Sep 22 2017

5 Things to Do In Winchester Virginia with Family or Friends

Things to Do In Winchester Virginia

There are more than a dozen things to do in Winchester Virginia without giving a visit to D.C. or Northern Virginia a thought.

I had the pleasure of exploring various activities in Winchester last week while attending an industry event.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Attracted by the slower pace, small-town charm and cheaper cost of living, Winchester is filled with retirees from the D.C.-Northern Virginia area.

Traveling to Winchester, VA from Maryland

The two-hour drive from Annapolis took me through three states: first, Maryland through the Shenandoah Valley pass and over the Potomac River. Then I drove through West Virginia for a few miles. Before I knew it, I was back in Virginia.

Once in Virginia, I drove over part of the Appalachian then past the C&O Canal byway. This alternate route helped me to avoid the congested 1-95/495 corridor.

Be sure to stop at Harper’s Ferry if you go this way. It’s a great way to take in the scenery of the BlueRidge mountains and imagine how the area looked over 150 years ago during the Civil War.

You’ll have a chance to walk through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park at your own pace. A self-guided tour is quite enjoyable. There are markers, maps, and diagrams to show you exactly where the action happened between Union and Confederate forces.

Replica canons and fencing decorate the landscape helping to transport the imagination.

The Eastern pan handle is rich with history. Antietam is less than 15 minutes away with John Brown’s headquarters not that much further.

A very brief history of Winchester, Virginia

Winchester is a cute town with its fair share of stories and history, much of which I didn’t know.

Did you know that the first time George Washington ran for office was for a seat in Winchester? He lost.

The second time he ran, he won but it cost him a hefty price in beer, ale, cider, wine and other libations to convince the German and Scottish residents to vote for him.

He eventually represented Frederick County, holding the Winchester county seat in the House of Burgess.

Washington oversaw construction of Fort Loudoun in 1756 during the French and Indian War while still a relatively young soldier.

It sounds like he made a name for himself thanks to Winchester, VA.

As Commander of the Virginia Regiment, he defended Virginia against the French and Native Americans in territory just west of Winchester.

Real history buffs will be familiar with this town even if you and I aren’t.

1. Eat or Stay at the George Washington Hotel

It’s hard for me to recommend any other place than the George Washington Hotel because I haven’t stayed anywhere else in Winchester, Virginia.

It comes as no surprise that the 97-year old George Washington hotel has its own bit of history.

Considered a historic property, the hotel was built in 1924. A relationship with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom festival allowed the hotel to attract famous clientele over the years. The apple festival helps to promote tourism in the Shenandoah Valley area.

Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Betty Crocker, and President Ford’s daughter stayed at the George Washington.

The Rooms at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia

Though the rooms are renovated to include modern amenities, the furnishings help the hotel maintain a historic feel.

I stayed in a very spacious room on the top floor (room 514) in a double-bed room and enjoyed a good night’s rest. Pillows were ample and the bedding was cozy.

My main critique is the carpet and mattress. The carpet in my room was stained and could stand being replaced.

The box springs should probably have bed skirts. There’s something about seeing an off-white, naked box spring that destroys the look of a room.

Tours in the area

In the hotel lobby near the elevators, you will see a list of tours in town that you can take.

I braved an evening ghost tour on my last night in town. The tour focused on the town’s role in the Civil War. Our guide convinced us to help her communicate with lingering spirits. (If you believe in that stuff).

2. Saumaj Health Spa at the George Washington Hotel

This day spa experience exceeded my expectations. Dawn Ventress and Kelly Davall worked on my face and body, respectively.

It was a pampering session like no other.

The Saumaj Health Spa is located on the bottom floor of the hotel adjacent to the George’s Food & Spirits restaurant. Previously the men and women’s bathroom area and entryway for the hotel’s gym and pool, owner Kelly Davall renovated the section 6 years ago to offer spa services to hotel guests.

George Washington Pool — The hotel pool on the other side of the spa.

Five years later, her clientele is a 50/50 mix of both guests and locals to whom she provides a 10% discount on services. With prices ranging from $40 for a 30 minute massage to $100 for 90 minutes and highly-skilled magic fingers, Saumaj spa is a steal.

A spa experience is part amenities, part scenery and part service. A noteworthy experience all boils down to your technician.

If the technician doesn’t do it for you, it doesn’t matter if your services is at a fancy posh hotel in London with high prices.

My massage with Kelly could have been in the toilet room and I would’ve been impressed!

Okay, maybe that’s going too far. You get my drift.

The complimentary massage was one of the best massages I’ve ever experienced and gratefully, I’ve had plenty of amazing spa experiences in incredible destinations.

What made it so freaking amazing?

It wasn’t the scenery. It was the service 101%.

Once you step inside Kelly’s treatment room and surrender to her hands and that massage table, you’re transported out of Winchester.

And let’s just say not only have I never had a whole ear massage before as part of my body treatment but I also can’t imagine what Kelly’s deep tissue massage service is like.

Deep tissue wasn’t what I ordered but it sure felt like what I got. And it was goooood. Real good.

Saumaj Spa Owner — Magic Hands Kelly, Saumaj’s friendly spa owner

A dedicated practitioner and from what I can tell, a hard-working woman, Kelly’s Saumaj Health Spa is worth the trip on its own!

3. Get a taste for town life at the Old Town Winchester Walking Mall

This promenade of shops, historic buildings and restaurants is affectionately known as the living room of Winchester. This is where all the action happens in town.

If you want to pick up a walking tour, this is where you meet.

Stroll past the oldest continuously running pharmacy in the Frederick County area, a 200-year old Masonic temple, an ex-Civil War hospital with a below-ground floor rumored to be haunted, a homemade ice-cream parlor, limestone structures and a host of specialty stores.

The pedestrian area is quiet on a Tuesday evening but as the week progresses so does the crowd.

This “living room” of the locals is also the neighborhood of preference for millennials. My history guide explained that it’s easier for them to drink, party and go to bed without worrying about having to drive.

Strategic. Makes sense.

The walking mall is a cool place to sit outside, grab a bite and people watch. You have options like:

Even if you don’t grab something to eat – though I highly recommend grabbing ice-cream from the Red Fox Creamery – you can find a seat on a bench or a planter to take in the sights.

On a side street off the main walkway, I stumbled upon an eclectic eatery called The Chef’s Market.

If you’re in luck, the soup of the day will be cream of broccoli made with sherry. Indulge and grab one of their fresh rolls while you sit at a bistro table watching locals pass by.

4. Take a step back in time at the Historic Rosemont Manor

This 200-year old manor has been home to a judge, lawyer and a governor.

The Virginia mansion sits on on a knoll facing east over the Shenandoah Valley with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The 5000-acre property in Berryville serves as both a wedding venue and corporate meeting area. With its 12 guest rooms and guest houses groups and individuals can enjoy a wonderful getaway with a dash of Southern hospitality.

For me afternoon teas are the main attraction.

There’s nothing like drinking a warm cuppa in delicate colorful china coupled by adorable yummy finger sandwiches.

The signature “Byrd Blend” tea was a complex and tasty black tea blend. All of the tea blends are created especially for the Manor by a local tea shop in Winchester.

I’m sorry I missed walking into this shop while I was in town.

At any rate the Manor house teas are held throughout the year on select dates. Pricing is extremely affordable at only $44 per person excluding tax and gratuity.

That’s about half the price of what I pay when out for afternoon tea in London.

You can also schedule a tour of the manor and the grounds ahead of your afternoon tea. This would be a delightful addition to a girls’ day trip from the Baltimore-Washington area.

5. Play around on the farm at Richard’s Fruit Market

If you visit Winchester in the late Summer/early Fall, you MUST stop at one of the farms just outside of the downtown area.

Richard’s Fruit Market is 10 minutes from downtown Winchester. It’s the cutest little family-owned farm with beautiful fresh produce.

This time of year it’s all about the apples.

The apple cider is fresh as is the peach cobbler and just about anything else that you purchase in the farm market.

This farm was particularly cute thanks to its petting zoo. This is the place to bring the kids.

I was drawn to the fluffy pair of bunny rabbits, convinced that maybe I had found the family pet. That was until two people separately informed me of how much they poop.

Nevermind.

Besides bunny poop, there are other animals you and your kids can pet on the farm.

If you’re looking for a pick-your-own farm in Winchester, Virginia then drive over to Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market. This centennial farm has been in the same family for 4 or 5 generations.

Enjoy amazing warm apple cider donuts, ice cream, floats after you venture out to pick your own apples or berries.

And what’s a farm visit without a dose of retail therapy?

Besides the dozen donuts, Macintosh apples and fresh apple cider, I picked up a beautiful fare-trade handmade basket from Ghana.

Anytime I can support artisans, craftspeople, makers, and farmers, I do.

In the farm’s shop, you’ll find an assortment of other goods you can buy.

So there you have it. There are several other things to do in Winchester whether you’re traveling with or without your kids.

The goal is to escape the hustle of the Baltimore-Washington area and indulge in a slower pace for a spell.

Feb 15 2016

The Best Hotels In The Mid-Atlantic

Over the past six years of traveling, I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the mid-atlantic, all within driving distance from my home. What I like most about many of these hotels is that they are historic properties filled with rich stories of the past and standard-setting architecture.

The following post which originally appeared on The Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog, highlights a few of the best hotels in the Mid-Atlantic, a couple of which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.

The Mid-Atlantic states are comprised of a broad range of cultures, geographies, and sightseeing opportunities—and that’s exactly what makes this such a great region to visit. Whether you have your eye on New York, Virginia, or any of the states in between, you’re guaranteed a unique travel experience. What’s more, you’ll also have access to some of the country’s best accommodations. Case in point? Just take a look at these five exceptional Mid-Atlantic hotels.

1. Fairmont Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Right in the heart of Steel City lies the Fairmont Pittsburgh, which offers 4.5-star accommodations in addition to its stellar location. You’ll never tire of things to do in the area; nearby attractions include Heinz Hall, Monongahela Incline, Heinz Field, PNC Park, and tons of theater, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. When you’ve had your fill of Pittsburgh’s thriving cultural scene, head back to the hotel to relax via the on-site health club, sauna, steam room, restaurants, or spa, which includes massage, aromatherapy, and pedicure treatments. Even Fido is welcome in this 185-room hotel: Guests are permitted up to two cats or dogs per room.

2. Hotel Monaco Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Unique amenities abound at Hotel Monaco—think an in-room Xbox, yoga mats, animal-print robes, a stocked bar (including organic options), and personalized wake-up calls. These modern comforts belie the hotel’s storied history: It was originally built in 1906 as the B&O Railroad headquarters. Today, some of that historical gravitas remains in the form of marble stairs, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass. Luxury isn’t just to be found in the hotel’s architecture; guests can sip on a complimentary glass of wine by the lobby’s fireplace before pampering themselves with in-room spa services. If you manage to pull yourself away from the hotel, you’ll be able to explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor within 10 minutes. The hotel is also near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Convention Center.

3. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia, PA

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s rich culture by booking a stay at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The hotel is located in the heart of Philly’s theater district. (Case in point: The Hyatt is only two blocks away from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.) It’s also only five blocks from central Rittenhouse Square, around which are a host of restaurants and upscale shopping opportunities. If you prefer history to shopping, head to City Hall (it’s less than ten minutes away on foot) or the Liberty Bell (a 15-minute walk from the hotel). The hotel is also a destination in its own right—the gorgeous building features marble baths, modern amenities, and stunning city views in addition to a nationally acclaimed fitness center.

4. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC

Since 1930, the Omni Shoreham has played host to U.S. presidents, inaugural balls, and world leaders from across the globe. But you don’t have to be famous to enjoy the hotel’s four-star luxury accommodations. Guests can choose from a variety of deluxe rooms or luxury suites; no matter which you select, expect the room to be decked out with granite-topped wet bars, stainless steel bathroom fixtures, and gorgeous artwork. Unwind at the Shoreham Spa & Health Club, stroll through the poolside green gardens, or take a nap in a backyard hammock. Hankering for a bite to eat? Simply head to the hotel’s full-service restaurant. Or strike out into downtown Washington, DC; the hotel is steps away from a variety of restaurants, Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo, and the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station, which will take you to popular attractions like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in a matter of minutes.

5. Omni Richmond Hotel, Richmond, VA

It’ll be tough to leave your room at the Omni Richmond, where luxury and Southern hospitality merge in a wonderful way. Guest rooms feature premium bedding, pillow-top mattresses, and Egyptian-cotton sheets; hypo-allergenic bedding is available upon request. Room service is available 24 hours per day, or guests can help themselves to meals or snacks at the hotel’s restaurant (Trevi’s Grille) or lounge (Trevi’s Lounge). The hotel is particularly well designed for business travelers. It offers a business center, 14 meeting rooms, and a massive conference space. Those looking to explore Richmond will love the hotel’s location—the surrounding area is packed with restaurants and sightseeing opportunities, including historical boat tours.

Jul 04 2015

A Staycation at The Family Friendly Avenue Suites DC

Avenue Suites Georgetown — Walking along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Georgetown.

The summer is in full swing, which means it’s prime season for family travel and for us, that means a DC staycation in family-friendly accommodations.

Every year we make it a point to do a staycation because there’s so much we have yet to discover in our backyard. Neither one of us are natives, so although we’ve lived in the DC metro area for over 10 years, we’re still exploring. With all the things todo in DC it’s usually our #1 choice for a local family getaway.

One of the biggest challenges with our DC staycations is finding a proper family friendly hotel. As you can probably guess, hotels in DC vary in price and style. We like to stay in a place that offers the amenities we need and is centrally located to the things we want to do.

Avenue Suites DC

Our Father’s Day weekend getaway brought us to the Avenue Suites DC, a Modus hotel. Although neither one of us was familiar with the Avenue Suites, we quickly learned that it was a popular choice for other families as well. Rated #5 on Trip Advisor for DC hotels, we ran into several international guests and families. At one point when we walked through the library, I felt like I was in a European hotel.

Aside from the various accents, the hotel’s modern decor with its simple decor and iconic photographs through the hallways and along the walls, “trick” you into thinking that you’re somewhere other than DC.

The Room

We stayed in a premium two-room suite on the 10th floor with a view that faced Pennsylvania Avenue. The kids enjoyed the extra space just as much as we did. I had to drag my 11-year old out of the bedroom where he sprawled himself out choosing to watch TV “and relax” over exploring Georgetown. Meanwhile in the living room, my husband made himself comfortable on the couch as he caught up with the latest sports news.

My 7-year old bounced between the living room and the kitchen, high off of a chocolate chip ice-cream cookie sandwich from local vendor and Avenue Suites partner Captain Cookie and the Milkman. I couldn’t blame him for it – the hand-made chocolate chip cookie sandwiches were addictive and out of this world.

The best characteristics about our room were the overall space and the full kitchen. My 11-year old enjoyed his time in bed. I thought the bed was average and that the bathroom could use some modernization. The overall decor of the room was tastefully done: simple, modern and comfortable.

Stock The Fridge

Every hotel should offer a program like this for their family travelers. Talk about a convenience ahead of your arrival. I was able to order from a list of basic Trader Joe offering, just enough to satiate us ahead of hours of exploring. Trader Joe’s being just across the street, anything else I needed (like wine) was a 5-minute walk away.

The Stock-The-Fridge program had a minimum purchase of $25 ahead of taxes and a nominal delivery fee. I chose for us: fruit, popcorn, pretzels, water and lemonade. However, you could also stock the fridge with salad, pizza, and other quick-eat items.

Sweet Summer Package

Another smart offering that the Avenue Suites has for families is the Sweet Summer Package. It includes:

ice-cream sandwich welcome
one-hour canoe or kayak rental on the Potomac
late Sunday checkout
premium room upgrade (an extra 50 sq. ft.)

My boys headed straight for the ice cream sandwiches within 10 minutes of being in the suite. When no one was looking, I quietly enjoyed mine as well. It’s been a few weeks and I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s certainly the best I’ve ever had.

Saturday Yoga

I paid for my food sins the next morning at the 9a.m. outdoor yoga class. Although it rained on our parade. We moved our Namaste into a conference room and still had a relaxing morning experience. Our class of 8 stretched and meditated for an hour under the instruction of a Georgetown Yoga teacher – a free treat for our bodies, minds and souls.

The single working elevator and the lack of a pool were a challenge. Eventually the elevator will be in order but summer is a rough time to deal with the inconvenience in a hotel filled with families like your own. It was the #1 complaint I heard from hotel guests as we waited to go up to our room.

The lack of a pool is an entirely different story and a missing amenity that we were only able to deal with by spending as much time as we could exploring Georgetown. Pools are important to our kids and tend to be the highlight of their hotel stays. We do our best to oblige by choosing a property that offers one.

Overall, I’m a fan of the Avenue Suites DC for a one-night family staycation in the Capital. My babies are swimmers so I couldn’t stay for too long. It’s important to know what kind of travelers everyone in your family is and what makes them happy when they’re on a getaway. Gratefully our large suite, our stocked kitchen, the friendly staff, central location, and those delicious chocolate chip ice cream cookie sandwiches offset what was missing and kept the family smiling for the weekend.

We were guests of the Avenue Suites DC who hosted one day of our weekend stay. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jan 19 2015

The Mountain of Despair: Traveling to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in DC

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is one of the most beautiful memorials in Washington, DC. It is located at 1964 Independence Avenue in West Potomac Park. The address commemorates the year that the 1964 Civil Rights Act became law.

I remember when it first opened in 2011. We, like so many others, were excited to visit. It was DC’s second proudest moments in recent years.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Finally, a man who had done so much for advancing the civil rights of blacks in America, as well as other disadvantaged communities, was being memorialized on the National Mall. It’s an honor that’s usually reserved for presidents.

The Walk There

The air was infectious. People were selling all kinds of paraphernalia on the roads as crowds of different nationalities walked eagerly to set eyes on the park. You could feel the excitement.

My mother, sister and nephews came to visit from New York. I had their weekend completely planned out. We were going on a family day trip to check out the memorial together.

My Mother’s Journey

I could tell that my mother, the only one in our little group who had experienced it all, was beyond excitement. I remembered her recounting the day of Dr. King’s assassination. She was 20 years old at the time. My sister was a newborn. She said that when she heard the news all she did was cry.

I could only imagine.

In her lifetime, she’s seen a lot. She knows what it was like to grow up in a Jim Crow society, to read about lynchings on the regular, church bombings, blatant segregation. The America that we live in today, although some wrongs have been righted, is still struggling with the same issues and injustices. The country has come a long way but there’s still deep-rooted problems infesting our society. All they do is hold us back from progressing further.

Watching my mother’s face as she took it all in was a blessing. I wondered what that was like to live through such stark social transitions irregardless of us not being there yet.

The walk to the Memorial from the North part of the National Mall (the closest place where we could find parking) was bright and open. Although visiting in August of 2011 can be hot, it’s also convenient. The tulips are in bloom and nature is just as energetic as the people who make their way to the National Memorial.

MLK Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park sits on 4 acres of land. It is an open and beautiful layout of stone and white granite blocks. When you enter the park from the Northwest corner, you walk past a 450 feet long crescent shaped granite wall inscribed with excerpts from Dr. King’s sermons and speeches. Those fourteen excerpts were pulled from various speeches of Dr. King’s ranging from 1955-1968.

You’ll read in the National Park Service’s brochure for the Memorial that the inscriptions were chosen to highlight four of Dr. King’s primary messages: “injustice, democracy, hope, and love.”

A 30-ft. high relief of King is called the Stone of Hope” and is the centerpiece of the Memorial Park. There are two quotes on this behemoth of stone, one on each side:

“Out of the Mountain of Despair, a Stone of Hope.”

“I was a Drum Major for Justice, Peace, and Righteousness.”

I couldn’t help but lay my brown hands on the stone, to absorb the power of his words and pray for the best in this country. I watched my mother read the inscriptions, taking quiet moments of pause. I was happy that I brought her here.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial is a must-see if you’re traveling to DC, with or without kids. Our generation doesn’t have a leader of the same caliber of Dr. King. However, this doesn’t mean that we should stop striving to recalibrate ourselves.

Mar 26 2013

Corner of Happy and Healthy: Walgreens Flagship Store Washington DC

If you weren’t already in love with Washington, D.C., I have one more reason for you to put it on your must-travel list: the new Walgreens D.C. flagship store. Walgreens, you ask? Yes, Walgreens! And let me tell you why. Last week, I attended the grand opening of the Walgreens flagship store Washington DC, and it’s beautiful. I might be in love. They are radically changing the way consumers shop at a drugstore chain and the pharmacy experience. There’s so much to say about the store, I don’t know where to begin.

Location Location Location

The Walgreens D.C. “Flagship” store is in an awesome location. At the corner of Happy and Healthy, it’s right in the middle of Chinatown on the corner of 7th and H Street in Northwest D.C. You can’t miss it as it sits just below the beautiful Chinese arch that lets you know you’re in Chinatown (just in case you were confused). It’s two blocks away from the Verizon Center, where just about every major show in D.C. takes place. Case in point, the night that we were there, the Circus was in town. And it’s also a 5-minute walk from the D.C. Convention Center, both venues which I’ve recently visited for events.

Not only is this new store convenient for visitors who have Chinatown, or the Verizon Center, or the Convention Center on their visit-D.C. agenda, but it’s also convenient for the hundreds of businesses and locals that frequent the area.

Facts

When I walked into the Washington D.C. Flagship store, it was bright, colorful, well-lit, inviting, and nicely organized. Forget everything that you THINK you know about Walgreens. I know I did. The 21,400 square feet store has three levels and is what I’d call a shopping mom’s daydream (okay, so maybe that’s more opinion than fact). My husband is lucky that we don’t live around the corner from here. A “quick run for some medicine” would turn into a three-hour shopping and relaxation excursion.

On the lower level you have the pharmacy, Take Care Clinic, consumables, dry goods, and adult beverages. On the first level, there’s the Up Market, fresh food items, and photo area. on the second level, you’ll find the Beauty and LOOK Boutique. All in all, the store has 12 registers, all spread through the store.

First Level

On the first level of the store, where you’d walk in, you will find all of the store’s fresh offerings, its Up Market brand items, and where you can take photos for passports or pick up photos. Forget about having to go to multiple stores to grab a sandwich, frozen yogurt, coffee, and treat.

You can find them all here on the first floor. This Walgreens has hundreds of food items including produce for that quick non-supermarket run, on-the-go meal options such as wraps, sandwiches, and salads that are made fresh daily, as well as fresh bakery goods like cupcakes, scones, croissants, muffins and more. There’s an amazing juice and smoothie bar with fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in unique recipes, all of which are listed on a menu on an overhead plasma screen. Notice how many times I mention “fresh”? Yes, that’s the point – the store is fresh (to go a little old school on you), and, it’s selling fresh.

If you want something a little warmer, the Upmarket Cafe offers a barista that prepares fresh brewed premium coffees and espressos. I had a delicious chai-tea latte made with soy while I was there. Yay! They offered soy milk. Two thumbs up! Perhaps, you want something a little less sophisticated and more fun like a drink from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine which dispenses 130 varieties of Coca Cola fountain drinks, some of which aren’t normally found in the United States.

Maybe the kids (or you) want something even cooler, like a cup of frozen yogurt. The self-serve fro-yo machine offers several flavors in addition to a toppings bar. This first floor has 9 registers, so don’t worry about waiting around too long to make your purchases.

Lower Level

Going down the escalators into the lower level of the Walgreens is kinda like jumping in a rabbit hole where you’re excited and not quite sure what to expect after experiencing the awesomeness of the first floor. Needless to say, the lower level does not disappoint.

Well-organized rows of consumables, dry goods, and over the counter drugs invite you to explore and shop. One of the things I loved about this level was that I could see myself coming down here to grab everything I needed for a party at a friend’s house. Bottles of wine line the walls of the first aisles, and chips, nuts, cookies, crackers, etc. are in adjacent aisles. However, the best feature of the lower level is definitely Walgreens’ revolutionary pharmacy area and its Take Care Clinic.

The enhanced, state-of-the-art pharmacy isn’t like anything you’ve seen. It’s designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients, and make the pharmacy process more convenient overall for the consumer. There’s a desk for the pharmacist to sit at, which is in front of and away from where prescriptions are filled (which is concealed behind a frosted glass window). You can stop at the desk to ask the pharmacist a question or you can have a chat in the adjacent consultation room.

If you’re there in a hurry, or know what you need, there’s an iPad equipped health guide to help you navigate a wide range of health and wellness products as well as Express Rx kiosks for swift checkout.

Steps away from the pharmacy area is the Take Care Clinic which offers a wide range of health care services, including vaccinations, health tests, physicals and treatments for minor illnesses and injuries. Ever seen a price list at your doctor’s office? Well, guess who has one displayed on a plasma screen for complete transparency? That’s right, the Walgreens Take Care Clinic. Practical and convenient. This puts the healthcare process back in the hands of the patient. I see it as a sort of decentralization of the family doctor process. No more waiting weeks to get a simple sports form filled out for your child.

The prices listed for services were affordable, even if you don’t have insurance, which Walgreens accepts.

Second Level

Now this is the level where you really forget where you are. Riding up the escalator to this floor is like an ascent into me-time Heaven. I was sad to leave the space. This is where we ladies could really lose track of time.

The second level is where you will find the Look Boutique and the Beauty department. If you want a quick manicure, there’s a Nail Bar waiting to spoil you. And at $12 a manicure, you’ll definitely be spoiled.

Say you want to get your eyebrows shaped – there’s an Eyebrow Bar for that!

The LOOK Boutique department features dozens of prestige and niche cosmetic, skincare and hair care brands that you won’t typically find in drugstores. These are some of your higher-end brands that you may see in other beauty-specific shops or even overseas, such as No. 7, Britain’s leading skincare brand, and Gosh skincare out of Denmark. There are dozens of other brands as well as a scent bar, petting station (to touch and feel makeup brushes before you buy), a section of high-end blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, and much more.

The Walgreens Flagship Experience

Walgreens D.C. Flagship store is doing its thing in changing the shopping experience at a pharmacy chain store – it’s like nothing you’ve experienced. The company has 5 other flagship locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Vegas, New York, and Puerto Rico, all designed to complement the communities within which they exist.

The company’s core purpose is to help people get, stay, and live well. And for the residents and visitors of Washington, D.C., I think this store will do just that. You can check out more of my pics from the store and other information about Walgreens as well here.

I was invited to the opening of the Walgreens store opening by Collective Bias. I was compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and Walgreens #CBias #SocialFabric. All opinions, of course, are my own.