Sam Edelstein has served as the Communications Associate – New Media for Cultural Tourism DC for the last year. Since moving the DC in 2007, he has explored many different parts of the city, and loves everything it has to offer, except for the oppressive heat! Sam is leaving the city to take on a new adventure at his alma mater, Syracuse University, but is leaving behind five of his favorite places in the city.

Editors Note: Sam has been the editor for this item and most of what you see on Cultural Tourism DC’s website. Sam is leaving us to return to his alma mater, but this time as an employee and not a student. We asked Sam what he liked the most and what he will miss about Washington, DC.

1. Jazz in the Sculpture Garden – Aside from it being the location of the first date with my now wife, this is a perfect place to wind down after a week of work. Every Friday during the summer, enjoy jazz, art, people-watching, and a couple of drinks.
2. Sticky Fingers Bakery – DC is a great place for a vegan, and Sticky Fingers is my favorite place to go for any meal. Plus, their sweets are amazing, and it is consistently named as the best bakery in the city. How could you pass it up?
3. National Portrait Gallery – Since the museum is open until 7 pm, I frequently stop in to see in exhibit while waiting to meet up with friends in Chinatown, or before an event at the Verizon Center.
4. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – The more commonly known dome in DC is on the Capitol Building, but you’re missing out if you don’t see this dome, too. The art work and history here is amazing.
5. Bike Trails – Whether riding to work or looking for exercise on my bike, the bike trails offer an easy commute that avoids most roads filled with traffic. The Metropolitan Branch Trail near my apartment in northeast spans from Silver Spring down to Union Station. I love to ride on it, then head across the National Mall, and on a good day, make it over one of the bridges into Anacostia or Northern Virginia for an extra long workout.

Bonus- Paul Greenberg House (2301 Calvert St., NW) – When I was first looking for apartments in DC right before I graduated from Syracuse University, I was lost near the Woodley Park Metro Station. While trying to find my way, I stumbled across the Greenberg House, which is home to Syracuse University’s DC alumni office. I walked in, asked them for directions, and immediately felt at home in the city.

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