Laura Bruckmann
Strategy Manager
Laura Bruckmann is a devoted Georgetown Hoya whose career has spanned finance, education, museum management and even Zamboni driving. American history is her life-long passion and she fell in love with Washington, DC as a teenager while participating in the DC week experience as a delegate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program. When she is not guiding tours, she can most often be caught with her nose in a book about Worlds Fairs, historic homes or important figures in the American experience. Her tours focus on making connections between historical events and the present day and connections to history in popular culture. As a resident of the DC area for more than twenty-five years, she loves to share her home city with visitors along the major tourist trails and off the beaten path at favorite local gems. When not immersed in history, she enjoys knitting, reading, exercising, traveling in her Mustang convertible and spending time with her daughter.
While you’re in town, here’s some of my favorite spots, organized by neighborhood:
Capitol Hill
Library of Congress - Beyond the amazing original building, doing research at the Library is incredibly unique. Choose some items from the catalog of more than 179 million items and let your imagination run wild. And the cafeteria on the 6th floor of the Madison building has great views of the city.
Folger Shakespeare Library - This hidden gem is tucked behind the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. The newly renovated space contains the world’s largest Shakespeare collection including 82 First Folios. Take in the exhibitions, see a performance in their Elizabethan Theatre, or enjoy a bite in their cafe.
Eastern Market - The weekend outdoor market is my favorite way to spend a lazy weekend morning. If you want to bring home a unique souvenir from your trip, this is where to find it.
Le Bon Café - A fun place for breakfast or lunch. There’s limited indoor seating, so it’s best on a beautiful day.
National Mall
Haupt Garden - Tucked behind Smithsonian Castle is this little slice of heaven. Its shady corners and pleasant walks seem a world away from a city. When you need to give your feet a break and just be a part of Washington, this is a beautiful place to start.
National Gallery of Art Garden Cafe - One of my favorite treats on a cold Washington day is to stroll through a gallery or two and then treat myself to lunch in the cafe. Their soups are perfect to chase the chill away and it is inspiring to sit and eat surrounded by other art lovers.
Jefferson Memorial - My favorite memorial in DC in part because of the location. Looking from the Thomas Jefferson statue you can see across the Mall to the White House. The Tidal Basin is always beautiful and because it is a tough spot to get to on foot, it is often less crowded than the other memorials.
Penn Quarter
Oyamel - Pomegranate margaritas. That’s really all you need to know. Lunch, happy hour or dinner, this is a great choice.
Kogod Courtyard - National Portrait Gallery is probably my favorite museum, but sometimes I just love a place to be and the Kogod Courtyard is that place. This massive enclosed quadrangle is hidden on the inside of the block and a favorite spot for Washingtonians to meet up with friends or sit and work on some writing.
Shakespeare Theatre Company - with two small venues located right in the neighborhood STC has amazing shows with Broadway actors and there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Dupont
Heurich House - This incredible house museum tells the long forgotten story of the brewery industry here in DC. Check their website for great evening and weekend events.
Woodrow Wilson House - Another interesting house tour with an emphasis on the WW1 period in DC. They are closed in the winter, reopening April 1, but look for great themed events on evenings and weekends.
Lauriol Plaza - One of my favorite Mexican places, reservations here are a must. Super outdoor seating although inside is fun as well. Their frozen swirl margaritas are the solution to a hot DC night.
Georgetown
Georgetown University - The university and its surrounding neighborhood have history that dates back before Congress decided to make its home along the Potomac. As an alum, it is still one of my favorite places to hang out. The historic buildings arranged around a traditional quad are just the beginning of an impressive campus tucked into the corner of the city. Students are always happy to point you towards eateries, things to see or tell you about their home on the Hilltop.
The Tombs - The inspiration for the movie St. Elmo’s fire, this is the unofficial campus bar for the University. During the day students, families and neighbors troop down the stairs to its underground location for a bite to eat. After 9pm, it becomes a 21+ bar experience. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a dignitary, and maybe their Secret Service detail, heading in or out of the swanky 1789 restaurant upstairs. The true DC experience.
Tudor Place - Many visitors come to DC to learn about our Founders including George Washington. This historic home adds to that story as it is originally the home of Martha Washington’s descendants. This is the perfect place to learn about what happens after Washington died and how his family helped his legacy live on.
Arlington, VA
Ireland’s Four Courts - A real local hangout, pub quiz night is always packed. The food is good, the atmosphere is warm, and you get to experience the DC area the way that we do.
Pentagon - Tours of the Pentagon are off the beaten path, but worth the effort. The building itself is a marvel of engineering and a city within itself. While you’re there be sure to take in the powerful 9/11 Memorial on the grounds.
Theodore Roosevelt Island - Technically this memorial to our 26th President is in DC, but is only accessible via a bridge from the VA side of the river. A fitting tribute to the outdoorsy TR, there is a memorial plaza in the middle of the island. However the walking trails, views of the Potomac and cool shade in the summer make this a hit with locals.
Alexandria, VA
Carlyle House - One of the original dwellings in Alexandria, this colonial gem is a hit with families and those who want to explore history before Washington DC was founded in 1800. There are also beautiful gardens and regular programs that can add a special touch to your trip.
Gadsby’s Tavern - While this was not the only tavern in Alexandria during Washington’s day, it is the only one surviving into the present day. Interestingly you can enjoy the museum and make reservations for lunch or dinner in the restaurant that still operates on the property.
The Apothecary - The Apothecary business dates to George Washington’s time in Alexandria and has the records to prove it. The building has housed the apothecary since the early 1800s and has lots of stories to tell. Hours are limited, but well worth a visit.
National Harbor, MD
The Awakening - I fell in love with this statue in its original location at Hains Point in DC. In 2007 it was sold and relocated to its current location at National Harbor. This fun statue and many other art pieces can be explored through the cell phone tour linked here.
Plaza Stage - You can always find an event happening in National Harbor. In the summer there are often military bands playing on the stage, movies and sports events broadcast outdoors and other unique experiences.
