James McNeill Whistler's "Peacock Room" at the Freer Gallery

Why not get away to DC?  Sure, it’s right in our backyard–and a DC vacation may not seem at first blush like a true change of scenery.  But is it possible that you have taken for granted the wealth of exciting, memory-making opportunities that our nation’s capital has to offer?  And, late March IS the beginning of cherry-blossom time….

Of course, one of the nice things about a DC vacation is that you do not have to stay in a hotel.  BUT…I would suggest that you introduce your kids to the joys of urban 4-star boutique hotels.  Even if only for a single night.  For example, I recently, I found a $79 special on Hotwire for the lush Hotel Palomar, right in Dupont Circle–close to the National Zoo and to some lesser-known attractions like the Brewmaster’s Castle (where the curator proved to be a delightful, insightful, and friendly guide.).  I used a wonderful walking itinerary that I found online to guide myself and my 10- and 12-year-old around this architecturally rich neighborhood that was originally developed by Gilded-Age tycoons.  We took a break to sit and chat awhile in Pizzeria Paradiso on P Street.  Delicious!

As for accommodations and explorations, I’ll throw one other idea out for you.   Commit to being away from home for at least three nights–and each of those nights trying out a different DC four-star hotel through Hotwire.  You should be able to keep the rate under $100 per night if you book in advance, and you can involve the whole family in evaluating which hotel is the “winner.”  Which one has the coolest lobby?  The comfiest terry robes?  The most colorful surrounding neighborhood?  The most helpful concierge?

Sometimes we DC-area folks forget just how lucky we are to have so many attractions free to the public.  Heck, we forget how lucky we are just to HAVE so many attractions, period.  Admittedly, children can get tired of museums and “educational sightseeing.”  But when the kids get some advance story-telling (perhaps, while wrapped up in terry robes and blankets in a 4-star hotel room), actually going to see the places can be magical.  For example, you might try telling your kids the famous story of Whistler’s Peacock Room.  (It’s really a fabulous story–all about how an artist getting totally carried away with his own art!)  Then, the following day, go and visit the Freer Gallery to see Whistler’s ornate dining-room masterpiece.

One other magical thing about staying a few nights in the city:  you will have a rare opportunity to expose your children to some selected bits of nightlife. Blues Alley comes to mind–a jazz supper club dating back to the 1920’s (of which Dizzy Gillespie is said to have remarked, “Now THIS is a jazz club!”). The last weekend in March, guitarist/drummer/bassist Stanley Jordan will be performing.

Think about it–have you really shown your kids DC?  And have they ever stayed in a restored, urban, art-deco boutique hotel?  Or been to a jazz supper club?

While you and the rest of the family are relaxing in a 4-star hotel, let Presto Pink add a star or two to your home’s appearance and style.  We will tidy up, organize, put fresh linens on all the beds–even turn down beds and leave a chocolate on each pillow!  Get in touch, and find out how we can make your homecoming sweet!