In Commmand

Away Game: Washington D.C.

Bengals v. Commanders

Saturday, August 26, 6:05 p.m.
FedEx Field
1600 Fedex Way, North Englewood, MD

From CVG, Allegiant, American and Delta have direct flights to D.C. Southwest flies to Baltimore, which is a 38-minute train ride from D.C.

Washington, D.C. is about an 8-hour drive from Cincinnati.

Sometimes American football ends in a tie, which we were all reminded of last weekend. The Bengals hit the road again this week look for a W, heading to Washington D.C. to face the Commanders.

Making the trip? We’ll make sure you’ve a place to stay, some downtime activities, and even a Cincinnati-friendly sports bar!

Diehard fan

You want to be close to the action, not sitting in traffic. The Courtyard Largo Capital Beltway Hotel is right across from FedEx Field. The Courtyard has three room options which all include wifi and access to the indoor pool and fitness center. Staying here will make the rest of your trip easy so you won’t even have to worry about grabbing an Uber on game day,

If you’re looking for a laid back sports bar in D.C., head to Looney's Pub – College Park. About a 20-minute drive from the stadium area, it’s completely worth the drive. This unassuming sports bar looks quaint, but their food and cocktail menus will impress you. Looney’s has 18 rotating beers on draft and TONS of craft cocktails, shots, crushes, and wine, Don’t miss the crab pretzel (an interesting but must-try combo!) and their one-of-a-kind honey Old Bay wings. This hidden gem has tons of TVs and late hours so you can stop in after the game, have a beer, and get some delicious food.

Washington D.C. does not disappoint when it comes to sightseeing. Everyone knows there’s nothing more American than football, so why not learn some more about our beautiful country? The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a great option for a weekend trip. Admission is free and you can even improve your football knowledge. The museum has football memorabilia dating all the way back to 1880 including a vintage Bengals pennant, the football used in Super Bowl XIV, the helmet worn by Ohio State player Archie Griffin, and so much more.

On The Bandwagon

Even if you aren’t fully committed to your Bengals fandom just yet, a trip to D.C. is hard to pass up. You can still have catch the game and enjoy all options for you to have the best trip in D.C., while also catching a great game of football.

Stay close to the action and close to the sights of D.C. at The George Hotel by Kimpton. The George offers Keurigs in every room, a 24-hour fitness center, a nightly hosted wine hour, and the. French-inspired Bistro Bis.

If the sightseeing has you hungry, make a stop at Clyde's of Georgetown. With a menu that ranges from classic bar food – burgers and nachos – to upscale options such as a raw bar and filets, Clyde’s is a step above your typical sports bar. Close to The George, Clyde’s also has a fantastic happy hour and live music.

If you’re looking for a place to spend a relaxing afternoon, look no further than the United States Botanic Garden. Admission is free and the experience is priceless. Several different gardens spread across the property including a rose garden, pollinator garden, and a kitchen garden. In the Children’s Garden, young visitors can dig, climb, and play. It’s a great spot to re-charge the rest of your D.C. adventure.

Along for the Ride

If you’re looking for an excuse to take a trip to Washington D.C., adding a Bengals game to the mix certainly adds an element of fun.

If you are looking for an unforgettable stay in D.C., the Gaylord by Marriott is ideal. The dining options include a steakhouse, an interactive sports bar with miniature bowling, a cafe, an 80s-themed rooftop bar with specialty cocktails and retro vibes, and a lobby bar that serves fantastic drinks and stunning views. Need a break? Experience the ultimate relaxation experience at the Relâche Spa.

The Gaylord has an indoor Olympic-size pool made for fitness enthusiasts and energetic kiddos. Their 24-hour fitness center is stocked with cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise bikes. The Gaylord is also right in the heart of D.C. action.

If the walking, swimming, and weekend activities have you hungry, head to Il Canale. This restaurant has over 2,500 5-star reviews on Yelp, and for good reason. Their authentic Italian food will have your mouth watering and won’t break the bank.

Il Canale is known for their delicious pizzas, pastas, and tiramisu. Their menu is huge and includes gluten-free options and kids meals, so there will be something for everyone in your party. They also have a drink menu with a large selection of wines and cocktails. Having trouble deciding what to order because everything looks so delicious? The lobster ravioli (holy yum!) and the La Regina Pizza – tomato sauce, imported mozzarella, fresh prosciutto, ricotta cheese, parmesan, olive oil and basil – are two of their top-rated options. (If you say your mouth isn’t watering right now, you’re lying.)

Sure, D.C. does have lots of great monuments and historic buildings to see, but if you’re looking for something a less touristy, check out the FreshFarm Market in DuPont Circle. This amazing farmer’s market is located in one of the most historic neighborhoods in D.C. and offers wonderful views as well as a great experience. The Sunday market, open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offers fresh produce, delicious pastries, fresh eggs, yummy sandwiches, handmade dumplings, seasonal soaps, local beers, live music, and (drumroll please) free samples! This market brings in more than 50 different weekly vendors.

A visit to D.C. is always a great idea. Pair the trip with a Bengals game is a win-win!

– by Marley Smith