Everyone knows D.C. is the seat of power in American government and that the city is full of historical sights. But there is a side to D.C. that is unofficial – a side of the city with vigor that makes it a top destination for visitors, but also charismatic for residents. Check out some of its top landmarks:
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a homestyle diner that D.C. has embraced since 1958. Still housed in its original location on U Street between 12th and 13th streets, Ben’s Chili Bowl is part of U Street history. Luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bill Cosby – and, more recently, President Barack Obama – have been known to meet friends there or catch a bite to eat before a show or speech for the last 45 years.
Ben’s Chili Bowl is open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, but the real specialties here are the chili halfsmokes, chilidogs, milkshakes, and the chili by itself – meat or vegetarian – where 20 to 30 gallons are served every weekday, and almost double that on weekends.
National Zoo
With about 400 species ranging from ants to elephants, the National Zoo ranks among D.C.’s most popular (not to mention, free) destinations. Animal exhibits are open until 6 p.m. through October and 5 p.m. through March. The nearest Metro stop is Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan.
Georgetown Cupcake
Founded by sisters Katherine and Sophie who traded careers in fashion and private equity to pursue one that is, according to their Web site, “something a little sweeter,” Georgetown Cupcake has exploded onto the D.C. scene as the go-to place for gourmet designer cupcakes. Tucked in a small shop off of M Street on Potomac Street, the shop offers a menu of everyday flavors, along with specialty flavors that appear once a week and on special occasions, including chocolate peanut butter swirl and lemon blossom. The lines are long but well worth it. Make sure to pick up some for your friends in one of their handy cupcake carrying boxes.
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