Museums and monuments are part of the allure, so too are unique neighbourhoods and vibrant food scene
Much like Toronto’s CN Tower, Washington, D.C.’s namesake monument comes in and out of view across the city.
The 555-foot obelisk commemorates the United States’ first president but also serves as a guidepost of sorts for directionally challenged visitors (and travel writers), the marble tower helping to keep turned-around tourists from losing their marbles.
One of the U.S. capital’s most recognizable symbols additionally contributes to a juxtaposition between old and new that dominates D.C. in the best ways.
It bears mentioning that if a stereotype has ever existed suggesting D.C. is stuffy or boring, our recent four-day visit vanquished those thoughts. Home to some 700,000 people, “The District” seems to transform on a dime with each neighbourhood revealing characteristics as distinct and varying as the nation’s political viewpoints. There’s a liveliness to everything, if a bit hurried, likely due to the mass of busy federal workers.
Destinations are often loosely described as offering something for everyone, but in D.C.’s case, that sentiment is indisputable. There really is a bit of everything here — new, old, red, white and blue — and the best part is that much of it is entirely free to experience.
With the presidential election drawing near, we’ll opt to stay non-partisan in this corner, but we will go public in casting our ballot in favour of D.C. as a great place to explore for a few days or even a week.
MALL, MUSEUMS & MORE
America’s Front Yard doesn’t need any introduction. The National Mall is home to some of the nation’s most iconic structures, including the Lincoln Memorial (the steps on which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech), the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, all accessed by pedestrian paths surrounding the instantly recognizable tree-lined rectangular lawn.
To visit the country’s capital and not the National Mall would be akin to avoiding the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome.
Visitors would be wise to free up an entire day for the mall. It’s a vast space and requires a lot of walking. Segways and bikes are great options. All the major monuments and memorials are wheelchair accessible.
An excellent alternative to the real thing recently opened to the public less than a block from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
A highlight is the full-scale replica of U.S. President Joe Biden’s office including the Resolute Desk where visitors are encouraged to take selfies capturing their POTUS moment. (The office will be redecorated as needed to reflect the choices of Biden’s successor.)
Start with an orientation film before entering an immersive theatre highlighting various rooms of the house. Check out the digital portraits and stories of staff who have dedicated their careers to making the White House function, then sit in the Cabinet Room and listen to past presidents debating major events in history.
Then drop in at the street-level gift shop to purchase the official White House Historical Association Christmas ornament.
There is no admission fee, but visitors must request timed tickets.
A separately ticketed exhibition, Bond in Motion, runs through April 2025 and features iconic vehicles used on-screen by 007.
BLACK BROADWAY & BEYOND
“D.C. has long been a hub for Black culture and Black advocacy and really just Black fun,” Thomas said.
Highlights of the well-crafted tour include the progressive Howard Theatre, which welcomed mixed-race audiences during a time of segregation, and the Lincoln Theatre, known for hosting renowned acts like Billie Holliday and Louis Armstrong. There are nods throughout to D.C. native and jazz icon Duke Ellington, who was raised in this neighbourhood, which flourished at the end of the 19th century and for the first half of the 20th century, paving the way for many civil rights leaders.
There were 300 Black-owned businesses at the height of prosperity in the corridor. Today, three remain, including Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. icon since 1958 that serves the original half-smoke, D.C’s signature dish.
FOOD FOR EVERY MOOD
What is a half-smoke? It’s a mixed pork and beef hot dog/sausage served on a steamed bun, traditionally topped with mustard, onions and husband-and-wife owners Ben and Virginia Ali’s chili sauce. It’s terrific and so are this couple’s many contributions, including notably during the 1968 race riots when they stayed open past curfew to serve both activists and local police and firemen. Martin Luther King Jr. and former president Barack Obama are among the dignitaries to pay a visit.
Helped along significantly by celebrity chef Jose Andres’ arrival to town decades ago and subsequent opening of restaurants predominantly in the Penn Quarter, the city’s food scene has been gaining new steam over the past few years with dining districts like The Wharf and Union Market popping up.
HERE AND THERE
PLANNING FOR PRIDE
WHERE WE STAYED
HOW WE GOT THERE
