Finding sanity in a city that works harder than it plays

I got some great advice from a group of slightly more senior journalists at a mixer held at the National Press Club last week. And though it was a networking event, the best advice I received Wednesday night had nothing to do with how to get a job.

I was told to “make sure you have a life outside of the news or it’ll kill you.” While reading the top papers each morning, developing sources and memorizing the AP Stylebook are all crucial to becoming a reputable journalist, it’s also important to experience the places you write about. Who knows, you might just run into a new source or a member of Congress picking up fruit at the farmer’s market.

Everyone has different interests, so I suggest to just leave your apartment and walk – walk as far as you can until your feet hurt. Just take it all in. You’d be surprised how many stories will come to you when you get away from the computer screen. But, in case you’re someone who likes a plan, here are the top five places in the metro area to escape the routine:

1. Teddy Roosevelt Island – The island is located in the middle of the Potomac River, situated across from the Watergate complex and Rosslyn, Va. It’s easiest to drive to because there’s easy parking off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, but it’s also possible to walk to the island from the Rosslyn Metro stop. There’s a monument to President Teddy Roosevelt in the center of the island, but most of the space is just hiking trails. You’ll find all walks of people enjoying the fresh air, and if you walk toward the center of the island it’s easy to forget that about the hustle and bustle of the District. It’s open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day of the year.

 

2. Mount Vernon – George Washington’s home about 25 minutes south of the city in Virginia isn’t free, but it’s well worth a day trip. The home is quite informational, but the grounds are what will keep you coming back. Sure, it’s a tourist destination, but you’ll find a lot of D.C. natives roaming the gardens or walking down to the wharf along the Potomac River. The District of Columbia is a city for history buffs, but this home is a trip for everyone. For a real treat, visit after Thanksgiving to meet the turkey that is pardoned by the president each year. Talk about soaking in the “traditions” of the nation’s capital city.

 

 

3. Old Town, Alexandria – On your way back from Mount Vernon, stop off at King Street and walk up and down the colonial streets. In many ways, this area feels a lot like Georgetown, except there are far fewer tourists than what you’d find on M Street. Occasionally, Michelle Obama will be spotted dining at Old Town restaurants, and they are some of the best in the area. Sure, there’s shopping and great food, but there’s also an art museum set up in an old torpedo factory and a spectacular river walk along the water.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Kennedy Center – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the center of high culture in the district. Again, it can be a bit pricey to visit this gem, but it is well worth splurging on some nose-bleed seats to see a play, ballet or music performance. The Kennedy Center can transport you to New York in a single evening. Plus, you can try and corner a member of Congress on the patio and reenact the Russell Crowe and Jeff Daniels scene from 2009’s“State of Play”.

 

 

 

 

5. The Monuments – Okay, okay, spending your day with tourists walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial may not be your ideal Saturday evening. But I promise it is worth how sore your legs will be after you walk through the main monuments. You’d be surprised how many people live in the District and rarely use this beautiful, open public space. It’s a great place to clear your head, and take in how majestic this place can be. If a source isn’t calling you back or you get scooped on a story, sitting on the marble steps of one of the monuments can bring you back to sanity. If you can, visit the monuments at night. They’re more breathtaking then – and it’s quieter.