3 versatile itineraries in your subsequent journey to DC, Denver or Seattle

We’re excited to observe cities come again to life in new and modern methods, and we’re anxious to discover with contemporary eyes and renewed, grateful views. While it is laborious to pare down options for any couple-day itinerary, we have picked a mixture of conventional must-dos and up to date additions in three, quickly evolving locations with distinctive personalities.

Washington, D.C.

The rooftop bar at Conrad Washington, DC dazzles with its panoramic metropolis views — Photo courtesy of Conrad Washington, DC

Start out within the nation’s capital, the place we’re frequently wowed by the abundance of green spaces along with omnipresent entry to free culture and history, at websites starting from the older (National Gallery of Art) to the newer (Black Lives Matter Plaza).

While millennial and Gen Z vacationers may be lured to brand-new Selina Union Market (assume coworking areas, lodging choices for a variety of budgets, a wellness space and exhibition area for native artists), others may be curious to test into the brand-new Waldorf Astoria that not too long ago landed in Pennsylvania Ave’s Old Post Office and Clock Tower, in-built 1899.

Conrad Washington, DC affords an accessible method to modern luxurious — Photo courtesy of Conrad Washington, DC

Then there’s the stylish and central Conrad Washington DC with a handy CityCenterDC handle, in part of downtown that is grown quickly in recent times. Showcasing a self-proclaimed “art-forward approach to contemporary luxury,” this hovering resort is right for these desirous to discover a few of Washington’s best offerings on foot.

Choose your individual daytime itinerary (all of which ought to begin with a caffeinated beverage from La Colombe Coffee Roasters). Pair a mezze-style Zaytinya patio lunch adopted by a wander across the National Portrait Gallery throughout the road, or savor a nice stroll west towards the White House and south towards all of the treasures lining the National Mall. Check out the hotel’s suggestions on distinctive neighborhoods and cultural findings to find too.

Sleek Conrad visitor rooms and suites provide easy decor and constant consolation; ask for one with mesmerizing views down grand New York Avenue, a quintessential take a look at the district’s enterprise core. Property highlights embrace a tucked-away, third-floor terrace, the right perch on which to sort out afternoon emails or sip a glass of wine from the restaurant bar, and Summit, a rooftop gathering place for “garden-forward” fare and cocktails, plus a few of the metropolis’s greatest panoramic views.

The culinary workforce at Estuary sources seasonal substances from the Chesapeake Bay area — Photo courtesy of Conrad Washington, DC

Back on the third flooring, dinnertime at Estuary means easing into the night with sharable dishes like Old Bay fries, child kale salad, native oysters, smoked rockfish dip and – the standout – contemporary ceviche. Guests can proceed exploring the riches of the Chesapeake Bay area, as they dive into mains just like the XO bucatini pasta that includes poached lobster, Bobo Farms half hen and half duck with spring cassoulet. Accompanying cocktails include playful titles that pay homage to starring substances like “Drop the Beet” and “Hey Honey;” there are a number of non-alcoholic choices too.

Consider filling night hours with the humanities at close by locales — maybe by catching a recreation or present at Capital One Arena, an attractive speak at sixth & I, a efficiency at Studio Theatre, presently in its forty first season, or some dwell tunes inside Black Cat, a unusual hub for impartial music lovers since 1993. Cinema buffs might be delighted to find out about The Alamo Drafthouse D.C. Bryant Street, the latest outpost of this standard cinema-eatery chain.

Denver, Colorado

Denver’s Bluebird Theater, in-built 1913, is presently operated by AEG Live — Photo courtesy of Evan Semon Photography

A return to “The Mile High City” possible means bluebird skies and outside adventures, whether or not you stick near town or enterprise out onto magnificent mountain trails. Music lovers queue up reveals at venues like Bluebird Theater or make the brief drive out to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a naturally shaped and acoustically-impressive marvel.

According to Billboard Magazine, Red Rocks was the 2021 top-grossing, most attended live performance venue of any dimension, anyplace on the planet. Another enjoyable truth: A 2020 research from the National Endowment for the Arts deemed Denver the nation’s chief in attendance charge at performing arts occasions and exhibitions.

Catching a present underneath the celebrities at Red Rocks Amphitheatre must be a “must” on each music lover’s checklist — Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER

Denver additionally loves its food halls, hanging murals enlivening metropolis blocks and, its beer – boasting 70 breweries inside metropolis limits and 150-plus within the metro space. In truth, greater than 200 distinctive beers are produced and served each single day.

Settle into your central metropolis digs at brand-new additions like The Slate Denver, situated throughout the road from the Colorado Convention Center, or Thompson Denver hotel, a hip boutique outpost within the coronary heart of “LoDo” (town’s historic Lower Downtown neighborhood), dwelling to a few of the greatest culinary choices round. The Thompson locations you inside a straightforward strolling distance to Union Station (the place direct trains depart continuously for the airport), plus Coors Field and the buzzworthy eateries and bars of the Dairy Block.

Thompson Denver boasts a central downtown station, supreme for taking the prepare to the airport and attending sporting occasions — Photo courtesy of Thompson Denver

While chances are you’ll be tempted to easily camp out with a restaurant latte within the Thompson’s heat foyer stuffed with artwork and occasional desk books, you may rapidly really feel at dwelling in rooms with mountain views, shades of wealthy browns, darkish greens and soothing greys, plus alluring decor touches from wide-plank hardwood flooring and woven wool rugs to saddle leather-based headboards.

In the night, take pleasure in a light-streaked pleased hour within the nook sunroom of Reynard Social, the place highlights embrace good vibes, good tunes, scrumptious drinks and standout bites just like the crispy curried cauliflower and lemon pepper dry-cured hen wings. Dinnertime downstairs at Chez Maggy, with Michelin-starred chef Ludo Lefebvre on the helm, is one thing to be savored at a leisurely tempo.

For dreamy views in an inviting, light-filled setting, go to Reynard Social, a sixth-floor lounge — Photo courtesy of Thompson Denver

The internationally celebrated French chef Ludo Lefebvre surprises and delights with market-fresh, French delicacies served in a contemporary brasserie that melds magnificence with whimsy. Feel as if you’ve got been whisked throughout the ocean as you take pleasure in nostalgic dishes reminiscent of gentle baguette and butter, mussels frites, julienne carrot salad, duck breast a l’orange and tenderloin filet with sauce aux poivre. Accompanying drinks from that nook of Europe really feel applicable too; attempt a Kir Royale or a stunning wine selection from the French countryside.

Michelin-starred chef Ludo Lefebvre brings culinary magic to Chez Maggy, a pleasant French brasserie on the bottom degree — Photo courtesy of Thompson Denver

On your final evening on the town, take into account leaving on a excessive be aware with a sensational Israeli feast loved at Safta, inside the fashionable Source Hotel + Market Hall. Located within the River North Art District (or “RiNo”), this eatery with a full of life hum and festive air reveals off the flavors of Israel, Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine and Greece. Don’t miss the wood-roasted mushroom hummus and muhammara served alongside ballooning, hot-from-the-oven pita pockets, pickled market greens, harissa-roasted hen, falafel and extra.

Seattle, Washington

The Seattle waterfront not too long ago celebrated the return of its summertime cruise ships and the FRS Clipper‘s path to Victoria, B.C., plus its successful designation to be one in every of 16 North American cities internet hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Visitors additionally will not need to miss newer metropolis additions like Climate Pledge Arena, an eco-friendly venue aiming to be “the most progressive, responsible and sustainable arena in the world,” and sailings with Seattle’s Tall Ship aboard an 85-foot-long conventional gaff-rigged schooner.

Argosy Cruises, one other enjoyable technique to relish town’s twinkling waterways, has launched a program applicable for bustling summer time months known as “First to Board,” which is an upgraded expertise with perks like first-pick seating and no queues on the bar. Guests who improve additionally get 15% off drinks throughout sailings on Argosy Harbor Cruises that push off from the downtown waterfront and 20% off a visit to the Locks Cruise, based mostly out of South Lake Union.

Argosy Cruises show an ideal technique to get out on Seattle’s many glowing waterways — Photo courtesy of Argosy Cruises

While some could take a look at new city resort choices like citizenM in South Lake Union, these looking for expansive venues would possibly test into farther-flung spots like Cedarbrook Lodge, situated simply 5 minutes from Sea-Tac (with a free airport shuttle obtainable too). Located on a lush 18 acres, this resort permits you to unwind on property nature trails or a tranquil patio desk at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar.

Sixteen miles from Seattle within the different route, The Lodge at St. Edward State Park locations company in a superbly restored former seminary that is tucked away in a stunning 326-acre forest on the calming shores of Lake Washington.

Seafood towers loved inside Fairmont Olympic’s The George show a pleasant technique to rejoice any event — Photo courtesy of Fairmont Olympic

Back within the metropolis, take in Seattle tradition at vibrant Pike Place Market or the KEXP Gathering Space by day; within the evenings, catch musical skills at lauded areas starting from Showbox to Paramount Theatre. (Nearby, Hyatt At Olive 8’s TIDAL+ seafood restaurant now hosts dwell music each Wednesday throughout the 4-to-6 p.m. pleased hour window.)

For a memorable indulgence, dive into contemporary native delicacies at The George, a classy new eating room situated contained in the recently-refreshed Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Don’t miss the salmon stomach crudo, diver scallops or – for a real Pacific Northwest expertise – the seafood tower stocked with Dungeness and king crab, oysters, prawns, mussels, clams, salmon stomach and geoduck.

Smith Tower’s Observatory Bar affords sensational Seattle views plus tasty snacks and drinks, just like the Sake Spritz — Photo courtesy of Smith Tower

Consider rounding out any Seattle day on the Thirty fifth-floor Observatory Bar inside Pioneer Square’s historic Smith Tower. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and light-weight bites inside this ornate, artwork deco and speakeasy-inspired area, as you watch a pastel solar slip beneath the mountains and the ferries slice throughout the glowing bay. Cheers!