If you love reading, here's how to spend a lovely 24 hours in Washington DC. We've taken care of the tedious planning stuff, so you can relax and have a great time.
8:00 AM Kick off your day at Kramerbooks & Afterward Cafe:
Kramerbooks & Afterwords first opened its doors amid the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976. At the time of its opening it was the first bookstore/café in Washington DC. We recommend the Chesapeake Bay Crab Omelet with an Americano.
The House of the Temple is a Masonic temple in Washington, D.C., United States that serves as the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. The Temple holds one of the largest collections of materials related to Scottish poet and Freemason Robert Burns in its library, the first public library in Washington, D.C.
11:30 AM Continue on a stroll to the Kahil Gibran Memorial Garden:
The garden was built and then dedicated as a memorial in 1991 to Kahlil Gibran, a writer, poet, artist and philosopher -- the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu. This is a peaceful place off the beaten path, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a good book.
12:30 PM Time to hop in the car, and grab lunch at Eastern Market:
Enjoy all sorts of foods from pancakes to pig ears in this bustling marketplace, open since 1873, featuring a variety of produce, handmade crafts, and prepared foods. Tortilla Cafe is especially awesome!
This local bookstore is right across from the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill in an unassuming residential home filled to the attic with books. Be sure to check out the basement.
2:30 PM Take a guided tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress:
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, and it serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world. Be sure to see The Great Hall, which extends more than 70 feet from its marble floor to the stained glass ceiling.
4:00 PM If you're feeling ambitious, swing by the Newseum for an hour:
The Newseum is an interactive museum of news that allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today. Take the "express elevator" to get the best view of Washington from the balcony.
6:00 PM As the day fades away, check out the Capitol Building:
East Capitol Street Northeast & First Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20004
The United States Capitol, often called the Capitol Building, is the home of the United States Congress, and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Stop by the Summerhouse, a hexagon-shaped brick structure set into the sloping hillside of the West Front lawn on the Senate side, for a quick sip of water and have a seat to catch up on some reading.
7:00 PM Catch at show made for bibliophiles (two options):
Home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection and to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art, the Folger opened in 1932, as a gift to the American people from founders Henry and Emily Folger.
The stylish dining room exudes a welcoming vibe and in warmer weather, enjoy dining “en plein air” in the stunning outdoor cafe where you can take in the bustling energy of DC while sipping the perfect kir royale. Don't miss the Steak frites, mushroom tart, or seafood plateau.
10:30 PM Drinks at Reading Room at Petworth Citizen:
The Beaux Arts-style Jefferson, built in 1923, was formerly home to luxury apartments and was converted into a hotel in 1955. Check out an extensive book collection signed by authors who have graced the hotel's halls in their Book Room. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson's Book Room at Monticello, you'll find books by everyone from Bono to Bill Gates.
**If you get to pick the dates you visit DC, try to come during the free National Book Festival:
The annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event is free and open to the public.
More details.
Pro tip: If you want to slow-poke your day and spend some time meandering, drop the House of the Temple, Newseum, and the Reading Room.
Tag your photos and videos of the day with #welldoneDC, so fellow adventurers can see what they're missing!
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