A new administration is in the White House, and it is understandable to feel an aversion to visiting the nexus of our political grievances. However, this is an important time to support our nation’s diversity in Washington, D.C. In solidarity with the Women’s March, a list of volunteer establishments provided refreshments and services to marchers on January 21st. From the restaurants that provided hot drinks and snacks to museums that opened the doors to their publics to provide gender-neutral bathrooms, Paste Travel knows where to go for a day in D.C.. Follow the “mothers of the movement” and stand united on Capitol Hill to show and share the love of cultural diversity.
Top Image: jessstah
Molly Harris is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia.
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1. Coffee and Breakfast at Mia's Coffeehouse
Fuel up with a cup of Chemex drip coffee or a french-pressed brew. Choose from a number of single-origin coffee roasted at New York's Irving Farms. The caffeine kick is enough to keep any visitor moving all day long; however, for sustained energy, add a sandwich or breakfast bowls like "The Hangover," a combination of breakfast meats, potatoes, eggs, cheese and bell peppers.
Photo by jklugiewicz
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2. National Museum of the American Indian
Head to the National Museum of the American Indian to experience the history, languages and art of our country's original inhabitants. The thirteen-year-old museum's operation, design and landscaping are all largely by Native Americans to create a complete and accurate cultural representation. Cultural arts manager, Shawn Termin of the Lakota tribe, a faction of the Sioux, is "very proud to work with native cultures from across the hemisphere." This Smithsonian museum is particularly family-friendly with dedicated nursing rooms inside the facility.
Photo by O Palsson
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3. Del Campo
Stroll past the Oriental archway marking the center of Chinatown and head toward Del Campo. Chef Victor Albisu's South American menu stems from his own Peruvian heritage and travels throughout Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. A restaurant for the carnivorous, try the Lomito sandwich for a slow-roasted specialty paired with a glass of Latin American wine. Vegetarians will love the pão de queijo, puffed Brazilian cheese bread.
Photo courtesy of Del Campo's Facebook
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4. National Museum of Women in the Arts
With more than 3,000 works from artists such as Frida Kahlo, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is one of the only spaces worldwide that is solely dedicated to women's achievements in the arts. Housed in a Renaissance Revival structure, the museum offers tours of the gallery, a library and archives as well as workshops, concerts and film screenings. Stop by around 2 p.m. daily for a thirty minute discussion on highlighted works, or "conversation pieces."
Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid
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5. Dinner at Mr. Henry's
Kick back for burgers, craft beer and jazz in a Victorian setting that rivals Cheers. In its 50th year, Mr. Henry's continues to support local musical talent and the LGBT community in the historic district. The return of jazz at this Capitol Hill pub resurfaced memories from the 1960s when musicians like Roberta Flack and Les McCann frequented the location.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Henry's Facebook
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6. National Museum of African American History and Culture
As the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution, NMAAHC opened in September of 2016. The museum aims to showcase American values like resiliency and optimism that are exemplified by our African American historical figures. Additionally, the exhibits provide an understanding of the global influence that shaped our history. Watch film screenings or walk through displays ranging from the clothes of the "Little Rock Nine" to the Freedom Papers. Remember to plan ahead. This wildly popular museum is sold out of buy-ahead tickets through April of 2017. A limited number of same-day timed passes can be purchased beginning at 6:30 a.m. or walk-up tickets can be bought at the door from 1 p.m. until the quantity is exhausted.
Photo by Prabal.tiwari1993
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7. Drinks at Iron Gate
Set back from the street and hidden in Dupont Circle across from the Topaz Hotel, Iron Gate offers Mediterranean small plates in addition to a tasting menu in a former carriage house. Past the white carriage way bar through the wood and leather interior to the courtyard enclosed by a ceiling of vines and Edison filament lights, this could be D.C.'s most atmospheric restaurant. Try the spanakopita appetizer and order a cocktail–preferably Orange Is The New Black Manhattan.
Photo courtesy of Iron Gate's Facebook