En Route

This morning I begin my latest visit to Washington DC. However it will be 10.59 EDT (3.59am Thursday) when I finally arrive at Washington National Airport. I will be visiting the airports of Birmingham, Amsterdam and Detroit on the way.


While I’m over there I hope to conduct some further interviews and access some primary material unavailable in the UK, for my doctorate. I also intend to visit some of the places I have yet to spend time at – such as the Newseum. My intention is also to make some videos (as on previous visits) and to comment on and explain how the Federal Government works. I shall also look at State and local government, and report on how the Elections are shaping up in the Northern Virginia and DC areas. (I may even hop into Maryland!). I also look forward to returning to some of my favourite haunts such as St Elmos in Del Ray; Tortilla Coast on Capitol Hill – and of course – the Capitol Building itself.

Things to do in Washington

One of my friends is preparing to spend a few months working in Washington DC - and asked if I had any special recommendations for places to see or visit (or eat at). I could fill a year's worth of Washminster posts on the subject - and have already written much -

I wrote a post in October 2009 about my favourite places to eat.

St Elmos Coffee Pub isn't actually in DC - it is in the Del Ray area of Alexandria (nearest Metro stop - Braddock Road). I've posted a few times about this coffee shop that I could while away many hours in. The staff are friendly; it has a vibrant atmosphere - and great coffee and food. My favourite post was made in
Jan 2011

There are many branches of Starbucks which I have enjoyed visiting - the one on Capitol Hill has a very special atmosphere - I posted about this in Jan 2010. I have enjoyed many breakfast coffees at the branch closest to Bob Carr's office (Starbucks - 2109 M Street Northwest, Washington).

Ben' Chili Bowl is a must visit - see my post from October 2009 - and Chef Geoff has a wonderful jazz brunch - at which I have celebrated a couple of birthdays.

The city is full of interesting Monuments - I've often stood at the side of the Washington Monument (see video) but have never been up. Each time I visit I say I will - after the earthquake - I'm not going to put it off again (assuming it has reopened). A dramatic video of the earthquake seen from inside is available here - nothing happens for quite a while - and then!

Both the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial are inspirational. I always visit the graves of the Kennedy's, but Arlington Cemetry itself is a very special place.

As I wrote in February 2009 -

"There is so much history there - if you stand at the base of the Washington Monument you can see - just by moving your eyes, not even your head - the White House; Congress; the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Scenes of some of the most important events in our lifetimes. A visit to see the Senate and the House of Representatives is a must! Thanks to my friends I have become interested in the US Civil War - and as well as researching the role of the Committee on the Conduct of the War during one of my visits - most of the key battlefields are within easy driving distance.

For more information on visiting the area go to

http://www.washington.org/;
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/visitorsguide/whattosee.htm;
http://www.thedistrict.com/index.htm
http://www.wmata.com/

The Alexandria Waterfront

The Old Town of Alexandria can often by overlooked by visitors to Washington DC. Don't. It's a lovely town - full of some great restaurants - with lots of history, and a welcoming atmosphere. I wish I were back there! (though I'm looking forward to meeting my new OU students later today). These videos (with no commentary) show the waterfront by the Torpedo Factory. If you are visiting the Capital area - don't miss a day and an evening in "Old Town". (Also make time to visit St Elmo's!)

St Elmo's

Long term readers of this blog will know of the long term affection I have for a very special coffee shop in the Del Ray area of Alexandria. It's just a few miles from Washington DC - and I've already made a couple of visits on this trip to the USA. It has a lovely atmosphere - and I really enjoy their coffee and food. The founder and owner, Nora Partlow, spoke to me last Friday



After our chat I did a bit of work on my research, whilst enjoying another coffee. It is a superb place to quietly work in pleasant surroundings. The website of St Elmo's can be accessed here. If you use Facebook you can sign up for updates on what is going on - and what new foods and coffees are available.

View of St Elmo

My Favourite Starbucks

Between Coventry, Leicester & Milton Keynes there is no branch of Starbucks. As a recent resident of Northampton and Rugby, that is a fact I deeply regretted, and has led me to appreciate the coffee shops more.

I am particularly fond of certain Starbucks. I enjoyed reading or surfing the net in the Starbucks in the Milton Keynes branch of Borders, which sadly closed last month. When at home I will walk, cycle or drive to the Hub, Milton Keynes - where the staff are particularly friendly. At the moment I am enjoying visits to my favourite, the Starbucks at 237 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington SE - a couple of blocks to the east of the Capitol Building. There are two floors, the upper one of which has a gas fire in the style of an old coal fire. On Friday I did quite a bit of reading and writing in a comfy chair whilst drinking my favourite drink, Caramel Macchiato. The walls are adorned with old photographs of Capitol Hill.

Details of the coffee shop can be found here. On Thursday I had an especial treat, visiting the greatest coffee shop in the world - St Elmo's, Del Ray, Alexandria.