Washington, D.C.

Although D.C. is more famous for its cherry blossoms, it also has some gorgeous fall foliage, best appreciated from a boat or a rooftop lounge downtown.

Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Colors Peak: Mid to late October

It may be in one of the tonier parts of town, but there’s nothing stuffy about the Embassy Row Hotel. After undergoing a $15 million renovation earlier this year, this conveniently located spot has been refreshed and revitalized, from the hand-painted murals  to the contemporary furnishings in the guestrooms.
Overnight valet parking $45. Rooms start at $299 weekdays, $199 weekends. 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, (202) 265-1600. 

Philly homeboy Jose Garces has captured the flavors, cooking style and spirit of a modern Argentine steakhouse with Rural Society. Try the house-made sausages and wood-fired meats.
Small plates $9-$16; entrées $24-$48; chef’s tasting $65-$85, with wine pairings $25-$35. Loews Madison Hotel, 1177 15th St. NW, (202) 862-1600.

Station Kitchen & Cocktails at the Embassy Row Hotel is a casual dining spot with great small plates (think Korean fried chicken), sandwiches (try the catfish po’boy) and entrées (like pork and waffles). $11-$22.

Try the handcrafted toaster pastries at Ted’s Bulletin. Indulge in breakfast anytime with the chicken and biscuits or the “Walk of Shame” burrito.
505 Eighth St. SE, (202) 544-8337; 1818 14th St. NW, (202) 265-8337.  

Jose Garces’ Rural Society

Embassy Row Hotel

1. Guided kayak paddles from Key Bridge Boathouse allow you to view monuments during the day, at dusk, or by the light of a full moon. Foliage tours begin in October.
$45. 3500 Water St. NW, (202) 337-9642.

2. Get acquainted with a diversity of cultures and neighborhoods through DC Metro Food Tours. For a truly unique experience, book the tour of Little Ethiopia.
$30-$65. (202) 851-2268.

3. Classic literature comes to life on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Go Sept. 13-Oct. 30 for an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
$45-$75. 201 E. Capitol St. SE, (202) 544-4600.  

4. Leave the car parked at the hotel, and ride the D.C. Circulator for just $1.

5. See the French Impressionism and European and American modern and contemporary art of the world-class Phillips Collection for any donation on weekdays.
Weekend admission $10. 1600 21st St. NW, (202) 387-2151.   

6. The circa-1905 Larz Anderson House has a stunning collection of fine and decorative art from around the world, along with artifacts from the Revolutionary War.
Free. 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW, (202) 785-2040. 

Tudor Place

Centennial Celebration

Tudor Place, the six-acre Georgian-era estate built for Martha Washington’s granddaughter, turns 100 this year. It’s home to six generations of her family, and visitors are welcome for guided tours. Rooms are decorated with American, European and Asian furnishings. There’s also plenty of artwork from the 18th through 20th centuries, including the largest George and Martha Washington collection outside Mount Vernon.
$10. 1644 31st St. NW, (202) 965-0400.