Let’s face it, when parents start to come visit before the trip home for summer, it can be a bit of a hassle. And as graduation is rapidly approaching, the idea of entertaining your family after suffering through finals week can be a bit overwhelming.
But The Scene wants to take the distress out of planning with a parent-proof list of activities sure to entertain, morning, noon and night.
Morning Brunch
Martin’s Tavern
Not a big history buff but want to show your parents a real D.C. experience? Head over to Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown for a brunch with a wide range of famous dishes and even more famous visitors. From simple omelettes to a crabmeat version of Eggs Benedict, there is really something for everyone, even for past regulars such as Richard Nixon, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson and Alger Hiss. If you are lucky, you might be seated in booth number 3, where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie O. If not, don’t worry, every table features a complete list of famous visitors, from spies to politicians and everything in between.
Tabard Inn
Tabard Inn may be the perfect place to take a parent for a quintessential D.C. brunch. Nestled on N Street in walking distance from Dupont Circle, Tabard takes on classic staples of the American brunch without being boring. You won’t find anything particularly creative at Tabard Inn, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be surprised. Don’t let its quiet location fool you; options such as their weekend-only homemade doughnuts and praise from critics D.C.-wide are what makes the Inn’s reservations hard to come by. If you want to take your parents for graduation weekend you should act fast.
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers may be one of the more well-known brunch spots in D.C. and for good reason. With options such as stuffed French toast and red velvet buttermilk pancakes, Founding Farmers will satisfy your sweet tooth while allowing your parents to experience a true D.C. local treasure. What separates this brunch from all the rest is its local and organic natural quality and ingredients that provide freshness you can actually taste, even when its smothered in maple syrup.
Afternoon Activities
Old Town Alexandria
Take a break from the obvious destinations of Georgetown and Dupont and spend some time in Virginia to take a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. Known for its beautiful cobblestone roads and small-town vibe, Old Town Alexandria offers dozens of amazing museums and restaurants. Or walk off your brunch by strolling the cobblestone streets to explore the farmers market and some fabulous window-shopping. Dozens of walking tour maps are available online, or blaze your own trail by forgoing the map experience. No matter what you choose, it is guaranteed that you will find something to do in Alexandria.
Be a Tourist
Have a picnic on the National Mall, wander aimlessly around the Eastern Market, play the “pick-a-Smithsonian” game, visit the new Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. One of the beauties of parental visitation is that it provides the perfect excuse and the perfect time to be a tourist. Embrace it! Strap on your fanny pack and enjoy a day spent shamelessly snapping photographs and standing on the wrong side of the Metro escalator. You’ve earned it.
Bethesda Arts Festival
The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival is an annual fixture of downtown Bethesda, which features 140 artists from 25 states showcasing photography, painting, drawing, jewelry, mixed media, ceramics and other types of contemporary art. Coincidentally this year the arts festival will be held on May 12 and 13, which creates the perfect place to wander around with your parents on graduation weekend. Admission to the festival is free and is located in Woodmont Triangle, along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Avenues.
Parent-Friendly Nightlife
Sequoia
Enjoy a nice dinner with your parents while experiencing an even nicer view of D.C. at Sequoia Restaurant on K Street. Serving American cuisine with an eclectic twist, Sequoia features floor to ceiling windows and a three tier outdoor terrace with sights of the Kennedy Center, Watergate Hotel and the Potomac River. Don’t take our word for it, ask the Clintons. They’ve said it’s their favorite restaurant in D.C.
Famous Luigi’s
Take a break from the pseudo “Italian” dishes served at TDR and visit Famous Luigi’s in Dupont Circle, the same location it has held since it opened in 1943. Claiming to be the first restaurant to bring pizza to the District, Luigi’s offers no gimmicks, just simple hearty Italian cuisine done right.
Serendipity 3
After a long day of entertaining, take a moment with your parents to sit down and enjoy something sweet at Serendipity 3. Featuring their world famous frozen hot chocolate, Serendipity has made a name for itself in the dessert industry in New York City and recently opened their third location in Georgetown. Feeling adventurous? Try their $1,000 sundae drenched in 23k edible gold.
kbreitman@theeagleonline.com
