The DC Traveler

The Willard Hotel has been probably the most famous unofficial center of power in U.S. history.  
President Ulysses S. Grant, a frequent visitor to the Willard Hotel, allegedly coined the term “lobbyist”, when describing running a gauntlet of political wheelers and dealers he preferred to avoid hanging out in the lobby of The Willard Hotel.  All he wanted to do was to enjoy a brandy and cigar in peace.  
In reality, the term”lobbyist” had already been around for over 40 years before Grant used it, yet he usually gets credit for it.
Another story goes that the phrase “What this country needs is a …read more

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If you’re visiting DC for a week or more you might want to think about renting a condo versus staying at a hotel. 
Each option has it’s advantages and disadvantages.  Do you want somewhere where you and your friends can cook a meal?  Do you really need daily maid service? Do you enjoy traveling with friends or family in a communal setting? Will your sister’s kids drive you crazy after 20 minutes? Do you need a pool, bar, health club, etc.?
CyberRentals is a great site that offers global vacation rentals, including, at last check, about 20 condos, townhouses and apartments available in …read more

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My buddy Sheila at Family Travel just returned from what sounds like a fun family trip to Virginia’s “historical triangle” – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.  She graciously offered to write a guest post for The DC Traveler.  There’s tons going on in the triangle, and it’s not just limited to historical attractions.   
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Virginia’s Historic Triangle with Kids
A Guest Post by: Sheila Scarborough, from the Family Travel blog
Just a few hours south of the Washington, DC metro area is a great place for families; Virginia’s “Historic Triangle” of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.
Now, before the kids start squawking that they don’t want to …read more

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While Lynn at The Paris Traveler may be a bit surprised see that I’m writing about Paris, she shouldn’t feel any competition. 
About 60 miles west of DC is a quaint little town of Paris… Paris, Virginia, just a bit west of Middleburg.  It’s population…only 49.   I happened across Paris a couple weeks ago on a drive back from Luray Caverns while exploring a couple local wineries.  

The highlight in town is the Ashby Inn & Restaurant which was built in 1829. During the Civil War in 1861, Confederate Generals Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and Joseph E. Johnston stopped at the inn about a month …read more

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Tis the season for Bond…James Bond.
This New Year’s Eve Euronet International is hosting an all Bond international New Years Eve 007 License to Thrill party for “sophisticated singles, couples and groups alike”. 
This black tie party has, obviously, a 007 theme.  Attendees “travel” around the globe Bond-style, to party rooms featuring a different country’s food, drink and music. From a mock Casino Royale with Roulette, Craps and Black Jack to a unique ‘shaken not stirred’ Icelandic-themed Ice Bar, partiers can span the missions of 007.
Other themes include the Caribbean (can’t be a Bond party with out some calypso music …read more

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