THIS IS NOT YOUR MOTHER’S
WASHINGTON ...
Food & Drink
For gastronomes who revel in food experiences, it’s time to reserve a table in the nation’s capital. The annual Washington, DC Michelin Guide is brimming with starred restaurants, affordable hot spots and essential eating insights covering nearly 130 restaurants in the metro area. And many of them participate in Washington Restaurant Week! But Washington is also home to numerous casual yet delicious dining options. Ben’s Chili Bowl is an iconic fixture on the Washington scene as is Georgetown Cupcake. Small restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries and even food trucks deliciously dot the city’s landscape.
Grocery shopping is also a breeze in the Washington area. From ethnic food stores, such as Great Wall to smaller organic shops such as Yes! Organic Market and the larger MOM’s Organic Market to traditional staples like Safeway, Giant and Whole Foods – the ingredients you need are always nearby.
Location Luxe
John Eric and Julie Faupel explore the vibrant city that is Washington, D.C. They share both the quintessential and modern views of the nation’s capital. Discussing the lifestyle and real estate of the region, John Eric dispels the views of “Old Washington” and shows that the city is quite different to what most think that it is.
Horse & Wine Country
Virginia’s Horse Country is the true essence of luxury, boasting everything needed for an elegant countryside retreat. Steeple chasing in Virginia has been a way of life since early colonial times. The world-renowned Virginia Gold Cup has been a fixture on the Washington social scene since 1922. In 2016, Great Meadow (the site of the Cup) doubled the size of its property, completed a World class arena, and hosted the first FEI Evening Nations Cup™ ever held in North America.
Middleburg, Virginia is the region’s horse and hunt country capital. It’s home to the 5-Star Salamander Resort & Spa which epitomizes Virginia’s hunt country elegance. Amenities here include a cooking studio, full-service equestrian center, a spa, zip lines and more. Middleburg’s historic downtown is lined with chic boutiques, elegant home goods stores, and superb cafés and restaurants.
Over the past several years, Virginia winemakers have produced award-winning, highly drinkable wines on stunning estates that nearly rival California and Europe. And, as viticulture has continued to evolve, breakthroughs have brought highly competitive varietals.
Nearly 100 wineries are concentrated in Northern Virginia, many in Loudoun County. The soil, climate, air and drainage make it ideal. Top wineries include RdV Vineyards, Boxwood Estate Vineyards and Greenhill Winery. Virginia is also now home to 206 licensed breweries, which contribute $9.34 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Also located in Washington, Virginia is one of the Washington metro area’s treasures, The Inn at Little Washington. This Relais & Chateaux property features 24 lavishly appointed bedrooms and a three-star Michelin-rated restaurant. Helmed by James Beard-winning chef Patrick O’Connell, the restaurant has been rated the number 1 inn in North America and number 2 in the world in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards.
Museums & Galleries
Washington is home to some of the best museums in the world. Many of them are found within the Smithsonian cluster of museums on the National Mall. The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery host tons of exhibitions, special events and lectures that draw every age group. And, it’s all free, there is no admission cost. The Washington area is also home to a great number of small private galleries, such as Gallery Plan B, in addition to a host of small museums with amazing collections such as The Phillips Collection and The Kreeger Museum.
Music Venues & Theaters
DC is the birthplace of some of America’s greatest musicians from Duke Ellington and Shirley Horn to Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. The DC metro area is loaded with local theaters, such as Source, and venerable theaters like The Kennedy Center. The Fringe Festival, held every summer, is a local favorite, as is the Shakespeare Company which performs an annual Free-For-All each August. But, it isn’t just theater that draws residents throughout the area, musical choices are abundant too. Top 40 pop artists entertain at The Anthem, the 9:30 Club, Wolf Trap and Capital One Arena. The National Symphony Orchestra inspires with classical music at the Kennedy Center while smoky jazz singers perform at clubs throughout the city.
Sports
For those more sports minded, the Washington area is home to five professional sports teams. It’s impossible to ever be bored. The Nationals (baseball), the Washington Commanders (football), the Capitals (hockey), the Wizards and Mystics (men and women’s basketball), DC United and DC Spirit (men and women’s soccer) and DC Defenders (XFL) all have legions of Washingtonians supporting their teams.
Kid's Fun
The Washington region is one of the most kid-friendly regions that can be found. With a plethora of activities and family things to do like museums, national parks and amazing restaurants, this city offers endless possibilities for the whole family.
For a day outside, little ones are entertained for hours at Clemyjontri Park in Mclean, Virginia. The park hosts monkey bars and colorful landscapes, slides and carousels. For a day of learning, take the kids to the National Zoo. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute located at the zoo teaches about the global effort of scientists in preserving endangered species and how they revive extinct ones. For a nice walk or bike ride, kids may enjoy the Mount Vernon Trail where they can take in the sights including several historical landmarks.
Whether spending a rainy day at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, or a sunny day watching boaters on the Potomac while grabbing lunch at the harbor – there is always something for the kids to do in the District and its environs.
DOG PARKS
Washingtonians, Virginians and Marylanders love their dogs. The region has tons of dog parks conveniently located throughout the area. These areas are fenced in with enough space for friendly dogs to run free without leashes.
From Montrose Park in Georgetown to Shaw Dog Park near Logan Circle, and Glencarlyn Park in Arlington to Willard Avenue Park in Bethesda – the region is covered in places to take fur babies. While most are publicly managed dog parks, Bark Social in Bethesda is a restaurant and bar that offers both the pup and owner an experience. The park is private and monitored with comfortable seating for owners, and also features a “Yappy Hour” from late afternoon into the night where members enjoy local craft brews. The park also includes a coffee shop too for those early morning walks.
PARKS AND TRAILS
The Washington Metro region is one of the most beautiful areas of the United States. From its conception, Pierre L’Enfant (architect of the District of Columbia) envisioned a European-styled capital complete with parks and wide-open spaces. L’Enfant’s vision is daily evidenced through the myriad parks – both large and small – and greenery that Washington is known for.
Nearly every neighborhood in the metro area has a park within its boundaries or close by. The District itself is home to thirty national parks. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) oversees 32 regional parks that have hiking trails, golf courses, waterparks, and even event venues. Montgomery County, Maryland is home to a whopping 421 parks spread throughout the county. These parks can feature anything from hiking trails to tennis courts. Rock Creek Park, the region’s largest park stretching from the District into Montgomery County, Maryland is made up of approximately 1,800 acres and includes the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank. The park offers 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lake shores. Visitors can find their perfect picnicking spot, fish or boat.
SHOPPING
The Washington, DC region is a shopper’s paradise. Located in downtown DC is the hub of all things happening in the district — CityCenterDC. This destination is made up of more than 40 retailers and restaurants—plus prime office space and luxe residences. This retail epicenter takes up several city blocks and features shops like Paul Stuart, Jo Malone London, Gucci, Herm s and Burberry to name just a few.
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia is home to one of the largest shopping complexes in the country. Bally, Cartier, Chanel, Kate Spade, and Louis Vuitton are all found in one easily accessed center. Also within the complex are shops such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Macy*s and Nordstrom.
And we can’t forget suburban Maryland. Montgomery Mall in Bethesda offers Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, Tumi, Apple and many more sopping opportunities. But it is not just the centers that bring in the shoppers. The entire Washington region is filled with independent shops and boutiques that offer amazing and unique products.
DC, MD, VA WATER SPORTS
On the East Coast circuit, yachts typically summer in New York, Newport, R.I. and New England, wintering in the warmer waters of Florida or the Caribbean. However, Annapolis has long been a well-known, but less talked about mainstay of yachting and boating on the east coast in summer. The Washington region is also home to a burgeoning and expanding number of marinas from the SW Wharf Marina in DC to Columbia Island Marina in Arlington to so many others. Kayaking and canoeing take on a life of their own as evidenced by their numbers on both the Potomac and Anacostia. Life on the water is a growing and ever expanding part of the DC region with the stunning and scenic Chesapeake Bay as its playground.
Philanthropy & Register
Washington has the unique honor of being both the Nation’s and a World Capital and acts of philanthropy and philanthropic works are a large part of the region’s DNA. On any given week, there are a plethora of events where charities hold events to benefit the community. What makes Washington so unique is that it’s a city that embraces and allows all to participate at all levels of giving.
Washington has its share of high dollar fundraising and charity events and like any major world city, their own A List. For this, Washingtonians turn to The Green Book. So noted for its emerald cover, it is the official Social List of Washington. The Green Book remains the preeminent list of Washington’s society and arbiter of social precedence in the metropolitan area. Selection to the book is by invitation only.
Education
Residents throughout the Washington, DC region are educated. In fact, the Washington area is one of the most highly educated metropolitan areas in the world. The area is home to some of the best private, public, magnet and charter schools in the United States. Here is Sidwell Friends School – the academic institution that teaches and trains the children of presidents and senators. Georgetown Day School, National Cathedral School, Holton-Arms and St. Albans round out the top five private academic institutions. In addition, there is a wide range of top magnet and charter schools found throughout the area.
Here also are some of the best public-school systems in the country. Arlington County, Loudoun County, and Montgomery County school districts always take home top marks in academic excellence. Niche, the popular school ranking website, repeatedly lists Arlington Public Schools as the number one school system in the state of Virginia (out of 132 different school districts, 2020) while US News and World Report consistently ranks 10 of the Washington, DC region’s high schools in their annual “Top 150 High Schools” in the country.
Also important to the lifeblood of the area are the numerous renowned universities. The George Washington University, Georgetown University, American University, Howard University, Gallaudet University and The Catholic University of America are all located within the confines of the District. Johns Hopkins University has a satellite campus also located in Washington. George Mason University (Northern Virginia) and the University of Maryland (College Park) are two additional well-rated universities in the region.
Amazon’s move into Arlington is bringing large scale investment from academic institutions too. Virginia Tech has announced that it is in planning to open a new $1 billion campus at the new HQ2. The 1-million-square-foot Virginia Tech Innovation Campus will be situated at National Landing which includes Crystal City and parts of Pentagon City and Potomac Yard across the Arlington border in Alexandria. Education and educational opportunities are important to those who reside in the Washington area. And there is no shortage of opportunities for those who live here.
Transportation
The Washington area is home to some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the United States. Not only that, it’s the top walkable urban area in the country. The walk score of many areas in Washington, DC is an impressive 98. The region’s Metro subway services millions of locals and tourists and extends beyond the Beltway. Another convenient mode of transportation found throughout the area is The Capital Bike Share program. It offers 4,500 bikes at over 500 stations located conveniently throughout Washington, Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Washington Private Airfields & Private Jets
In addition to the big three, National, Dulles and BWI, there are over 17 airports within a 50-mile radius. Chartering a private plane is extremely convenient and efficient. Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO) – located 3 miles (6 km) south of the business district of Leesburg and 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Washington D.C. – is the second busiest general aviation airport in Virginia.
Healthcare
The Washington metropolitan area is home to some of the finest medical centers and hospitals in the United States. The George Washington University Hospital, Sibley Hospital, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Children’s Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center are all located here. In addition, many of the best doctors can be found in private practices throughout the area or operating out of the National Institute of Health.
High-Technology
The Washington Metropolitan Region has a dynamic business environment that draws diverse industries from across the spectrum. High-technology, biotechnology, hotels and banking are prominent on its landscape. It’s home to a great number of start-ups as well as the HQs of many US and global Fortune 100 companies, including Amazon’s HQ2, Capital One, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Lockheed Martin and Nestle US HQ to name but a few.
The Washington Metropolitan area is a leader in the fields of high-technology, boasting a large number of established tech companies and startups. The city’s assortment of these businesses is focused on growing sectors such as fintech, edtech and healthtech. The tech giants, including Apple, Facebook, Snapchat, Google and Twitter, have solidified the city’s status as a crossroads of global commerce and tech. Washington has the 3rd-highest concentration of tech workers in the US among MSAs, with a net tech employment of over 448,000 workers, which represents a net 13.3% of the overall workforce.*
*Cyberstates 2020
Bio-Technology and Pharmaceuticals
Biopharma and biodefense. Genomics and therapeutics. Diagnostics and medical devices. Nutraceuticals and vaccines. Personalized and regenerative medicine and health IT. First to map the human genome. First to develop a rapid test for Ebola. First to create an FDA-approved blood test for colon cancer. And playing an “outsized role in the worldwide hunt for a coronavirus vaccine.” The biotech industry thrives in Montgomery County, Maryland and throughout our region. The DC area continues to climb on GEN’s annual ranking of the nation’s top 10 biopharma clusters and was ranked fourth in 2019.
Banking and Finance
With international institutions such as the World Bank, the IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Federal Reserve and the Department of Treasury, the Washington, DC area pairs naturally with banking. Add in companies like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and the region grows its finance portfolio. Investment banking is largely tied to real estate and the defense industries, and there are several private equity and venture capital firms such as Carlyle, NEA and Steve Case’s Revolution that play all sectors of the economy.
Hotel Chain HQs
The Washington metro area has a long and storied tradition in the hotel and hospitality industry. After all, the term ‘lobbyist’ derives from one of the oldest and most prominent hotels in the city – the Intercontinental Willard Hotel. (People would gather in its lobby to promote their causes to congressmen, and sometimes even the President himself, who would be dining or having a tipple at the prominent hotel.) The metro area is home to the headquarters of Marriott International, Hilton, the Choice Hotels group and Modus Hotels.
