The Georgetown Review
Get to know historic Georgetown and The Georgetown Inn from the people who know it best. The Georgetown Review will bring you insight on festivals, events, shopping, saving opportunities at luxurious, European-style inn and more. There’s so much our staff wants to share with you!
Cool Down on the Potomac River
It’s the perfect time in Georgetown to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. For the ultimate summer fun, we recommend a day spent on the banks of the Potomac River.
Learn moreIt’s the perfect time in Georgetown to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. For the ultimate summer fun, we recommend a day spent on the banks of the Potomac River.
Running from Fairfax Stone, West Virginia to Point Lookout, Maryland, the Potomac River is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic Coast. It flows through the area and empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Georgetown itself was built along the Potomac River, offering spectacular views to passers-by. Within the DC neighborhood, many people like to ride bikes, jog, and visit historic sites by the river.
On the Potomac River’s Georgetown Waterfront, visitors can kick back and relax or make a splash with a range of watersports and activities. From Key Bridge Boathouse, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are all available for rental, so you can get active and enjoy the body of water to its fullest.
Cherry Blossom Season Returns To The Capitol
Washington D.C. is about to bloom. It’s that time year again when thousands come together to breathe in the fresh cherry blossom air. The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off this month and runs into April, and we want to make sure you add all the fun to your itinerary!
Learn moreOn March 20th, put on your best suit or dress and kick off spring with an array of food and cocktails at the festival’s first event, The Pink Party. Sip on the best of the best while dancing to live music or participating in the silent auction. The opening ceremony starts March 21st with performances rich in Japanese culture to traditionally celebrate when the United States was gifted the cherry blossom in 1912. Swing by the Washington Monument on March 28th and turn all of your attention to the sky at the Bloom Kite Festival. This event attracts kite fliers of all levels, and kids can even try making their own kites at an activity station. If your stay extends into April, make sure to attend the iconic National Cheery Blossom Festival Parade. Rain or shine, the parade goes through Constitutional Ave on April 4th, highlighting some D.C. landmarks. A full list of events can be found online. Start purchasing your tickets now! Attending the festival will be the cherry on top to a perfect trip.
Bubbly Sips & Chocolatey Dips: A Match Made In Heaven
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s almost impossible not to think about chocolate. If you find yourself in Washington DC this February, a day at the DC Chocolate Wine & Whiskey Festival is essential.
Learn moreWith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s almost impossible not to think about chocolate. If you find yourself in Washington DC this February, a day at the DC Chocolate Wine & Whiskey Festival is essential. On February 8th, prepare to indulge in everything from cookies, cupcakes, and candies to macaroons, popcorn, and an unlimited amount of pours—ranging from sparkling wines to craft beers to ciders, and of course of, whiskey. Your ticket will also include a wine glass and access to DC’s First Chocolate Fondue Bar. You must be 21 to attend, and tickets for specific sessions and packages can be booked online. If chocolate isn’t exactly what you’re craving during your stay, but you can’t say no to a good drink, February in DC will also be wrapping up the month on the 29th with the DC Cocktail Festival. This festival is also 21+ and includes 15 samples of fine cocktails from the best local bars and restaurants. You can purchase tickets and view different session times online, but you'll want to get them quick, as this festival does sell out! With love in the air, a trip to either festival will make for a very special date.
Car Gaze For Days
Aston Martin, Bently, Maserati. Models and makes we admire from afar and only some have the pleasure of owning. Join auto fans from around the world at the largest public show in the state, The Washington Auto Show.
Learn moreFrom January 24th through February 2nd, head to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to enjoy luxury vehicle concepts, fascinating exhibits, the latest and greatest model cars (over 600 to be exact!), and of course, an array of well-kept historic vehicles. You might even run into a celebrity or two. All tickets can be purchased online and are valid for one day of admission with the option to purchase VIP packages. Looking to buy a car but not sure where to start? This year, choose between Honda, Ford, and Volkswagen for a free test drive around the convention center. Also included for free with admission, try making it to the meet and greets with all-star athletes Juan Soto, Nick Jensen, Isaiah Thomas, and Derrius Guice. Your favorite automobiles await!
Discover The Magic Of The Season With The National Christmas Tree
Celebrate one of the most historic holiday traditions in the country that recognizes the beauty of our more than 50 states and territories!
Learn moreWay back in 1923, The White House began a new tradition that has continued until this very day, almost 100 years later—The National Christmas Tree. The dazzling, giant evergreen tree sits proudly in the President’s Park each year, decked out in thousands of LED lights. After the President’s Lighting Ceremony at the beginning of December, guests are welcome to peruse the park to take in not only the central tree, but more than 50 additional trees to represent the United State’s states and territories. Each tree is lovingly adorned with hand-crafted ornaments inspired by each state’s unique characteristics and emblems. The best part? All trees utilize 100% LED lights for an eco-friendly display that our country can be proud of. As you meander through the park this December, enjoy live music, warm beverages, and diverse food options. The park is open to the public daily from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. Don’t miss this historic tradition as part of D.C.’s holiday season. Check out their site here for more details.
Don’t Miss an Iconic Concert in D.C.
Staying with us this November? Catch one of these amazing performances when they’re in town.
Learn moreCheck out The Anthem, an impressive venue along the Potomac River that boasts a large enough facility for iconic stars like Sara Bareilles, and enough dazzling technologies to put on an EDM show as immersive as a Deadmau5 concert. If you're looking to rock out this November, here’s our pick for the can’t-miss shows going on this month:
- November 18th - Hozier
- November 19th & 20th - Sara Bareilles
- November 25th - Brockhampton
- November 29th & 30th - Deadmau5
For a full list of the concerts they will be hosting this November, check out the venue’s schedule here. We recommend taking a short Uber ride there, just 15-minutes from our hotel.
Before the concert, try something new at 1310 Kitchen & Bar, our artful onsite restaurant led by Chef Jenn Crovato. The savory dishes are sure to give you the energy you need for an electrifying concert. We’ll see you soon!
Enjoy a Festive Fall at the Georgetown
Fall brings chilly breezes, sweet-tooth cravings, and spooky costumes to the D.C. community. This October, indulge your spooky side during your stay in Washington D.C. with a Halloween bar crawl that’ll satisfy all your cravings at the end of the month.
Learn moreThe Trick or Drink D.C. Bar Crawl offers guests almost 12 hours of spooky fun starting on October 26th at 4 p.m. and lasting until the wee hours of the morning on the 27th. Howl at the moon, try a dry ice cocktail, and dance with some ghoulish companions around different bars—with no extra charge for cover and many beers and mixed drink specials to sample.
We do recommend buying your wristband in advance at participating sites to ensure you get the best available price while tickets last. To learn more, check out the Event Brite page here for more details or to purchase your wristbands.
Check Out The Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival
For the 9th year in a row, D.C. is hosting the Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival this September.
Learn moreOn the 21st, join the festival at Dock 5 of Union Market, where over 20 of the area’s best shuckers will shuck thousands of all-you-can-eat raw, as well as roasted and steamed oysters. To keep things as fresh and as crowd-free as possible, the event features two sessions this year. Each session will include all-you-care-to-taste international and local beers and wines, a New England Clambake, and a Charleston Seafood Boil. Tired of all the seafood? There are even samplings from The Meat Department for a nice change of pace.
Your ticket includes all this, plus live music and a souvenir glass to remember the event for years to come. As promised by the festival’s website, this event is sure to be “a shuckin’ good time!” Check out the event site here for more details.
Celebrate the Diversity of D.C. This Summer
Every year, Washington D.C. hosts the 17th Street Festival at the conclusion of the summer season. This year, the vibrant celebration of one of the city’s most diverse corridors takes place on August 24th.
Learn moreVisitors and residents are invited to mingle together as they explore over 100 participating vendors, including more than 50 artists and craftsman and a wide array of local restaurants. In addition to vendor booths, there will be live music and a kids’ zone featuring a moon bounce and pet zone. This is an event for everyone, whether you’re riding solo or with the whole family, and offers a comprehensive feel for the culture and artistry that distinguishes our nation’s capitol. Check out their website here for full details on the event and transportation recommendations.
Enjoy the Best of America’s Brews this July
With a title like “America's Best Brew Fest”, we’re expecting D.C’s beer festival on July 20th to present a staggering amount of world-class brews, from rich stouts to hoppy IPAs to colorful sours and more.
Learn moreThe event prides itself on having more beers than any other summer festival this year, making it the can’t-miss spot to cool down with a beer this summer. The event ticket will include a tasting of over 80 of America’s finest brews, access to seven food venues and some of the city’s best food trucks. The event is exclusively for guests ages 21 and up, ensuring this is the summer event to escape the family crowds and let loose! Not a fan of beer? There will also be a wide array of ciders and wines for guests to sip on this summer. Tickets are available online here.
Beat the Heat with a Ball Game
In D.C. this June? Summer temperatures are soaring and it can be hard to enjoy our nation’s capital when you’ve sweat through your shirt, your shoes and your patience.
Learn moreHowever, visitors can enjoy the weather from a comfortable seat with a pint of your favorite beer at a Washington Nationals’ baseball game. Experience the MLB team’s unique park experience, including the iconic President’s Race against the visiting team’s mascot. With multiple games scheduled per week, there’s plenty of flexibility to catch a game whenever you have a free afternoon. Fun for the lone traveler or whole family. Just watch those foul balls! Conveniently located just 20 minutes from our hotel, this is a great way to spend a summer day in Washington D.C. during your stay.
We’d Love to Be a Fly on the Wall at the International Spy Museum
Wander off the beaten path and check out one of D.C.’s more unusual museums, that just got an amazing renovation!
Learn moreThe International Spy Museum, as the name suggests, showcases the largest collection of espionage artifacts from around the world. With interactive exhibits, puzzles and stunning memorabilia, this is a playground for children, families and spy junkies alike!
We’re particularly keen on their live-action spy adventure. Guests can put their espionage skills to the test with an hour-long mission where agents must solve highly-classified, top secret missions. We don’t know about you, but we think this will be a mission best completed in a dapper suit and some killer sunglasses. Let the spying commence!
As per the site’s recommendations, guests are encouraged to arrive early for the shortest wait times to take full advantage of this incredible museum. The museum will unveil its new design on Sunday, May 12th, so get your tickets in advance and maybe take mom along too for a spy-tastic Mother's Day adventure.
Marvel at 2019’s Coolest Automobiles at the Washington Auto Show
An annual tradition that’s sure to get your engines purring, the 2019 Coolest Automobiles show is a can’t-miss week of events.
Learn moreStarting April 5th and lasting until the 14th, visitors will be treated to a showcase of hundreds of models of cars from over 35 manufacturers. With categories ranging from concept to luxury to electric, and coverage of 750,000 square feet of floor space, there’s certainly enough to see to keep even the most knowledgeable motorheads informed. In addition, there will be a plethora of guest visitors from D.C.’s automotive and sports communities.
The action takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located just two and a half miles from our hotel, a short Uber ride away. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.
Can’t Miss Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival
Each spring, the famous cherry blossom trees across the nation’s capital transform to show off their colorful flowers.
Learn moreThis year’s festival starts on March 22nd and, we assure you, there’s much more to see during the 3-week festival than the thousands of trees across the city. This historic cultural festival features Japanese art, contemporary dance performances, notable fundraisers and parades. Our favorite event, the Blossom Kite Festival, takes place on March 30th at The Washington Monument. The kite flying is timed to match up with the opening of the cherry blossoms and competitive competitions are open to the public to enter. Spectators can watch such things as kite ballet, Rokkaku Battle and other tricks. The Cherry Blossom Festival concludes on April 14th with the Anacostia River Festival. Click here for details on the official site.
Taste the Sweets of D.C. with Your Sweet
Washington D.C. is known for museums, monuments and being the hub of American politics.
Learn moreBut did you know it’s also a well-known destination for those with a taste for the sweeter things in life? The metro area is well-adorned with chocolate shops, bakeries and candy stores that’ll satisfy even the most insatiable of sweet tooths. We recommend buying tickets through one of these agencies
Put Your News-Breaking Skills to the Test at Newseum
What better place for a massive museum dedicated to celebrating the best journalistic endeavors than in our nation’s capital?
Learn moreLess than a five-mile drive from our property sits Newseum, a seven-story exploration of award-winning news pieces, from photos to newspaper articles to live broadcasts. The museum highlights the impact of journalism on our country’s history and evolution. Guests are encouraged to try their hand at creating a live broadcast at the NBC News Interactive Newsroom, where they may operate behind or in front of the camera to get firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be at the frontlines of a news story. This is a great experience for children, especially those curious about a career in the industry, but also parents and couples with an interest in journalism. Buy your tickets here today.
Can’t Miss an Evening at The National Christmas Tree
Hand-crafted ornaments, musical groups from across the country, and more awaits at President's Park!
Learn moreEvery holiday season since 1923, The White House grounds becomes home to The National Christmas Tree, a giant evergreen decorated in traditional Christmas decorations. Following the president’s Lighting Ceremony at the end of November, guests are welcome to peruse President’s Park where the magnificent tree stands. This year’s decorations feature over 74,000 LED chips, carrying on the ten-year tradition of using 100% LED lights. It’s sure to put the twinkle in your eyes while leaving a fraction of the footprint!
The big tree isn’t the only attraction to behold during your visit. Around the park, there are more than 50 state and territory trees, adorned with hand-crafted ornaments for their own unique theme. Your stroll is accompanied by live music, performed by groups coming from all over the country. Open daily from morning ‘til night, this is an essential part of the holiday season in our nation’s capital. Check out their site here for more details.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
A visit to Washington D.C. for many is an opportunity to see monuments and sites that memorialize significant figures and moments in American history.
Learn moreBeing located in historic Georgetown makes The Georgetown Inn a perfect staging point for families and individuals planning their trip to the capital. An absolute must-see sight is National Mall and Memorial Parks. Each year, millions of people from all over the world visit to recreate and commemorate presidential legacies, to honor our nation's veterans, make their voices heard while celebrating our nation's commitment to freedom and equality.
Take a guided tour and learn the story behind the monument. National Mall and Memorial Parks offer a schedule of park events with fun activities and learning experiences for both young and old. See the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial just to name a few. Keep us in mind as you plan because we offer a multitude of great packages for family, business, and leisure travelers. Welcome to our beautiful hotel and great town!