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I N T H E C I T Y / B Y C A R L Y S I L V E R
> THE STUDY AT UNIVERSITY CITY PHILADELPHIA, PA
> KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO WASHINGTON, D.C.
When you think of Philadelphia, what comes to mind? Benjamin Franklin wearing glasses in colonial costume and the Liberty Bell, perhaps. Its quaint, small-town charm has always balanced out big-city sensibilities, most recently in one of the most exciting,
In a town peppered with historical locations around every corner, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C., is a step above its counterparts. Made wholly out of marble, the original e di ce was constructed in 1842 and spanned an entire city block. It served as the General Post O ce until the Post O ce moved headquarters in the 1870s. e building fell into disrepair throughout much of the twentieth century and in 2002, Kimpton restored the building to its former splendor. Now, the stately classical columns welcome guests to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco experience, complete with 183 plush rooms and a bold, innovative design. e hotel is conveniently located in downtown D.C., close to a bevy of theaters, the National Mall, National Portrait Gallery, International Spy Museum, the convention center, and various Smithsonian institutions. monaco-dc.com Hand-in-hand with the Hotel Monaco’s chic vibe is its brand-new restaurant, Dirty Habit, which opened in fall 2016. Le Cordon Bleu alumnus and executive chef Kyoo Eom executes his farm-to-table vision with expert precision and a de hand, melding seemingly disparate ingredients and dishes into an exciting menu. His internationally inspired dishes range from delectable shrimp dumplings—Eom’s grandmother’s recipe—to a honey-glazed eggplant that just can’t be beat. And the new-wave approach to cuisine doesn’t stop there. Head Bartender Sarah Ruiz is singlehandedly making sherry sexy again; a highlight of the liquor list is the Lustau East India Solera, a sweet-and-spicy tipple to delight the senses. dirtyhabitdc.com Food for thought: Don’t miss the fabulous educational programs put on by Smithsonian Associates; their talks range from talks and wine tastings with “beer archaeologist” Dr. Patrick McGovern to discussions about the impact of virtual reality on our daily lives. ere’s something for everyone at Smithsonian Associates, the biggest museum-based educational program worldwide. Find your new favorite program at smithsonianassociates.org
THE S TUDY AT UNIVERSITY CITY
up-and-coming spots of Philadelphia: University City. Located in West Philadelphia, the area receives its moniker from the sprawling campuses of University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, among others. e neighborhood’s crown jewel is e Study at University City, which opened in 2017. is hotel—the brainchild of hotelier Paul McGowan—combines the feel of a modern boutique with the cozy, bookish feel of a library. e resulting ambiance produces an altogether welcoming stay for any group or individual, whether you’re looking at colleges in the fall or attending a graduation in the spring. Enter e Study (second of its kind, following e Study at Yale inNew Haven, CT) through the Living Room, a lobby that’s more of a breathing hub than a single room. Strategically placed bookshelves carry specially selected tomes, while display cases show o items from local museums and writing desks o er postcards to stir the letter-writing mood. Continuing the bibliophilic theme, e Study’s handsome guest rooms feature separate living spaces complete with desks, bookshelves, and so leather ottomans, nurturing environments perfect for writing a novel, penning some poetry, or just diving into a new book. A er working up an appetite reading or writing your next bestseller (or conducting a meeting in the exceptional event spaces), head down to the CO-OP Restaurant and Lounge . e seasonal menu focuses on fresh local ingredients that make your palate sing. You might choose to engage your mind exploring the well- stocked bookshelves in the Living Room and in each guest room, but there are plenty of equally intriguing opportunities just around the corner. e Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presents beautifully curated exhibitions and fascinating event series and lectures by world-renowned scholars. thestudyatuniversitycity.com
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KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO
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