No, the fact is that Washington is and always has been irretrievably bogged down in process. And process doesn’t generally make for electrifying prose–unless you’re a fan of the novels of C. P. Snow, which describe the intestinal workings of inner-sanctum power struggles conducted by micro-megalomaniacs.

photo credit: Sjors Provoost

The days of the Georgetown hostess are gone; the hostesses themselves are gone, too. Their reign began to close years ago, when senators started canceling dinners to appear on shows like Nightline. (There’s a prefiguration of this in Larry McMurtry’s neglected 1982 Washington novel Cadillac Jack, in which a character pontificates on world-shaking matters of which he knows little.) The Washington pundit is also a thing of the past: it’s been a good while since any insider columnist had the kind of access or influence that Ben Bradlee enjoyed with John F. Kennedy. And the British Embassy, while it still stages some of the best dinners, is not the brokerage of influence that it once was. Yet–if we except the intermittent efforts at describing catastrophe or conspiracy, themselves mostly falling short of observable reality–this is the sort of stereotype in which the model remains confined.

“In Search of the Washington Novel,” by Christopher Hitchens, City Journal, Autumn, 2010

For books about Washington, see “Political and Government Classics” from TheCapitol.Net.

You can also see our faculty’s favorite books and movies about Washington on Hobnob Blog’s Faculty Favorites.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites.”

Brad Fitch (bio), author of Media Relations Handbook, shares his favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Brad’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Book

The Day Lincoln Was Shot (Jim Bishop, 1955). The first time I read this book it felt so much like fiction that I found myself hoping that President Lincoln might not get killed in the end. (Sorry if I spoil it for you, but Old Abe doesn’t make it.) This amazing depiction of one of the most important 24 hours in American history includes rich descriptions of Washington in 1865. You’ll “see” streets that are not much different from today, and get a feel for 19th Century political intrigue in a post-Civil War capital. Plus you’ll hear the story of how a band of terrorists cooked up a plan to kill the president and his entire cabinet — and nearly succeeded.

Favorite Movies

• Mr Smith Goes to Washington The classic tale of good versus evil, innocence versus indulgence, Jimmy Stewart versus Claude Rains. Inspired by the real life Senator Rush Drew Holt of West Virginia (whose son now serves as a congressman from New Jersey), this is the quintessential Washington movie.

• Advise and Consent This sometimes overlooked movie of Congress probably best portrayed the personalities that inhabited that Great Body of the Senate in the middle part of the 20th Century. Great acting by Henry Fonda, as an embattled Secretary of State Nominee; Walter Pigeon, portraying the Sen. Everett Dirksen-like character; and the great Charles Laughton (yes, the Hunchback of Notre Dame) in his last movie role. It also has the historic value of being the last film the Congress allowed to be shot on its premises — it disrupted government so much they wouldn’t allow filming on Capitol grounds in the future.
• All the President’s Men Bob Woodward should be paying royalties to Robert Redford for ensconcing Woodward as the archetype journalist-hero. What most people don’t know is that this film almost was never made. Robert Redford funded it with his own money.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Jim Bayless (bio), a veteran legislative and regulatory attorney who has lived in Washington for more than 25 years, shares his favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Jim’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Books

• Manhunt, a thrilling, detailed account of the assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth and his several co-conspirators, aiders, and abettors and the frenzied chase and capture.

• Team of Rivals, a masterpiece of how Abe Lincoln prevailed against his much more qualified rivals for the presidential nomination and integrated this extraordinarily accomplished group of political adversaries into his own Cabinet.

Favorite Movies

• Mr Smith Goes to Washington-a Frank Capra-produced classic starring Jimmy Stewart and portraying the fundamental role and operation of the U.S. Senate.

• Advise and Consent (1962)-a classic political novel portraying zealots in the president’s party resorting to blackmail to insure the approval of their nominee for Secretary of State; demonstrates the advise-and-consent role of the U.S. Senate; starring Henry Fonda.
• The Seduction of Joe Tynan-another portrayal of the ideological and moral conflicts of being a member of the U.S. Senate; straining his already part-time family life. But it could be a big boost to his career, so he takes it on. Starring Alan Alda.
• No Way Out-a tense thriller starring Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman; a tale of national security and blackmail filmed at the Pentagon and elsewhere around Washington.
• Executive Action (1973)-A group of powerful and wealthy men hires mercenaries to assassinate John F. Kennedy.
• All the President’s Men (1976)-True story of how two Washington Post reporters uncovered the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Nixon; starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Peter Loge (bio), a public affairs professional, shares his favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Peter’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Books and Movies

My taste in DC fiction tends to run to campaign ads and public assurances of 100% support.

One terrific political thriller that takes place largely in Washington is Executive Actions by Gary Grossman – among other things there is scene in one of my favorite restaurants, Tabard Inn.

Of all the DC-centric movies, my favorites include The Day the Earth Stood Still, a classic for so many reasons, and Strangers on a Train, which is a terrific film. I like The American President mostly for the joke about getting lost in Dupont Circle.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Jack Schenendorf (bio) shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• The Capitol, web site, 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC.

• National Archives, web site, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-5450.
• The National Portrait Gallery, web site, 8th St NW and F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-8300.
• The Holocaust Museum, web site, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC, 202-488–0400.
• Union Station, web site, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC, 202-289-1908.

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Paddle Boats on the Tidal Basin, web site, 1501 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 202-479-2426.

• Attend a Nationals game, web site, Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC.
• Go to the Verizon Center for any sporting event. web site, 7th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-628-3200.
• Take a tour of Georgetown. web site, Georgetown, Washington, DC.
• Walk along the National Mall. web site, National Mall, Washington, DC.

Five favorite restaurants

• Old Ebbitt Grill, web site, 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-347-4800, [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

• Bullfeathers, web site, 410 1st St SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-5005 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Oceanaire, web site, 1201 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-347-2277 [Hobnonb Blog | WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Clyde’s Georgetown, web site, 3236 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-333-9180 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Clyde’s Gallery Place, web site, 707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-349-3700 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Al Swift (bio), a former Member of Congress, shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• Washington’s Tomb or what was supposed to be that. It is now the place they store the Lincoln catafalque which has been used for every person who has laid in state in the rotunda since it was used for Abraham Lincoln. It is kind of hard to find but it is directly beneath the center of the Capitol Dome. Just keep going down. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.

• The Brumidi Corridor in the U.S. Capitol, Senate side. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
• The Capitol Rotunda. web site, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.
• The Lincoln Memorial. web site, Independence Avenue SW & 23rd Street SW, Washington, DC.
• The Smithsonian. Some of these are pretty standard, but they are not ordinary. web site, map of museums on or near the National Mall, 202-633-1000.

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Have a martini, a cigar, and a conversation at Shelly’s Back Room, a tavern in DC. One of only two places in DC where you can enjoy a good cigar while wetting one’s whistle. web site, 1331 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-3003.

• Go to the National Zoo. web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800.
• Go to the Arboretum. web site, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726.
• Ride the paddle boats in the Tidal Basin. This is one that I have not done, but it always seemed like fun. web site, 1501 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 202-479-2426.

Five favorite restaurants

Well, I’m a truck driver’s son and while I’ve learned to like the finer things in life, I haven’t forgotten the joys of a good peanut butter and jam sandwich…

• The Prime Rib for steak and lobster bisque. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-8811. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

• The Monocle for history and politics with your meal. web site, 107 D Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-546-4488 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Hard Times Cafe, any of them for chili. I like Texas, halfway wet with onions on the side. web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Five Guys any of them for hamburgers, what else? web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• BJs Sandwich Shop in the National Press Building. For good sandwiches when you are on the run. (But I’ve never tried their PB&Js.) web site,

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Jim Capretta (bio), a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, shares his favorites.

Three most interesting places to visit

• The Museum of Natural History. web site, 10th Street & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000.

• The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, near Catholic University. web site, 3900 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 202-635-5400.
• The National Archives building. web site, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-5450.

Two most favorite “fun” things to do

• Eat at the cafeteria in the Supreme Court building. Cafeteria Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on ground floor. It closes briefly to the public to accommodate Court employees at noon and 1 p.m. web site, map 202-479-3030.

• Go to the top of the Post Office Pavilion Tower. web site,
  1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 202-289-4224.

Two favorite restaurants

• Crystal Thai web site, 4819 Arlington Boulevard (At Park Dr.), Arlington, VA, 703-522-1311. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

• Five Guys web site, many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Dave Grimaldi (bio) shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• The Folger Shakespeare Library behind the Supreme Court. web site, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-544-4600.

• Meridian Hill Park,web site, 16th and U Streets NW, Washington, DC.
• Frederick Douglass’s birth place, web site, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, 703-777-3174.
• The Dumbarton Oaks estate in Georgetown, web site, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-337-2288.
• The National Cathedral web site, Massachusetts and Wisconsin NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-6200.

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Going to the National Zoo two hours before closing, after all of the crowds are gone. web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800.

• Heading to the monuments during big snowfalls.
• Walking to Kalorama and seeing the grand ambassadors’
  residences. Kalorama Wikipedia entry, Kalorama, Washington, DC.

• Hitting the Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market every Sunday morning. web site, 20th Street NW between Q and Massachusetts NW, Washington, DC, 202-362-8889.
• Bike riding through downtown and the Mall. You can see it all in less than a day! District of Columbia map.

Five favorite restaurants

• Cactus Cantina web site, 3300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 202-686-7222. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

• The Palm web site, 1225 19th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-9091. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Sushi Taro web site 1503 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-8999. [WaPo | Yelp]
• Tosca web site, 1112 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-367-1990. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Five Guys web site, now that they offer franchises they have many locations throughout the area. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Jill Kamp Melton (bio), a communications consultant, shares her favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Jill’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Books and Movies

As for books and movies, my taste is back in the 19th century. I love anything by Jane Austen and have watched ALL the versions of Pride and Prejudice and Emma many times. The novels by Catherine Cookson that have been made into movies by the BBC for TV are also compelling.

The only modern movie I have liked recently is The Devil Wears Prada, because of the fashion angle. In addition, seeing the personal price that is paid for someone to sacrifice ethics and relationships for position and power could be seen to echo DC shenanigans.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Michael Koempel (bio), a senior specialist in American National Government for the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, shares his favorite book and movie. (You can see some of Mike’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Book and Movie

There are many good books and movies about Washington, but my favorite book and movie about Washington are the same: Allen Drury’s Advise and Consent. The book, and the movie on which it was based, was written by someone who knew the Senate and Senators very well and respected the institution and its people, captured the essence of congressional politics in a real way, successfully invoked the political backdrop prevailing at the time (anticommunism; there’s always a political backdrop), was based loosely on a real event, and, in the case of the movie, was wonderfully cast and directed.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Claudia Thurber (bio), a veteran of over twenty-two years of federal government service, shares her favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Claudia’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Books

I am addicted to mysteries so I will limit my selections to those. (There are many good novels, but I will leave those for someone else to mention). There are many good writers who have set their mysteries in DC. Two of my favorites are: David Baldacci’s The Camel Club and George P Pelecanos’ Right as Rain and The Sweet Forever. Pelecanos is not for the faint of heart. His books are gritty and disturbing, showing a side of DC that few of us know. Nevertheless, I like him!

Favorite Movies

As to movies, there are many good ones set in DC. Here are a couple of my favorites: Mr Smith Goes to Washington; All The President’s Men; No Way Out and, of course, The Exorcist, which has always given tourists something to look for in Georgetown!

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies.”

Bill Noxon (bio), a public relations practitioner, shares his favorite book and movie. (You can see some of Bill’s favorite things about living in our nation’s capital here.)

Favorite Book

The World is Flat– My favorite book (recently) was Tom Friedman’s “The World is Flat.” I was interested in it for a couple of reasons. I read many of Friedman’s columns in the New York Times about the changing nature of the world economy, as well as science, technology and education. He quite often cited our National Science Foundation statistical studies and analyses in building his individual columns. The book dramatically yet eloquently stated a view he championed for years that the rest of the world is slowly catching up to the United States in innovation, wealth generation and in some ways, passing the U.S. in educational achievement. The reality of this “flatness” is in this growing global economy and interaction, and the challenges we have in maintaining world leadership in areas the U.S. often has taken for granted until the dawn of the new century we are now in.

Favorite Movie

Schindlers List– My favorite movie is no longer new. But it left my wife and me speechless as we left the theater. Schindler’s List left an emotional impression on me about the realities of the Holocaust, and as I recall the evening we first saw it, not only did it leave us speechless, but as we looked around, we saw an entire theater empty with almost no sound, as though we were caught in a stuper that rendered us totally overcome by the horrors of the time, seeing it in ways we had never seen or known about previously. The end of the movie, where former Holocaust survivors get together, and stories were shared, drove home the emotional experience to a level that seems indescribable, even now.

For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Bryan Hubbard (bio) shares his favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• The Library of Congress is underrated. web site, 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC, 202-707-5000.

• The National Cathedral is fascinating. web site, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-6200.
• Great Falls Park Maryland side. Who knew there was that much nature that close to DC? web site, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD, 301-767-3714.
• The National Zoo in the spring-wow! web site, 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800.
• Udvar-Hazy Annex of the National Air and Space Museum, an adrenaline-history junkie’s dream. web site, 6th and Independence, SW, Washington, DC, 202-633-1000.

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Bike the C&O Canal path. web site, Directions to six visitors centers 301-739-4200.

• Fly fish the many rivers and streams within one hour.
• Ride a motorcycle around the memorials and along the Potomac. National Mall and Memorial Parks web site, Potomac River web site.
• Spend an evening on Barracks Row or in Chinatown. Barracks Row web site, Chinatown Wikipedia entry, Barracks Row directions, 733 1/2 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-3188.
• Go to a Nationals game. web site,
  Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC.

Five favorite restaurants

• Pizzeria Paradiso web site, DuPont Circle location, 2029 P Street NW, Washington, DC,202-223-1245, Georgetown location, 3282 M Street NW, Washington, DC,202-337-1245 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

• Belga Cafe web site, 6514 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-0100. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Filomena web site, 1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-8800 [WaPo | Yelp]
• Capital Grille web site, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-6200. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Finn MacCool’s web site, 713 8th St SE Washington, DC, 202-547-7100. [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Jill Kamp Melton (bio) shares her favorites.

Five most interesting places to visit

• The Claude Moore Farm in McLean, run as an 18th century poor farm. Three times a year they have an “18th century Market Fair” that I love to attend. web site, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 703-442-7557

• Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, especially at Christmas time. web site, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA
• Oatlands, a historic home in Leesburg with a very interesting tour. web site, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, 703-777-3174
• George Washington’s birthplace on the Northern Neck, east of Fredericksburg. web site, 1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach, VA, 804-224-1732
• Caledon Wildlife Preserve in King George County. It is pristine and untouched for hundreds of years. Tours in a rickety bus point out beaver dams and lots of wildlife. web site, 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA

Five most favorite “fun” things to do

• Shop the DC Flea, a flea market and antique show that comes to the Expo center in Chantilly 3 or 4 times a year. web site, 4368 Brookfield Corporate Dr, Chantilly, VA

• Shop the Eastern Market any Sunday morning. web site,
  7th St & North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC, Metro

• Drive to Middleburg, Leesburg and Charlottesville, not on the same day, soak up the ambiance, eat at The Red Fox Inn in Middleburg and spend the night in a B & B. The Red Fox Inn web site, Middleburg web site, Leesburg web site, Charlottesville web site
• Take the metro to King Street and walk on one side of the street all the way to the water and then on the other side all the way back, taking time to window shop and “see what’s doin’.“ King Street Metro, Old Town Alexandria web site
• Attend a concert at the Kennedy Center or Strathmore Music Center in Rockville or a jazz concert at the National Gallery of Art downtown. Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, National Gallery of Art

Five favorite restaurants

• The food court at Whole Foods in Old Town on Duke Street and Holland Lane. web site, 1700 Duke St, Alexandria, VA

• Tachibana, a Japanese restaurant on Lowell Street in McLean. They have a private room in the back for 8 where you can sit, eat, and talk for hours with friends. web site, 6715 Lowell Ave, McLean, VA, 703-847-1771 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Carlyle Grande Café in Shirlington, call ahead for reservations. web site, 4000 28th Street South, Arlington, VA, 703-931-0777 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Chutzpah in Fairfax on Ox Road near Fair Oaks Mall. web site, 12214 Fairfax Towne Ctr, Fairfax, VA, 703-385-8883 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
• Lebanese Taverna Market in north Arlington or the one at Galleria, Tysons 2. web site, 5900 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA, 703-241-8681 [WaPo | Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages

We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation’s capital. Their responses are posted in “Faculty Favorites”

Steve Roberts (bio), a journalist, political commentator, and the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, shares his favorites.

Favorite Places to Visit

• I still get a thrill every time I see the Capitol, particularly at night, even after all these years. web site, map

• The branch of the Air and Space Museum at Dulles airport is a real treat. My grandkids love the space shuttle and the Blackbird spy plane. The IMAX theater there also a special event (the IMAX theater in the Air and Space Museum downtown shows the same films but tends to be more crowded). Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, web site, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA, 202-633-1000, free admission, $ parking and IMAX have fees
• I’m a big fan of the National Zoo, lots to see in addition to the pandas. Try to catch elephant training (11 am) or seal feeding (11:30 am) shows daily (daily programs). web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800
• National Museum of Natural History is great for dinosaur loving kids. Lots of cool skeletons. web site, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-1729
• Get out of your car and walk around Georgetown or Old Town in Alexandria. Notice the small architectural details and get a feel for an 18th century cityscape. Georgetown – from Wikipedia, “Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria,” from Rachel Cooper.

Fun Things to Do

• Walking/jogging/biking along the C&O Canal is a lovely outing particularly in spring. Take the Park Service trip on an old barge, along the canal, starting in Georgetown, complete with guides and period musicians (web site). Also the Capital Crescent Trail (web site), part of the rails-to-trails system, goes through MD and down to Georgetown. web site

• Cherry blossoms in MD neighborhood of Kenwood (in Bethesda) are actually more spectacular than at the Tidal Basin and much less crowded. map, “Walking Kenwood, Maryland During Cherry Blossom Time,” by Kevin Shaw
• National Arboretum (east of Capitol) is best in azalea season, early May. web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
• Glen Echo Park (also in MD) is a real old-fashioned amusement park. Don’t miss the carousel (web site). Puppet (web site) and live stage shows for kids on weekends are well-done. NPS web site, events web site, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, event line: 301-634-2222
• Congressional Cemetery (in southeast DC) has some fascinating monuments (John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, list of famous internments), very guest/dog friendly. web site, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-0539

Favorite Restaurants

• Downtown I like Primi Piatti (on Eye St) especially in nice weather when you can eat outside. Feels like Rome. I like the ravioli, farfalle with crab and peas, and roasted peppers with goat cheese. web site, 2013 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-3600

• A door or two away, Cafe Lombardy (in Lombardy Hotel) is nice for breakfast (ask for a window table, usually sunny even in winter). web site, 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-828-2600 [openlist | MenuPages]
• Iron Gate on N St. has the loveliest garden in town, food with a Lebanese accent. web site, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-1370 [DC Pages | Gayot | WaPo | Yelp]
• Legal Seafood on K St. has a delicious tuna burger. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-496-1111 [Yelp]
• In the suburbs, my favorite is Pines of Rome in downtown Bethesda (on Hamden Lane, walking distance from Metro stop), very reasonable and kid friendly, white pizza a house specialty. 4709 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-8775 [MenuPages | Yelp | City Paper]
• Mon Ami Gabi on Woodmont is a great French bistro, I like the crepes and omelets. web site, 7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-654-1234 [Yelp]

For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages