FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 29, 2009

                 Explore the Obamas' Backyard: Plan Your Next DC Vacation the Obama Way

(Washington, DC) – Now that the Obamas have completed their first 100 days in the White House, they’re still making themselves at home in DC with visits to hot city eateries, cultural attractions and neighborhood staples. You’ve done DC the traditional way, now take another trip to experience the city in the footsteps of the Obamas. Visitors will discover a link to a newly-updated Obama-themed itinerary highlighting the following presidential places at Washington.org.

Day 1 – DC’s Presidential Style
Start your trip with breakfast at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, the site of Michelle Obama’s Vogue cover shoot. The Obamas took up temporary residence at the hotel before moving into the White House.

Next, head to America’s main street, Pennsylvania Avenue, for a stop at the Newseum - a 250,000 sq. ft. museum of the news. Make sure to stop by First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets, an exhibition showcasing former first pets. Sasha and Malia visited the exhibition in January with their parents, and a new pup just joined the display - Bo, the newest addition to the Obama family. 

For lunch, consider B. Smith’s, the southern restaurant in historic Union Station where the First Lady recently lunched with DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

The afternoon takes you downtown for a visit to Ford’s Theatre. One of DC’s most famous Lincoln landmarks, Ford’s reopened on the eve of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, following a major renovation. Barack and Michelle were among the guests at the grand re-opening.
 
The day continues with a stop at the National Portrait Gallery, where Shepard Fairey’s famous Obama print is now on display, or Madame Tussauds Washington, DC, to take a picture with lifelike wax figures of the First Couple (Michelle joined Barack in early April). The sports-minded set might consider catching one of DC’s many sports teams in a game at the Verizon Center. President Obama caused quite a stir when he recently attended a Washington Wizards basketball game there.

Wind down with dinner at Equinox, the restaurant (with renowned chef Todd Gray at the helm) where Barack took Michelle for her birthday. The eatery is a city leader in sustainability with a menu featuring seasonal and regionally-inspired dishes with community-farmed, organic ingredients grown within 100 miles of the restaurant whenever possible—a perfect match for the Obamas’ newly planted garden.

Day 2 – White House to U Street
Stop by the White House for a photo op, then pay a visit to the newly-remodeled National Museum of American History.  Admire the First Ladies’ gowns (Michelle’s will soon join the collection) and learn more about the men who’ve held the highest office in the land in the museum’s American Presidency exhibition (Barack’s name is already on the presidential timeline). And make sure to check out the new I Do Solemnly Swear: Photographs of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration exhibition on display through July 12. It features more than 30 inspiring photos taken by professional and amateur photographers during the week surrounding Inauguration Day.

Next, visit DC’s Anacostia neighborhood to visit the home of another gifted orator and statesman, Frederick Douglass. A Lincoln contemporary, Douglass also played a role in the abolition of slavery. Cedar Hill is located at one of the highest points in DC, and the grounds offer one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

Or, hop on Metro and head to the historic U Street Corridor, the site of joyous street celebrations that took place the night Obama was elected. A visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl is a must; be sure to order the signature chili half-smoke (a smoked sausage that’s half beef, half pork), which Barack sampled on his first visit.  Look for the sign behind the register that lists the people that eat for free: Bill Cosby and the Obamas.

If pampering is on the agenda, consider a stop at Corte Salon, the new salon with ‘First Stylist’ Johnny Wright at the helm. He relocated from Chicago to tame Michelle Obama’s tresses, and his salon offers everything from hair services to facials and waxing. Make sure to book an appointment in advance.

Continue exploring this historic neighborhood (once known as “Black Broadway” for its ties to musical legends like Duke Ellington and Etta James and performance venues like the Lincoln Theatre and Bohemian Caverns) by following Cultural Tourism DC’s self-guided African-American Heritage Trail, including sites like the African American Civil War Memorial. Then pop into some of DC’s independently-owned boutiques like Pulp, Lettie Gooch, Nana and Home Rule.

If you’re craving cocktails, cross 14th Street to visit Marvin, a favorite hangout of DC’s liberal set, known for the enormous Obama peace mural adorning the side of the building. Aside from a full Belgian-inspired soul food menu (paying homage to DC’s own Marvin Gaye), the restaurant offers a large selection of Belgian beers and a cozy upstairs lounge. 

Day 3 – Historic Sights, Hot Bites and Date Nights
Start your day with a stop at the historic and architecturally-stunning Washington National Cathedral, where President Obama’s Inaugural Prayer Service was held. Entry is free (although a small donation is encouraged) and 30-minute guided tours are offered throughout the day.

For lunch, feast on southern favorites at Georgia Brown’s, where Michelle Obama joined DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, his wife, Michelle Fenty and Dr. Jill Biden for their first DC lunch outing. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’ll discover DC’s most decadent brunch, which begins with a lavish buffet of meats, grits, Eggs Benedict and made-to-order waffles, followed by a selection of entrées like shrimp and grits, fried chicken and meatloaf, finishing with a spread of desserts.  

The afternoon leads you to Georgetown, where retail rules. Channel Michelle’s fashion sense with a visit to the Shops at Georgetown Park (where you’ll find her favorites, like J Crew and Anthropologie). Explore the independently-owned DC boutiques located throughout the neighborhood, offering the designs of young, emerging designers like Jason Wu, the largely unknown designer that entered the mainstream after Michelle wore his design the night of inauguration.

End your evening with a date night at the Kennedy Center. The Obama family recently sat in the presidential box to watch a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble. Or, consider dinner at Café Milano, a Georgetown staple and celebrity magnet where Joe and Jill Biden recently had Sunday brunch on the outdoor terrace. Make your last stop the Lincoln Memorial and pay tribute to Honest Abe at night, just like the first family did on a recent visit to the national treasure.

WHERE TO STAY
Wondering where to lay your head on your next visit to DC? You have to stay in the heart of the city to really be a part of the action. Consider booking a room at the The Hay-Adams, where the Obamas stayed when they first arrived to DC, before moving into the White House. Or the Hilton Washington, where the president addressed national and foreign leaders at the National Prayer Breakfast on February 5 and also made an appearance at the Youth Inaugural Ball.

Or, begin campaigning early for your child’s race to the White House with Kimpton Hotels’ “Future Presidents” package, offered at Hotel Palomar, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Rouge, Topaz Hotel, Hotel George, Hotel Madera and Hotel Helix. It includes four all-day Metro passes and a map provided by the concierge highlighting family-friendly destinations and activities around Washington DC; complimentary overnight parking and entrance to two of three museum options (Newseum, Madame Tussauds Washington DC or the International Spy Museum) with tickets waiting in room upon arrival (2 adult, 2 child to each attraction). Rates start at $339/night and are based on availability.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.