About Town: Washington

text size

This weeks AT&T National has something last year's event was missing and that's its host Tiger Woods in the field. Back on the trail with wins two under his belt since his return, Tiger and the rest of the field will tee off in the nation's capital on the weekend of its celebrated birthday.

There aren't too many PGA TOUR events in locations as perfect as this for having some fun off the course. Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., is less than 10 miles from Washington, D.C., so get ready to make the most of the location this week. It's what Tiger would want.

Wilson/Getty Images

Can you swing a club like the former president?

HOT HOTELS

Wyndham Garden Hotel
Bethesda Marriott North
The St. Regis Washington

HUNGRY?

Jaleo Tapas Bar
Tako Grill
1789 Restaurant
DC Coast Restaurant

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

Capital quality, perfect price: You won't find a better deal out there this week (reminder -- it's the biggest holiday of the summer, and you're in the nation's capital) than a stay at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Gaithersburg, Md. This three-star hotel is around 20 minutes from the course and just over 30 minutes from D.C., so you won't have to make up too much of the money you save on your room in transportation costs. It's a new hotel with easy metro access into the city and a complimentary shuttle for anything you request within a 5-mile radius. Rates start at $62 a night. I know, you're blown away, aren't you?

Other options:
• You'll find more great value at the three-and-a-half-star Bethesda North Marriott, which is less than 30 minutes (by car) from the city, and you also have easy access to the metro system to downtown. It's about 15 minutes from Congressional Country Club, and rates start as low as $119 a night.
• If you don't mind the commute to the course (or the extra money you'll spend on your room), then booking a few nights in the capital is the way to go this week. For true Washington-style elegance and Renaissance-era architecture, make your reservation at the five-star St. Regis Hotel. It takes 30 minutes to drive to the course, and rates start around $305 a night. Go on, splurge. It's Fourth of July Weekend.

SOMEWHERE TO SNACK

You're going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to controlling those hunger pains this week, so eat out at as many places as you can. We don't want to limit you, but here are a few dinner suggestions in case you're overwhelmed by the selection.
• Jaleo Tapas Bar has three locations in the D.C. area -- Bethesda, Washington and Arlington, Va. -- so you're set no matter which part of the region you're staying in. Remember to order several plates, or you'll go home hungry -- as is the nature of tapas -- and throw a cocktail in there for good measure. It's a holiday, so have some fun.
• It's been a while since I have sent you to a sushi joint, but I can't think of a better choice for dinner to combat the heat this weekend. Tako Grill in Besthesda has all the sushi combos you can dream up as well as entrees for those people in your party who are afraid of the delicious delicacy.
• You have to head into the capital for at least one meal this week, so why not try the 1789 Restaurant? D.C. is old, and you should experience that atmosphere at this American-antique-decorated restaurant in a renovated federal building. The food. Pretty tasty, too.
• Another good D.C. choice is DC Coast, a classical beaux-arts style location that serves us fabulous food in a historically architectured setting. Try the clam chowder to start and the grilled chipotle shrimp for your entrée. There is also a bar menu if you want to be in and out quickly.

McNamee/Getty Images

It's History 101 for you this week as we celebrate Fourth of July in the nation's capital.

GET BUSY

The White House
Arlington National Cemetery
The Holocaust Museum
Segway tours of the city

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

I hope you like history because this part of the country is overflowing with it, and that's what we've got on our itinerary this week. Put your hand on your heart and get ready to get to know America. But remember you are in D.C. on the Fourth of July weekend, so expect some crowds at the places you visit.
• Where else could we start besides the White House? The spectacular building located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, so don't resist the urge to see it for yourself. Try to meet your congressmen while you're at it. Wouldn't you like to know who you vote for?
• Next on the list? Arlington National Cemetery. Sure, this would be more fitting on Memorial Day weekend, but it's always appropriate to pay respects to the fellow countrymen who have fallen to protect this nation. You might even have family or friends buried here. Tip your hat to them on Independence Day.
• You won't leave the next stop on your D.C. tour feeling too upbeat, but it's a must-see for anyone who cares about history. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum depicts the horror and suffering that the Jewish people of Europe went through during WWII, and there's no better way to learn about what happened than to walk this museum. You will leave this place very thankful for your independence.
• OK, who said history couldn't be fun? There's really no way to take in all the sights in Washington in one weekend, especially when you're trying to cram a golf tournament into your schedule, too. So how about a segway tour of the capital? For those of you unsure of what a segway is -- you know those weird-looking people you see riding around on large electronic scooters from time to time? Yep, that's what you'll be doing if you sign up for this tour. You get to see the city and feel like a dork all at once. Perfect.

STICKING AROUND?

If you have some extra time to explore outside of D.C. while you're here, then you're in luck. Road trips out of the capital can take you to any number of places -- it's a very accessible city.
• Baltimore: Check out the Inner Harbor and the surrounding historic neighborhoods in this beautiful city on the bay. If you're a fan of "The Wire," you should know there is more to this city.
• Colonial Williamsburg: In case you haven't had enough history this week, the restored 18th-century capital of the largest and wealthiest branch in Britain's once-mighty empire will teach you a thing or two. And it's perfect timing to visit around Independence Day.