This post is an update to the one you read just a few days ago. I had several other places I had wanted to show you but needed to gather the images.
#1. Meridian Hill Park
This is a National Park Service property up in the Columbia Heights section of the District.The park construction was started in 1914 and finished in 1936. Take a look at their site: it has the entire history and lots of wonderful historic photographs. I had never heard of it! But my daughter lives nearby so we took a walk up there on what was, for Washington in July, an unusually pleasant, clear and low humidity day. I only took a few photos but here they are:
This is the largest “cascading” water flow in a park in this country. And it was just beautiful.
Next on my update list for you:
#2. Union Market
Union Market, located in the NE section of the city, opened in 1931 selling all kinds of produce, meat, vegetables etc. to both the public and wholesalers. As times changed, so did the market which came upon hard times by the 60’s. It has now been totally modernized (gentrified?) and there are plans to expand it greatly.
But oh the food! There is everything you could possibly want from fish and chips with an Australian twist to gourmet wines to a huge selection of cheese to the really fun home accessories store, Salt & Sundry.
I recommend a visit to this market!
#3. Point Chaud Crêpes
This small bistro/restaurant started up near U Street and just recently moved down 14th to L Street. So it was just two blocks from The Washington Plaza at Thomas Circle…very convenient for your next stay there.
I didn’t have a chance to take many pictures as it was so crowded on a Saturday morning.
Sweet or savory: they have them all!
I had a banana and raspberry (fresh!) with ricotta.
And now, back to the original post:
I showed you a glimpse of our nation’s capitol last December in this post.
One of the several highlights of that visit had been our stay at
This is a classy hotel!
It’s not a huge tourist hotel and it’s not a small ultra chic trendy hotel. No, it’s a mid-century (built in 1962) classic destination. While the rooms are not huge, they are more than adequate. Three of the nine floors have balcony rooms facing the front. The restaurant is surprisingly good both the food and the service. If and when you go, be sure to have one of their made-on-the-premises Danish pastries for breakfast. To die for!
The shower was fabulous. And the pool….we had been there in the winter so this was the first time to sit out by the pool, and it did not disappoint.
Moreover, the entire hotel from hallways to bathroom to balcony is kept immaculately clean. I really appreciate this touch.
As I mentioned in a previous post on Charleston, you know some of the things I value in a hotel. Fresh air and good lighting in the bathroom are just two of the “amenities” that can make or break a property for me. This time we reserved a room with a balcony and were upgraded to a deluxe king room by the Director of Sales and Marketing, Chris Finney. Chris and I spoke a few days before we arrived and she was more than helpful in getting all the details just right. Thank you Chris!
Clockwise from top left: the lobby, pool in the morning, our bed, tea in the afternoon, our balcony, plants in the lobby, and a view of the hotel front from our balcony.
I would be remiss to not show you the Mango Cheesecake! We devoured this two nights running upon our late return each evening. Fabulous indeed.
We went to see the glorious fireworks on the National Mall. I’m not one for huge crowds and was hesitant to do this….but, I have to tell you, it is one remarkable and unique and truly wonderful experience. If you ever have the chance to go, DO IT!
And last, but certainly not least, is a “family portrait” taken on our last evening. What could be nicer than a roof top cookout with clear skies and good food.
I’m back in town and will be posting on a more regular schedule now!
