bar-esque, hip hop club. You can dance, drink and watch your favorite game on TV.....what more can you and your date ask for! For late night munchies, head over to Baffettos at 18th and Florida for some of the best gourmet pizza! Try out the chicken pesto.....its amazing!

  3) Dupont: The Dupont Circle area is a really nice area to walk around in during the day, and has some great places to go to at night. There are little boutique shops lining the nicely groomed streets, and a variety of different restaurants to choose from. Since this is one of the central business districts in the city, happy hours are around every corner! Try out Cafe Citron at 1343 Connecticut Ave for pitcher of mojitos or margaritas, $3 Coronas, and some delicious Latin appetizers. The restaurant becomes a PACKED salsa bar at night, so don't forget your favorite dancing shoes! Also popular among business professionals is Rumors, on 19th and M St NW. But just a walk around Dupont will take you in and out of some great restaurants and stores!

  4) Chinatown: DC's Chinatown shouldn't be missed, not because it is a good Chinatown, but because it has so many great restaurants, shopping, and is home to a variety of different museums.....not to mention some pretty great stores! If you are in the mood for Spanish food, there is a great tapas restaurant called La Tasca. They offer $2 appetizers during happy hour and $15 pitchers of Sangria. There is also the Spy Museum, where you can learn all about cool spy gadgets and the history of espionage. Also popular is Madam Trousseau's famous wax museum. 

  5) Georgetown: Everyone who is a visitor to DC should visit Georgetown. The historic homes and buildings are fun to see, and with the Hudson nearby, it is a scenic tour for all ages. This area tends to be pretty expensive though, so I wouldn't recommend staying around the shops too long if you are on a budget! Although, you should definitely take a walk around.

  I hope some of these suggestions help! DC is a great city, and I am sure you will start to make your own list of reccommended places by the end of your stay!

  Have you been to DC? Are you going there for the inaguration? Where would you reccommend going?

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