by Jim Twardowski
As we were walking up Constitution Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol, two trench-coated males wearing dark sunglasses and bearing attaché cases approached. Unanimously, my counterparts and I whispered the secret code word, “squirrel.” As the men passed us on the sidewalk, we silently eyed each other, confirming yet another successful identification of secret agents.
Earlier that day, at the International Spy Museum, we had learned that Washington, D.C. has more spies than any other city in the world. Our self-appointed mission was to identify as many as possible during our five-day stay in the nation’s capital.
Imagination and reality are easily blurred in a city where streets and sidewalks are Disney-clean. Government buildings gobble up entire blocks. The views are those we see on the evening news: the Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument. All are notably visible, thanks to an act passed by Congress in 1910 restricting the height of buildings to 15 stories.
The world’s first planned capital, Washington was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant. He envisioned sweeping boulevards and ceremonial spaces reminiscent of the Paris of his native France.
The primary industry in Washington is the federal government. The second is tourism. Less than three hours away by air from the northshore, the nation’s capital is a historic and educational destination. Packed with famous sights, free attractions and a full calendar of special events, the most patriotic city in the country offers an affordable family vacation.
Children who visit Washington leave with a new sense of wonderment and a better understanding of American history and government. The city’s restaurants, museums and hotels extend a warm welcome to younger visitors, with special programs geared toward them.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan a visit to Washington. One of your first steps—it could be one of the most valuable—should be to contact the offices of your senators and congressional representatives months in advance. This is necessary to obtain tickets for a tour of the White House, but the congressional staffs can often make arrangements for other special activities and provide additional helpful information.
The Official Washington, D.C. Visitors Guide is a 128-page book filled with all the information you need to plan your trip to the nation’s capital—including hotels and maps, attractions and tours, museums and monuments, arts and theater, restaurants and shops, as well as nightlife and sports. For a free copy, call (800) 422-8644, or visit www.washington.org.
Websites related to the government, the city and its attractions offer a wealth of information, and can easily be found using a simple search.
GETTING AROUND
As the Washington Post’s Visitors Guide website says, “The best advice anyone can give you about parking in Washington: Don’t try it. With myriad residential and rush-hour restrictions, brutal downtown traffic and ever-vigilant parking enforcement, the city is a minefield for the would-be parker.”
Fortunately, the Washington Metro system is one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient public transportation systems in the country. The city’s many attractions and neighborhoods are easily accessible. One of the best ways to experience Washington is on foot, as many government buildings, monuments and museums are located in pockets, such as the National Mall. Taxis are plentiful and relatively economical, operating on a zone basis rather than meters. A variety of guided tours is available.
WHERE TO STAY
Use visitors guide websites to shop around for great rates at Washington hotels. Some of the best values can be found in the winter and summer seasons. The three hotels described here are just a few examples of the many fine facilities in the city.
Loews L’Enfant Plaza Hotel is just footsteps from the Smithsonian, Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, Holocaust Museum and The Vietnam War Memorial. A crosswalk conveniently connects the hotel to the Metro, making it easy to visit additional sights. Start the day with breakfast at the American Grill. From French toast to fresh fruit, the fare will please picky kids—and their parents will appreciate the $5 price. After a day of touring, enjoy the hotel’s rooftop pool.
The Loews Jefferson Hotel is sophisticated; the service is gracious. The doorman ushers you into a bygone era, and you just may pass dignitaries or a diplomat in the hall. The hotel is deservedly a AAA four-diamond establishment. It is conveniently located only four blocks from the White House.
Just two blocks from Dupont Circle is the Topaz Hotel, located on quiet N Street. Guests are greeted by a bellman dressed in a turquoise tunic. Fun amenities include sipping exotic tea in your room, receiving a daily horoscope and enjoying an energy drink during the morning power hour.
WHERE TO EAT
Kid-pleasing meals are easy to find. Nearly every museum has a food court. Try the barbecue chicken at the Museum of American History. Stop for a gelato at the Museum of Natural History. Located near the International Spy Museum, the unassuming Austin Grill serves loud music and hearty Tex-Mex portions. Go next door to Jaleo’s for more sophisticated offerings, such as Spanish tapas.
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