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A Local's Museum Tour

Description:

This trip is designed to give you a chance to view some museums that aren't on the normal tourist beat. In addition, it is designed to give you an idea of what a DC resident might do on a long weekend spent exploring DC. Both days are meant to be conducted at a leisurely pace. Day 2, in Alexandria, is less about museums and more focused on shopping and seeing local artists in action. With the exception of the trip to Wolf Trap, the entire trip can be conducted on the Metro and via foot.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Washington DC

Start your day off at the Phillips Collections, a smaller collection of art located just off DuPont Circle. After your visit, head southeast toward Chinatown, stopping at the National Building Museum en route. Take a nice long walk down to Matchbox for lunch, then head to the National Portrait Gallery, which is located right down the street, also in Chinatown. Hop in a cab to the Corcoran Gallery, and if you still have time and energy, head to Adams Morgan and find a place to sit outside and enjoy an early evening drink (weather dependent). But don’t wait too long, because if you want to go to Pasta Mia, you need to be in line before it opens. This delicious and inexpensive restaurant opens at 5:30 – so try to get there by 5 to make sure you are one of the first ones seated. Alternatively, check out the schedule for Wolf Trap, an outdoor amphitheatre. If there is something that interests you, pick up sandwiches for a picnic and head out to Wolf Trap (car required) for an evening of music. If you eat at Pasta Mia, stick around and experience the nightlife or Adams Morgan.

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Hotel Madera

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Location:

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1310 New Hampshire Ave Nw
Between N and O sts
20036 Washington DC, US

Phone:

+1 202 296-7600

Phillips Collection

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Location:

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1600 21st St. NW
At Q St
Washington DC, DC 20440

Phone:

+1 202 387 2151

National Building Museum

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Location:

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401 F Street Northwest
(between 4th & 5th streets)
Washington DC, DC 20001

Phone:

+1 202 272 2448

Matchbox

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Location:

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713 H Street North West (Seventh and H Street)
Washington DC, DC 20055

Phone:

1 202 289 4441

National Portrait Gallery

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Location:

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8th & F Sts NW
Washington DC, DC 20560

Phone:

+1 202 275 1738

Corcoran Gallery of Art

Location:

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500 17th St. NW
Between E St. and New York Ave
Washington DC, DC 20240

Phone:

+1 202 639 1700

Adams-Morgan

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Location:

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18th Street Northwest & Columbia Road Northwest
Washington DC, DC 20009

Phone:

+1 202 789 7000 (Tourist Information)

Pasta Mia

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Location:

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1790 Columbia Road Northwest
Washington DC, DC 20009

Phone:

1 202 328 9114

Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts

Location:

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1551 Trap Road
Washington DC, VA 22182-1643

Phone:

301-663-9330

Day 2 - Washington DC, Alexandria

Day 2 begins at the Newseum, followed by a Yellow Line Metro ride to Alexandria (King St. Station). Take your time walking toward the water, and enjoy a lunch at Restaurant Eve. For a post-lunch cup of coffee, stop by Grape and Bean, one of the premier local coffee spots for a delicious cup of artisanal coffee (located at 118 South Royal Street). Then head to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and spend afternoon watching artists make and sell their art. Head back into the District and have dinner at either PS 7’s or Zaytinya in the Chinatown area. After dinner, head to Mackey’s for a pint or two (Red Line to Farragut North). Alternatively, if the weather is nice, head to Trio’s Fox and Hounds (Red Line to DuPont Circle) for a drink on the patio.

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