UPass: Where to Explore
By Lauren Grauer
GW students can now use the metro and DC bus services an unlimited amount, as it is now part of students' tuition. Students should utilize the metro to travel around DC and explore different neighborhoods in this historic city.
To visit the White House students can take the metro to either McPherson Square station or Farragut West station. The area surrounding McPherson Square station offers restaurants, coffee shops, and a walk through the McPherson Square park. If you are going to explore the White House during the day, a brunch at the restaurant Georgia Brown’s will give you the exact American dining experience you want before heading to the White House. Georgia Brown’s specializes in American cuisine and has been in DC since 1993. Make sure you don’t order coffee at brunch, as Dua coffee is just across the park. Dua coffee has been my favorite coffee shop I have tried in DC and I love the Brown Latte. The Brown Latte has subtle delicious hints of caramel in every sip. After getting your coffee take a peak of the White House, which is only two blocks away.
A fun weekend activity is to go to Tysons Corner Center. When you go, make sure to have some self control as you must be prepared to walk into your favorite clothing store and want to buy everything. Tysons is a mall in Virginia that is easily accessible on the metro silver line by getting off at Tysons station. The station is basically part of the mall, as you have to walk over a sky bridge to get into the mall. Some food options to be explored at Tysons are Wasabi Sushi (a revolving sushi bar), Falafel Inc (where you can get a filling Falafel Sandwich for just $4), or time travel back to your childhood and eat at the American Girl Doll cafe. Tysons mall has high end stores such as Louis Vuitton, but if you are on a college student budget like I am there is an H&M and a Zara.
Looking to go see your favorite sports team play or listen to a concert, Capital One Arena is the place for you. Students can take the metro to Gallery Place and be a short walk away to Capital One Arena. The Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards play at Capital One. Also at this metro stop, students can explore ChinaTown. ChinaTown is a neighborhood in DC that is famous for its Archway and restaurants. ChinaTown has everything from street food restaurants to sit down restaurants. It is important to go and support the local businesses in ChinaTown.
Go and take advantage of the unlimited metro pass by exploring McPherson Square, Tysons Corner Center, and ChinaTown.