Washington DC
Washington DC City Overview
Next to New York City, Washington is probably the most visited city in America. There is so much to see and do here that you need a week to even dent the surface. Historic sites loom around practically every corner. There’s the bustle of government workers and an established social scene that spills over to the many restaurants and pubs in the District.
Across the Potomac River in Virginia is historic Arlington, an enchanting walkable city that’s connected to DC via public transportation. Farther afield are attractions like Mount Vernon and the Maryland seashore, making a full week trip to Washington DC hardly enough.
The Neighborhood -Nationals Park
Situated in the Capitol Riverfront area just south of the Capitol Building, Nationals Stadium is bringing exciting new development to this previously underutilized area of Washington DC. This blossoming mixed use neighborhood is in the throes of an exciting rebirth, with retail, restaurants, and small businesses taking root.
Just a mile or so away are the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, both clearly in view from several levels of the park.
The Ballpark
Nationals Ballpark is a welcome sigh of relief for Major League Baseball, Washington baseball fans, and baseball fans in general. After the franchise led a somewhat unstable existence in its final years in Montreal, the promise of a new stadium loomed large while the Nats played temporarily at RFK Stadium. When Nationals Park finally opened in 2008, it marked a new beginning for the franchise, one of stability and a permanent home.
Seating almost 42,000, Nationals Ballpark has a unique configuration of concourses and seating decks. Each offers a view of either the waterfront or famous Washington landmarks just a stone’s throw away.
The playing field is situated 24 feet below ground level, allowing most patrons to walk directly to their seats without use of escalators or elevators. As a nod to their baseball past, the right center field fence has a unique turn and angle, just as it did at Griffith Stadium, former home of the Washington Senators.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Nationals Park are offered year around on non game days. Cost is $15 for the 75 minute tour.
Historic Baseball Sites
From 1962 until they left Washington DC after the 1971 season to become the Texas Rangers, the second incarnation of the Washington Senators played at RFK Stadium. RFK was also home to the Nationals for three seasons after the franchise moved from Montreal.
RFK is still standing and is used for a variety of events, including international soccer matches.
Through 1961, the Washington Senators played at Griffith Stadium on the near northwest side of the city. The original Senators played there through the 1960 season, after which they moved to Minnesota and became the Twins. A new expansion franchise was granted to Washington DC and the new Senators played for one year at Griffith Stadium before moving to the then-named DC Stadium, later named RFK.
Griffith Stadium was demolished in 1965 and Howard University Hospital now occupies the site. Just a few years ago, the hospital erected a permanent display to the old stadium inside their main administration building.
Nationals Tickets
Nationals tickets are readily available, although some weekend games against prime oppenents draw big crowds, particularly baseball road trippers from other cities.
Public Transportation
Take our advice, avoid driving in and around Washington DC unless you absolutely have to. The DC Metro System, an above ground monorail, is the best way to get around. The system extends to outlying areas like Alexandria on the Virginia side as well. Washington traffic is notoriously bad, so save yourself the aggravation and get acquainted with the Metro.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
While there are numerous famous restaurants in the DC area, there aren’t a whole lot of beer bars. We’ll start with a list of three and hopefully add as time goes on:
Capitol City Brewing: Washington DC’s most well known brewpub is popular with government workers, politicians, and visitors alike. It’s very near the Verizon Center and Union Station. The huge bar is an attraction in itself and we highly recommend the happy hour specials. For those staying in outlying areas, there are Capitol City Brewing locations in northern Virginia as well. 2 Massachusetts Ave., Washington DC. Phone: 202-842-2337.
The Brickskellar: Perhaps the most famous beer bar in America, this Georgetown tavern has an encyclodepia style bound beer list of over 500 selections. Not all of them are available at one time, but even still the selection here is remarkable. A must do for any beer lover visiting the DC area. 1523 22nd Street NW, Washington DC. Phone: 202-293-1885.
Birreria Paradiso: Like the Brickskellar, it’s located in the Georgetown neighborhood on the lower level of a pizza place called Pizzeria Paradiso. There’s a beer selection of 16 taps and more than 80 in bottles, and the Neopolitan style pizza hits the spot. 3282 M Street NW, Washington DC. Phone: 202-337-1245.
