I lived in the Washington, DC area over 10 years, and in DC itself for 5 years. Now that I’ve moved away, I find myself traveling there a bit for business reasons. In the evenings when I’m not working, I sometimes like to visit a couple of my old haunts. And sometimes, I like trying something new. This trip I tried a little of the old and a little of the new. Without further adieu, here are three of my favorite things in Washington, DC.

The Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Ave NW) – This historic hotel has earned a spot on my favorite hotels list. I’ve reviewed it previously, and will again in the future when I’m staying longer so I can sample more of what the hotel has to offer. Service and attitude from the staff have been terrific with each of my stays here. While the property is old and historic, I have always been pleased with my accommodations here. Better yet, the hotel is close to everything DC has to offer. Metro is steps away, taxis are plentiful, and the area is very walkable.

Park Tavern (202 M Street SE) – As a former DC resident, I can’t tell you how incredibly proud I am of the progress made in Southeast DC. It hasn’t been that many years ago that the area was one to be avoided. With the arrival of Washington Nationals Stadium, numerous new apartments and condominiums along with restaurants have popped up. One of my favorites is Park Tavern. Housed in a building that does not look like a restaurant, Park Tavern is a real gem suitable for drinks after work, before the game, or as a dinner destination. While al fresco dining in DC in August might be a stretch, it was so pleasant on a recent evening, my colleagues and I decided to enjoy some time outside. We were talking about restaurant plans, but the setting was so comfortable, and the menu attractive, that we just camped out here for the evening.

Bobby Van’s (809 15th St NW) – While Bobby Van’s is a classic steakhouse with a classic steakhouse menu, you don’t have to plan on dropping a day’s pay for dinner unless that’s just what you want to do. Bobby Van’s has a great bar, and a nice happy hour menu. Good conversation, nice people, and you might actually find a seat at 5PM as opposed to some other places I could name. And if you’re so inclined, they’ve got some pretty fab steaks too. đŸ™‚

So those are three of my favorite things in Washington, DC. I have a few more favorites that I’ve posted on previously, but I wanted to start what is going to be a new blogging activity for me with my most recent trip. Look for more “Three of my Favorite Things” following future visits to other cities.

-MJ, September 7, 2013