Live to Eat. Love to Travel. Hungry for more.
All in Hotels
Located inside the chic Melrose Hotel in DC’s West End is Jardenea, a seasonally driven, farm to fork restaurant that has a heavy focus on sustainability. DC’s hotel restaurants tend to be hit or miss, and Jardenea is a definite HIT! When we went in for a recent dinner, we didn’t really know what to expect, but they truly surprised and impressed us in the best way possible.
The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond is a historic, grand property that has been around since 1895 and played host to many celebrities, Presidents, and more. The hotel went through an extensive renovation earlier this year and reopened completely this summer. Kris and I stayed there when we visited Richmond a few weeks back, and WOW. We knew it would be incredible, because we heard so much about it from friends and from just the history of it, but it was much more than we expected, really.
For most DC folks, a weekend away to another city means a trip to NYC. We’ve done that numerous times so decided to change things up and head to Philadelphia instead.We stayed at The Windsor Suites, which is part of the Modus group of hotels. I have previously confessed my love for Modus Hotels when The Quincy in DC, which has since been sold, was a part of the Modus family. Further cementing that love was my recent experience at The Windsor Suites.
During my recent stay at the Fairmont Washington, I learned of their rooftop honeybee hives, from which they harvest honey to use. This is not the hotel’s first foray into sustainable farming – their beautiful courtyard is already home to fresh herbs and edible flowers that are used in the hotel’s culinary programs and at the Juniper restaurant. A few years back, as the Fairmont looked into new and creative ways to enhance their sustainability program, the honeybee program was initiated and is now being done in many different Fairmont properties across the country and internationally.
For most of us, a true escape from daily life is all the luxury we need, and this can come in many shapes and ways. And this is why I loved getting the chance to spend a night at the Fairmont Washington hotel recently, as it allowed me to enjoy the city as a visitor instead of a resident – I could escape reality without leaving the city I call home!
The Mayflower is one of the most historic hotels in DC – it has been home to Presidential Inaugural balls, the spot for the power lunches of power lunches, scandal and gossip, and is known as DC’s “second best address” (the first being the White House, of course). But it is also known for something else – BANANA BREAD. Yep, the hotel has been making banana bread since the 1950’s and it has become one of the hotel’s signature items, used in the hotel’s turn down amenities, served in the hotel’s Edgar restaurant, and even as dessert at many weddings in the hotel!
The Pocono Mountains, more commonly referred to as the Poconos, are a large area of 2400 square miles, with mountains, lakes (over 150!), and valleys. Needless to say, that makes it an attractive destination for outdoor activities all seasons.
It is only a couple of hours away from NYC and Philadelphia, and just under 4 hours from the DC area, which makes it an easy weekend getaway. I enjoyed a fabulous 48 hours in the Pocono Mountains with the DC Travel Blogger group, but it has so much to offer, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer time
Where I choose to stay plays a big part of my experience in a city, and I much prefer hotels with character and a story to tell, hotels with an endearing but idiosyncratic nature. When I travel, I tend to pick hotels that offer something unique, while still providing the basic conveniences – a central location, clean rooms, good service. And coffee.
A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to experience a mini staycation DC at The Quincy DC.
