by Kerstan Szczepanski, Exhibit City News
What to do when there’s no breakout meeting or the panels are done for the day? Where to go when you need a little time away from the hubbub of convention chaos? Exhibit City News’ 5 in 15 offers five places to go to eat, relax, or simply stay that are a fifteen minute or less walk from the convention center. In Washington D.C., that means enjoying the historic capital city of the United States while remaining close to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
EAT
Approximately 0.2 miles from the convention center, The Dabney (1222 9th St NW) offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Mid-Atlantic cuisine, utilizing locally sourced ingredients. With an open hearth, the restaurant creates a unique ambiance and flavor profile. Vegetarian friendly, with Vegan and gluten-free options, try the Hoppin’ John Cake (Grilled Tatsoi, Aji Dulce Catsup) or the Sweet Potato Crisp (with whipped lemon balm vermouth and raspberry jam). For dinner there’s the Grilled Autumn Olive Farm Pork Loin (smoked pork jus) or the Maryland Blue Crab (with black truffle, Mid-Atlantic treenuts, and forthave amaro).
SUNdeVICH (1314 9th St NW) is a popular sandwich shop known for its globally inspired sandwiches, each named after a different city and featuring unique flavor combinations. From Buenos Aires (steak, sautéed onions, chimichurri), Beirut (steak, tomato, brined vegetables, fresh herbs, hummus), Oslo (smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, tomato, capers) to Seoul (bulgogi beef, kimchi, asian slaw, greens, garlic mayo), or even Moscow for a Russian Salad (chicken, potato, egg, peas, carrots, gherkins, tomato, greens, garlic mayo), your tastebuds will travel the world without ever leaving the capital. It’s a budget-friendly option located about 0.1 miles from the convention center.
SLEEP
The Darcy Hotel (1515 Rhode Island Avenue NW) pushes our 15-minute limit with its distance from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, but it is worth the walk. Six blocks from the White House as well as numerous other landmarks like the Smithsonian, Logan Circle and the 14th Street Corridor (not to mention K Street and Embassy Row), the contemporary and stylish Darcy is an alternative to the big name accommodations that cover the nation’s capital. 24-hour check-in is part of the Darcy’s 24-hour front desk service. Pet friendly, allergy-free rooms, free WiFi, conference facilities, baggage storage are part of the amenities this boutique hotel offers.
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC (901 Massachusetts Avenue NW) is an upscale hotel that is directly connected to the convention center by an underground concourse. Modern rooms, a fitness center, a convenience store and gift shop give the convention-goer many options for a comfortable stay. A restaurant and bar and lounge on premises, as well as free WiFi mean you don’t have to go far for everything you need on a convention visit. With a banquet room, conference facilities, and extensive meeting spaces, you don’t even have to go to the convention center for convention business.
PLAY
Everyone says you should visit the Smithsonian at least once. What is often forgotten is the Smithsonian is an educational and cultural institution. The most well-known museum may be the Air and Space museum, but another notable attraction is near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets NW).
Approximately a 10-minute walk from the convention center, this facility houses an extensive collection of American art, spanning from the colonial period to contemporary works. Visitors can explore a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and photographs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the United States. The museum shares its space with the National Portrait Gallery in the historic Old Patent Office Building. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all.
This story originally appeared as a truncated version in the Q1 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 82. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q1_2025/82.
