Historic and Cozy WASHINGTON, DC for the winter

We arrived in our hometown of Washington, DC last week just as the first flakes of a historic blizzard were falling. The next morning we woke up to several feet of snow and no end in sight.  We dug out our 1980s ski gear and stomped around the city with cross country skiers and other adventurous souls.  We loved bundling up and having a white Christmas, especially as we get more than our fair share of balmy temperatures living in Los Angeles! IMG_1497

Although we grew up in Washington, we discover and rediscover favorite places every time we return.  We were so excited to be given a special tour of the White House one evening and although our rehearsed conversations with the First Family went unused, the experience of seeing the Oval Office and walking the halls of the West Wing after dark were remarkable.Me, Lu& Dad White House

We capped off our evening at the Off the Record bar downstairs at the famous Hay Adams Hotel, just across Lafayette Square from the White House. Even though the bar is directly across the street from our childhood church, St. John's, it took our White House staffer friends to introduce us to this old fashioned establishment where the motto is, "Washington's best place to be seen and not heard."  We enjoyed a few drinks with local friends in the red walled bar which showcases caricatures of politicians past and present.  We loved it so much that we brought our Dad back for Christmas Eve champagne after church.

DC-Hay Adams

In our final push to finish our Christmas shopping, we always hit Georgetown, a historic area of town  well known for shops and restaurants which has become more hip and sophisticated in recent years.   Martin's Tavern, is a quaint, picture perfect fixture on Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of Georgetown.  While they have been doing business since 1933, in recent years it has become one of our favorite restaurants and a must do over the holidays. The warm atmosphere is created by wood booths, well worn hardwood floors and hearty Shepherd's Pie.  We are in well respected company in terms of fans of the restaurant: JFK, Truman, LBJ and other politicians of note all had favorite booths at the restaurant.

Martin's-1

Hay Adams Hotel
Off the Record
800 16th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 638-6600
www.hayadams.com

Martin's Tavern
1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-333-7370
www.martins-tavern.com

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