By Magdalena Stuehrmann, Class of 2015
For some students, Colonials Weekend—George Washington’s traditional parents’ weekend—is their first opportunity to introduce parents to campus life. It may also coincide with free food, shopping trips and some housekeeping chores. But whatever the activity, this weekend is an opportunity to spend time with family.
While there’s no shortage of things to do in Washington, for students and families looking for family-friendly options beyond the monuments, Capitol and White House, here are some ideas.
The Newseum – This interactive museum focuses on news and journalism. The building, located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, is impressive even on first glance; the front of the building sports a four-story-tall stone panel etched with the text of the United States Constitution First Amendment. Inside, the museum features many intriguing exhibits, including the largest display of sections of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany, a “Today’s Front Pages Gallery” which showcases daily front pages from more than 80 international newspapers and an NBC News Interactive Newsroom, which provides visitors with the opportunity to play the roles of reporters and photographers. Adult admission is $22, student admission is $17.95 with a valid ID. Metro stop: Archives/Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station.
The International Spy Museum – The only public museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to espionage, the museum hosts the largest public display of international espionage artifacts and showcases the roles that spies have played throughout history. The museum, spanning the entire block between Eighth and Ninth streets at F Street, NW, also features numerous interactive opportunities including the controlled entry where each visitor is given a “cover story” to memorize that is referenced throughout the museum. Adult admission is $18. Metro stop: Gallery Place/Chinatown.
The National Gallery of Art – This museum, located at Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, is part of the Smithsonian Institution and boasts a range of permanent and temporary exhibits. A current temporary exhibit, Warhol: Headlines, features 80 works by American artist Andy Warhol based on the headline motif. There are many other temporary and permanent exhibits and an excellent cafeteria on the bottom floor for snacks or meals. Admission is free. Metro stop: Smithsonian.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café – Visiting this unusual independent bookstore is a quintessential Washington experience. Located at 1517 Connecticut Ave., NW, near Dupont Circle, the combination bookshop and café is generally abuzz with activity. Whether you are looking for a new book (or several), a snack, or a meal, Kramerbooks and Afterwords will provide any and all as well as live music on the weekends and a great D.C. experience. Metro stop: Dupont Circle.
La Tomate – If you’re still in the Dupont Circle area for dinner and craving genuine Italian cuisine, this “neighborhood bistro” is the place to go. La Tomate features a variety of fresh, homemade entrees, a Prosciutto Bar and al fresco and indoor dining. The restaurant’s large windows and patio area offer a great view of the hustle and bustle of Dupont Circle. The black pasta (fresh pasta boiled in water and squid ink to give it color and flavor) and the tiramisu are highlights of the highly varied menu. Located at 1701 Connecticut Ave., NW. Metro stop: Dupont Circle.
The Avenue – Located at 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, The Avenue is home to several shops and restaurants including Devon & Blakely (a deli and coffee shop), Roti (a Mediterranean restaurant), Whole Foods Market (a gourmet grocery store), and Sweet Green, a healthy fast food restaurant. Sweet Green is small salad and frozen yogurt restaurant that is a favorite of health and green-living conscious GW students. Sweet Green features ingredients from local and organic farmers and focuses on leaving a small carbon footprint with green utensils and packaging, environmentally friendly building design and organic and local ingredients.
Founding Farmers – Last, but certainly not least, this environmentally friendly restaurant is the only restaurant in D.C. to have received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and is located just off the Foggy Bottom Campus, at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Founding Farmers features environmentally friendly, low waste décor and dining ware as well as an expansive menu featuring American cuisine. The restaurant is owned by American family farmers, and features local and organic ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended.