#5: Tryst

I'm not one of those people that falls neatly into either generally skeptical or generally optimistic when it comes to places with a lot of hype.  So with Matt living in Adams Morgan, we left a good amount of stones unturned ("Best Jumbo Slice in DC" down the street from "#1 Jumbo Slice in the City"?  Hard to believe) while experimenting with the variety of places to eat, drink and be merry in the neighborhood.  Tryst was one of those places with a lot of hype.  So we approached it cautiously but eagerly after our trip to the Spanish Steps and we pleased with our snacktime adventure.   

Upon entering, I saw a scene out of any WB drama from the early 2000s: tons of couches, laptops and a saucy wait staff littering a HUGE space.  We found a cute table for two in the back between an iPod-budded student and a wine-fueled gossipfest and settled in.  To start, I ordered a banana smoothie that was enormous and especially satisfying on such a hot day.  To snack, I ordered Lebneh.  It's described on their site as "A Lebanese tangy yogurt served with za'atar - a blend of oregano and thyme-olives & lavash."  It was refreshing and a very generous portion.  Matt grabbed a variety of turkey sandwich (I believe "Grace": "sliced turkey, creamy brie, granny smith apple and cranberry sauce" but I could be wrong) and was happy as well.  It was definitely a "don't rush, take it easy" sort of vibe and those around us were certainly not budging.  Worth braving the scene.

Location: 2459 18th Street, NW (between Columbia and Mintwood)

Closest Metro Stop: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red) - 12 minute walk, or take the Circulator to the top of the hill

Cost: Around $25.72 for two (sandwich, dip, smoothie)

#4: The Spanish Steps

On a summer day in DC, spending any amount of time outside requires a worthwhile destination and a good supply of water. So when I asked Matt to go on an adventure in the beginning of the summer, it was a slight push to get us out of the air conditioning. But knowing that the shady, peaceful Spanish Steps were our destination, I pushed a bit and we were on our way.

The Spanish Steps are tucked away near Dupont Circle and after revisiting them several times, I can confirm seeing someone else near them just once. This is part of the appeal: knowing how close you are to the hustle and bustle of Dupont but actually getting to be alone and relax nearby.  Getting to the steps requires just a brief walk down S Street, past a few embassies and beautiful townhouses. Fortunately for us, the walk is almost entirely in the shade. The landmark kind of creeps up on you; look the other way for too long and you'll miss it.  But if you keep an eye out for it, you'll encounter old stone steps that wrap around a small fountain and come together in the middle. The steps are surrounded by some well-maintained vines and flowers and made me feel like I had stepped into The Secret Garden.  Looking down the steps gives you a nice view down 22nd Street and a different perspective of the city.  While the steps aren't very large, they are charming and a nice detour from busy Connecticut Ave.

(Lifted from My DC: Spanish Steps)

Once we walked from the top of the steps down to Decatur, we saw an old fire callbox and Matt taught me what they were. I claimed to have never seen one before but lo and behold, I walk past several every day. We then took a nice walk down Decatur in the shade and checked out the beautiful details of the houses on that street. These walks are one of my favorite things that Matt and I do - somehow, regardless of how many times we've traveled through an area - we always find something new to check out. And those moments are some of the few that I manage to stop talking for a little bit. The Steps ended up being just a starting point for a nice escape for us, though I could see it being a good spot to read a book or relax.

Location: S Street NW between 23rd and Phelps (or, coming from the bottom of the steps: Decatur between Florida Ave. and 22nd.)

Closest Metro Stop: Dupont Circle (Red)

Cost: Free