Guide to Our Nation’s Capital

Tips to maximize your family’s experience in Washington D.C.

by Brad Ferrand

WITH SUMMER WINDING DOWN, there is still time to sneak in a getaway to one of our favorite travel destinations. If you are seeking iconic museums full of national treasures, world-class dining, historical landmarks, and V.I.P. experiences with no cost, then Washington D.C. is for you. We recently traveled to our Nation’s Capital, and we would like to give you our recommendations and tips so your visit to D.C. can be a fun and memorable one.

There are so many vacation destinations to choose from. If you are sick of the beach, Disney, or the mountains, Washington D.C. offers a fantastic and convenient experience for New Orleanians especially those with children looking to explore. The best part: most of the things to do in Washington D.C. are free and require no paid admission. Getting there is easy too. Several airlines operating out of Louis Armstrong International Airport offer many non-stop flight options that wont break the budget. We took a very convenient and surprisingly low-cost flight on Southwest Airlines which was non-stop and landed at Reagan National Airport, the closest of the three airports servicing Washington D.C. area. The flight was under two hours, and before we knew it, we arrived at our townhouse, the Robin House, for our stay. The Robin House is a lovely townhouse located on Capitol Hill just two blacks behind the Unites States Supreme Court. It is owned by local New Orleanians Dan Robin, Sr. and Dan Robin, Jr. It is used to host political gatherings and guests from out of town. More information about the Robin House can be found at the following link: www.therobinhouse.com.

Our V.I.P. experience in D.C. started with a bang on our first evening. A few months prior, we were able to arrange not just a tour of the White House, but a private tour of the West Wing. Scoring such a tour takes a little bit of skill and a little bit of luck. My motto in life is, “you never know unless you ask.”(It worked when I convinced my wife to marry me). I did a little research and asked the right person. We can say that it is much easier to contact our elected representative(s), such as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, to arrange for a public tour of the White House, but if you can befriend a member of the West Wing staff, you may get lucky like we did and score a West Wing Tour. We met our guide outside a guardhouse on the outer perimeter of the White House, and following a few metal detectors and light pat-downs, we found ourselves standing inside the most powerful and secure office space on the planet. Our tour took us to the Cabinet Room, the Rose Garden, the Roosevelt Room, and, of course, the Oval Office. Our final stop on the tour took us inside the James Brady Press Briefing Room where we were able to pretend we were giving a press briefing and fielding questions from the press. It was a memorable tour that definitely made us feel like true V.I.P.’s. Oh, and it was free. This will be a theme for most, if not all, of the experiences and tours we secured during our visit to Washington D.C.

We next recommend securing a V.I.P. tour of the United States Capitol. This tour is also free. We contacted House Majority leader Steve Scalise’s office a few months before our trip for this request. Within a few hours, our tour was secured. This tour took us inside the United States Capitol where we were able to view the crypt, the old Senate Chamber, the old Supreme Court chamber, the marvelous Rotunda, and walk on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. An added bonus allowed us to walk outside on the Speaker of the House’s balcony overlooking the National Mall and take in one of the most breathtaking views of D.C. Oh, and here’s a tip: ask your tour guide if you can order an American Flag that flew over the Capitol on the day of your visit. It will be a cherished memento from your visit that you will always remember.

Next, we were able to secure a private and free tour of the United States Supreme Court. This tour can be arranged by contacting a member of the clerk’s office. Our private tour took us inside the Courtroom where we were able to stand at the lecturn, imagining we were arguing our case to the Justices. We also toured the majestic law library, usually only accessible to court staff and members of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and we highly recommend it.

We can think of no other city in America which boasts as many museums containing our National Treasures as Washington D.C. does. The renowned Smithsonian Institution encompasses such gems as the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, The National Museum of American History. We toured them all, for free, and were blown away by what we saw.

We also were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Archives. The staff were gracious enough to allow us access to the Archives an hour before opening to the general public. We were able to view without hassle some of our Nation’s most prized documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Other documents on display were The Magna Carta, Rosa Parks’ fingerprints from her famous arrest, and an exhibit featuring photographs from coal mining communities taken by legendary photographer Russell Lee. We highly recommend adding a visit to the National Archives to your itinerary. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and take pride in the exhibits and the significance of the documents stored inside the Archives.

The National Museum of Natural History houses an extensive collection of specimens and artifacts related to natural history, including minerals, fossils, plants, animals, and cultural artifacts. The museum’s exhibits explore a wide range of topics such as human evolution, geology and ecosystems, making it a hub for scientific research, education, and public engagement. The Natural History Museum is home to the Hope Diamond, Hall of Mammals, and an exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Again, admission is free, and the experience is truly amazing.

Our favorite experience came when we were treated to a V.I.P. tour of the Entertainment Nation exhibit inside the National Museum of American History. The Entertainment Nation exhibit showcases key moments and artifacts that trace the history of the United States. It explores themes such as democracy, entertainment, and sports. This exhibit brings together treasures from pop culture, cinema, and sports into one location within the museum which will leave you speechless. Want to see the famous sign post from the hit television show “MASH?” It’s there. Want to walk where Jimi Hendrix performed in 1969? A portion of the wooden stage from Woodstock just happens to be on display. Ever wanted to gaze upon Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz?” Yep, you can. These are just a handful of the hundreds of treasures on display at this exhibit. But I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. A few floors up in an unassuming room offlimits to the public sit more treasures just waiting to have their moment under the lights. Due to the size of the exhibit as well as wear and tear and lighting concerns, the majority of the treasures associated with this exhibit lie hidden from view in this room but will soon be rotated into public view in the exhibit. Fortunately, we were able to secure a tour of this room and observe the treasures waiting their turn to be showcased. When we entered the room and began laying our eyes on these treasures, our mouths dropped, and we couldn’t believe what we were seeing. We felt like Nicholas Cage at the end of “National Treasure.” We saw (but did not dare touch) the ‘Seinfeld” puffy shirt, Harrison Ford’s hat and whip from the “Indiana Jones” movies, the original Kermit the Frog, Christopher Reeves’ Superman costume, Sylvester Stallone’s trunks and shoes from “Rocky IV”, Bob Ross’ easel used on “The Joy of Painting.” What a treat and what an experience! The Entertainment Nation exhibit will be around for years to come. It will transport you back to the good ole days, and you will find yourself smiling from ear to ear throughout the experience. We cannot thank the staff at the museum enough for treating us to an amazing and memorable experience. If you can’t tell, we highly recommend the National Museum of American History and the Entertainment Nation exhibit.

Oh, and did we mention that Washington D.C. has a phenomenal food scene?

Over the last decade, Washington D.C. has transformed into one of the most vibrant and diverse culinary hubs in America. From upscale dining establishments to casual eateries and food trucks, D.C. offers something for every palate and preference. Our dining experiences took us to established hallmarks and to an eclectic and vibrant spot setting the D.C. food scene on fire.

Our trips to Washington D.C. are never complete without stopping at our favorite Italian restaurant, Filomena. Located in Georgetown, Filomena is heavy on old-school portions such as lasagna and eggplant parmesan and offers a mouth-watering selection of desserts and custom cheesecakes.

For a power lunch or dinner, we always make time for Old Ebbitt Grill. Located a stone’s throw away from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill has been feeding the D.C. power brokers for decades. Old Ebbitt Grill is also a great late-night dining spot. Its kitchen stays open until 2 a.m. We recommend steak frites and one of the raw bar platters.

Our final dinner took us to a vibrant restaurant which is currently the talk of the D.C. food scene. Ever had Peruvian food? Trust us, when you are in D.C., run to the best Peruvian restaurant in town – Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar. Located on L Street in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca offers a vibrant culinary experience, blending Peruvian flavors with a modern twist. Its menu highlights fresh ceviche paired with vibrant ingredients. In addition to the ceviche, the restaurant offers an array of Peruvian-inspired dishes including grilled skewers and woktossed beef and chicken. We were fans of the chargrilled octopus and the wok-seared tenderloin.

One of our most memorable meals during our trip came at Le Diplomate. This renowned French brasserie is known for its authentic Parisian ambiance and classic French cuisine. Located in the Logan Circle neighborhood, Le Diplomate prides itself on its warm hospitality and lively atmosphere. Its signature dishes include escargot, lobster thermidor, and steak au poivre. We enjoyed a fresh beet salad, escargot in a sauce we could have drank through a straw, and steak au poivre. The chef treated us to a milk chocolate pot de’ crème which was divine.

The bar scene at Pisco y Nazca is also second to none. The skilled bartenders create innovative cocktails in the Peruvian spirit that help compliment the bold flavors of the food. The staff were friendly and attentive and made us feel at home. Pisco y Nazca will definitely be on our list next time we return to D.C. It should be on your radar as well.

Nothing makes you feel more American than visiting Washington D.C. From its captivating blend of history, culture, and politics, to its iconic landmarks, and flourishing food scene, Washington D.C. offers a compelling destination for travelers interested in discovering new treasures, and a sense of the American spirit. If you haven’t been with your family, start planning your adventure today.