I was excited to line up a trip to Washington DC during what was shaping up to be prime cherry blossom viewing.  It had been a few years since I’d seen them, and I was excited to make the trip. The weather was nice, I had interested companions, and the timing (early evening) seemed perfect.

Off we went to on the Metro, opting to get off near the US Capitol Building, with the plan to walk along the National Mall ending up at the opposite end and the Washington Monument.  We didn’t figure that we’d have quite enough time (or energy) to make it over to the Tidal Basin, but still, it was a solid plan.

The Capitol Building was beautiful.  I’ve always been impressed with its rotunda and dome.  Its stateliness inspires me to believe that despite the many political differences that we might have, the Capitol building remains a symbol of the very best that democracy offers us.

The Capitol grounds cover a large expanse, and there were lots of cherry trees in varying stages of blossoming.  After walking around the grounds we headed down the path on the east side of the mall, stopping to look at anything that captured our attention.  We’d occasionally veer off the beaten path, and, unfortunately, that’s where the cherry blossom viewing was cut short.

Looking up and around, I failed to notice an uneven piece of sidewalk.  I hit it pretty hard, causing me to trip and fall forward even harder.  I was pretty scruffed up, with wounds on my arms, hands and leg – but perhaps even more wounded was my pride.  How embarrassing!

Thus ended my viewing and photo session of the cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital.  But at least I got these photos!

I recommend you check out The DC Traveler for more information about viewing the cherry blossoms in DC.  But there’s lot of other cherry blossoms, too:  in the Atlanta area, all over the South, and even up in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Photo credit:  personal collection

It’s a day when all eyes turn toward Washington DC!

A new President:

Sworn in on the west steps of the US Capitol Building:

Living and working in the people’s house, The White House:

Images:  All from wikimedia, Presidential portrait; US Capitol Building; White House

If you won’t be traveling to Washington DC for the inauguration next week, this is what you’ll be missing.

This little peek at what’s to come, is a result of a dress rehearsal for the big day.

Get to the polls, or mail off your absentee ballots today, and you can help decide who gets to live in this big, white house.

Photo credit:  Wikimedia, public domain

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One of the fun results of writing the series Matchbook Monday is digging through my own matchbooks and discovering fun places that I have been, along with the memories of times well spent.  I’ve heard from many readers that they enjoy that same experience.

But everyone in awhile I come across a matchbook that evokes no memory at all.  And that’s the case with today’s matchbook from the West End Cafe.

I had to do a little searching to find out where the West End Cafe is located.  Turns out that it’s located at the Circle Hotel, an affiliate of George Washington University, at One Washington Circle in Washington DC.

Okay, now that I know where it is, I’m still not having any memory of being there!

My best guess is that I stopped in here with a Flight Attendant from another carrier while back in DC doing some work.  The matchbook is pretty beat up, and given where I found it, I’m guessing it’s from five to six year ago.

If anyone knows anything about this cafe, I’d appreciate hearing about it in the comments.

Photo credit: personal collection

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Today’s Matchbook comes from Nathan’s in Georgetown (3150 M Street, Washington DC).

Occupying prime real estate at the corner of Wisconsin & M Streets, Nathan’s fashions itself as a neighborhood saloon.  The bar has dark walls with lots of wood and brass, and when I’ve been there, there has always been a sporting event on the television.

The restaurant has wood paneled walls, red leather banquettes, and black and white photographs on the wall.  It’s rumored as a favorite haunt of several recognizable DC figures, although I’ve never seen any — or haven’t recognized anyone.

The menu covers typical American fare, with steaks and seafood, and pasta is made fresh daily.

Nathan’s is open Monday - Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, serving lunch until 3 pm, with dinner service starting at 5:30 pm.  Weekend brunch is served 10 am - mid-afternoon.  A bar menu is also available.

Dress code is business casual, although I think a little more heavily weighted toward business attire rather than casual.  I figure it’s the tourist who are there in shorts and flip flops.

Nathan’s is not my favorite stop in Georgetown.  It seems more of a boys’ club, guy-oriented place.  While I wouldn’t make it a regular hang out, it’s a fun stop for a drink, a quick bite at the bar, and some good conversation.

Do you have a matchbook to share?  I’d love to feature your contribution on a future Matchbook Monday!  Take a photo of your matchbook, and email it to me (along with any details that you might wish to add).

Photo credit: personal collection

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Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from a friend who swears that this is her favorite Italian restaurant in Georgetown  — Paolo’s.

The Georgetown location (1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC) was the original home for Paolo’s, and the restaurant has now expanded to additional locations in Reston and Towson.  You can check out the menu here.

I haven’t tried Paolo’s, and am wondering if I need to put it on my list.  Anyone else care to chime in on it?

Do you have a favorite restaurant or club that you’d like to share?  Please email a photo to me for use on a future Matchbook Monday.

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Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from La Tomate, a family owned Italian bistro in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington DC.

A friend sent me this matchbook and reminded me of many an evening we had spent there with a bottle of wine and a lively conversation.  I’m not sure that we ever had a meal there; we’d mostly stop in for a little music, conversation, and the people watching that the neighborhood is known for.

The restaurant and bar was always busy, whether from it’s location, reputation, or food, I’m not certain, and at times it could be a bit on the raucous side.  I haven’t been back for quite some time, so the matchbook was a nice reminder.

La Tomate is located at 1701 Connecticut Avenue NW in Washington DC (map it), at the triangular intersection of Connecticut, “R” and 20th NW.

It is open Monday - Wednesday, 11:30 am - 10:30 pm; Thursday, 11:30 am - 11 pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 am - 11:30 pm, and Sunday, 11:30 am - 10 pm.  Reservations are recommended.

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