Good Going is a weekly series devoted to highlighting a few quick and easy ways to visit your favorite cities the eco-friendly and socially-conscious way. From Eco-friendly hotels, to restaurants serving sustainable, local food, from socially-conscious sites to great outdoor spaces to enjoy Mother Nature, Good Going posts are our guides to traveling the TakePart way.
If the last time you visited the nation's capital was during the eighth grade for your class trip, then take a look at our pics for touring D.C. the TakePart way.
From farmers markets to outdoor spaces, socially relevant historic sites to sustainable, locally sourced restaurants, here's how you can break away from the slack-jawed tourists at the Washington Monument and see a different side of the District. We've highlighted a few recommendations on an easy-to-use Google Map (and we've also included all the important details below). Let us know if we missed your favorite spot in D.C.
Arrival and Getting Around Green
As befitting the nation's capital, Washington has one of the most efficient subway systems in America. Yes, we know it doesn't always seem that way when you live there, but trust us, D.C.'s Metro is better than most. A one-day pass is $9. If you're arriving from Reagan National Airport, there's a metro stop directly outside the terminal. Dulles Airport offers a shuttle service to the Metro Orange Line, and travelers at Baltimore-Washington International Airport can connect to suburban MARC trains that go directly to Union Station in downtown D.C. If you want to get your own ride for part of your trip, consider ZipCar's car-sharing service.
Staying Green
Hotel George, Topaz Hotel, Helix Hotel: Their cleaning agents are all non-toxic and environmentally safe. Their lobby coffee is fair trade and shade grown. And at least 60 percent of their waste is recycled. Meet the Kimpton Hotels group. It's one of the greenest hotel chains in the industry today. And it has seven D.C. locations. Our three faves are the George, the Topaz and the Helix. Each room has in-room recycling and water- and energy-efficient fixtures. Hotel George, 15 E Street, NW, 20001. (202) 347-4200. Topaz Hotel: 1733 N St NW, 20036. (202) 393-3000. Hotel Helix: 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, 20005. (202) 462-9001.
Socially Conscious Sightseeing
Lincoln Memorial: D.C. is packed with memorials and historic sites. And sure, recommending the Lincoln Memorial seems like a no-brainer. But few sites in the entire country pack as much emotional punch as this tribute to our 16th president. From Lincoln's fight to keep the Union together and end slavery in our nation, to Martin Luther King's magnificent and moving speech on the memorial's steps a century later, the Lincoln Memorial has an unrivaled place in American history. Skip it, and you do yourself a disservice. 900 Ohio Drive SW, 20024. (202) 634-1568.
National Museum of the American Indian: Too often, the stories of our nation's Native American communities are overlooked in our rush to teach history from the Pilgrims to today. Carve out some time to visit one of the Mall's newest additions, the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum is the first national museum dedicated to highlighting and preserving the stories, music, words, and heritage of Native Americans. 4th St & Independence Ave SW, 20560. (202) 633-1000.
Meridian Hill Park: Shed your tourist mentality for a minute and escape from the hordes down by the Mall. If you venture up to D.C.'s vibrant Columbia Heights neighborhood, you'll find a great little park for strolling. Meridian Hill Park is smack dab in the middle of a rapidly changing neighborhood that is home to Central American immigrants, yuppie office workers, and long-established African-American families. Walk through the grounds resembling a renaissance villa, and don't miss the warm weather drum circle on Sunday afternoons. 16th St NW, 20009. (202) 282-1063.
Organic, Local and Sustainable Eats
Eastern Market: Eastern Market's Farmers' Line is a year-round open-air venue for local mid-Atlantic farmers and growers to sell their goods. Whatever the weather, grab some local grub in the capital's oldest continually operated fresh food market. Inside the market you'll also find gorgeous fresh-cut flowers and a wide variety of arts and crafts. 225 7th Street NE.
sweetgreen: sweetgreen gives you a fast, casual dining option that doesn't skimp on the eco-friendly experience. Local sourcing? Check. Plantable take-out menus? Check. Compostable packaging? Check. Delicious wraps and salads? Check and check. Did we mention you can also see the nutritional info of the salad you wanna build right on sweetgreen's website? With four locations in the District, and two in the suburbs, there will most likely be a sweetgreen nearby during your visit. The huge salads are perfect for lunch or dinner. Locations in Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Capitol Hill.
Restaurant Nora: Restaurant Nora's claim to fame is that it was the first certified organic restaurant in the entire country. Ninety-five percent or more of everything you eat at Nora has been raised by certified organic growers and farmers. First Lady Michelle Obama is a fan; her surprise birthday bash in Janurary 2010 was at the restaurant. 2132 Florida Avenue NW, 20008. (202) 462-5143.
Equinox: Equinox's name was chosen to represent chef Todd Gray's commitment to seasonal cooking that follows Mother Nature's own biological clock. He and wife Ellen are committed to using community-farmed, organic food that is grown within 100 miles of the restaurant whenever possible. Frommer's writes: "Regulars appreciate that Equinox is not splashy in any way—it's just a pretty, comfortable restaurant serving creatively delicious American food." 818 Connecticut Ave NW, 20006. (202) 331-8118.
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