SEE:
Museum of Natural History- Um, I don’t like kids, and there are approximately three strollers per adult in this place. Also, you can read about whales in books. We only went for lunch at the cafeteria (mediocre) and felt no incentive to stay.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden- The usual suspects (Andy Warhol) are featured alongside rising newbies (Robin Rhode) at this contemporary art museum. I was a fan.
Various memorials- The reflecting pool/obelisk/Lincoln looks better at night (and there are fewer bugs). The war memorials are interesting. Just don’t read the letters left there.
White House- You have to make an appointment to do a tour (even the walking tours) and turn in SSNs in advance so background checks can be run. Can’t speak for the general public tour but my friend Christine did it and said that you basically walk around the various sitting rooms. There are no guides, which makes it less interesting.

BUY:
Junction- Vintage items and independent local labels. They play weird peace-loving, 70s music which I was not so into. Worth checking out but only if you’re actually into vintage.
Annie Creamcheese- HUGE vintage selection and lots of cool vintage-inspired labels, like Nuvula. Definitely on the pricier end, but you’re not going to get these pieces anywhere else and whatever you buy WILL be unique. Like most places, not a ton of men’s stuff.
Second Time Around- Didn’t go inside but saw it a few doors down from Annie’s. Apparently, the D.C. branch of this Boston-based consignment store just opened recently.

EAT:
Cabanas- Mexican food for the layperson, which means nothing too authentic. Near the water though, which is nice.
Straits of Malaya- Reasonably priced and yummy Malyasian food in Dupont Circle. They have Christmas lights strung throughout the roof seating. I liked the personal touches, such as the stories/reviews in menu descriptions. The chef/owner also nonprofit work in Asia and the menu features a profile of the organization.
Sushi Taro- Owned, operated, and patronized by real Asian people. Fantastic quality and selection of fish.
Marvin- Food is too heavy for my liking but the roof bar is cool. My heart will never be the same after the artery-clogging meal of cheese croquettes, ribs, and steak. Also, they made my Shirley Temple vodka without complaint.
Teaism- They serve Asian teas and snacks. Can vouch for the former.
Cake Love- Ate an almond and vanilla cupcake here. Good buttercream frosting though it was refrigerated and hard. I’ve had better cupcakes in NY and Boston.
Yogato- Great froyo, fun staff, AND a connection to the owners of Berryline, my go-to place in Boston. They also give discounts for answering trivia questions and name flavors after customers who go 30 days in a row.

DRINK:
(All on the same block on 18th)
Dan’s- They do NOT make Shirley Temples. They give you a can of soda or OJ, a glass of hard liquor, and a bucket of ice for $14. You proceed to get wasted.
Tom Tom- Patrick was almost denied entrance for his skull-emblazoned tee. “But it’s a happy skull!” he said, so the bouncer let him in because he made him laugh. Can’t speak for the drinks since we only got a Heineken. They played dance music from high school. Eh.
Grand Central- Double floors, lots of drunk people watching sports, and a co-mingling of yuppies and hipsters. I guess this is what you call diversity.
* Disclaimer: I pretty much know nothing about booze and don’t even really like going out.

OTHER:
Westin City Center- The hotel we booked appeared to serve primarily business visitors. Given the extremely frustrating reservation experience, I wouldn’t have stayed here if I didn’t have a gift certificate for a free three-night stay with breakfast.
Lambda Rising- LGBT bookstore in Dupont Circle, recommended by my friend Rachel. Large selection of books from queer theory to gay erotica. Also have lots of pop culture reads like The Q Guide to Buffy.