By Lakshmi:
We’ve driven by the Baltimore Museum of Art many times, but this time decided to take the time out to explore what we discovered to be a hidden gem! From ancient Syrian mosaics to impressionist paintings to the work of Warhol, this museum surprises you at every corner. Here’s a tiny sampling of what we saw! PS. The added bonus? There is no fee to enter and there are beautiful outdoor spaces as well! Here’s a link to learn more about the Baltimore Museum of Art
By Rohan:
When you arrive at Founding Farmers, it feels as if you have jumped into the pages of a coloring book. Vibrant landscapes of American agriculture cover the walls and statues of barnyard animals are scattered everywhere. You sit at wooden picnic-style tables, waited on by staff dressed for the occasion, and prepare for a delicious ode to American history with a modern twist.
The items on the menu feature specialties from several American cities prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. Items like New England French Toast will make your mouth water with its warm cinnamon aroma that is a perfect pick-me-up. In addition, Founding Farmers’ delicious doughnut holes caked with powdered sugar or their moist biscuits will get you energized for a day of touring the nation’s capital.
All of us at Paupers are vegetarian, and Founding Farmers takes pride in providing plenty of meatless options for people with this dietary restriction. A myriad of egg dishes, classic breakfast options like pancakes and waffles, and my personal favorite–the aforementioned french toast, make dining at Farmers feel like a feast.
At the end of a satisfying meal topped off with fresh juices and soothing coffee, your waiter hands you your bill in a small tin mailbox–just another way Founding Farmers will win you over with its childlike charm. The fun doesn’t stop at breakfast! Make sure to re-visit Founding Farmers for an entirely different menu for lunch and dinner. A word of advice: do not forget to make reservations, this place is always packed!
Founding Farmers has two locations in the DC metro area–one in the heart of our capital and the other outside in Rockville, Maryland. Find out more at http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/
By Lakshmi:
Who? Anyone visiting the DC area or local residents who are seeking a “nature themed” getaway for an hour, several hours or a day in what can be termed a “city forest”.
What? Rock Creek Park, a park located in the heart of the nation’s capital.
How? The Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium are located at
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington, DC 20015
You can drive there or take public transportation. More details on reaching the park can be found at http://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/directions.htm.
The Nature Center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year days and the Fourth of July.
Why? For many years, my daily commute to work from Chevy Chase, Maryland to Arlington, Virginia involved one of the most picturesque rides one could be blessed with. After bumper to bumper traffic along Connecticut Ave, making the turn that would keep me on Rock Creek Parkway for a bit was like greeting a suffocating individual with a liberal infusion of oxygen. The mist in the air in the mornings, the ever-changing foliage, the scampering animals, the driven bikers and relaxed walkers unbeknownst to them, all of it provided me a beautiful slice of life each day. It was at least a few years into this commute before I finally made it a priority to not just view the park in passing, but to actually spend time there. I went to the visitor’s center to get an introduction and then did a guided nature walk. Once there, you forget that you are in one of the most powerful cities in the world. You forget the DC traffic. You forget the craziness of K Street bustling with commuters. Instead, all you can think of is how incredible it is to have this completely free oasis. You can play tennis here, ride bikes along its paths, have picnics, introduce your kids to astronomy at the planetarium and so much more.
While I am certainly guilty of not experiencing the park as frequently or as deeply as I possibly can, I am still very grateful for its daily contribution of “Zen” in my life for many years.
a global affair 