Groundbreaking held for George Washington’s presidential library at Mount Vernon

by McLean Robbins on

Our first president is finally getting his own library. The building, to be located on the grounds of his historic Mount Vernon estate, a short drive from DC, will open in 2013.

Destined to be a George Washington “think tank,” the 45,000 square foot National Library is expected cost $47 million.

The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington will be located on a 15 acre site within walking distance of Washington’s home. It will house more than 15,000 items including 2,500 rare 18th and 19th century books, 87 books that were owned by Washington, and 500 letters, ledgers, and account books that bear George Washington’s writing or signature

“We expect to create the world’s intellectual headquarters for everything to do with George Washington,” said Mount Vernon’s president, James Rees. “By encouraging new research, aggressively reaching out to families across the nation, and hosting conferences that stress Washington’s leadership as the gold standard, we hope to touch the hearts and minds of each new generation.”

A modest residence for visiting scholars, authors and interns will be constructed next to the National Library.

The larger education wing on the east side will provide spaces for seminars, lectures and training programs on George Washington’s life, times and remarkable leadership. Offices in the west wing and on the second floor will supply work spaces for visiting scholars and staff members.

A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. The early spring is a pleasant time to visit Washington’s home, as the weather is often warm enough to stroll about the extensive grounds.

Chery Picks: Where to eat during the National Cherry Blossom Festival

by McLean Robbins on

It’s official – the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off today. If you’re visiting, you probably have one question on your mind (well, beyond where to sleep and what to do, which we’ve already covered) … what do I EAT?

We’ve made that simple – check out our favorite of the official “Cherry Picks.” Consider this a guide to our favorite Washington DC restaurants offering special cherry-themed meals during the Festival or early spring. Psst – as an extra bonus, if you use a Capital One Bank debit card or Capital One credit card at Cherry Picks restaurants, you’ll receive a free coffee or dessert (purchase of entrée required).

Carmine’s, Chinatown/Penn Quarter
Information & Reservations
We love this “family-style” Italian eatery, which offers over-sized portions (each dish is sharable for 4-6 people). Enjoy the featured dessert and cocktail below, but don’t miss out on favorite dishes like the eggplant parm or special Easter roasted lamb.

  • Sicilian Triple Cherry Cassata ($12.50); Frozen Cherries Jubilee (Cruzan Rum, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, port, lemon juice, brandied cherries) ($10 and specially priced at Happy Hour)

Cuba Libre, Chinatown/Penn Quarter
Information & Reservations
It’s a true taste of Cuba in the heart of DC. We’re a big fan of the small plates and cocktails at this authentic Cuban restaurant. Don’t miss a chance to sample the cerviches – they’re our favorite!

  • Barbacoa de Pato con Cerezas (Tamarind Barbecued Duck with Bing cherry chimichurri) ($25); Cherry Tini (Pyrat XO Rum, Combier, lemon grass-infused guarapo, bitters, Bing cherries) ($9) and Coconut Cherry Frozen (Three Olives Cherry Vodka, lemon grass-infused guarapo, coconut puree, maraschino cherry juice, ice) ($9)

[Flickr via JoshBerglund19]

Kushi Izakaya and Sushi, Mount Vernon Square
Information & Reservations
What better way to celebrate the cherry blossoms (a gift to the United States from Japan) than at an authentic Japanese restaurant? Kushi boasts some of Washignton, DC’s freshest and best sushi. We’re fans of whatever the chef recommends that evening.

  • Hanami Bento Box ($15 – takeout only); Deluxe Hanami Bento Box ($40); Spring Theme Cherry Blossom Cocktail ($10)

Mie N Yu, Georgetown
Information & Reservations
Don’t miss your chance to dine at this Silk Road inspired hot spot in the heart of Georgetown. You’ll find Asian, Middle Eastern and fusion-style delicacies. We love this restaurant for its chic bar and trendy nightlife scene, but the food is top-notch as well.

  • Sweet and Sour Beef Tartar ($14); Cherry Blossom (vodka, rose petal syrup, lillet and branded cherry) ($13)

Nage Bistro, Downtown
Information & Reservations
Craving hearty, homey food with an upscale touch? Look no further. Centrally located downtown, Nage is a cozy bistro that offers some of the area’s best comforting dishes. Don’t miss their mac and cheese!

  • Crispy Duck, Buttermilk Spaetzle, Shitake, Celery and Cherry Compote ($26); Jalapeno and Cherry Poppers ($8); Boursin Chocolate Cherry Cannolli ($6)

Neyla, Georgetown
Information & Reservations
Small bites don’t get any better than this. From house-made hummus and falafel to creative cocktails, this Mediterranean eatery also offers some of the area’s best cocktails.

  • Duck Manti with dried cherries ($13); Baby Arugula Salad with arak-soaked cherries ($7); Pan Roasted Grouper with kiln-dried cherries ($22); Dark Chocolate Cherry Creme Brulee ($7); Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini (Valhrona chocolate, vanilla vodka and dark cherries) ($10)

Old Glory Bar-B-Que, Georgetown
Information & Reservations
Want a casual night on the town? Look no further. Opt for the signature ‘cue or try your luck at a bourbon from their extensive list.

  • Samuel Adams “Cherry Wheat” Beer Battered Onion Rings with sweet and sour dried cherry-cherry pepper dip ($8); Old Glory “Red Stag” Bourbon Buffalo Wings ($9); Cherry Cola BBQ Glazed Salmon with cheddar cheese grits, backyard cucumber slaw and grilled beefsteak tomato galette ($16); Black Forest Cheesecake with cherry brandy chocolate sauce ($6); Red Stag Mint Julep (Red Stag Cherry Bourbon, vanilla bean, mint, simple syrup, cherry brandy, soda, Red Stag-soaked maraschino cherry) ($10)

Potenza, Downtown
Information & Reservations
One of DC’s best spots for happy hour, this signature Italian eatery offers great pizzas and creative cocktails.

  • Prosciutto de Parma with cherry mostarda ($10); Citrus Crepes with black cherry compote ($9); Duck Breast with black trumpet with cherry jus ($24); Cherry Frangipane Tart with cherry balsamic reduction ($8) (Four courses $45)


Zengo, Chinatown/Penn Quarter
Information & Reservations
If fusion is your favorite, opt for a reservation at this popular Latin/Asian joint, located right next to the Verizon Center. Our favorite items? The tuna-filled won ton “tacos” and the Angry Zengo roll, a spicy tuna/avocado combination.

  • Chile Relleno Tempura with Cherry Braised Beef Brisket ($16); Camarones Al Cana de Azucar with a chile nacho-cherry marinade ($23); Blushing Geisha (absolut kurant / sake / brandied cherries) ($12)

Zola, Penn Quarter
Information & Reservations
Located right next to the Spy Museum, one of Zola’s signatures is the massive rotating doors that lead to the bathrooms – be sure to check them out! Otherwise, cozy in to a corner booth and order some of the area’s best creative American cuisine.

  • Cherry Cured Valentine Miller Ham Rillettes with cherry gelee and brioche ($11); Anise Glazed Sea Scallops with country ham, ramps and cherry suds ($15); Roast Quail with cherry aigre-doux, goat cheese polenta and seedling salad ($16); Cherry Braised Beef Short Ribs with sunchoke puree, pea tendrils and foie gras emulsion ($28); Cherries with bruleed vanilla sponge cake and tonka bean cream ($11)

Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival 2011: What you need to know

by McLean Robbins on

Cherry Blossom fans, get ready! Washington, DC’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off tomorrow and runs through April 10, 2011. Throughout the two-week festival, visitors will enjoy spectacular views of Washington’s famed Cherry Blossoms, a parade, 10 mile race, and hundreds of special spring-themed events in the Washington, DC area.

Never attended the festival before? Here’s what you need to know:

Top Five Tips For Attending:

1. Plan Around Peak Blossom Time
DC residents have noticed the first hints of the blooms already starting to peek out, but the best time to view the blossoms is predicted to be between March 29 and April 3. This is when the trees will be in the fullest bloom and yield the prettiest pictures. Typically, this when the areas surrounding the National Mall and Tidal Basin tend to be the most crowded as well, so plan accordingly. Our favorite times to view the blooms? Early morning, before the crowds descend – the Metro opens at 5:00 AM! Another beautiful way to relax and enjoy the festival is by renting a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin. Make advance reservations online to avoid getting shut out.2. Take Metro
Parking around the monuments can be a mess on a normal day – don’t even attempt it during Cherry Blossom season. Get off at the Smithsonian stop (Orange and Blue lines) and you can expect at 10-15 minute stroll to reach the Tidal Basin. Tourmobile is also offering a shuttle service from Virginia’s Haines Point parking area to the Tidal Basin at 20 to 30 minute intervals from 10 AM to 7 PM daily for $1 per person. If you’re more athletically-inclined, consider biking. On weekends, there will be a free bike valet at the Jefferson Memorial’s parking lot from 10 AM – 6 PM. You can rent a bike for just $15 on a five-day pass through Capital Bikeshare.

3. Bring A Camera (And Claritin)
There’s something about the blooms that just makes our eyes water – if you’re allergic to pollen, plan accordingly, as the thousands of blooms WILL cause a flare-up. You may also want to pack a bottle of water, as there are very few vendors located directly on the Tidal Basin. While we’d recommend packing a camera, plan your shots accordingly – it’s quite crowded, particularly on weekends, and getting your ideal shot may be difficult. We wouldn’t suggest opting for a tripod or any fancy devices, as you’ll have difficulty finding the space to set up(and you’ll annoy the other viewers).

4. Don’t Pick The Blossoms, and Other Fun Facts
Want to learn more about the history of the trees and the festival? Consider taking the National Park Service’s free guided walking tour. You’ll learn about the different types of trees (there are 3,700 trees in the area, FYI) and why we celebrate each year. Additionally, consider taking part in one of the 200+ Cherry Blossom Festival events around Washington (AOL Travel has a great guide) – from the Opening Day Ceremonies at the National Building Museum to the fireworks on April 2 to the parade on April 9, there’s plenty going on for anyone to enjoy. Oh, and don’t pick the blossoms or you’ll get a stern scolding from your local Park Ranger.

5. Search for Specials
We’ve already highlighted some of our favorite hotel specials offered during the Cherry Blossom Festival, but don’t forget to ask if area restaurants, bars and shops are offering special deals. Some of our favorites? Check out tomorrow’s guide.

[Flickr via JoshBerglund19]

Take a photographic adventure with National Geographic

by Kraig Becker on

Fans of National Geographic have long been drawn to the magazine’s fantastic photos, with many of us wishing we had the skills to take similar shots ourselves. Now, National Geographic Expeditions is offering us the opportunity to go on a photographic adventure while building and honing those skills along the way.

Nat Geo Expeditions is the travel arm of National Geographic, offering up some excellent adventure travel opportunities to a number of far flung places. But they also offer aspiring photographers the chance to take part in photography workshops held throughout the country including New York, Washington DC, Tuscon, and Santa Fe. Those workshops range in length from 4 to 7 days, and will teach you everything you need to know about using that fancy digital camera that you bought, but never got around to learning how to operate. For dates and pricing on those workshops click here.

Perhaps even more exciting however are the Photo Expeditions that Nat Geo has to offer. Those trips are 8-12 days in length and will send you off to some amazing places where you’ll learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about photography. Destinations include Alaska, Bhutan, Morocco, Costa Rica, and the Galapagos Islands. Much like the workshops, these trips are designed for photographers of all skill levels and are led by National Geographic photographers with years of experience in the field. They also happen to add healthy doses of culture and adventure to the mix. For more information on the Photo Expeditions click here.

For someone who loves to snap photos (like me!), but wishes they had a firmer grasp on the technical aspects of the art (also like me!), these workshops and expeditions are fantastic opportunities to learn from an expert. So whether you use a point and shoot or a high-end DSLR, a National Geographic photographic adventure is sure to be a fantastic experience.

[Photo Credit: National Geographic Expeditions]




Five great cherry blossom hotel packages in Washington DC

by McLean Robbins on

The National Cherry Blossom Festival officially kicks off on March 26, with peak bloom days beginning on March 29. Want to make a road trip to Washington, DC? Here’s a list of five great hotels offering Cherry Blossom-themed packages. For more Cherry Blossom fun, stay tuned later this week for our suggestions on where to eat and play.

Mayflower Renaissance Hotel
We’re not talking hippies when we mention this famed hotel’s “Flower Power” package. From now until June 6, guests can enjoy special spring events like the White House Easter Egg Roll, Spring Garden Tours, Washington Nationals baseball games and the National Cherry Blossom Festival with a special offer that includes an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s most luxurious deluxe guestrooms, a round of flower-themed cocktails for two and complimentary breakfast for two in Café Promenade the next morning. As part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Cherry Picks Program, Café Promenade will also serve cherry-inspired cuisine throughout the festival. In town tomorrow? Check out the Festival’s annual Pink Tie Party on Wednesday, March 23. Room rates for the Flower Power package range from $219 to $279 per night (excluding taxes and fees).The W
Enjoy views without the crowds while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails at the trendy P.O.V rooftop lounge, overlooking the White House and the National Mall. The hotel’s Cherry Blossom Package includes overnight accommodations, a bottle of champagne upon arrival; two handcrafted cocktails at P.O.V and a Cracking Cherry Pie from Jean-George Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse at W, served for two on the rooftop. This package is available from Thursday – Sunday, March 17-April 30, with code LAPKG5. Rates start at $319.

The Willard Intercontinental
This historic hotel is one of our very favorites. Book their Very Cherry Willard Package and receive a special cherry amenity, $50 food and beverage credit, two tickets on the Tourmobile, and overnight valet parking. This package reflects savings of $150 and is available for $399 on weekends only. Can’t make it overnight? Enjoy the daily Cherry Blossom Tea in the hotel’s floral-laden Peacock Alley is offered daily from March 21 through April 10. Tea is accompanied by the soothing sounds of Koto with its player in traditional Japanese Kimono. The cost? $39 per person, or $49 including a glass of Champagne or Specialty Cherry Cocktail.

Liaison Capitol Hill
Stay in the heart of the nation’s most powerful city with this special cherry blossom package, offering overnight accommodations, two $10 metro passes, a live cherry branch to take home, artisan handmade chocolates and a bag of goodies from in-house restaurant Art and Soul to enjoy picnic-style, perhaps by the tidal basin? The package starts at $199 per night through April 30.

The Fairmont
You’re just a short stroll away from Georgetown when you stay at The Fairmont Washington. Book their special Cherry Blossom package for an overnight stay, a box of Cherry Blossom note cards by famed DC photographer Jake McGuire and complimentary valet parking. Rates start at $219 through April 15.

[Flickr via JoshBerglund19]