Nat Geo’s Washington, D.C.
Since it’s America’s birthday today, we thought it would be fitting to publish a special edition of I Heart My City to celebrate the best things about the nation’s capital and National Geographic’s home city.
There’s a little-engine-that-could we like to call “Team Lady” here at Traveler — otherwise known as Carolyn Fox, Andrea Leitch, Leslie Trew Magraw, and Sarah Polger (our fearless leader, Zain Habboo, is visiting family in Jordan). While we’re not as different as the four friends on Sex in the City, each of us brings a distinctive flair to the table. Here’s a mash-up of our favorite things about living in “the District.”
Washington, D.C. is Our City
The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the National Mall to tour the monuments and Smithsonian museums (they’re all free!).
When I crave pizza I always go to We the Pizza in Capitol Hill.
To escape the concrete city I head to the Shenandoah Mountains to go for a hike.
If I want to see a foreign, independent, documentary, or classic film I go to E Street Cinema.
For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden.
If you come to my city, get your picture taken at the Jefferson Memorial. It faces the Washington Monument and the White House and is especially lovely when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
If you have to order one thing off the menu from Ben’s Chili Bowl it has to be the chili-cheese fries (ask for “the works”).
Georgetown Cupcakes is my one-stop shop for great dessert.
Locals know to skip Georgetown shopping and check out Eastern Market instead.
When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go have a picnic with friends in Meridian Hill Park (a.k.a. Malcolm X Park). It offers a spectacular overlook of downtown.
For a huge splurge, I reserve a spot at the Passenger’s back bar, the Columbia Room, and sip on specialty cocktails and sample fancy olives.
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Dina Macki on Omani cuisine and Zanzibari flavoursDina Macki on Omani cuisine and Zanzibari flavours
- How to see Mexico's Baja California beyond the beachesHow to see Mexico's Baja California beyond the beaches
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?