As a relatively new resident of Washington, D.C., journalist Molly Nagle often finds herself out and about, hunting for the next great story to tell. Read on for her tips for experiencing the nation’s capital like a true local.
A tourist activity that is worth the hype is:
The Lincoln Memorial — it’s my favorite monument on the National Mall. The intricate detail of the building always leaves me in awe, and you can also see the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech” while you look out over the Washington Monument and Capitol Building.
One thing you might not know about the area is:
There are still some speakeasies in business, such as The Gibson on 14th Street. You don’t need a password; you just need to know where it is.
When you feel your stomach grumbling, head over to:
Hill Country Barbecue Market. This place is full of Southern charm and serves up a delicious assortment of smoked meats with traditional comfort-food sides. Meats are sold by weight and carved by order. Visitors can also enjoy one of Hill Country Barbecue Market’s many cocktails and drafts — served up in mason jars, of course.
It’s Friday night. You’ll find the locals at:
The bars lining U Street, or up in Adams Morgan. My favorite way to spend a Friday night is at The Lincoln Theatre on U Street, catching some of the comedy acts it draws, such as Bo Burnham or T.J. Miller.
The hottest neighborhood at the moment is:
Shaw. This area in the northwest part of the District has become very popular and has some fun activities for guests to check out.
The best spot for a photo op is:
The Top of the Hay event space at The Hay-Adams Hotel. A boutique property in Lafayette Square, this hotel boasts quite the rooftop view. Guests can access the space via elevators in the lobby and can see views of both the White House and the Washington Monument, making it a great place to snap a picture of the surrounding city.
