By Mallory McGovern
Parents in town this weekend? Here’s a list of all things touristy, within a short walking or public transport distance from Foggy Bottom!
Friday Night
It’s Friday, you’re exhausted and your parents who have been traveling to see you probably are too. Coziness, comfort and a delicious meal are key, all of which bring me to Georgetown. Traveling from Foggy Bottom by foot or bus (the 33 and 31 MetroBus run between 15-20 minute intervals) will get you out on the town without feeling overwhelmed. Since you’ve become a tourist for the weekend, a historical restaurant is essential. Clyde’s of Georgetown will give you a classic American feel with a diverse drink and food menu that will keep everyone well-fed and happy (which is, of course, essential to any family trip). Martin’s Tavern is also a classic D.C. institution—it’s rumored JFK proposed to Jackie O here after all—but make sure to make a reservation to avoid a wait.
End your night by window shopping around Georgetown, and don’t skip dessert! While its first location was actually in Princeton, NJ, Thomas Sweet has become a staple for Washington ice cream lovers. There’s a 99.9% chance though that you’ll run into a bunch of Georgetown students in line, but it’s worth the wait for homemade ice cream, chocolates and the best selection of ice cream toppings you’ve ever seen.
Saturday Morning
If it’s your parents’ first or second time in town, there’s nothing wrong with a little campus tour to start out your morning activities. Fair warning, the GW Campus Bookstore doesn’t open until 11 a.m. on weekends, so you might have to circle back for the perfect GW mug. From campus, your parents can join in on the tradition of walking to the monuments. While all the monuments are open to the public, if you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument, you’ll have to score one of the few tickets available once reservations open at 10 a.m. the day before your visit. Make sure you get your perfect family photo in front of the Lincoln Memorial so grandma has something new to put on her fridge.
Saturday Afternoon
The food near the National Mall is, in a word, questionable. If you’re not feeling the nearby food trucks catering to tourists, your options are a bit limited. Your best bet is to walk away from the National Mall and head towards the White House. From there, it’s a short walk to Blackfinn DC, a modern American pub with a huge selection of food. If you’re looking to keep it light in anticipation of all your future walking, their menu has plenty of salads, but you’ve also got your choice of elevated bar eateries. Plus, there’s a beer menu that’ll keep any IPA-loving dad happy.
Once you’ve finished lunch, it’s Smithsonian time! While everyone has their own personal favorite Smithsonian museum, you’ll probably want to pick a crowd pleaser this time around. While the National Air & Space Museum is usually the obvious choice, this museum is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The National Museum of American History and The National Museum of Natural History are the best bang for your tax-payer buck with extensive collections and interiors that you can easily get lost in (in a good way!). If you’re not too exhausted afterward, the Capitol building has a ton of green space for lounging and reflecting on whether Dorothy’s ruby slippers or the Great Blue Whale lived up to the hype.
Saturday Evening
If you’re the type of family that really likes to wine and dine, Blue Duck Tavern promises to be as delicious as it is fancy. They have an impeccable locally sourced charcuterie board starter, and that’s probably all you need to know! If you’re looking for something more relaxing yet equally tasty, Unconventional Diner is your best option for a 5-star meal without having to put on something less comfortable than jeans. They also have an irresistible dessert menu, so you won’t have to stop for something sweet on the way home.
Sunday Morning
Give yourself a low-key morning to reward yourself for making it through such a busy weekend and visit Kramer’s in Dupont Circle for breakfast. Part bookstore, part delicious restaurant, you can find your next perfect read with a side of french toast. I cannot stress enough that you must order a French soda. You wouldn’t think cream and soda would work together, but they do. And luckily for us lactose intolerant girlies, you can opt for oat milk instead. If you’ve still got time before your parents leave town, splurge on an Uber and hit your final two memorials: the Jefferson Memorial and the MLK Jr. Memorial. If you haven’t gotten enough of the monuments or the Smithsonians, you’re now within walking distance of the National Mall and can join your tourist brethren.
