To outsiders, Washington DC can appear boring in that capital city kind of way
much like Switzerland's Bern and Australia's Canberra, where they are
oevrshadowed by seemingly more exciting destinations (Geneva, Zurich, Sydney
and Melbourne if you are wondering).
But scratch under the surface of America's politicial centre and you can find
a lot to keep the business traveller from getting bored with a succession of
chain hotels and conference centre interiors.
This is the latest in our series of quirky guides to major business cities
looking at things that are not on the usual tourist track. It talks of
strange sights to see, dramatic drinking holes and curious cuisine.
Quirky eating
How much more quirky can you get than a restaurant that only has space for six
diners? Minibar, on the second floor of Café Atlantico at 405 8th Street, is
run by ex-El Bulli chef José Andrés and this shows in the molecular
gastronomy on the menu – nibbles like a candy floss coated chunk of foie
gras.and modern interpretations of US classics, such as clam chowder.
With so few seats, you need to book in advance. Minibar makes reservations a
month ahead and you’ll need to call as close to 10 o’clock (local time) as
you can to stand even the smallest chance of getting in. The tasting menu is
a fixed $120.
Quirky sightseeing
The affluent Washington suburb of Georgetown became an unlikely draw for the
ghoulish with the release of the 1973 horror film The Exorcist.
The most famous location from the film are the Exorcist steps, which connect M
Street to Prospect Street. It was here that the film’s Father Karras met his
horrific death. The steps were considered spooky even before the film was
released – they were previously called the Hitchcock steps. The red-brick
house used in the Exorcist is nearby, at 3900 Prospect Street.
Quirky quacking
As in other cities, the Duck tour trend
has hit DC. These amphibious vehicles from the Second World War get their
quacky name from the acronym DUKW – the D stands for the year of
manufacture, 1942; U for its amphibious nature; K for four-wheel drive; and
W for dual rear axles.
The tours head off every hour during the day from Union Station and take you
past all of Washington’s most famous sites, such as the museums and White
House – with the usual quirky commentary. Best of all, the Duck reveals its
amphibious nature and splashes into the Potomac for a river tour. Tickets
$32 for a 90-minute tour.
Quirky shopping
Head to the Adams Morgan district and you'll find Washington's funkiest
neighbourhood. It hasn't been gentrified quite as much as many of
Washingtno's areas so still retains some edge. Coloruful murals cover the
walls and you'll find some of the city's most unusual shops and places to
eat.
Quirky sleeping
Kimpton Hotels, one of my favourite hotel chains thanks to its quirky hotels
and policy of giving you free internet access, has several properties in DC.
Undoubtedly the oddest is the Hotel Helix on 1430 Rhode Island Avenue, just
off Logan Circle. Psychedelic is the word that springs to mind when you walk
in – everything seems to have a different pattern, from the zebra and tiger
print dressing gowns to the swirly 1970s curtains. They love their textures
here too – lots of functional plastic and the ridged silver ceilings of the
Helix Lounge bar, which pulsate to the light of ever-changing LEDs.
The rooms are oh-so-funky. On entering, my eyes were immediately drawn to a
glass filled to the brim with a mix of gobstoppers, brightly coloured
Smarties and white chocolate covered pretzels which looked scarily like an
overdose-inducing cocktail of drugs.
Quirkier still are the hotel’s Zone rooms – aimed at single travelers who like
slouching front of the TV. You get an alcove with a chaise longue in front
of a huge plasma screen with surround sound.
Another nice touch to stick up a digit to the staid is a free Champagne hour
every night - the politicos apparently love it.
001 202 462 9001, www.hotelhelix.com
Getting there
Virgin Atlantic flies to
Washington DC from London Heathrow. Return economy fares, including taxes
and surcharges, start from £331. Upper Class fares start from around £2,000
including taxes. Upper Class is the quirky way to fly to Washington - get
your hair cut into a quirky style for free in the Clubhouse lounge before
you head off.
