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Feel like a Washingtonian by walking the walk, talking the talk and never saying ‘Subway’
Washington, DC Metro
Yes, DC’s underground train system is technically a subway, but locals call it by its given name, the Metro. Created in 1967, Metro carries millions of people each year on it six colored-coded lines. Dozens of stops service hotels, National Mall attractions and suburban sites like Arlington National Cemetery.
On escalators, particularly on the Metro or at local shopping malls, you’ll notice that Washingtonians usually stand to the right to make way for people walking (often, quickly and looking like they have somewhere to go, stat!) on the left. It’s a longtime DC tradition, and one locals get a little riled up about. There’s even an unofficial term for the walkers - “escalefters.”
Operating on U Street since 1956, Ben's Chili Bowl serves up DC's signature take on a hot dog, which is named for being half pork and half beef. After ordering your very own half-smoke (with chili on top for good measure), you'll quickly feel like you've earned your stripes as a local – and you'll follow in the footsteps of past patrons, including U.S. presidents and cultural icons. Don't miss the mural outside in the alley.
You can also down that half-smoke at Nationals Park, where MLB's Washington Nationals play ball. Or, you can catch a Wizards or Capitals game to see NBA or NHL action at Capital One Arena. Audi Field hosts DC United (MLS), Washington Spirit (NWSL), DC Defenders (XFL/UFL) and DC Power (USLS). And there are even more pro and college sports to check out.
On Sunday afternoons, hang with the picnickers, yogis and musicians from the long-running African drum circle in Meridian Hill Park, a formal, fountain-filled green space in Northwest DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. The 12-acre, early 20th-century park is home to towering trees, dramatic concrete obelisks and a quirky range of statues including a dramatic image of Joan of Arc on horseback and a memorial to James Buchanan.
Yes, those stately embassies (many on Massachusetts Avenue NW near Dupont Circle, aka “Embassy Row”) for countries from Armenia to Zimbabwe looks buttoned up and inaccessible. But each May, many of the 175 properties open during Passport DC, a month-long cultural fest featuring concerts, open houses and other worldly fare. For other ops to visit the often lavish, historic buildings: the International Club of DC organizes ticketed events from dance parties to art exhibits and the Embassy Series puts on frequent musical performances like violin recitals at the Icelandic Embassy.
Philly has its cheesesteaks, New York has its hot dogs, but when Washingtonians stay out late, they chow down on a jumbo slice, a cheesy, often-greasy slice of pizza that’s nearly as big as a normal large pie. They’re most common in Adams Morgan, a nightlife-centric, funky neighborhood north of the White House, where you’ll see signs (and lines) along bar-filled 18th Street NW late on Friday and Saturday nights.
A craft beer and distillery revolution has rocked DC in recent years, with breweries, rum production facilities and whisky makers popping up in off-the-beaten track neighborhoods. Many local bars pour made-here stuff: Look for wares by DC Brau or Atlas Brew Works or cocktails starring locally distilled spirits from Ivy City. Most facilities are open for tours and tastings, too.
Big-name authors - some of them local - chat about and read from their new works at several local bookstores. Politics & Prose hosts readings most nights of the week (and also holds a cozy basement coffee shop); the progressive-leaning Busboys and Poets, which has outlets around town, also features author talks many nights of the week.
DC has loads of local character and only-here experiences. Check out other ways to dine, shop and play like a Washingtonian.
