Back to DC: Rediscovering the District’s Hidden and Iconic Gems

Visiting DC's Dupont Circle

As the capital of the U.S., DC has a rich blend of culture, history and political significance. There are monuments and museums and the famous design of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, who shaped the city’s layout and impacted its design which has a very French feel. I wasn’t too keen on it as a young girl, although I did delight in seeing some of the more colorful residents on 14^th Street and enjoyed looking at the monuments at night, which used to drive our dad crazy, since it meant for a much longer trip home.

Whenever I head to town, regardless of the purpose, I think of my dad who particularly loved taking us to DC to places that sadly no longer exist, like the former Au Pied Du Cochon, where a person who defected from the Soviet Union decided to escape from his Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) handler and redefect during a meal there. It’s now a Greek restaurant of not much note but I still love walking by it when I happen to be on Wisconsin Avenue.

But although there are many places that are no longer there, some still endure. Places like the ice cream shop, Thomas Sweet, have been around since 1983, when I was listening to Journey’s Escape and wearing my corduroy shorts and Izod polos. On this particular visit, we visited Tuckernuck, a classic Nantucket inspired clothing store that has become so popular that its expanding to a new and larger location on Wisconsin Avenue. And of course, we had to have a glass of prosecco at Il Canale, which has been a popular spot for authentic Neopolitan style pizzas for over 15 years.

It was a joy walking around the historic neighborhood of Georgetown on a particularly and unusually pleasant August weekend. Our first stop with friends was to share some champagne at Apero. It’s a lovely setting and an ideal place to while away a few hours enjoying conversation and pleasant living.

Visiting The Lyle Hotel

A staycation in DC almost always begins at the Lyle Hotel which is our favorite boutique hotel in the city located near Dupont Circle. It’s a charming, beautiful leafy neighborhood to wander through with lovely residences and stunning embassies spanning vast continents. Staying at the Lyle feels like you are in someone’s home. The staff greets you warmly and does not allow for any inconvenience. If there is one, you are immediately given a voucher for free drinks compliments of the house at the beautiful art deco bedecked bar in the restaurant.

Rooms are cozy and ultra comfortable with toiletries provided by New York-based D.S. & Durga. There is never a time when I haven’t slept well at the Lyle. It’s quiet and peaceful and no matter the season, it feels like you are with family. My husband and I have stayed here now on a few occasions and it’s always a delight in returning. They own another property in DC, The Riggs, but I worry I won’t like it as much, and probably because it is litterly down the street from where I work, I suspect I won’t find it as restful!  

Enjoying steak frites at Bistro Du Coin

On this particular outing we had dinner at Bistro du Coin on Connecticut Avenue. Our friend Donald loves French food and we truly delighted in the outing and the rude yet efficient waitress who was only too happy to pour the wine! Drinks afterwards are always at the Lyle’s bar which has a stellar array of cocktails, particularly the lavender margarita and a varied selection of mimosas. Breakfast is almost always a quick walk to Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, which is a French bakery, famous for merveillux, which are these light as air creations of flavored meringue with whipped cream and shavings of chocolate or fresh fruit. I discovered the chocolate brioche and decided that might be my new favorite breakfast pastry, although it is probably best that I am not there too often!

Where are my other favorite places in a city where I spend a lot of time outside of the one I live in? I’m a big fan of Le Diplomate, like many people, which is located over by Logan Circle. It’s a delightful café run by Stephen Starr which has the most amazing bread basket and a burger that is like a glorified Big Mac. I am a new fan of the Indian inspired flavors of Malai, in the same neighborhood. My son Ryan and I made a special stop recently and tried saffron pistachio, sweet corn, masala chai and rose with cinnamon roasted almonds.

I love going to Union Market and walking around and poking in the fun shops and checking out Yellow café which has very unusual croissants including one that is filled with Labneh and topped with zaatar. Over by my office there are a lot of other fun spots, including A Baked Joint, which is part of the Baked & Wired empire, producing amazing cupcakes. I am also spoiled having La Colombe nearby since it is easy to grab a chai latte or a cup of amazing coffee if the mood strikes.

For culture, there really is no better place than DC as many of the Smithsonian’s offerings are free. The National Air and Space Museum is always at the top of my list along with the National Gallery of Art. It’s a thrill to see the only U.S.-based painting by Leonardo DaVinci or see the Spirit of St. Louis in the flesh. But even more unique is a trip to the Hillwood Estate, a place that many people miss, which has some serious Gilded Age vibes and is located close to Georgetown. The home was formerly the residence of Majorie Merriweather Post and serves a afternoon tea that is well worth checking out if you have the time.

For green spaces, I tend to love the sculpture garden that is attached to the U.S. Botanic Garden. I used to eat my lunch there with friends when I was in my 20s and I still seek it out. Meridien Hill Park near Adams Morgan, is another beautiful place that many miss, which is a pity. There is an interesting statue of Joan of Arc that is missing its sword, but it doesn’t take away from its beauty nor from the cascading fountains beside it.

Another place off the radar is the Phillips Collection, which is generally considered to be the first modern art museum in the U.S. Finally, I can’t resist climbing the Exorcist Stairs in Georgetown, which are creepy and steep and lead up to the Tombs, a famous bar for Georgetown University students. Even if you are not a fan of the 1973 film, they are worth a look. And I first visited the Lincoln Cottage only a few years ago for a work conference that took us to Petworth. It’s the site where Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.

If you’re only in town for a day or two, I can recommend any or all of these places. But here are a few additional spots depending on how much time you have:

Thip Khao: This is a very intriguing restaurant founded by a Laotian native bringing some of the delicious meals she knew from home to everyone in her adopted homeland. It’s fun to order spicy and unusual foods on the animal menu. Do not sleep on the laab or the curry puff!

Leopold’s Café Restaurant: this is hardly hidden, given that its in one of the busiest sections of town, but you need to go down an alley to find it. Serves up fun German  entrees in a pleasant atmosphere.

Salt and Sundry: I have always enjoyed browsing at both of the locations of this cool home décor shop with locations on 14^th Street and by Union Market. Grab some jewelry, a few blankets, an unusual glass or a candle.

Politics and Prose: My kids and I always find time to swing by this very cool homegrown bookstore with a delightful collection of books ranging from the political to how to make homemade pasta.

Regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone in DC!