Category Archives: Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

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Free performances at The Kennedy Center

Did you know that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers free musical performances each and every day of the year? That’s right! At  6 p.m. every evening, 365 days a year, The Kennedy Center offers a free show on its Millenium Stage. With spectacular views of the Potomac, and the Washington Harbor nearby, The Kennedy Center is a delightful place to be in the spring and summertime. While the weather is warm, take in an evening show!

For directions to The Kennedy Center, view their directions and transit instructions here. The nearest metro is Foggy Bottom, and The Kennedy Center offers free shuttle service from the metro.  Our accommodations in Washington DC is less than 2 miles away.

Enjoy!

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

Regional News Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Explore the National Monuments at Night

Jefferson Memorial,  Photo credit: Flickr, sundar_m77

Jefferson Memorial,
Photo credit: Flickr, sundar_m77

Spring has finally arrived in Washington DC, and what better time to get out and explore the city’s many National monuments? While captivating by day, many of the monuments take on a whole new glow at night, under city lights. Explore some of the nation’s most famous sights by foot on your own, or, after Memorial, with Washington Walks’ ”Memorials By Moonlight” tours.

Or, if you’re tired of being on your feet, try out Old Town Trolley’s ”Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour” trolley ride.

Prefer to travel by boat? Washington’s got that covered too. DC Cruises offers Sunset and Moonlight Cruises along the Potomac River.

Ask your friendly innkeeper to learn more about these, and other ways to see the city’s finest sights. Happy exploring!

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

Regional News Washington DC Celebrations Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Explore DC’s famous cherry blossoms by riverboat tour

The long-awaited cherry blossom season is soon predicted to peak here in Washington DC, according to updated National Park Service estimates, which suggest the blossoms will peak this weekend, between April 6-8, 2013. The National Cherry Blossom Festival continues until April 14th, 2013.

DSC00772Looking for an interesting way to beat the crowds yet take in all the sights? Several companies offer cherry blossom tours by riverboat or cruise on the water!

The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 50 minute riverboat cruise of “The National Cherry Blossoms by Water” departing from Georgetown’s Washington Harbour (31st & K street NW), at several intervals throughout the day.

DC Cruises is offering Cherry Blossom River tours through April 14th, at multiple times daily. Boarding also takes place at the Washington Harbour in Georgetown.

The Spirit of Washington even offers Cherry Blossom Festival Dining Cruises, where you can eat lunch or dinner aboard the ship! Most tours depart from 600 Water St. SW.

If touring on the water is not your cup of tea, consider OnboardTours. Their  “DC The Blossoms! Tour” allows hop-on-hop-off service to see the cherry blossoms with the backdrop of many of the nation’s most famous monuments. The tours depart from the Old Post Office at 12th and Pennsylvania Avenue at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. daily.

Ask your friendly innkeeper for directions to these or any other destinations in your sights to explore the Cherry Blossom Festival!

Happy exploring,

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

 

Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Sightseeing Tour of Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. offers plenty of opportunities to visit historical landmarks and other amazing attractions.  However, visitors often do not have time to visit all of these wonderful sites.  But there is good news for the time crunched traveler, Big Bus Tours offers a 24 Hour pass on its open top buses.  This pass includes a Hop-On Hop-Off feature that allows customers to get off at any designated stop to explore museums, cafes , shops, galleries, and more!

Click on the image below for a larger view of Big Bus Tour’s routes:

Siteseeing Tour

For more information, please click here

Guests at the American Guest House can jump on a BBT bus at the Washington Hilton Hotel located across the street from us.

We look forward to your stay!

Bernardo, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

Free Things in Washington DC Regional News Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

C & O Canal towpath in Georgetown

As the warmer weather arrives in Washington, the time is ripe to explore some of the unique natural features of the area. One local favorite is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, better known as the C & O canal. There, you can take a walk or bike ride along the edge of the Potomac River, using the tow path that stretches the 184.5 miles from Georgetown, all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. The area provides a fabulous place to spend the day outdoors, enjoy some fabulous scenery, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of some wildlife.

C & O towpath

The towpath is reminiscent of the canal’s rich history as a transportation conduit in the area. Many of the original structures including aqueducts, water “locks” (gates used to control the flow of water), and the lock-houses are still present, and some, still active.

To begin to explore the C & O canal and Potomac River valley for yourself, ask your friendly innkeeper for the best directions to your destination. The canal region also offers opportunities for boating, kayaking and biking. Let us know how we can help you plan an excursion that best suits your interests, and if we can be of assistance in storing any of your equipment needs, such as bicycles, or pointing you in the direction of rentals.

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

 

Washington DC Activities Washington DC Conventions Washington DC Public Transportation Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Awesome Con DC

Awesome Con DC will be held from April 20-21, 2013 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Whether you enjoy reading comics or collecting toys, Awesome Con DC is the place for you. Rather than simply focusing on comic books, Awesome Con DC opens its space to include original artists, toy collectors, and game vendors. In this way, it chooses to embrace an array of popular culture icons while bringing them together in a single location. Special guests include: Billy West from Futurama, Phil LaMarr from Pulp Fiction, and Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters. For a complete line up and to purchase tickets please visit Awesome Con DC.

If you are planning a fun Washington DC vacation around Awesome Con DC, please consider our cozy inn located near DuPont Circle Metro for your accommodation needs. Our innkeepers are available 24/7 to provide you with a memorable experience. For transportation to and from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, please see below available for available public transit.

Bernardo Salazar, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC


View Direction to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in a larger map

Free Things in Washington DC Regional News Washington DC Museums Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

US Botanical Gardens in Washington DC

As the springtime weather begins to emerge, it becomes the perfect time to visit the US Botanical Gardens in Washington DC. Established in 1820, The Botanical Gardens are among the oldest in the nation. Completely free to the public, The Conservatory, National Garden and Bartholdi Park are open 365 days a year! Located on The National Mall, close to many Smithsonian museums and next to The Capitol Reflecting Pool, the Botanical Gardens offer a variety of exhibits and displays throughout the year.  The Conservatory includes species from all around the world, and the Garden’s “Savage Plants” exhibit features the popular carnivorous plants exhibit. For directions from our Washington dc B & B, a quick 15 minute cab ride away, see the map below.


View Directions to US Botanical Gardens by Taxi in a larger map

Public transit is also available, see map below:

View Directions to US Botanical Gardens by Public Transit in a larger map

Enjoy!

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

Washington DC Activities Washington DC Restaurants Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week 2013

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant 2013 is just around the corner! For seven days, from February 4th to the 10th, 2013, over 240 restaurants in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area will offer food lovers special deals, with lunch and dinner menus priced around $20 and $35, respectively.  For you, we’ve gone ahead a created a map of participating neighborhood restaurants. Why not stay at a cozy, private, and friendly hotel as you enjoy 7 days of the best fine dining in DuPont Circle?

Bernardo, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC


View Washington, D.C. Restaurant Week (Dupont Circle) in a larger map

Regional News Washington DC Restaurants Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Locolat Cafe- Fine Belgian Chocolates and Pastries

Locolat Cafe in NW Washington is more than your traditional coffee-shop. In addition to serving the usual spectrum of caffeinated delights, Locolat serves a variety of crafted chocolate beverages, an exquisite and mouth-watering array of cakes and pastries, as well as its hand-crafted gourmet candies. From truffles, to marzipan, to specialty Belgian beer, to red and white layered mousse, Locolat holds offerings that are certain to delight any palate. Brunch and lunch options additionally available.

A must-visit, Locolat can be found on 1781 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20009-2647.

Locolat is a quick .4 mile walk from the Guest House!

View Directions from American Guest House to Locolat in a larger map

Enjoy!

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

Regional News Washington DC Activities Washington DC Celebrations Washington DC Restaurants Washington DC Tourist Itineraries

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, February 4-10, 2013

Calling all foodies! The moment you’ve been awaiting has finally arrived. Dates have been announced for Winter Restaurant Week in Washington DC!

The Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week will be held from February 4 and 10, 2013. A week’s worth of opportunities to tempt your taste buds with the culinary delights of Washington DC’s best cuisine! With over 200 restaurants to choose from and prix fixe specials on three-course meals, you’re certain to have options.

With three-course meals costing only $20.13 for lunch, and $35.13 for dinner, Restaurant Week is certain to be popular as ever. But with other food aficionados also on the hunt, early reservations are surely recommended.

Once your taste buds are quelled, take the opportunity to come and relax at our cozy B & B, near the heart of Dupont Circle, and only a 10 minute walk from the Dupont Metro (RED line).

Cheers!

Jennifer, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC

 

 

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