Confession: growing older is scarier than I thought it would be. Responsibility, although often rewarding, is undoubtedly quite daunting. Applying to internships, searching for off-campus housing, concocting self-made dinners and separating whites from colors are all sentimental steps towards life as a big girl. And yet, there surfaces this incredible sense of pride from knowing that I can do all of these things and more by myself, that I am writing my own story from here on out.
When my father came down from Connecticut last weekend to spend three days with me in DC, showing him the life I’ve created for myself further fostered that good “do-it-myself” feeling. My father, itinerary-maker extraordinaire, food and culture connoisseur, for the first time in my almost twenty years of life, took the passenger’s seat to planning our daily agendas. And I, for the first time in my almost twenty years of life, had so much that I wanted to show him.
Luckily, my father and I both enjoy walking because in his three-day visit, we managed to cover three fourths of the metropolitan area. From Foggy Bottom, to Dupont Circle, to Logan Circle, to Georgetown, to Adams Morgan, to the Mall, here are a few of my highlights from our father-daughter adventures:
Dolcezza (1704 Connecticut Ave NW)- This Argentinean artisinal gelato café in Dupont is bright, cozy, and inviting. Choose from an assortment of innovative gelato and sorbetto flavors including Champagne Mango, Honey Tangerine, Lemon Ricotta Cardamom, Lime Cilantro, Valrhona Chocolate Amargo, or Heirloom Apple Cider. If you’re not in the mood for a cold treat, sooth your caffeine craving with a heart-on-top espresso along side a cinnamon-sugared churro or an alfajores, dulce de leche sandwiched between two short bread cookies, lined with coconut shavings. The communal table is a great place to escape Foggy Bottom on a Sunday and get your study on.
Kramerbooks (1517 Connecticut Ave NW)- There is nothing like walking into a book store and running your fingers over the newly printed hard-cover novels. Kramerbooks is always filled with people who I have “I love books” written on their foreheads, so if you’re a sucker for words, you will feel right at home. The bonus: food! Walk to the back of Kramerbooks to sit in the all-glass eating area, a yellow daisy atop each table, and devour the pages of your newly purchased book along with a warm apple crumble or mac’n’cheese.
Dumbarton Oaks Park (R & 32nd St NW)- Suggested by my father’s friend, this special park, up amongst the charm of Georgetown’s residential town-house area, is the ultimate getaway from city life. Abundant with flowering trees, a winding brook, and stone benches, this park is the perfect place for a run, a picnic with your friends, or just pure relaxation in the springtime.
Zaytinya (701 9th Street NW)- I have had some of my favorite meals in Chinatown and this Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese restaurant only increased my loyalty to this downtown district. This popular restaurant is always extremely crowded, so it is a good idea to get there with ample time before you wish to sit down and dine. The menu offers a variety of mezzes, the equivelant of Spanish tappas, which allows you and your party to be playful and taste several dishes. My father, his uzo (a Greek licorice alcohol), and I sat at the bar and enjoyed Midye (fried mussels), Garides Me Anitho (sautéed shrimp), Peynirli (a Turkish style pizza), Feta, stuffed grape leaves, skewered chicken, and homemade pita bread. It was delicious!
Kafe Leopold (3318 M Street)- Just when you thought you’d tried every restaurant possible in Georgetown, this European café is hidden in a Parisian-like, cobble stoned, atmosphere behind home furniture stores. Descend the steps from M Street and you’ll find yourself in a different world. If the weather is nice, eating outside is a major delight. Omelettes, mini sandwiches, salads, croque monsieur and madame, pastries, and desserts are all tempting items on Kafe Leopold’s menu.
The Holocaust Museum (14th St and Independence Ave SW)- Whether you are or are not a museum goer, the Holocaust Museum is really a must. My father and I walked through “Daniel’s Story”, an exhibit for children to understand the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Jewish boy, an exhibit about Hitler’s frightening use of propaganda, and the extremely well done permanent exhibition. I don’t want to give anything away, but the museum truly captivates the astonishing story of the Holocaust with a depth that it is unmatchable to any history course you could possibly take.
A few additional spots: Tryst Coffeehouse (Adams Morgan, 2459 18th St NW), the Diner (Adams Morgan, 2453 18th St NW), Estadio (Logan Circle, 1520 14th St NW), and Teaism (various locations, including Dupont and L’Enfant Plaza).
I hope that these stops along my father-daughter journey have left you itching to discover more of this beautiful city that we go to school in and perhaps inspired to make your debut as your parents’ tour guide!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GWU chapter.