TRAVEL JOURNAL

TRAVEL JOURNAL DRAWN to D.C.

Émilie Dulles is an engraved stationery and letterpress invitation expert at her own company, Dulles Designs. She grew up in Switzerland, but her family has a long history of international diplomacy in Georgetown; she is a relative of John Foster Dulles, who was the U.S. Secretary of State under President Eisenhower and the namesake for Dulles International Airport. She and her husband formerly lived in McLean, Virginia, and in a typical year, they pay regular visits to Washington, D.C. to meet with families and organizations commissioning wedding stationery, political gala invitations, and holiday cards. “The D.C. region has something for everyone,” Dulles says. She and her husband split their time between Charleston, Charlotte, D.C., and Palm Beach. When here, they enjoy walking the Lake Trail, dining, shopping, and attending church at The Royal Poinciana Chapel, where they were married. —Skye Sherman

Vibe Historic, traditional, elegant, and food-focused

Fashion essentials For men, bespoke suits are de rigueur—Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Hugo Boss are always elegant. For women, dresses and modern suits are expected—Armani, Jil Sander, and Dior are timeless and strong.

HOW to start the day Walk or jog along the National Mall and historic D.C. monuments. Many career military experts still run this path at dawn.

when to go Spring is a tourist favorite with the beautiful cherry blossoms, but I most enjoy D.C. in the fall.

unwritten rule the locals live by Don’t talk to strangers. D.C. is a very securitydriven and secret-clearancebased city, so locals only open up at private clubs or during formally invited events.

best seat in town Fiola Mare (fiolamaredc.com) has perhaps the most wonderful water views in D.C., as well as delicious Italian seafood and the nation’s who’s who of worldly patrons. local dish to try In-season Maryland crab cakes, along with the diversity of international cuisine in Georgetown (Thai, Ethiopian, Japanese, and more)

The Lounge at Bourbon Steak

Fiola Mare

GREG POWERS

Armani

DANIELLE E. THOMAS

KEVIN ALLEN signature drink A slightly dirty vodka martini with bluecheese-stuffed olives at The Lounge at Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons (fourseasons. com/washington)

a solo outing Attend mass at the Washington National Cathedral (cathedral.org) for a moving traditional service with evocative music in the world’s sixth-largest cathedral. Then stroll the grounds and admire the architectural details.

a cultural activity Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts (nmwa.org) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu).

hometown good to sample and stockpile Cigar aficionados should head to McLean Cigars PG Boutique (mcleancigars.com), which features its own collection of renowned cigars as well as other favorites from around the world.