TRAVEL FACTS

of things to see and do. From catching a show at the Barter Theatre, rica’s longest-running profesional theatre, and an overnight at The Martha in the quaint town of Abington to shopping local art, linens and produce at Heartwood: South Virginia’s Artisan Gateway, the one stop shop for all the Virginian goods and information you could want.

The added bonus of making a visit to this music heaven for Irish visitors are the daily direct flights into the gateway of Washington DC Sure espionage and monuments are the big draw in one of my favorite cities but its music scene is not to be sniffed at either.

Vying for attention with the more famous sites is the US capital’s D.C Wharf on the newly redeveloped waterfront district. I spent my last night here at Pearl Street Warehouse music venue tucking into their excellent, gig-friendly menu and listening to the funky Chuck Brown Band before heading back to the W Hotel, an impressive hotel neighboring the most famous address of them all, the White House.

It was a suitable end to my musical odyssey as I was staying next door to the suite Elvis stayed in during his visit to try and convince Richard Nixon to issue him with a badge from the federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Needless to say the President decided against it.

But while The King didn’t get what he was after I can safely say that my trip delivered all the goods and then some. If you’re looking for Country legends and a little bit of Rock’n’Roll then this trip has it all.