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Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Conference
Start planning an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital when ISA visits DC for Assets 2025. Check out the dozens of things to do, explore wondrous neighborhoods, cultural hotspots, museum marvels, plus a dining scene filled with Michelin-approved restaurants, rooftop bars and beer gardens. Do it all in the only place you can. Get ready for an exciting Assets 2025!
Sue McGovern-Huffman, 2025 Assets Chair and DC gallery owner, has specially curated some of the top spots to enjoy in DC. Each month, she’ll present a new area within the nation's capital for you to explore.
The July pick is: Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom takes its name from the fog that naturally lingers here. It is a scenic neighborhood with a blend of academic, cultural and political influences. It’s marked by big-name cultural and diplomatic edifices as well as the southern end Rock Creek Park. It’s bordered by the West End, a hotel- and restaurant-rich zone next to Georgetown.
The biggest draw for tourists and residents? The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Potomac River-side performing arts center is a living memorial dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, known for his promotion of culture. World-class music, dance and drama performances take place here nearly every day of the year on nine stages. The Millennium Stage hosts free shows Wednesday through Saturday nights at 6 p.m., too.
Other landmarks include the U.S. Department of State, where the art- and antique-loaded Diplomatic Reception rooms can be toured online. Look for Chippendale furniture and rare landscape paintings. The IMF and World Bank make their homes here too and lend an international vibe to the whole zone. The Watergate building, site of the 1972 Democratic National Committee break-in that ignited a scandal, still holds apartments and a luxurious, five-star hotel with an elegant French-inspired restaurant, fab rooftop named one of the 10 top rooftop bars in the US, and the intimate whiskey bar.
Restaurants and bars thrive here, too, many serving George Washington University, where the urban campus takes up several blocks. After visiting the GWU Museum and the Textile Museum that houses over 21,000 textile pieces of art, try Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy for brews and tater tots with the undergrads or Founding Farmers restaurant for hearty farm-to-plate fare in a mod, buzzy space. In the West End, upmarket restaurants include the Blue Duck Tavern for elegant seasonal American fare like local oysters, wood-fired vegetables, and duck.
Sue’s Tip: Foggy Bottom also holds the southernmost end of Rock Creek Park, DC’s 2,100 acre greenspace. Pick up biking and running trails near the Kennedy Center for riverside views and nature-viewing opportunities.
Sue McGovern, ISA CAPP