51 hours in DC by Meron Kassahun
51 Hours in DC is a series highlighting the richness and diversity of the Nation’s Capital through the eyes of the employees of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.
This edition is brought to you by Reservations Manager Meron Kassahun. Meron was born in Ethiopia but has lived in the DC/Maryland (Takoma Park) area for 25 years. Together with her husband Reshad Favors, a labour attorney, and her daughter Laila, Meron loves to explore the neighbourhoods of DC. On weekends Meron and her family like to hike the trails around DC as well.
Read below for how Meron and her family would spend a fun weekend in DC, including some recommendations for cool cocktail bars and the best places for Ethiopian and Indian food. We hope that this will inspire your own travels to the Nation’s Capital.
51 Hours in DC by Meron Kassahun
Friday Afternoon
H street was hit the heaviest during the 1968 riots that resulted from MLK’s assassination. It did not start to really see signs of recovery till the early 2000s. It is now home to some of the coolest bars in the city and music venues such as Kitsuen.
Here I love to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and hookah with some 90s music playing. The bar is owned by DC locals and nightlife gurus Wayne and Tony, and has great ramen and cocktails.
Friday Evening
The Peruvian chicken and yucca fries are amazing - it's hands down the best Peruvian chicken in DC.
Friday Night
- Chicken + Whiskey
All good freezer doors lead to a good party right? Well at Chicken & Whiskey it does. My fave chicken spot also turns into a speakeasy with a good DJ and cocktails.
Fun Fact: Located on 14th street in DC. This is the hub for great bars and lounges on Fridays and Saturdays nights
Saturday Morning
Great Falls is my favourite place to hike for its beautiful views. Visitors can enter either from Maryland or the Virginia side. There is a little bit for everyone whether you’re going kayaking, bird watching, jogging, hiking, white water rafting, rock climbing or having a picnic. Fun with the family or just a solo jog too.
Fun Fact: The 20 foot (6 metre) waterfalls are the steepest fall line rapids of any eastern river in the country.
Saturday Lunch
Ice cream is made fresh daily and my daughter loves it!
Fun Fact: Celebrities from President Barack Obama and his family to basketball star Michael Jordan have all been spotted here.
Saturday Afternoon
Only a 7 minute walk from Thomas Sweets, Tudor Places is where I love to take a family walk with my husband and daughter through these beautiful gardens.
Fun Fact: Built by the son of Georgetown’s first mayor and the granddaughter of Martha Washington.
Saturday Evening
Modern Indian food that is amazing - the palak chaat is a must try.
Fun Fact: Park or Uber next to the DC Court of Appeals and walk to Rasika. On your walk you will see the original Lincoln sculpture that went up three days after his death. The more popular Lincoln Memorial was built 57 years later.
Saturday Night
This is a great spot for a date night with my husband, catching a comedy show. Some of the country’s top comedians perform here, from Seinfeld to Dave Chappelle. It’s intimate and always has a great headliner.
Fun Fact: Yours truly performed here!
Sunday Morning
Looking for authentic Ethiopian coffee? Look no further. I occasionally will come here for coffee and pastries. If you’re looking to see an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony in traditional dress come in at 2:00 pm on Sundays.
Fun Fact: That big clay pot outside on the store is called a jebena. It’s used to brew the coffee
Sunday Brunch/Lunch/Brunch
Authentic delicious Ethiopian food. If I want good Ethiopian food, I go to one of these two places - my mom’s house or Habesha Market and Carry-Out. Try the goden tibs and ask for DJ. If you’re not ready to go back home just yet, he also has a bar across the street called MK Lounge with patio seating.
Fun Fact: No forks required. Ethiopian food is meant to eat with your hands and is all about gathering with friends and loved ones and eating together.
Sunday Afternoon
Feeling nostalgic? Union Market drive-in will show movies such as Space Jam, The Lion King and Pretty Woman, all in a drive in setting, perfect for my daughter and hubby to wrap up our Sunday. Union Market is a destination for cool finds and food.
Fun Fact: The mural on the outside wall quotes Yoko Ono and says "Relax. Your Heart is Stronger Than What You Think!”
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