Explore the captivating world of Washington, D.C.’s iconic hotels and bars with "DC’s Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour." This immersive experience takes visitors on a journey through the rich history and larger-than-life personalities that have shaped America’s capital. From the Willard Hotel’s presidential haunts to the Old Ebbitt Grill’s Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia, discover the intriguing cocktail preferences, scandalous encounters, and power dynamics that have defined the city’s social scene. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era where the lines between politics and entertainment blur, and the secrets of the past whisper their tales.
Key Points
- This self-guided audio tour explores the drinking habits, preferred haunts, and scandalous histories of US presidents in Washington, DC’s historic hotels and establishments.
- Visitors can learn about presidents like Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton’s distinct cocktail and dessert preferences at iconic venues.
- The tour showcases the discreet settings and luxurious atmosphere that allowed presidents to escape the demands of the White House.
- Historic hotels like the Willard, Old Ebbitt Grill, and Mayflower have hosted legendary figures, including aviation pioneers and notorious political scandals.
- Guests may encounter ghostly presences and tabloid-worthy tales from the storied pasts of these presidential haunts.
Historic Hotels and Haunts
Washington, DC’s historic hotels and haunts have long been frequented by presidents, celebrities, and the city’s elite, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
The Willard Hotel, where 23 presidents have stayed, is known for Ulysses S. Grant using the lobby to escape White House influence-seekers.
The Old Ebbitt Grill features stuffed animals bagged by President Teddy Roosevelt.
The Mayflower Hotel hosted both Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, and was the site of Marla Maples throwing shoes at Donald Trump.
These storied establishments have witnessed countless tales of power, scandal, and intrigue that have shaped America’s history.
Presidential Drinking Habits
Presidents throughout history have been no strangers to indulging in cocktails, with each leader cultivating their own distinct drinking preferences and favorite libations.
On this audio tour, you’ll learn about the drinking habits of various commanders-in-chief. For instance, Ulysses S. Grant was known to frequent the Willard Hotel’s lobby bar, escaping White House influence-seekers over a glass of whiskey.
Theodore Roosevelt, an avid outdoorsman, was also partial to the Old Ebbitt Grill, where you can still see the stuffed animals he bagged.
At the St. Regis Hotel, you’ll discover desserts named after presidents, like the Jimmy Carter peanut butter chocolate cake.
Prepare to be immersed in the presidential drinking culture that has long defined Washington’s social scene.
Favorite Cocktails and Desserts
Throughout the historic hotels and bars on this tour, visitors can discover the distinct cocktail and dessert preferences of various US presidents.
For instance, the St. Regis Hotel proudly serves a peanut butter chocolate cake named after President Jimmy Carter, a testament to his well-known sweet tooth.
Meanwhile, the Willard Hotel’s lobby bar was a favorite haunt of Ulysses S. Grant, who often indulged in a glass of whiskey while escaping influence-seekers at the White House.
The tour also highlights the Mayflower Hotel’s connection to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, as well as the possibility of encountering the ghost of socialite Clover Adams at the Hay-Adams, adding an intriguing supernatural element to the exploration of presidential haunts and preferred libations.
Celebrities and Socialites
Beyond the political figures, the historic hotels along this tour have also hosted an array of celebrated personalities and socialites. The St. Regis Hotel, for instance, has long been a haunt for aviation legends like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, who frequented the hotel. Meanwhile, the Mayflower Hotel played host to the scandalous relationship between former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
| Hotel | Celebrity Connections |
|---|---|
| St. Regis | Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart |
| Hay-Adams | Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart |
| Mayflower | Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky |
| Old Ebbitt Grill | Teddy Roosevelt’s stuffed animal collection |
| Willard | Ulysses S. Grant’s escape from the White House |
Escaping White House Influence
A common practice among some presidents was to escape the constant influence-seekers at the White House by retreating to the Willard Hotel’s lobby, as Ulysses S. Grant famously did. The grand lobby of the Willard provided a refuge where presidents could avoid the endless stream of visitors trying to sway their decisions. Grant would often slip away from the White House to the Willard, where he could enjoy a cigar and a drink in peace.
This historic hotel has hosted 23 presidents, each seeking a respite from the demands of the highest office in the land. The Willard’s discreet atmosphere and luxurious setting made it an ideal escape for embattled commanders-in-chief.
Stuffed Animals and Shoe-Throwing
The Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic D.C. institution, proudly displays a collection of stuffed animals bagged by the legendary President Teddy Roosevelt during his adventurous expeditions. These trophies from Roosevelt’s famous hunting trips serve as a testament to his rugged spirit and love for the outdoors. Visitors can’t help but be captivated by the sight of these majestic creatures, which evoke the president’s larger-than-life persona.
The Mayflower Hotel has its own share of celebrity drama. It was here that former First Lady Marla Maples famously threw her shoes at then-husband Donald Trump, adding a touch of tabloid-worthy excitement to the hotel’s storied past.
Aviation Legends and Scandals
The Hay-Adams, a historic hotel in Washington, D.C., has played host to aviation legends Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, who frequented the hotel during their storied careers. The hotel’s connections to these aviation pioneers add an air of prestige and history to its halls. Visitors can almost imagine Lindbergh and Earhart huddled in deep conversation, strategizing their next daring flights.
The Hay-Adams has also been the site of more scandalous events. It’s rumored that the hotel was the scene of a notorious tryst between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, forever etching its name in the annals of political controversy.
Today, the Hay-Adams continues to captivate guests with its blend of storied history and scandalous intrigue.
Ghostly Encounters
While visitors to the Hay-Adams hotel may come seeking tales of aviation legends or political intrigue, some also believe they may encounter a ghostly presence – that of socialite Clover Adams, whose untimely death has left a lingering spirit within the hotel’s halls.
Whispers of Clover’s apparition have been reported by guests, who’ve described:
- Flickering lights and unexplained noises
- A chill in the air as if someone has passed by
- The faint aroma of Clover’s favorite rose perfume
Though unconfirmed, these ghostly encounters add an air of mystery and intrigue to the Hay-Adams, reminding visitors that the hotel’s history isn’t just about its famous guests, but also the spirits that may still linger within its walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cost of the Self-Guided Audio Tour?
The cost of the self-guided audio tour is not provided in the knowledge given. However, it’s likely that the tour has an associated fee, as it offers an in-depth exploration of historic sites and presidential connections in Washington, DC.
Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?
The audio tour is only available in English at this time. However, visitors can explore the presidential haunts and celebrity connections in Washington, DC on their own using the provided map and information.
Can the Tour Be Completed in a Different Order?
The self-guided audio tour allows visitors to explore the historic sites in any order they prefer. This flexibility enables participants to customize their experience based on their interests and schedule.
Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for the Tour?
This self-guided tour is designed to be accessible, with audio content that can accommodate visitors with varying mobility and hearing needs. The route is flat and wheelchair-friendly, ensuring an inclusive experience for all participants.
Can Visitors Explore the Locations on Their Own After the Tour?
Absolutely! Visitors can explore the historic hotels, bars, and locations on their own after the self-guided audio tour. They’ll have the opportunity to discover more about the presidents’ haunts and celebrity connections at their own pace.
Recap
The DC’s Presidents, Pubs, and Parties audio tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the capital’s storied past.
Enjoy the presidential haunts, cocktail preferences, and scandalous encounters that have defined the city’s social scene.
From the Willard Hotel’s refuge for embattled commanders-in-chief to the Old Ebbitt Grill’s Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia, this tour offers a glimpse into the power, intrigue, and larger-than-life personalities that have shaped America’s history.
