We knew DC had its fitness game on point when we caught our first glimpse of Claire Underwood's toned gams. Our nation’s capital is now officially the fittest city in the United States, according to the 2014 American Fitness Index. Fit Washingtonians count on after-work sweat sessions such as Georgetown’s Corepower Yoga Sculpt class and RIDE DC, and leisurely weekend walks through the iconic National Mall. While spring is often a traveler's season of choice for the spectacular cherry blossoms, fall is perfect for scoping election season buzz ,and the District's summer calendar is filled with city events such as DC Jazz Festival the Red, White, and Boom.
Edit. note: Special thanks to gorgeous Washingtonian Katie Mansour for sharing her amazing DC expertise!
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Breakfast
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th Street NW
(+other DC locations)
There are four locations throughout the city, but Well + Away’s B+P of choice is at 14th and V in the historic U Street Corridor. Busboys and Poets is a community hot spot that’s just as good for lounging with friends as it is for a quiet morning bite for one. Locals and visitors have adored this U STREET joint for almost ten years as the ultimate weekend go-to. They have amazing vegan options and menu items for paleo eaters and omnivores. Whatever you order, be sure to pair it with the sweet potato fries – a hearty, carbalicious must.
The Coupe
3415 11th St NW
Up in Columbia Heights, The Coupe DC is one of the coziest spots in town. It’s equal parts café and bar, and a destination worth it’s tempeh in deliciousness and nutritiousness. The tofu quiche is out of this world –almond flour crust anyone? And as far as traditional American baked goods go, your grandmother has nothing on these gluten-free blueberry corn muffins.
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Workout
RIDE DC
2217 14th St NW
All-star instructors, a sparkling new facility and prime real estate in the U Street Corridor, make this 14th street spin studio the best in town. Each Ride bike is equipped to monitor pedaling speed, calories burned, heart rate, mileage and various other statistics. Ride’s tech-forward program lets students tailor their indoor cycling programs for maximize personal goals, and ensure progression with every class.
[Solidcore]
1814 Columbia Road NW
Opened in 2013, [Solidcore] has solidly made its mark on the world of boutique fitness in Washington, DC. This Pilates-based studio offers 50 minutes of sweaty, sweaty MegaFormer action using slow and controlled full-body movements focusing on constant tension that makes your whole body shake. Build up those slow twitch muscle groups to the sounds of top 40 and the beat of your racing heart.
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Caffeine
Baked and Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW
A Georgetown gem located on Thomas Jefferson street, Baked and Wired is a family-operated coffee shop and bakery that will charm even the most discerning coffee snob traveler want to postpone that return flight, move in and curl up with a hot cup of Stumptown coffee and gluten free blondie. Each bite is as good as the first, as are the mellow vibes. The ‘I can’t believe it’s not vegan’ muffins are the perfect naughty, naughty glucose-regenerating post-work out snack.
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Juice Stop
Jrink
1323 Connecticut Ave NW
Jrink is the first cold-press juice bar in D.C., with a sweet shop in the middle of Dupont, as well a delivery service for the jet-lagged or hungover. Each one of their juices comes in a modern-cut glass jar and contains at least five pounds of fruits and vegetables. Their green juices are the perfect way to start a work trip, re-upping on some greens after hours spent in nutrient-devoid airports.
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Yoga
Corepower Yoga
1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW
Across the street from Baked and Wired, national yoga powerhouse Corepower Yoga has become DC’s go-to for heated yoga. There is a class for every level, C1 for beginners and C2 or HPF for veterans. The fit, adorable and brilliant Katie Mansour’s Yoga sculpt class will sculpt the crap out of those triceps with added hand weights and lunges for a total body workout set to energizing music. A stocked retail store is perfect for yogis who forgot to pack their spandex, carrying lines such as alō yoga, onzie, and Spiritual Gangster.
Down Dog Yoga
1046 Potomac Street NW
A storied, community-based studio that will kick your tush and make you wish you could take Derek or Patty’s 90-minute class every week. All studios are heated between 90-95 degrees, to help get the body healthy by expelling toxins. BYO towel, plenty of hydration and time to shower if you’re planning on heading out to a swank DC outing post-class.
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Dinner
Elizabeth's Gone Raw
1341 L Street NW
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw is the absolute best vegan restaurant in Washington, D.C.; a true dining experience that is located on the corner of 14th and L, in a renovated federalist townhouse. The owner, Elizabeth Petty, has been in business since 2009. Open weekly for dinner on Fridays, the beautiful venue offers a six course raw food tasting menu focusing on seasonal, organic and colorful ingredients.
Doi Moi
1800 14th St NW
Pronounced ‘doy mu-uy’, this stark white interior restaurant on the corner of 14th and S opened in 2013 and combines Thai and Vietnamese food for a sexy spin. Get there early to snag a seat up at the bar so you can watch the kitchen work their magic. Doi Moi offers dishes for a number of dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. The Thaw Thod or the famed fried cashews are a perfect way to start any meal. Once dinner’s done, head downstairs to sister bar 2 Birds 1 Stone for dessert in the form of an artisan cocktail, such as the decadent New England (a mix of rhum agricole amber, scotch maple syrup, pot still rum, and mole bitters).
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Katie Mansour's tips keep in mind
· Go on a nice walk or run along the Potomac River on the C&O Canal Path. Pick up the path in Georgetown at Jack’s Boathouse.
· Rose’s Luxury didn’t make the top two because it is not exclusively vegan, but it was just name the number one new restaurant in America by Bon Appetite Magazine. It’s at the top of everyone’s list in Washington, DC as a must!
· DC is home to so many top yoga, spinning, and Pilates instructors. Take some time to find if any of the local teachers are hosting a special class or workshop and take it.
· You are in the nation’s capital so whatever you do; you have to go see the White House, Lincoln Memorial and The Washington Monument. It’s tradition! Make a running tour out of it and run from monument to monument.