As you know, MrsMJ and I relocated to Atlanta from Washington, DC last fall. I lived in the DC area for 12 years, and in the city of DC itself for 5 years. MrsMJ went to college in DC and has spent more time than me there. We are really enjoying Atlanta, but our Nation’s Capital is a great place, and I enjoy going back from time to time. Last week I was in Washington on business, and experienced a lot of reminders of why I like DC so much. The opportunity to attend the Freddie Awards popped up a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to extend my business trip at my expense and stay two additional nights so I could make the awards. This also gave me an opportunity to do something I haven’t done in a while, take a random day off and just wander around town. In no particular order are a few of my favorite things (from bars to museums) in DC.

The National Air & Space Museum (600 S. Independence Ave SW) – I may be a wannabe sailor, but I’m an honest to goodness licensed aviator. I’ve been staring at the sky since I could spell plane, and there’s no better place for someone like me to spend a little time than Air & Space. Enough said.

The lobby bar at the Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Ave NW) – I spent the personal part of last week’s trip at the Mayflower, and enjoyed a great stay, upgraded to a suite. If you haven’t been to the Mayflower, be advised that it is old school DC (and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and it is not unusual at all to see politicians in the lobby bar enjoying a drink and discussing deals. The lobby lounge isn’t quite as cool (in my humble opinion) as it was before it was renovated, but it’s worth a stop if you are passing by, and certainly if you are staying in the hotel.

The International Spy Museum (800 F St NW) – I don’t know why, but the place has always entertained me. Don’t miss the Bond (James Bond đŸ™‚ ) exhibit.

Marx Cafe in Mount Pleasant (3203 Mt. Pleasant St NW) – A neighborhood bar, the likes of which I did not know existed in DC until I actually moved there. Everybody knows my name. Libations, of course, but food that will surprise you too.

National Museum of American History (1400 Constitution Ave NW) – A perennial favorite of mine since Junior High bus trips to DC, I love this museum. I love history, especially the history of us. It’s worth a visit.

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop for now. I could only do so much in a day and a half in DC. What are some of your favorite spots in Washington, DC?