Top 5 Best Offbeat Things to Do and See in Washington, DC
By: Patricia

By Darcy Cooke

5. Take a Ride on the C&O Canal (otherwise known as the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal)

Photo: by Mr. T in DC on flickr

This unusual way to see parts of the city is only available during the warmer months (April through half of August), and is a definite step back in time with costumed guides and mules (yes-mules-but not costumed). The location is fantastic-right in trendy Georgetown-which is just filled with shopping, hip restaurants and oh-so-chic bars/lounges. So after shopping your heart out, sit back and relax on a canal ride! Afterwards, treat yourself to a James Dean or a Sophia Loren at the Peacock Café. (don’t ask-just do)

4. Go Where the Locals Go (for fresh fish and a beer)

Head down to Maine Avenue on the water for the relaxed and local side of DC. Check out the bustling Fish Market for fresh seafood, and excellent people watching. Later, walk over to the Cantina Marina for a laid back and local bar scene on the water. This bar with food (notice, I did not say restaurant) is right on the pier and is only open during the warm months, so it is a celebration of the season when this place opens! You eat, drink, and stay merry outdoors and on the water. Pricing is cheap, food is decent, and the company is chill-Enjoy!

3. Spend an Evening in the U Street Corridor

The U Street Corridor located in NW DC (roughly between 9th and 14th streets) has seen its triumphant ups during its jazz heyday with Duke Ellington (born here), Dizzie Gillespie, and Billie Holiday, and its major lows-the riots in 1968, which shut it all down. Now, it is back, and cool and smooth as jazz. The Lincoln Theater is back with live theatrical performances and entertainment. The Bohemian Caverns showcases amazing jazz talent, and, of course, Ben’s Chili Bowl still serves the half smokes that people have been lining up for, for more than half a decade. In fact, it never left.

Photo: by joseph a Joseph on flickr

2. Find the Hidden Gem Called Blues Alley

Located in Georgetown, right off of Wisconsin Ave and down a tiny, pedestrian-only-can-fit alley, hides Blues Alley. This jazz and supper club hosts the best jazz has to offer. Blues Alley is tiny, authentic and offers spectacular Cajun Cuisine. Go for the jazz, savor the food, and relish the experience.

Photo: by randomduck Rudi Riet on flickr

1. Do a Scavenger Hunt

This is a great way to see the city, socialize, and get your competition on! Scavenger hunts range from spooky to artsy to historical, and you do not need to know a thing to participate! The hunts can be tailor made to incorporate private parties of 6 or 600, or just join in a public hunt already scheduled. In other words, there is a scavenger hunt for you, so go and explore the city!

About the blogger:

Darcy Cooke is the writer of a fabulous blog dedicated to travel & to those who hold travel dear call Planetdarcy.com. She shares hip tips for local, world, chill, adventure, romantic, & family journeys.

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