Washington DC is a great holiday destination, but I think it’s important to spend at least a little time outside of the city centre. While this part of the US capital will have more than enough attractions to keep you busy, it’s always a good idea to venture out into the suburbs. This will help you to experience another side to the city, with Adams Morgan an especially good area in which to do this.
Exploring a city’s outer neighbourhoods enables you to get a better understanding of what life in the destination is really like away from the usual tourist traps. And there are perhaps few better places in DC to do this than Adams Morgan.
While Washington (not to mention the United States as a whole) can be considered as a melting pot of many different cultures, this is something that is particularly apparent in the north-west suburb. Indeed, this is partially reflected in its name, which is drawn from the titles of two formerly segregated schools – John Quincy Adams Elementary and Thomas P Morgan Elementary.
Today the area is considered to be at the heart of DC’s Hispanic immigrant community and, although people of many other backgrounds and nationalities reside here too, you’ll definitely have the opportunity to experience a Latin atmosphere that might not be quite as prevalent if you stayed entirely within the city centre.
Head to the Habana Village restaurant and not only will you get to tuck into classic Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, which consists of shredded beef cooked in a tomato and green pepper sauce served with rice, but you can also take part in exciting salsa classes. Here, an expert will show you all the steps to this popular dance and, before you know it, you’ll be swinging away with the best of them!
If you’re planning on exploring the Adams Morgan district after your flight from the UK to Washington DC has touched down, I think it’s also worth visiting Madam’s Organ.
Situated on 18th Street, this bustling bar puts on live music every day of the week, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re after a fun-filled evening on the tiles. With the establishment offering delicious soulfood, free pool tables and a range of special offers and promotional nights, it really is at the heart of Adam Morgan’s nightlife. If you need a little fresh air, however, you should head to the rooftop terrace where you’ll get to take in wonderful views of the city below.
Keen culture vultures will also find a trip to Adams Morgan a pleasing prospect, if only to visit the District of Columbia Arts Center. Like Madam’s Organ, this institution is located on 18th Street and it is dedicated to providing emerging artists with a platform to showcase their work.
Here, you can take in shows written and directed by up-and-coming playwrights, as well as challenging pieces of contemporary art. Coming here is sure to make a refreshing change from some of Washington’s more well known museums and galleries, such as the Phillips Collection and the National Portrait Gallery – two city centre institutions that tend to be popular destinations for tourists to visit.
If you’re considering visiting Washington DC’s suburbs, please leave a comment and let us know which areas you plan on exploring.
