It’s that time of year again…it’s February, and your parents are sending you nonstop texts and phone calls about their next trip to Washington, D.C. Although your parents have an entire day of “fun” planned, you want to show your fam the other, real side of the District. Sure, the Smithsonian is fun, and the Mall is definitely great for a sunny day, but you are more than a little tired of taking guests to the same cliché D.C. sights. Since you are essentially now a D.C. local, you are in dire need of some cheap, fun and unexpected places to visit. These five locations are guaranteed to show your parents “Hey! I really know what I am doing now!”
1. The Kennedy Center
One of my personal favorites, the Kennedy Center is a must-see. The venue has unique (and free!) concerts every night of the week and offers amazing views of Georgetown and downtown D.C. This is the ultimate location for anyone who loves the arts but hates the crowds in the Smithsonian museums!
2. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café in Dupont Circle
Situated on Connecticut Ave. right off of the Dupont metro stop, Kramerbooks offers a unique assortment of both food and fiction. The café and bookstore have a small town feel, complete with delicious sandwiches, pastas and desserts. The café was also supposedly involved in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, so you can surely provide your parents and friends with some fun trivia!
3. Attend a Nationals, Wizards, Redskins, DC United or Capitals Game
Sports fan? Check out one of the District’s sports teams and watch as local residents cheer on their crew. Tickets can be as low as $15 (or even less throuh American University student deals), offering you and your guests a one-of-a-kind D.C. sports experience.
4. Spend a Day in Alexandria, Va.
Although Alexandria is technically not in D.C., the city’s historic downtown is quaint, offering a variety of shopping and dining options. The metro ride from AU takes about an hour, but Alexandria is well worth the trip. Enjoy a walk by the waterfront or update your wardrobe in one of the town’s cute boutiques.
5. Columbia Heights
Known for its concentration of Hispanic residents, the Columbia Heights neighborhood is an exciting place to explore. If your guests want to see a different side of D.C., the Mexican Cultural Institute features numerous exhibitions. For theatre lovers, make sure to stop by the Gala Hispanic Theatre, where Latino actors come together to produce distinctive plays and musicals. Hungry? Make sure to stop by a papuseria for a delicious and affordable El Salvadoran dining experience.
Bonus! Attend an Embassy Event
The District is, without a doubt, the center of international affairs. D.C. is home to over 170 embassies, which often offer free and public film screenings and festivals. Bringing your friends and family to a foreign country for a few hours is sure to impress, and visiting the embassies is a great way to learn about new cultures. Simply check the embassies’ websites for happenings prior to your visit and you are good to go.