Quick Trip to Federal City

Starting and stopping for tolls in New Jersey would be true torture without EZ Pass. Fortunately, Tom's rented Toyota Highlander had one locked to the front dash and got us to D.C. in record time.

PilotGirl took off for the Nation's Capital for a weekend assignment with the same messy crew I was sent to Italy with last year. We hit the road from Manhattan at 5:30p and got in a little under 3.5 hours. Finding our hotel was a complete fluke. Our onboard navigation went hey-wire crossing the Potomac when the next thing we know we're pulling into the valet parking garage. Weird how things like that happen.

There's no time to explore any of the urban possibilities on this trip but future travelers should be aware of D.C.'s 'Power Trip Campaign' that helps visitors see the sights. I caught a brief interview with Mayor Adrian Fenty last week talking with CNN about the yearly cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. A record number of visitors come for that. We got in too late for that but stumbled upon a fabulous restaurant called Old Ebbitt Grill. It's Washington's oldest, most historical saloon, founded in 1856. A hostess by the name of Ms. Stanton will give you a detailed biography of the buildings legends, if you ask.

This gem is worth dining at if not for their renowned crab cakes but for the beaux-arts facade and mahogany, velvet and brass interior. It's been a favorite watering hole for several past presidents including the present peanut gallery and a place where actors of NBC's West Wing have celebrated martini-style. The best part is it stays open and serves long past the witching hour.