Recap: Washington, D.C. Travel and Adventure Show

The District was taken by storm over the weekend as thousands of people convened at the Washington Convention Center for the 11th Annual Washington, D.C. Travel and Adventure Show.  It’s the ONLY travel show in the D.C. area where travelers can visit with various tourism boards and speak with reputable companies to book their next vacations.

I was only able to attend the show Saturday morning but I’m glad I went. The show featured tourism boards of destinations far, far from DC (and its cold weather) like Turks and Caicos, Antigua & Barbuda, Martinique, and St. Martin.

However, there was no shortage of a local presence, with tourism boards from Atlantic City, Virginia Beach and West Virginia present, in addition to local attractions like Busch Gardens and River and Trail Outfitters.

I started my morning by visiting with the folks over at Busch Gardens, where I participated in a cooking demonstration.

The chef made some delicious lettuce tofu wraps (they tasted way better than they sound).  We learned about their culinary program at the park as well as their upcoming Food and Wine Festival that takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 – June 28.

Next, I headed over to an exhibit by Sea World to stand far away from play with some furry and not so furry creatures.  This exhibit was perfect for curious kids…adults too.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

I wandered up and down the aisles, visiting various destination booths and ended up at the Travel Channel, where I was able to transport myself on a Bucket List trip in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

My last stop for the day was a session with Pauline Frommer of Frommer’s fame, which I actually enjoyed and thought was really insightful.  Here are some key takeaways from her talk:

• Tuesday is no longer the day to book travel to save money…it’s SUNDAY!  Travelers have saved up to 19% by booking on Sundays.
• New York City has the highest hotel rates in this HEMISPHERE. The average is $275 per night.  Insane.
• It’s best to book domestic travel 57 days before departure and 171 days before international travel.
• Book travel insurance through a 3rd party, never through the travel provider.
• Some top destinations for 2015 include Belize, Belgium, Tanzania (love!), Asheville, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Malaga, Spain.
  

I wish I had time to walk around and attend more sessions, but the little time I did spend at the show was well worth it.  There was something for people of all ages.  If someone was looking for a relaxing vacation or adventurous trip to take this summer with their family, significant other or alone, I’m sure they were able to find it.  I’ll definitely be back next year!

For a full list of exhibitors, click here.

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck

DC “DCocktail” Series: Copycat Co.

The DC “DCocktail” Series highlights the food, ambiance, and most especially the cocktails at restaurants in and around the District of Columbia.  We find out about the background of the cocktail menu and how the restaurant uses it to make its mark on the nation’s capital.

Open since November 2014, Copycat Co. (1110 H Street NE, 20002) is a new dumpling shop and cocktail bar located in the H St. Corridor of NE Washington, DC.  I was able to chat with owner Devin Gong, taste a few cocktails on their extensive menu and sample a couple of food items.

Cocktails

According to Devin, Copycat’s focus is on making classic cocktails really well.  Cocktails like the Old-Fashioned, Sours, Fizzes, Collins, DC Rickeys, and Mules are all staples on their permanent menu.

“That’s where the name ‘Copycat’ comes from.  I’m not trying to make my own, more like we’re curating a drink list,” Gong says.  Copycat also has a temporary cocktail menu, which Devin aims to rotate each week but each board stays up about 2-3 weeks.

What happens if you want the same cocktail you had a few weeks ago? Don’t fret!  If you remember the name (or check out their online menu archives) they’ll make that for you too.

Right now their drink menu is focused on bitters.  I tried Copycat’s Old Fashioned, Apple Toddy, and Trinidad Sour.  All very different but equally delicious.

Since they change the cocktail menu every week, there’s always something new to try at this burgeoning bar.  Their upcoming menu includes Tiki cocktails (bring on Spring!).

How much are Copycat’s cocktails?  Each cocktail is only $11, which is a steal in DC where drinks can go anywhere from $10 to $17.

Not in the mood for a cocktail?  They have a simple wine and beer menu, offering one red and one white wine with a few more beer options.  “I try to keep it as simple as possible,” says Gong.

Food

While this is a cocktail bar, they do offer dumplings, baos and skewers. But there is no correlation between the food and drink menus.  “Cocktails are really meant for before and after dinner.  It’s never really meant for paring with dinner.  Wine paring for food is hard to beat,” says Gong.

You’re able to buy the ENTIRE food menu for $24. You read that right! Everything is a la carte.  I sampled the Triple delight dumplings (chicken, pork and beef) and spicy beef skewers.  They were the perfect bite size foods to enjoy with my cocktails.

Keep in mind that this is a cocktail bar, so if you’re looking for large plates, eat before you get there.

Ambiance

I loved the ambiance at Copycat.   With a new age speakeasy feel, cocktails take the center stage and everyone knows it.  Dark lighting, dark wood but with a brightly colored menu give this bar a modern twist.

Copycat is open 7 days a week and has late hours, closing at 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on weekends.  So if you’re hanging out and don’t want the night to end or you want a late night snack, this is the perfect place.

Be sure to stop by and tell them Will Drink For Travel sent you!

Cheers!

Ashlee
Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck