I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned this trip. I have never traveled like this alone before. I have taken some short trips to casinos or to the beach, but never multiple days in another city. I have always wanted to go to Washington DC but never really had the opportunity. It wasn’t the kind of trip my friends would enjoy and didn’t ever work out as a family trip. So, having no other vacation plans this summer, I figured why not? Before booking anything I was excited and concerned. I would get to go anywhere I want. Do what I wanted for whatever period of time. Not have to worry about anyone else. But what kept floating through my mind were things like where would I eat, and who would I talk to. A day and a half in, I think I am ready to answer some of those questions.
The drive down was easy, well, except for the torrential downpour. I don’t mind long trips. I have never driven this far, 4 hours, by myself before, but that didn’t concern me. I love to listen to podcasts and audio books. They make the time fly as far as I am concerned. So, other than the rainstorm, getting here was easy.
It is now 8 PM, I have checked into my hotel in a new city I have never been in. What to do? Luckily, I researched enough to have a plan. I figured that hanging at a bar solo would be the easiest, so I found the best craft beer bar in town and headed over. ChuchKey had the best ratings of any beer bar in DC, and once I walked in I knew why. I couldn’t immediately get a seat at the bar, but the bartender was still able to get me an awesome beer, Shark Pants. It was something special they had put on for IPA day. I was lucky enough to quickly get a seat a few minutes later. Not something you often think about at a bar, but the bar stools here were amazing. Super comfortable and roomy.
I talked to the bartender, Zack, a little. He was very nice and super helpful. He noticed that I knew what I was talking about when it came to beer which oddly seemed to be a surprise in a place that should attract more knowledgeable beer lovers. Once he found out I was from Jersey, we talked about Carton, which every beer lover outside of Jersey seems to want to talk about. Apparently Augie Carton had left a good impression when he visited a few months prior.
Next, I tried some food. I had the tater tots and wings. The tots were clearly homemade and were awesome. I would go back just for those. The wings were huge and the sauce had a nice spice to it. Best of all, I felt comfortable. I wasn’t sitting at a table alone. Something about the bar is welcoming. It probably had a lot to do with the staff too.
The walk back to my hotel was less pleasant then I would have liked. None of the reviews for the hotel mentioned the park one block up is the local spot for homeless people. They always say not to walk alone after midnight, but what choice did I have? I always figure, I’m a big guy, who would mess with me? Luckily, no one did, but I wouldn’t say I felt comfortable the whole time.