What should I do in Washington DC next weekend?

[Platinum Pete]

I'm squeezing in some extra, pre ski season, company sponsored travel next Thursday through Sunday so I'll be living it up in our nation's capitol. Any suggestions of what to do?

I'm staying close to the White House, flying in Wednesday night. Music and/or restaurant/bar recommendations would be great, as would suggestions on activities for the days. I'm with clients Thursday PM and part of the day Friday, but I want to crank up the fun for the rest of the time.

In a political town like Washington, I'm priced out of the hookers and blow, so please focus you suggestions on other attractions for 30 year old, single, hetero, like live music, bars, and getting off the beeaten path a little. I'm planning to check out whats happening at the Smithsonian (any recs?) and will see some monuments. Is the White House tour worthwhile? Is there anything I shouldn't miss?

[backpack]

The Washington Monument AKA Our Nation's Boner is actually pretty cool, and despite what people say you can reserve tickets online and show up at your scheduled hour rather than lining up at 8am and taking what's left. The elevator ride down is also unexpectedly interesting.

I'd offer to come out but I'm working Tuesday-Sunday.

[CantDog]

There is an Ansel Adams exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery.

Lots of good ethnic food DC is great for Ethiopian and Asian cuisine. I'm partial to Thai X-ing (http://www.inshaw.com/blog/Thai%20X-ing.htm). Call ahead its a one man operation. Zenebech Injera and Etete are my favorites for Ethiopian.

For music, I'm partial to Iota. If you were getting in earlier, there will be a great show there on Tuesday evening.

[Tye 1on]

If the wash monument doesn't work out, the old post office at fed triangle pa the second highest, free and cool. 2nd the Corcoran. Ebbitt's old grill is close to you and fun, in an old school way. Check Washington city paper for listings. Pm tippster if he doesn't chime in.

[fool]

There is an Ansel Adams exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery.

How is it? I was thinking of heading there in a few weeks.

[MrsTromano]

Just some random ideas here:

old Ebbitt's Grill is certainly a neat place to eat dinner/grab a snack;
Depending on the weather and if it is open, you can grab a drink/snack at the top of Hotel Washington (don't remember when the rooftop closes). I always found it neat to watch the snipers walk around on the roof of the White House (but I am a total nerd like that)

Both of the places would be close to your hotel.

Another neat thing to do, if they are doing a performance is to watch the Capital Steps. The tickets can be a little pricey, but it is good fun/political humor.

You could also consider going to the Kennedy Center and just wandering around. It is a pretty cool view at night from the upper balcony that over looks the Potomac - watching the plane fly in. The Kennedy Center also has free daily performances (dance, music, etc) called the Millennium Stage. That would be something free and different to do.

If you have a day free on the weekend and were in the mood to walk, you could follow the Heritage Trail. It will take you through Adams Morgan, which is a pretty cool little neighborhood. http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/inf...?doc_id=337121

Adams Morgan also has a pretty good Ethiopian restaurant - Meskerem. Another good one is in U street (U and 11th, I think called Dukem)

If you would be spending time in NOVA, you may want to consider heading down to Alexandria. You could visit the torpedo factory, which is now converted to studio space for artists. You can walk around and meet with artists and see stuff they are exhibiting.

There are so many good places to grab a bite to eat or a drink, I could go on. Depends on what you like.

[CantDog]

How is it? I was thinking of heading there in a few weeks.

Its great, I've been twice already.

The fisherman's Wharf on Maine Ave. is a must visit. If you do go to Old Ebbitt's Grill, they have a pretty good oyster happy hour.

[Tippster]

PM me your cellie. I work at 14th & H - right near the White House.

If you have some company $$ to spend I'd eat at Ceiba - corner of 14th & G. Unbelievably good S. American cuisine. Another good place for $$$ cocktails and food is DC Coast at 14th & K. That's more Nouvelle American kind of food - amazing beef dishes and a great wine list.

My current favorite mid-priced restaurant is Central. If you like French bistro food def. go there - it's at 11th & Penn. That whole area is exploding, it's now called Penn Quarter and there are about 30 good to great restaurants and bars there. I'd also recommend heading to 7th & F st. - that's where the MCI center is, and check out all the bars & restaurants in that part of Penn Quarter/Chinatown. Everything is within 5 blocks of there, so no need for a car or cab.

Right around there is the Spy Museum, the National Portrait Gallery (free) and the Building Museum. All pretty cool, IMHO. A short walk South brings you to the Natl. Archives and the National Gallery of Art, which has an amazing Edward Hopper exhibit going right now.

Music wise The Decembrists were scheduled to play at the 930 club that weekend, but have cancelled their tour. Bright Eyes are at Constitution Hall that Sunday night, but that's probably too late for you.

Chuck Prophet is playing Iota on the 10th. That would be a good show.

[DerJaeger]

Check out some of the previous threads on this topic - lots more good suggestions:

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=60688
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=58637

[mojorisin]

The Hopper exhibit is amazing, definitely check it out. Annie Leibovitz might still have an exhibit at the Corcoran as well, I'm not sure when it ended.

As far as music, pick up the free City Paper or the Onion. The Onion lists some notable shows in the area for the upcoming week in its music section. Check out that Amsterdam spot for some great cheap falafel in Adams Morgan. Open late too.

[CantDog]

Leibovitz exhibit is still going on, and your ticket to the Corcoran includes both the Adams and Leibovitz exhibit.

[BigDaddy]

My favorite museum is the Smithsonion Institute. Great Air and Space Museum with Imax theater. Used to go there every other weekend as a kid!

[hutash]

I can spend a week in D.C. and only go the Air and Space and Natural History. American History is pretty cool, and tons of great art, but I never have time for them. White House is a pass unless you have a lot of time to kill. The Capitol and Library Of Congress are not interesting IMHO. Great bars in Georgetown. I like just walking around the mall from end to end and out some of the side trips, i.e Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials. (very cool late at night)