I’m a country girl. That should be no surprise to you as most of this blog is filled with hiking and other outdoorsy expeditions. Two years ago I took a job in Washington, DC but ultimately decided to live in the suburbs so I could be either downtown or in the country in less than an hour. As time has passed, I’ve found more and more things I love about being in the city, but I ultimately leave it behind each night to trek up and out of town. So when I was offered a chance to stay at Fairmont, Washington DC, Georgetown, I jumped at the chance for an urban staycation.
Located at the intersection of 24th and M Streets in Northwest DC, the Fairmont’s location is hard to beat. It’s less than a 15 minute walk from two metro stations with four different lines to take you across the city.
If you prefer to walk, like I do, the central location makes a great hub for your adventures. It’s 16 minutes to the National Geographic Museum, 22 minutes from the White House, and 33 minutes from the Washington Monument adjacent to the National Mall. For once, my trip wasn’t about visiting National Parks, but the hotel had me within walking distance of over a dozen National Park Service Sites (White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Constitution Gardens, FDR Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial just to name a few). I say “within walking distance” but don’t be fooled. Everything in DC looks closer than it really is. A walk to the Jefferson Memorial is over 2 miles. So it might more appropriately be called an “urban hike” as opposed to a “walk,” but it will take you past amazing history and beautiful sites.
For an adventure closer to home, check out the great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment of Georgetown – a mere 10 minute walk from the hotel. Plus, the directions can’t get more simple. The main shopping thoroughfare of Georgetown is M Street. The hotel sits on M Street. It is literally right down the street.
One of my favorite locations in this neighborhood is The Kennedy Center. Even if I don’t have tickets to any shows, I love heading up to the terrace and taking in the views of Georgetown, the Potomac, Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. It’s a spectacular panorama and I’ve started taking all of my visiting friends there – no tickets are required and it’s free.
The shows that pass through the Kennedy Center are of the same high caliber that you will see in any performing arts venue in the world. I recently saw “Bright Star” there on its closing night before moving to Broadway. I took advantage of the fact that the hotel and The Kennedy Center were only a 15 minute walk apart and went to see “Shear Madness” during my stay.
I knew that “Shear Madness” had been playing at the Kennedy Center for awhile, I didn’t realize it is the second longest running play in the history of American Theater and has been going for 26 years (almost as long as I’ve been alive!!). But they are constantly updating it and had some timely jokes such as, “I’m not saying anything! It’s like I’m Donald Trump and you’re Megyn Kelly.” It’s rare to see a play that keeps up with what’s happening in present day.
I also didn’t realize that it’s an interactive murder mystery. Yup. Interactive. The cast asked the audience questions and we the audience got a chance to ask questions. Again, a rarity in theater. It was unique and unexpected. Certainly a new take (well technically a 26 year old take, but new to me) on a night at the theater.
After two hours of mystery and laughs, I was soon back in my hotel room snuggled in my bathrobe. Enjoying a late night snack and some Jimmy Fallon.
The next morning I took full advantage of the location again and took the Rock Creek Park Trail that parallels the Potomac River. This area has a lot of great trails! I wish I had just taken the day to roam around and explore. The trail I was on passed the end of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath complete with a beautiful view.
I headed for the river and soon passed by the original Watergate, the Watergate Complex, and below The Kennedy Center.
The path I was on would have eventually taken me to the Lincoln Memorial (about a 40 minute walk from the hotel).
The bad news was I had to stop exploring. The good news was I was headed back to the hotel for breakfast. Fairmont, Washington, DC has an in house restaurant named Juniper. The best advice I can give is come hungry! My favorites were everything made with the rooftop honey. What is rooftop honey, you ask? Honey made right there on the roof of the Fairmont by their resident bees. I adore the Rooftop Honey Wheat Walnut Bread that is served warm with black salt honey butter.
They’ve even commissioned their own honey cream filled doughnuts called #BeeMyHoney from the local District Doughnuts.
The lobby bar, Loggia Lounge, also got in on the honey treats and offers a signature Bee-tini made with rooftop honey and garnished with honeycomb. The lounge features live piano every evening and is hidden gem that’s going on my list of favorite places in the city for an evening cocktail.
An evening in the city was quite the adventure for this country girl!
How can you explore your city in a new way? Stay in a different part of town? Visit an area at a different time of day? What are the “hidden gems” where you take your guests? Let me know in the comments below.
Go. Live.
