Washington D.C. is one of the best destinations for history, politics, and museums. These unique characteristics make the city fun and offer something for everyone. Here are just a few fun things to do around downtown.
Renwick Gallery
The Smithsonian American Art Museum devoted the Renwick Gallery to the first major national exhibition on Burning Man. “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man” portrays the creativity, craft, and effort of the community, exhibiting some of the elaborate costumes and jewelry, worn by Burners as well as videos and photography captured over the years.
Sauf Haus Bier Hall
A perfect blend of a beer garden and a rooftop bar, Sauf Haus serves “to-die-for” giant pretzels and over a dozen authentic German brews on tap with an impressive view of Dupont. Find a seat on the patio, on the bar stools, or on one of the long communal tables. The intimate space proves to be the perfect environment for watching a sports game or just gathering as a group to enjoy tall lagers and Jäger shots.
Think Tank Discussions
Renowned think tanks such as Brookings Institution and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offer public sessions to discuss specific topics and policy choices with experts. Coming up on Wednesday, September 5, Brookings will hold a talk on “Why doctors and mayors will be the next playful learning advocates?” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register to attend online, and check Carnegie Endowment’s events page as well.
Farmers Market by the White House
FRESHFARM By the White House brings you a lunchtime market every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They’ve got over 20 different stalls with freshly prepared foods, from baklava, handmade pasta, Chinese dumplings to gluten-free options, cold-pressed juices, and locally roasted coffee. You can also pick up all kinds of local produce—fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, pastured eggs, honey—for dinner.
National Geographic Museum
Currently, the “Tomb of Christ” and “Titanic: The Untold Story” are on exhibition along with the permanent “National Geographic” collection. Come through on the third Thursday of every month to catch “Nat Geo Nights,” a happy hour event held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. You can take part in activities such as themed drink tastings, trivia, or lightning talks with audience Q&A. Make sure to bring some cash for the bar and light bites.
Bonus: Food to Try Downtown
Founding Farmers: Last year, Founding Farmers became the most booked restaurant in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row. The restaurant’s farm-to-table take on folksy American cuisine brings us delicious dishes such as bacon lollipops, pimiento-cheese flatbread, and the classic chicken and waffles. Not to mention, they have an ambitious cocktail menu and also serve local Compass Coffee for the perfect, fresh food pairings.
BLT Steak: This steakhouse offers 6 different cuts of meat (4 of which are different cuts of American wagyu) and a seasonal menu set by Chef Marc Hennessy. Using in-season produce, Chef Hennessy whips up fried green tomatoes with chili remoulade, marble potatoes with spring onions, and oyster mushrooms for a killer steak-and-side meal that you’ll fall in love with. Finish the meal off with the highly recommended crepe soufflé.
Little Serow: Little Serow has a prix-fixe-only menu, updated every Tuesday, which means everything—from its spicy and tangy family-style plates to dessert—is mandatory. You can only choose whether your Northern Thai food experience will be meat- or seafood-centric. Once they open back up on September 5, be prepared to be wow-ed either way by the pork ribs marinated in whiskey and dill or the mud crab with coconut husk and shrimp paste. You might need to be strategic about when you go to secure a seat.
You can always find fun things to do (and good food to eat) in Downtown D.C., and if not, there’s always the National Mall close by to pique your interest.
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