The Washington Zoo

AKA my favorite tourist destination!

The zoo is an incredible experience for kids, adults, adults who act like kids (me), everyone loves the zoo!

Not only is it free, but you are basically transported to like 15 million different countries with all the animals you get to see. My favorites include: the pandas (and there's a new baby panda that I just want to give the biggest panda bear hug to), the elephants, the ape house (they are probably the funniest), I might as well list them all, the whole zoo is fantastic!

What I recently discovered is that they also serve beer there. It's a hidden secret (kind of, as it's right there in the "food court" area) and it just adds to the level of zoo fun you can have, not that you need it. Have I mentioned the zoo is phenomenal?

Okay so really though, the exhibits are far apart, wear comfy shoes. I wore wedges the last time and I looked cute but my feet were not my BFFs. The best place to start is the panda house, it has indoor/outdoor viewing areas. You will walk by the zebras and some cats, but don't worry you get to see those at the end. Now once at the pandas, be patient, it's the most popular exhibit and there is always a crowd. It's worth it, they are adorable. Once done viewing their adorableness, proceed down the Asian trail. You will be right at Panda Plaza, AKA, the food court, AKA, get yourself a snack, maybe a beer (seriously though, it's a long walk, you will need sustenance).

Next up, the elephants! Again, indoor/outdoor viewing area. The best is when they play with giant yoga balls. The elephants are usually pretty active, unlike those lazy pandas. Great Instagram moments happen in this area! After you are finished soaking in the awesomeness that is the elephants you will make your way to the small mammal house. In this indoor area you will see more animals whose names you cannot pronounce than ever before in your life. They are pretty awesome though, and most are super cute. They have little monkey like creatures that you just may want to adopt. Once you figure out that, no, this is not the SPCA and indeed these are wild animals that would eat your face off if you weren't separated by glass, head to the ape house.

The ape house has all the big guys. HUGE GORILLAS! They like to put on a show so plan to stand and watch for a bit. They have swings, eat bananas, all sorts of hilarious activities. This would be another great Instagram moment, this time video it and catch these apes at play! After the apes, you will probably be exhausted from all the laughter and will need to choose which exhibits you really want to see from here. From the ape house there are several options: invertebrates for those of us that like the slithering creatures (it's cool I promise!),  there is also the great cats, which are awesome but if you are getting tired, don't forget you can see a few on the way out, there's also a kids farm way down there (I've never been, too far for my shoes), you've also got the prairie dogs, lemurs, seals, and one I didn't mention because I am terrified of birds, the bird house. It's actually near the pandas, but I just can't go near there, I like to pretend it doesn't exist.

So now you are exhausted and have to hike back up that hill. This is where you will thank me for the comfortable shoe suggestion. Once at the top of the hill, stop by and see the pretty zebras on your way out. Around the corner from that you can see some big cats. Once done call an Uber. You won't want to wait around for a cab or walk down that hill to the metro again.

Like I said this is my favorite tourist destination. And it's free, so what could be better. And don't forget to enjoy a brew at the zoo.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm

 

     

The Freer Gallery

The Freer Gallery is part of the Smithsonian's massive empire. However this gallery, unlike the Smithsonian's that we think of, is quiet and peaceful. No children's field trips, no crying babies, no dopey tourists (expect for me of course). It is a perfect afternoon trip.

Located on the mall right across from all the craziness, it doesn't look like much from the outside. But once you step inside this magnificent gallery you are transported to Asia. Well the Asia of the past with sultans, samurais, geishas, and magnificent palaces only the truly lucky ever got to see.

The rooms flow nicely in a square around a central courtyard whose main exhibit is a rather small fountain surrounded by lots and lots of foliage. Each room tells a different story. I imagine the weapons were used by great Samurai's in an epic battle over an Asian princess (my imagination tends to wander...). The screens from a geisha house or perhaps a huge palace of some noble sultan.

The Peacock Room was my favorite. It had more art in it than any of the other rooms combined. It was blue in color (peacock blue) and had all sorts of china, pottery and other small artifacts. The walls were masterpieces in themselves. You felt like you were in the Forbidden Palace. There was so much to look at, it was fantastic!

When I walked out of the Freer Gallery it felt like I had been to yoga, I was calm, relaxed, zen-like.

Right next to Freer are beautiful gardens. The Enid A. Haupt gardens are a paradise in the middle of the mall. Vibrant colors come from all sorts of plants and flowers. The best part is it is right on the street, any unknowing stranger could stumble upon this while walking around DC.

Connected to Freer is also the Sackler Galleries. This hosts more modern Asian art. I wandered through here for a few minutes, and I stumbled upon real Buddhist monks mediating. I couldn't tell if they were part of an exhibit or not. But they looked very comfortable. I moved along quickly just in case they were there on their own accord and not an exhibit.

The Sackler Galleries were more of a cave you dig deeper and deeper into. I am sure I didn't see everything. Not quiet the flow Freer had, but again it was nice and quiet where you could lose yourself in the setting and not worry about the crowds pushing you on.

If you have a chance on a lazy afternoon this is a fantastic place to open your mind and feel a little more zen.

The Samurai's tools.

The Peacock Room.

The fountain in the center of the gallery.

Screens from a palace.

The gardens.

*I made up most of these descriptions to what I imagined they were. Meaning most of it is not accurate. But hey, it's more fun to make a museum what you want it to be.

http://www.asia.si.edu/

Pizzeria Paradiso

Pizzeria Paradiso is located in one of my favorite areas in DC: Dupont Circle. The area is humming with activity. On a nice day you can sit on any given patio and just watch the world go by, the well-dressed, DC citizens of the world that is.

This particular day was beautiful out. I sat down and was immediately served a bowl of olives and given an extensive beer list (I'm talking a short story). The olives were divine and a much better app than bread. As I perused the beer list I noticed they had just about everything I had ever heard of plus so many I hadn't. I ended up having the waiter suggest an IPA. He recommended the Dogfishhead 61 minute. Dogfishhead is one of my favorites but I had never had the 61, but I took his recommendation.

The pizza menu is almost as extensive as the beer menu. Again I simply asked for suggestions. As I waited for my pizza I started observing my dining companions: men in business suits, son taking his parents out, ladies who lunch. It was an eclectic group, exactly what you expect from Dupont.

The olives were done the pizza had arrived. DELICIOUS! I scarfed most of it down without a thought. I got the Atomica. It was spicy, but not too spicy. The olives gave it a slightly salty flavor. Yum. You could definitely share, but probably won't want to.

I lost steam. The waiter came to check on me. Noticed my empty beer and suggested I try something special they had just put on tap the Bells 2 Hearted. As I sat and observed the crowd and the people walking down P Street I reveled in the sun. It really was a glorious day and I was delightfully full from the pizza. My beer arrived and I enjoyed it and the scenery for the next hour. I wasn't rushed out, the waitstaff was great.

If you are looking for a wonderful, casual place to eat, drink and people watch Paradiso is the place.

http://www.eatyourpizza.com/tag/pizzeria-dupont-circle/ 

The complimentary olives.

What was left of the pizza when I remembered to take a pic.

The Nationals

The Nationals.

Going to a Nats game seems to be a DC right of passage. Everybody else I know works in the middle of the day so I ventured out on my own Wednesday afternoon to experience this ritual.

It was a gorgeous day for a game. Sunny and hot, so that ballpark beer would taste extra refreshing. 30 minutes orange to green line and I was able to get my first thirst quenching brew. 

I 100% recommend taking the metro, why deal with parking? Plus it is an extra thrill riding there with all the other Nats fans decked out in their gear. (To be fair I was wearing a sundress and cowboy boots, not exactly reppin' the home team, but give me a break I just got here.)

Now once there you will be accosted by scalpers, they want to sell tickets, they want to buy tickets, interact at your own distrection. I always wear headphones to avoid these awkward encounters.

They have these great machines as soon as you get up to the park where you insert a credit card, select which section you want to sit in and poof, out comes a ticket. Life couldn't be easier.

Once you get through ticket check you enter a DC sanctuary. Now unlike some DC sports, this one is actually played in DC, making it that much more special. The atmosphere is awesome. 

I immediately made my way to the first hot dog sign I saw. It isn't baseball for me without a hot dog and beer. After securing my Hebrew National and Miller Lite (I'm a bud gal, but that wasn't an option at this spot) I proceeded on to find my seat. 

The Nationals Stadium is freakin' huge! I hail from Richmond where our ballpark is not nearly the size (maybe a quarter). But it is well labeled and I was able to find my spot easily. On my way I spotted several in stadium bars that seemed to be quite popular. A nice option when the sun is just too much.

Once at my seat I quenched my hunger pangs and my thirst. I ended up in great seats (and for only $24!). Just below the scoreboard, perfect view of everything, including the crowd (half the reason I wanted to go in the first place). My seat neighbors seemed to be season ticket holders, as more people came they socialized like they were expecting to see them. Also near our seats was a nice outdoor bar to escape the sun every now and then.

My one regret...no sunscreen. The sun was beating down that day and since it was one of the first nice days...no base tan. Needless to say I am rockin' an interesting farmers tan right now, top of my knees, arms and chest, everything else is still nice and white. Thank goodness I have a pool to even this out later.

Now even though the Nats didn't win this one, it was still an awesome experience. I am already a fan. I can't wait for the next game.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com

Ballpark.

Brew.

Martin's Tavern

Martin's Tavern in Georgetown.

From JFK and Jackie O to Tucker Carlson, anyone who's anyone in DC goes to Martin's. So naturally I had to see what all the hype was about.

As soon as Chris and I walked in I got a wonderful feeling of familiarity, history and Mad Men like appeal. It was if we had stepped back into the 1960s to an old fashioned bar where the bar keep knows your drink and your life story.

This was true of Chris, he seemed to be somewhat of a regular. Damon, our bartender, greeted him by name and when Chris requested a Stella, he mocked with "oh something different".

I introduced myself and gave my little story of where I was from, how I knew Chris, the basics. They had Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA, one of my favorites. As Chris and I sat and chatted at the bar, there seemed to be regulars all around. Damon floated from customer to customer, checking in on their food, drinks and lives as if he was an old friend. 

When it came time to order lunch the french onion soup came highly recommended by Chris and Damon. I also ordered the crab cake sandwich. Chris ordered a turkey club. 

While we waited for our food we browsed the newspapers that were left on the bar for customers. Talking about news. It just felt like what you had to do in such a historic place. It felt natural. 

My soup came out first and the recommendations were spot on. It was delicious with a huge helping of cheese on top. It was great. Then out came the crab cake sandwich and turkey club. Chris' looked good. Mine looked awesome. I don't think there was an ounce of filler in the crab cake. Huge chunks of crab, bigger than bite size, to my delight filled the sandwich. I had a side of fries and coleslaw as well. The fries were thick cut and had I been hungrier, I would have finished them off. The slaw was nice and light, but I didn't finish that either.

We got to know Damon a little more throughout the meal. He learned we were on a bocce team where he hoped we talked a lot of shit to the other teams. We learned he liked to go deep sea fishing. 

Martin's was wonderful, I can see why it has been around for so long. And for a Wednesday afternoon, there was barely a seat open around 1 pm. Go to Martin's when you are in Georgetown and order the french onion soup.

http://www.martins-tavern.com/

Delicious crab cake sandwich.

Chris' turkey club.

The Harry S. Truman booth.

Chris outside.

Smithsonian Orchid Exhibition

The Smithsonian Orchid Exhibition: Orchids of Latin America.

Of course no DC trip is complete without stepping into the Smithsonian. My favorite is the natural history museum. That's the one with the dinosaurs, jewels and gems and butterfly exhibit. 

On this particular Friday it happened to be field trip day (I recommend not going on the weekend). But also it was one of the last days for this orchid exhibit.

Courtney and I walked in not really knowing what exhibits we wanted to look at and immediately this one caught our eye. It was located right off the rotunda  and somehow in the mass of school aged children in matching t-shirts we spotted the sign for it.

As soon as we walked into the somewhat small exhibit we were delighted. It was beautiful. So many vibrant colors to look at. I am not one to read a lot at museums, I tend to just wonder around and take it all in visually. This exhibit was perfect for me in that aspect. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty to read about the different species, I just chose not to.

The lush foliage was intoxicating. It smelled heavenly without being overpowering. And luckily for us the school kids did not seem interested in this exhibit so we were safe from the chaos for a few minutes.

Sadly this exhibit has an expiration date. However the moral of the story is sometimes you don't need a plan; let the museums surprise and delight you on their own.

http://www.gardens.si.edu/whats-happening/orchid-exhibition.html

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers located at 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue in Foggy Bottom.

I went here on Friday for breakfast with my partner in crime Courtney. She had given me the recommendation. We got there around 10 and it was decently crowded for a weekday. 

When you first walk in you are immediately impressed with the decor and vibe. Two levels, big bar on the first floor (Courtney told me at night they have fantastic mixologists). We ate on the second floor which was light and a little quieter. As soon as we got upstairs we could smell the homemade beignets cooking. It smelled divine. The host was very friendly (let me bring my Starbucks in) as was the rest of the staff.

We ordered bellinis to start. Let me tell you they tasted like fresh picked peaches. I would go back just to have another, not too many though, they were $12 each. This started our meal off very well.

We decided to split two meals: the crab cake eggs benedict and the sun dried tomato and artichoke cast iron skillet eggs with a side of hash browns and fresh fruit.

The eggs benedict were recommended by our awesome waitress. Courtney and I both love crab cake benedicts so these had a lot to live up to. And they did! They were fantastic. And HUGE! Made on homemade english muffins they were melt in your mouth delicious. Lots of crab, not a lot of filling. I would order them again in a heartbeat.

The hashbrowns were also incredible. Exactly what you want from hash browns, homey, a heavy, delicious. The fresh fruit was just that, very fresh and did not disappoint. 

The cast iron skillet eggs were not our favorite. The presentation was amazing but they did not have enough flavor. Courtney and I decided we should have probably just split the crab cake benedicts. 

Overall Founding Farmers was fantastic, great staff, great food, great drinks. I will definitely be going back.

http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/washington-dc/ 

Delicious Bellinis!

Some of the best crab cake benedicts I have ever had.

Our least favorite but the ciabatta was homemade and tasty.

Welcome to DC

I am not actually a tourist. I recently moved to the DC area and I feel like a tourist whenever I go out and do "DC things." Not growing up in DC I enjoy exploring this great city as if I am a visitor. From the Smithsonian to the W rooftop I plan on seeing it all while I live here (however long that will be).

Museums, restaurants, bars, concerts, exhibits, historical sites, shows, stores I am going to document it all here. Reviews, recommendations, observations.

It's all about exploring DC...like a tourist.