"111 Places in Washington" Author Andrea Seiger Shares How to See DC Differently

Part of the "Awesome People You Should Know in DC" series

​Find travel inspiration and discover new wonders for your adventures in DC as some of the city's movers, shakers, explorers and creatives share ow they're staying busy during the quarantine and what they're looking forward to once the restrictions lift. ​

Longtime DC resident Andrea Seiger  is the guidebook author of "111 Places in Washington That You Must Not Miss." She has been in the tourism and meetings industry for over 33 years  and is a non-stop explorer who loves to shop in markets and for handmade local goods.

We managed to catch up with this always-inquisitive urban explorer to ask about her favorite places in the city and suggestions for locals and tourists alike to discover the "real" DC.

The following content has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity and length.

What local spot in DC brings you joy and why?

My current favorite spot is Oak Hill Cemetery which is a fascinating lesson in the history of DC and those who built it. I find names on gravestones and look them up. The Renwick Gallery and Smithsonian American Art/National Portrait Gallery are my favorite museums because I always find color and captivating images and objects in the exhibits, gift shops and programs. Artomat, the tiny art vending machine is my addiction at SAAM.

What recommendations do you have for people to explore and discover DC while staying at home?

Go for a walk without your headphones, ignore your phone and just look around as you go. You will see flowers, fairy gardens, plastic dinosaur collections, Little Free Libraries, interesting architecture, pretty doors, well coiffed yards, local shops, storied mansions, and who knows what else, when you pay attention. If you see an open gate to a park or an estate, or an alley, walk through it.

What's something new you've found out about DC while staying at home that you didn't know before?

Tregaron Estate, the really pretty grounds around Howard Law School, and trails through Rock Creek Park that I have never taken before.

What's the first thing you're looking forward to doing in DC after the COVID restrictions are lifted? 

Getting away from NW, and going for a walk in far NE. Then, going to my neighborhood barber for a haircut. Then getting a piece of tiny art from one of the 5 Artomat vending machines in DC.

Share your tips for ways locals and tourists can discover the "real DC" once things return to "normal."

• Ride the bus, window seat of course, and watch the world go by. You will see things and places that you have never noticed before. Pick a direction or a part of the city and just go.
• Get off along the way to look, eat and cocktail. Ideal with a bus pass. Take the 111 Places Challenge (www.111places.com/111-places-challenge for rules) as you visit all the places in "111 Places in Washington That You Must Not Miss," and earn guidebooks from the series.
• Get off metro at a stop that is unfamiliar and take a walk around the neighborhood to see what you find. 
• Explore the plethora of small galleries, studios and art centers off Rhode Island Avenue NE (Langdon, Brentwood) and into Mt Rainier and Hyattsville. There is some fantastic talent in our community. Buy yourself presents as you go.
  
• Shop local and handmade!

Keep up with Andrea Seiger's urban adventures and take the 111 Things Challenge @urbansafaridc111.

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