Monthly Archives: June 2011

Sugarloaf Mountain

June 30, 2011 – 9:48 pm

DC boasts some beautiful nature reserves and state parks. Sugar- loaf Mountain, located in Dickerson, MD is one of the shorter but very picturesque hikes in the area. Once the top is reached, there are spectacular views of some Maryland. Sugarloaf mountain is a registered natural landmark, run and preserved by Stronghold Incorporated, a non- profit organization. There are also vineyards located in the area that offer wine tastings if you would like to finish your day with some local wine.

Sugarloaf mountain is located approximately one hour outside of Washington, DC proper. Please visit the website for additional information. The views really are worth the trip. Mid to late Spring is the best time to visit. Zipcars are an affordable rental option.

Happy hiking!
Alexis, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

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Free Things in Washington DC

P.O.V. (Point Of View) Rooftop Bar and Terrace

June 29, 2011 – 8:27 pm

One of the best view in Washington DC: the W hotel rooftop!Located next door to The White House, the historic Hotel Washington , one of the city’s oldest hotels, has been reinvented into W Hotel Washington. The luxury hotel was remodeled in 2009 and infuses bright colors and contemporary design while preserving the building’s Beaux Arts architecture.

The famed rooftop terrace, once the most popular destination for presidents and politicos, has for decades provided what are known as the best views of the White House lawn and the nation’s capital.

The Roof top on 15 street is located within walking distance to the National Mall and many of the city’s most popular attractions, including the national memorials, museums, restaurants, shopping, and theaters.

Enjoy the view! Jonathan, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Summer Berry Bundt Cake

June 28, 2011 – 8:50 pm

The resident innkeepers have been at it again. Baking to our hearts content to keep our guests happy. We want you take a slice of American Guest House home with you when you make this recipe.

Summer Berry Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

2c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1c. sugar
2c. mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs
3/4c milk
1 cup butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350degrees. Prepare a bundt pan with non-stick spray.

Sift flour and baking powder together. Toss berries in flour mixture to prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake when baking.

Melt butter, then stir in sugar and vanilla. Beat in one egg at a time. Slowly combine dry and wet ingredients until incorporated. Slowly add milk until mixture is evenly moistened. Do not over stir. Evenly pour batter into prepared bundt pan. Bake for 40 minutes.

Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes before gently removing from pan. Place on cooling rack until completely cooled.

Bon appetit! Alexis, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

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Washington DC Restaurants

Amsterdam Falafel shop

June 27, 2011 – 9:20 pm

Amsterdam Falafels shop is like a live music bar, a restaurant where you can eat for less than $10 and where you can get a falafel and twice-fried fries until 4am on weekends !

You can go for small falafel which comes with two balls, or with the bigger one. After you will move onto the toppings bar where you have a myriad of toppings including hummus, babaganoush, tomatoes, some sort of garlic parsley sauce (this one is my favorite). There were about 10-15 toppings in all. They even offer a choice of wheat or white pitas, and they don’t use spoons, forks or plates in an effort to reduce waste.

Whether you’re looking for a quick cheap lunch, or a late night snack, definitely check out Amsterdam Falafelshop.

Enjoy! Jonathan, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Activities

Kayaking in Washington, DC

June 26, 2011 – 9:29 pm

Kayaking is a popular activity in the Washington, DC area. The C & O Canal boasts calm waters and an ideal location to enjoy leisurely paddling while you enjoy the scenery between Georgetown and Violettes Lock (mile 22). The Potomac River offers challenging kayaking for the more experienced. There are some dangerous white-water areas between Great Falls and Chain Bridge for more adventurous individuals. There are many local sports outfitters and paddling organizations that lead day trips and overnight excursions to many of the kayaking destinations in Washington, DC metro area. You may also rent a paddle boat to use at the tidal basin on the National Mall.

There are many options for water activities. Please look here for sports shops that will provide you with services.

Happy rowing! Alexis, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Activities

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal)

June 25, 2011 – 8:08 pm

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) is a national historic park that has an interesting history dating back to the 18th century. It runs 184.5 miles along the north bank of the Potomac River, starting in Georgetown and ending in Cumberland, Maryland. The National Park Service offers canal boat rides and interpretative ranger programs during the spring, summer and fall.

Recreation Along the C & O Canal

Hiking – One of the region’s best places to enjoy nature, the C & O Canal National Park offers great scenery and easy terrain on most of its hiking trails. For a more challenging hike, check out the Billy Goat Trail.

Biking – The entire 184 miles of the Towpath between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD can be biked. The first 20 miles is the most heavily used. The Capital Crescent Trail provides a paved surface running parallel to the Towpath from Georgetown to Bethesda. Bike rentals are available on the trail at Fletchers Boat House (mile 3.1).

Fishing – A fishing license is required for persons ages 16-65.

Boating and Kayaking – Canoeing and kayaking are popular in the sections from Georgetown to Violettes Lock (mile 22). Canoes can be rented at Swains Lock and Fletchers Cove. Motorized boats are prohibited.

Horseback Riding – Horses can be ridden on approximately 160 miles of the 184.5 miles of towpath. They are not allowed between Georgetown (mile 0) and Swains Lock (mile 16.6) or from Offutt Street (mile 181.8) to the Cumberland (mile 184.5). Trail riders are responsible for hauling manure away.

Tips: Visitor Center Georgetown – 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Washington, DC (202) 653-5190. The visitor center is accessible from 30th Street. Mule-drawn canal boat rides are offered during the warmer months of the year.

Jonathan, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Tours

Mount Vernon Cruise and Tour

June 23, 2011 – 8:36 pm

The Mount Vernon Cruise and Tour includes a round trip from Washington, DC to President George Washington’s historic Mt. Vernon Estate. The cruise included a narrated riverfront tour and discounted admission to the Mt. Vernon Estate. You will have three hours to complete the tour before returning to the ship and heading back to DC. If you would prefer to just enjoy the cruise portion and skip the tour, there are also options for that.

The times at which tours are given vary depending on season. During peak season in the summer, the tours are given Tuesday – Saturdays. You may board the Spirit at the dock at the SW waterfront. Boarding time is 30 minutes before departure. The cruise is 90 minutes each direction. Tickets range from $47.62 – $52.62 for adults. Cost for children is $41.62. Please visit the website for additional details. You may also book your tickets here.

SW waterfront is accessible by the Waterfron metro station, accessible by the green line. Please visit metro’s website for additional travel assistance.

Bon Voyage! Alexis, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Public Transportation

Washington DC Metro System

June 20, 2011 – 9:54 pm

Metro operates Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to midnight; Friday until 3 a.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to midnight. Base fares start at $1.75 per trip (including trips between all downtown points), but the rates are higher for when you come from the suburbs or during rush hour. The maximum one-way fare that you can pay is $4.50. You can purchase a one-day ticket for $8.30, which allows you to ride as many times as you’d like after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

The metro system is five colored lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green, connected to each other at transfer stations in downtown and the close-in suburbs. Some stations are serviced by more than one line. Trains are clearly marked with the color of the line. Trains indicate the direction in which they are traveling with the name of the end-point of the line. During rush hour, trains usually come every 5-6 minutes. At off-peak times, trains come every 12 minutes and late-night trains come every 15 to 20 minutes

Tickets can be purchased by cash or credit cards from vending machines located at the stations. Station managers are on hand to assist you in purchasing your tickets.

Jonathan, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations . We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Washington DC Activities

Fourth of July in Washington DC

June 19, 2011 – 10:25 pm

The Fourth of July is a very exciting time to be in Washington: there are festivities throughout the day, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display around 9:00pm.

Don’t miss the National Cathedral free concert beginning at 11 am. After that, you will need to go down Constitution Avenue and be there by noon for the The Fourth of July Parade. During the afternoon, you’ll find many interesting activities taking place on and near the National Mall: the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will be the place to be, with music, performances, crafts and cuisine examining the cultures of Northern Ireland…

You will have also concerts by military bands taking place on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

The National Archives’ family-friendly programming includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and special appearances by costumed historical characters like Ben Franklin and Martha Washington. An evening concert featuring an all-star cast begins at 8 pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

The National Symphony Orchestra also performs during the spectacular fireworks show, which begins just after 9 pm. No alcohol is permitted on the Mall, and guests should expect to pass through security check points. The celebration takes place rain or shine.

Enjoy! Jonathan

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minutes walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Free Things in Washington DC Washington DC Activities

The NOMA Summer Screen

June 18, 2011 – 9:49 pm

NOMA Summer Screen is a free local outdoor film series that features local BBQ, local music and other activities. NOMA takes place on Wednesdays from May through August. Some of the films being features are Standy By Me, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Slum Dog Millionaire and the Incredibles. There will be a variety of family friendly films and activities.

The event begins at 7pm on Wednesdays, beginning with food and activities. Film viewing begins at 9pm. The series will take place on L Street between 2nd and 3rd, NE. This area is accessible by the New York Avenue metro station serviced by the red line. Please contact metro for additional travel information.

Enjoy! Alexis, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are centrally located, 10 minute walk to DuPont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of White House.

Last updated by admin at June 18, 2011.