Going to DC- suggestions

LittleItalyCleveland · #1 Posted **Jul 25, 2013, 1:20 PM**

I'll be flying into DC with my GF for a mini vacay. I found that BWI was the cheapest option, I didn't really like the fact it was so far from DC, but at least there are decent transit options. My first option is to take the free shuttle to a MARC station and then take the MARC to Union Station- the con with this option is the frequency of the trains, they run every hour. The other option would be to take a bus (the B30 I believe) to the Greenbelt Metro station. The frequency of the busses are every 40 min, at least better than the MARC. I'm arriving Friday and departing Monday, as I understand MARC trains don't run on weekends...which is kinda shitty. So, thats my first request for guidance, how to get from and to BWI. My next request is food...where do the locals go for good food, moderate pricing? Mind you, I won't have...or want a car so I'll be soley relying on the rails. I've heard good things about Maine Ave Fish Mkt. Does DC have a West Side Market kinda place, those markets have always given me a nice feel and vibe of the City, these markets also have great cheap eats too. I'm also a big beer fan, specifically English Ales, so advice on the beer bars. We'll be staying at the Beacon Hotel near the Farragut North Red Line Station. Suggestions Please!! And Thank You.

Ex-Ithacan · #2 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 2:02 PM**

Wasn't sure which Friday you were arriving, so I hope this catches you in time.
I don't have much n the way of info for the trip from BWI (although there is a cabservice, probably expensive). As far as markets, you might want to check out Eastern Market ( http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/ ) Not as grand as your West Side Market, but it is near the Metro and the Capitol is a few blocks up Pennsylvania Ave. There are several bars along PA Ave - https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-...w=1920&bih=899.

You will be located in the heart of downtown at Farragut North (IIRC there's a food court near that station). Should be enough to keep you busy. Hope you enjoy your visit, and let me know if I can get you some more info.

Jelly Roll · #3 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 4:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleItalyCleveland

My next request is food...where do the locals go for good food, moderate pricing? Mind you, I won't have...or want a car so I'll be soley relying on the rails. I've heard good things about Maine Ave Fish Mkt. Does DC have a West Side Market kinda place, those markets have always given me a nice feel and vibe of the City, these markets also have great cheap eats too. I'm also a big beer fan, specifically English Ales, so advice on the beer bars. We'll be staying at the Beacon Hotel near the Farragut North Red Line Station. Suggestions Please!! And Thank You.

Had a whole long post typed out but when I went to post it I lost the info. The streamlined version:
-Dupont Circle has a Sunday farmers market from 8:30 to 1:30

-Old Ebbitt Grill late night menu (after 11 PM raw bar is 50% off) www.ebbitt.com (located next to White House/ somewhat pricey)

-Capitol City Brew Pub is the oldest brew pub in the city
1100 New York Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
http://capcitybrew.com/downtown.php

-Good Stuff Eatery (My favorite burger in the city) http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/capitol-hill
Capitol Hill
303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Metro: Capitol South (Blue and Orange Lines)
Monday-Saturday: 11:30am-11pm

-Kafe Leopolds http://www.kafeleopolds.com/ Good place for breakfast or brunch in Georgetown (take the circulator from K street to G-town) http://www.dccirculator.com/

-Taylor Gourmet is subs and hoagies http://www.taylorgourmet.com/#/Locations you would want the Pennsylvania Ave location.

I did not recommend any dinner places as I am not sure what your price range is. 14th Street, K St and M St all have very good but pricey restaurants within a few blocks of your hotel.

LittleItalyCleveland · #4 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 5:11 PM**

Ex-I, we leave out next Friday. Eastern Mkt is now on the to-do list. Thanks

Jelly Roll, thanks for the list of eateries, I'm looking forward to Kafe Leopold already. I'll also stroll along 14th and K for dinner. I'll check out Cap City Brewery, Meridian Pint and Birch & Barley.

202_Cyclist · #5 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 6:02 PM**

LittleItalyCleveland:

I am not sure what the West Side Market is but in addition to Eastern Market, Union Market (near the Rhode Island Ave metro station -- about 1/3 of a mile, you can also ride the Capital Bikeshare there) opened last summer and it has bee a huge benefit to the city. It is in the warehouse section of DC. Union Market has local, artisanal foods, cheeses, etc. The Rappahonack Oyster Bar is suppose to be very good (although I do not eat oysters).

Here are some photos from our trip there this past spring.

(All photos taken by me).

Here is the link for Union Market: http://unionmarketdc.com/.

As far as airports, you can take the WMATA 30 bus from BWI to the Greenbelt station (on the Green line). I think the 30 bus runs every half hour and it is about $5 per person. Reagan-National, of course, is the most convenient airport to DC. Dulles is 25 miles west and is reachable via the 5A bus, which goes both to Rosslyn (where you can connect to the Blue/Orange lines) and L'Enfant Plaza. This bus is also $5 and runs approximately every thirty minutes.

As far as things to see/do, if you're going to Eastern Market, check out the Navy Museum on base at the Navy Yard (bring a valid photo ID). This museum is free and is one of Washington's best-kept secrets. While over in that neighborhood, the Yards Park and Riverwalk are also both very nice.

The observation deck at the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Ave is also worth visiting. I would also recommend visiting either 14th Street (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...211_story.html) and H Street, which has a lot of new bars and restaurants.

202_Cyclist · #6 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 6:08 PM**

I would skip Capital City Brewing. The beer is fine but DC has an excellent smaller craft brew scene that has started in the past 2-3 years. DC Brau, Three Star Brewing, and Chocolate City are all much better choices. Here is a recent Washington Post article: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2...pubs-breweries. They may be a bit more difficult to reach but it is worth your time if you enjoy good beer. Additionally, Church Key, located on 14th Street, as a very impressive beer selection, offering approximately 400 beers.

202_Cyclist · #7 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 6:12 PM**

Ex-Ithacan:

Quote:

There are severa lbars along PA Ave

Barrack's Row, located on 8th Street, SE, is right by PA Ave and the Eastern Market metro station. They also have excellent local bars/restaurants (including the popular Ted's Bulletin) as well as a nice Marine parade every Friday evening.

Ex-Ithacan · #8 Posted **Jul 26, 2013, 9:39 PM**

^ Good point 202.

LittleItalyCleveland · #9 Posted **Jul 29, 2013, 12:17 PM**

Great suggestions 202, I've put more bars on the list as well as Union Mkt. I can't wait to eat and drink my way through DC, the last time I was there was on a school trip so of course I was limited to the tourist trap areas- this trip will be more focused on checking out the neighborhoods in DC.