Here are top picks from a few of riders, trainers and WIHS visitors for their favorite things are to do while competing in Washington, D.C.
Missy Clark – Top trainer of juniors, amateurs, and professionals in all divisions, from Warren, Vt. – “We have taken our dachshunds, Chili Dog and Dandelion, to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum! As a result, we have had to endure a fair amount of ribbing, but they liked it! We enjoy Legal Seafood and the Chinese restaurant on 6th and H Street NW. Of course, you can never go wrong with Shake Shack or Fuddrucker’s for a quick meal if you have a late night class!”
Nancy Jaffer – Renowned equestrian journalist who has been attending WIHS since it was in the National Guard Armory in its early day and covers it annually, from Peapack, N.J. – “The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is worth a visit. If you want to do something that is essentially Washington, but don’t have much time, this is a great choice and there’s no admission charge. My favorite part of the Portrait Gallery is the series of presidential portraits, with paintings of every chief executive who has served the country. The little placards by each portrait give insight into all the presidents, particularly the less-prominent ones. How much do you know about Millard Fillmore or James Polk? On Thursday, from 3-7 p.m., don’t miss the FreshFarm Penn Quarter Farmer’s Market, right in front of the portrait gallery.” ***The Portrait Gallery (free) and its relaxing atrium is directly across 7Th Ave. from Capital One Arena.
McLain Ward – U. S. Olympic gold medalist show jumper, from Brewster, N.Y. – “I always enjoy my time at WIHS. There are so many great restaurants. We really like going to Capital Grill.”
Michelle Durpetti – Amateur-owner hunter rider, from Chicago, Ill. – “Filomena is our favorite restaurant. It is a 35-year-old landmark with great Italian food and amazing décor, especially during WIHS because they go all out for Halloween! I love visiting the monuments at night. There is something so magical about seeing them and paying respect to our country’s veterans and history. The Newseum is also a favorite of ours!” *** The Newseum https://www.newseum.org/visit/.
Lindsay Maxwell – Sponsor of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals and competitor in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter division, from Beverly Hills, Calif.– “Washington, D.C. is an amazing, pedestrian-scale city filled with incredible culture and history. My favorite walk starts at the Lincoln Memorial and journeys past the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building. There are few cities in the world that offer as much history (and people watching!) in less than 2.5 miles.”
Alexandra Welles – Leading qualifier for the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, from Wellington, Fla. – “I enjoy pretty much anything involving our nation’s history, and Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial are a couple of my favorite places to visit. As far as restaurants, Le Diplomate is a must! I really want to try and visit The Hamilton, as it is supposedly a political ‘power spot’.”
For more information on what to do in D.C., visit https://www.eventsdc.com/.
