Thrifty Washington DC Tips for Green Inauguration Visitors

Headed to DC for the inauguration? Expect it to be extremely crowded, really cold and expensive. Don’t let the chaos of the event lead you astray from your green ways, though – Maura Judkis of US News & World Report’s Fresh Greens has a thrifty guide for green inauguration visitors that covers transportation, food, shelter, nightlife, free events – even ‘glamour’.

From Fresh Greens:

Shelter

Another green choice forced upon last-minute visitors: there are no hotels to be found anywhere near this city. That’s ok, though, since there are thousands of Washingtonians willing to rent out their places to you. You can get anything from an entire house to an air mattress on someone’s floor, all priced accordingly. Staying in a house is greener than a hotel (not that you have the option) because you likely won’t be consuming any more energy than the house’s original occupants would have. Many of the apartments are in great parts of town, within walking distance of the ceremony, parade, balls and nightlife. Perhaps your carpool buddy can stay with you, if you find a great deal in a close apartment, so that fewer people will need public transit. For last-minute housing, search Craigslist or AirBed & Breakfast.

Food

You’ll need reservations now if you want to eat at one of D.C.’s nicer restaurants at any point this weekend. With millions of people expected, many of whom are already beginning to file into the city, tables will be at a premium. For upscale eco-friendly dining, I like the appropriately patriotic Founding Farmers (1924 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.). Food is local, organic and delicious, and the bar’s mixologist shakes up prohibition-era cocktails – the restaurant’s specialty. Another notable green restaurant in D.C. is Nora (2132 Florida Ave. N.W.), which was the first restaurant in the country to be certified 100 percent organic. Hook (3241 M St. N.W.) in Georgetown was recently named one of the country’s best eco-friendly restaurants by Bon Appetit magazine.

Get the rest over at Fresh Greens, including details about both green inaugural balls. Have fun, be safe, and take lots of photos!

Link [Fresh Greens]
Photo credit: PIC2009.org

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