DCs Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history, and the nation’s capital hides a treasure trove of tales about its presidential watering holes. The ‘DCs Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour‘ invites visitors to uncover these hidden gems, delving into the stories behind iconic establishments that have hosted the political elite over the decades. From the Willard Hotel’s storied drinking hotel to the Hay-Adams’ renowned cocktail lounge, the tour promises an immersive exploration of the capital’s vibrant past. What secrets will these pubs reveal about the city’s rich history and the drinking habits of its most powerful residents?

Key Points

• The self-guided audio tour explores the rich history and presidential stories of iconic drinking establishments in downtown Washington, D.C.
• The Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar was a favorite watering hole for many U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant.
• The Mayflower Hotel’s Round Room has hosted an array of distinguished patrons, from presidents to diplomats, for over a century.
• The St. Regis Washington’s upscale pub has long been a favored haunt of the city’s elite, including presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• The Hay-Adams’ renowned cocktail lounge has drawn presidents, celebrities, and power brokers alike, creating an air of exclusivity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Audio Tour

This self-guided audio tour, narrated by award-winning Washington journalist and tour guide Rick Snider, explores the rich history of drinking establishments and presidential stories in downtown Washington, D.C.

The tour provides an immersive, one-hour experience that visitors can enjoy at their own pace. As a sixth-generation Washingtonian, Snider shares his deep knowledge and passion for the city’s hidden gems, taking listeners on a journey through the capital’s iconic watering holes that have long been frequented by presidents, first ladies, and other notable figures.

From the Willard Hotel to the Old Ebbitt Grill, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the drinking habits and social lives of America’s leaders.

Willard Hotel’s Presidential Watering Hole

One of the first stops on the tour is the Willard Hotel, a grand historic hotel that has hosted presidents, politicians, and socialites for over 150 years.

Located just steps from the White House, the Willard’s Round Robin Bar was a favorite watering hole for many US presidents. It’s said that Ulysses S. Grant would regularly enjoy a cigar and brandy at the bar, which led to the term ‘lobbying’ being coined, as Grant was often approached by those seeking political favors.

Today, visitors can still enjoy a drink in the same elegant setting, surrounded by the hotel’s rich history and presidential legacy.

Mayflower Hotel’s Storied Drinking Establishment

Next on the tour, visitors explore the Mayflower Hotel’s storied drinking hotel – a favorite haunt of Washington elites and world leaders alike.

For over a century, the hotel’s Round Room has welcomed an array of distinguished patrons, from presidents to diplomats, who’ve gathered here to toast, network, and indulge in the venue’s refined ambiance.

Adorned with ornate chandeliers and gilded mirrors, the Round Room exudes an air of exclusivity and sophistication. It was here that President Calvin Coolidge would retreat for an old-fashioned, while Dwight Eisenhower and his wife Mamie were known to unwind over martinis.

Today, the Mayflower’s bar continues to attract the city’s movers and shakers, carrying on its legacy as a premier destination for the powerful and privileged.

St. Regis Washington’s Elegant Pub

A short stroll from the Mayflower Hotel brings visitors to the elegant and historic St. Regis Washington, whose upscale pub has long been a favored haunt of the city’s elite.

The St. Regis pub exudes an air of refined sophistication, with its plush leather chairs, ornate chandeliers, and mahogany-paneled walls. It’s easy to imagine presidents and diplomats unwinding here over perfectly crafted cocktails, discussing the affairs of state.

The pub’s storied history includes visits from the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who likely sipped their preferred libations – mint juleps and Old-Fashioneds, respectively – while plotting their next political moves.

Today, the St. Regis pub continues to attract Washington’s power brokers, who come to savor its timeless ambiance and impeccable service.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hay-Adams’ Renowned Cocktail Lounge

Tucked just steps away from the White House, the Hay-Adams’ renowned cocktail lounge has long been a favored haunt of Washington’s elite, drawing presidents, celebrities, and power brokers alike.

The cozy, dimly lit bar exudes an air of exclusivity, having hosted the likes of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and numerous U.S. presidents over the decades.

Patrons can sip on expertly crafted cocktails as they soak in the property’s storied history, from its origins as the private home of two prominent 19th-century figures to its current status as one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.

Whether seeking a discreet meeting place or a glimpse of D.C.’s rich political and social tapestry, the Hay-Adams’ cocktail lounge remains a timeless Washington institution.

Old Ebbitt Grill’s Presidential Legacy

The Old Ebbitt Grill, a venerable Washington institution, has long been a favorite watering hole for the city’s political elite, including numerous U.S. presidents throughout its storied history.

Founded in 1856, this iconic pub has witnessed the comings and goings of the nation’s leaders, from Ulysses S. Grant to Barack Obama. Presidents have gathered here to unwind, socialize, and forge political alliances, often indulging in the grill’s renowned oysters and classic cocktails.

The hotel’s presidential legacy is palpable, with memorabilia and historic photographs lining the walls, offering visitors a glimpse into the intimate moments shared by America’s most powerful figures.

Today, the Old Ebbitt Grill continues to be a hub for political intrigue and a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Washington’s rich history.

Tales of Presidential Drinking Habits

Many of America’s presidents have been known to indulge in a variety of alcoholic beverages, each with their own distinct preferences and drinking habits.

Teddy Roosevelt, for instance, was particularly fond of the refreshing mint julep, while FDR favored the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail. Even the famously moderate Bill Clinton couldn’t resist the occasional Snakebite, a combination of lager and cider.

The tour also shares tales of presidential parties and celebrations that sometimes got out of hand, such as Zachary Taylor’s inauguration party.

These insights into the drinking habits of various commanders-in-chief offer a glimpse into the more convivial side of America’s highest office, adding a touch of color and personality to the usual staid portraits of the presidency.

Paranormal Encounters at the Pubs

Visitors exploring the historic pubs on the self-guided tour may encounter something more than just the spirits in their glasses – the ghosts of the establishments themselves.

According to local lore, the presence of American socialite Clover Adams, wife of renowned historian Henry Adams, is said to linger within the walls of these watering holes, her ethereal form gliding through the dimly lit corridors.

Some have reported sensing a palpable chill or hearing the faint sounds of a woman’s laughter, hinting at the ghostly apparition of Clover, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1885.

While unconfirmed, these paranormal experiences add an intriguing layer of mystery to the pubs’ storied pasts, inviting thrill-seekers and history buffs alike to keep an eye out for supernatural sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase the Audio Tour as a Downloadable File?

Yes, the self-guided audio tour can be purchased as a downloadable file. Customers can access and enjoy the tour at their own pace through a mobile device or computer.

Are the Establishments Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?

The historic hotel pubs on the tour are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities, though accessibility may vary by hotel. Visitors should check with each location directly to inquire about their specific accessibility features and accommodations.

Do the Pubs Offer Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options?

The pubs likely offer non-alcoholic beverage options like soda, coffee, and juices to accommodate visitors who don’t drink alcohol. This allows everyone to participate in the historic ambiance and stories shared on the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Accessing the Drinking Establishments?

The drinking establishments on the tour generally have age restrictions in place, with most requiring patrons to be 21 or older to enter and consume alcoholic beverages. Guests under 21 may be permitted if accompanied by an adult.

Can the Tour Be Experienced in Multiple Languages?

The audio tour is currently available in English only. However, the developers may consider offering translations in multiple languages in the future to accommodate a wider range of visitors to the historic drinking establishments featured in the tour.

Recap

The ‘DCs Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour’ offers a captivating journey through Washington, D.C.’s storied watering holes.

From the Willard Hotel to the Old Ebbitt Grill, listeners uncover the fascinating tales of presidential patronage, political intrigue, and even paranormal encounters that have unfolded within these iconic establishments.

This immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into the capital’s rich history and the pivotal role these pubs have played in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: