That’s probably the best spot to be immersed since it’s the oldest. You know where there’s some interesting historical stuff? That area that’s kind of northeast Petworth going into Brightwood and Fort Totten. I had no idea all that was up there until I moved into the area.

Their cornbread is an obscene violation of all that is good in this world.

Also, in a potentially controversial move, I’m calling out the Alamo in San Antonio. The other missions are cooler and way less crowded. I’d throw in the River Walk, but I quite like the parts that aren’t right in the downtown tourist area. And even that part has its appeal. 

I don’t even know what the new name of the Verizon/MCI Center is.

Yes to both of those. Love the Portrait Gallery. There is always something interesting going on there. I always get the Wharf and Waterfront confused...

I like the Highline but only a week day morning when no one is there. Then there’s actually room to breathe to appreciate it. But yeah, it’s not great when it’s crowded.

That Peabody library is so amazing as is the Visionary Art Museum (but it is pricey). And agreed about the Inner Harbor. Ugh.

The Renwick is great too. And the Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum are my fave.

It’s a pretty retched place. I will admit that Tudor House is nice though but nobody really knows its there so I never see tourists. They’ve got an ace gift shop. 

Silver Spring has some great Ethiopian spots too.

Agreed on that one. And it’s got the generally solid array of Jose Andres restaurants.

And all the tourists on the Circulator are so traumatized.

I think so, but there’s a A Baked Joint on K Street by the Busboys and Poets! Way easier to get to.

In DC, I’d have to go with Georgetown. I have no idea why people go there. It’s full of chain stores, overpriced boutiques, and mediocre restaurants.* And it’s really annoying to get to. I think some folks like to stand in line at Georgetown Cupcake but there are tastier more accessible options like Danielle’s…

Yep. There’s a lot of crazy research on this. It’s pretty disturbing.

I’m not particularly bothered by people checking their phones because it doesn’t generally disrupt the flow of the group dynamic. People with kids and crazy jobs, etc. have reason to check periodically. It’s gratuitous phone use that’s annoying like checking social media or having long chatty nonessential text…

Or just bring cash. I don’t use any of the apps because I don’t want a bunch of stuff linked to my bank account. But old school works just fine.

Actually, even organizing these things is a nightmare.

Large group dinners are great for the person organizing them, and horrible for everyone else. They are organized by cowards, who want to gather all their friends without doing the work of hosting a party.

Agreed! I saw so much crazy stuff from people’s personal accounts when I did document review related to litigation.