{"id":6357,"date":"2009-08-25T11:08:01","date_gmt":"2009-08-25T15:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=6357"},"modified":"2025-09-01T21:13:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T01:13:44","slug":"travel-deals-in-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/6357\/travel-deals-in-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"District of Deals: Where to Save (and Spend) in Washington D.C."},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s tough to choose when you\u2019re spoiled for choice, which may explain why Washingtonians would rather list their favorites than pick just one. With an itinerary thick with recommendations, we bolted to the capital city to eat, sleep, and discover its myriad distractions for ourselves.<\/p>\n

We wandered from Pennsylvania to Connecticut Avenue and memorial to zoo, pausing for chewy chocolate oat cookies sprinkled with sea salt at Teaism<\/a><\/strong> before dinnertime at America\u2019s first certified organic restaurant. After 36 hours in the capital, we ultimately found exactly where to spend and some excellent ways to save for your next DC getaway.<\/p>\n

Rest for the Weary <\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Woodley

SPEND:<\/strong> Overlooking Thomas Circle, the year-young Donovan House<\/a><\/strong> makes up for a midway location with sleek, sharply appointed rooms and a rooftop swimming pool. Plus\u2014star chef Susur Lee (NYC\u2019s Shang) just introduced an Asian bar-restaurant called Zentan<\/a><\/strong> on the premises so guests can have their sushi poolside.<\/p>\n

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Still, the Dupont\u2019s prime address and close proximity to the Metro make it a no-brainer for those who favor expediency. And with local favorite Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe<\/a><\/strong> opposite the hotel\u2019s back entrance, free live music (Wednesday-Saturday nights) and satisfying al fresco brunching is only steps away.<\/p>\n

One If By Land, Two If By Sea<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Jazz

For your transportation needs, speed across town on the Metro<\/a><\/strong>, DC\u2019s squeaky-clean train and bus system that runs from city center to most attractions.<\/p>\n

SPEND:<\/strong> While DC\u2019s cherry blossoms<\/a><\/strong> leave tourists in awe each springtime, autumn\u2019s vivid foliage is equally unmissable\u2014especially from water. Chase ducks and coast by the Jefferson Memorial in a Tidal Basin paddle boat<\/a><\/strong>. Ten dollars buys an hour away from shore and calf muscles if you peddle hard enough.<\/p>\n

Museums for the Masses<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Newseum\"

Soak up the sun with free outdoor concerts hosted by the National Gallery of Art<\/a><\/strong>. Beginning May 28, the gallery will host Jazz in the Sculpture Garden<\/strong> where locals and out-of-towners gather to start the weekend with a glass of sangria next to Louise Bourgeois\u2019 massive bronze arachnid. Unwind indoors in the west garden court with classical music performances every Sunday evening.<\/p>\n

SPEND:<\/strong> In winter, head indoors to watch news break at the Newseum<\/strong> where seven levels of cutting edge displays look back on five centuries of famous headlines and free speech. The awesome 90-foot-high atrium will take your breath away as will the gallery of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos. Don\u2019t miss the Berlin Wall exhibit or the chance to play Anderson Cooper in the interactive newsroom.<\/p>\n

Bon App\u00e9tit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Want more eatable deals? DC\u2019s Ethiopian community and their culinary groupies prefer eating with their hands over utensils, and convene over spicy stews and spongy injera bread. Along the U Street Corridor, Dukem<\/strong> ($6-$20) reigns among the affordable, authentic eateries.<\/p>\n

SPEND:<\/strong> Dig into the exquisite all-you-can-eat buffet at the Garden Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/a> for an immersing experience at the National Gallery of Art that puts every pricey museum lunch you\u2019ve ever had to shame. Created by DC-based star chef Jos\u00e9 Andr\u00e9s\u2019, the platters are literally combining food with art as the inspired lunch selection likes to coincide with current exhibits. Reservations are recommended for Andr\u00e9s\u2019 menu. For $20.25, we\u2019d go every week.<\/p>\n

\"Nora's\"

In Penn Quarter, wine bar-restaurant Proof<\/strong> thrills oenophiles and social drinkers alike with a bible-length list and friendly staffers who share stories about Condoleeza Rice\u2019s last visit. While the wines impress, accompanying bites live up to the beverages’ good rep. Cheese and charcuterie are naturally popular but try Chef Karoum\u2019s creative p\u00e2t\u00e9s, like the chicken soup p\u00e2t\u00e9, or the spicy tuna tartare sandwiched between crispy nori for a taste of DC you can\u2019t readily get at home. Given the eatery’s mass appeal, it\u2019s no surprise that the latest cast of The Biggest Loser visited to film an episode. With its many temptations, Proof is probably not for the faint of will. But, hey, you\u2019re on vacation. Even in a city that seems all business all the time, it\u2019s a nice change coming from one that never sleeps.<\/p>\n

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