D.C. does it
Kith and Kin as well as the fascinating Stablerleadbeater Apothecary Museum (alexandriava.gov).
Thirty minutes’ drive away is Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. There are plenty of great places to eat in Old Town, including Virtue Feed & Grain, a 19th century feeding station for horses, next door to a brewery, now a trendy restaurant.
HIT THE HARBOUR
Take a ride with the Potomac Riverboat Co to the other side of the water and you’ll set foot in Maryland. National Harbor is a Washington DC
waterfront development of bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels. For a great view of the river and beyond, take a spin on the big wheel, then pop into Rosa Mexicano for a spicy Mexican lunch.
If you fancy a game of blackjack or a turn on the slot machines, there’s an MGM Casino – and for a great shopping experience visit the Tanger Outlets centre.
Not far away is the National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park, where you can wander around the sprawling grounds and get a taste of how the European settlers lived.
CAPITALISE IN THE CAPITOL
Back in DC and feeling peckish, make for the Wharf. Here you’ll find a great range of restaurants and bars. For seafood, try Hank’s Oyster Bar, Asian fare at Kaliwa or for a Jamaican/nigerian mix, head to Kith and Kin.
Nightlife is centred on U Street and 14th Street, where you’ll find lively bars and clubs playing every type of music you can think of. It’s raucous, but locals are friendly. Just don’t mention politics.
at $350 a night room-only. ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels