The 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 26. The annual event provides many opportunities to learn from industry leaders and experts, connect with others, and advocate for the movement. There’s plenty to see and do outside the Washington Convention Center, too. After a day of speakers, ceremonies, and sessions, check out any of these 15 ways to live like a local — as recommended by Callahan’s own employees.
FOOD
Capitol Hill
Located: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
We Recommend: A latte with any of Cameo’s homemade syrups and a cookie.
Good To Know: Cameo is located inside The Roost — an indoor food hall with good pizza and other food options for diners looking for more than just coffee.
Penn Quarter
Located: 900 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 (in the former bank vault in the lower level of the Riggs Hotel).
We Recommend: Pair a swanky cocktail with some down-home tater tots or pizza rolls. Or, make it a real party and opt for the Tots ’n Shots.
Good To Know: This chic cocktail bar is the first outside of Europe for world renowned bartender “Mr. Lyan,” who is known for his experimentation in sustainability.
U Street
Located: 908 W Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
We Recommend: The El Breakfast Wrap and a pour-over or latte.
Good To Know: This is the only Panamanian coffee shop in the city, which makes for a unique experience for those who have never had Panamanian coffee or food.
Located: 1201 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
We Recommend: All the coffee is amazing, but the cold brew is especially good. Pair it with a pastry for a guaranteed good day.
Good To Know: Indoor seating is limited, there is a large outdoor area for nice days. The area boasts as many dogs as humans in the outdoor area — perfect for a puppy fix.
Located: 1624 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
We Recommend: The ceviche mixto appetizer and the churrasco a lo pobre entrée.
Good To Know: The ambience is cozy and dimly lit, so it looks like a date-night venue, but it’s great for co-workers, too. The menu is perfect for sharing and passing plates around.
Union Station
Located: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20004 (in the Old Post Office Building).
We Recommend: An afternoon snack (served from 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) to tide you over during the long days of GAC.
Good To Know: Valent parking is available with $15 validation.
FUN
Capitol Hill
Located: 101 Independence Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20540
We Recommend: Staying late in DC? Attend a talk with Gershwin Prize honoree Joni Mitchell on March 2 at 7 P.M.
Good To Know: Attendance is free but reservations are required.
The United States Botanic Garden
Located: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
We Recommend: “Discover the World of Orchids,” the 27th annual joint orchid exhibit between the United States Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens.
Good To Know: The exhibit is free and opens Feb. 17. Dress for humidity and crowds.
Dupont Circle
Location: 2000 P St., NW, Washington, DC 20036
We Recommend: Choose your favorite author, and see what you can find.
Good To Know: The store houses a treasure trove of well-curated used books across a variety of subjects. It’s modest in size but easy to spend hours browsing.
National Mall
Located: 1050 Independence Ave. SW
We Recommend: A new exhibition, “Anyang: China’s Ancient City of Kings,” that explores the capital of China’s Shang Dynasty (1250 BCE – 1050 BCE).
Good To Know: The exhibit is free and opens Feb. 25.
Navy Yard
Located: 355 Water St SE, Washington
We Recommend: Ax throwing, ice carving, snowboarding, and jamming out to live music — all in support of Special Olympics DC.
Good To Know: This special event takes place Feb. 25, 1:00-4:00 P.M., so plan to arrive in DC early. Tickets cost $15.
Penn Quarter
Located: 800 F St NW., Washington, DC 20004 (approximately a 12-minute walk directly down the street from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center).
We Recommend: The Art Room, but all the spaces have amusing art and visually fun courses that make for a great picture. Also, the Tasty Green cocktail. Puttery has a full bar with beer, cocktails, and light bites.
Good To Know: There are three, nine-hole courses, and a round of play lasts approximately an hour. Prices vary. Food and drink is available. Reservations are recommended. All guests must be 21 or older.
Potomac Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Located: 1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 (between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials)
We Recommend: Learn about the Depression, WWII, FDR’s polio, and all four of his presidential terms in this massive memorial.
Good To Know: The memorial is walkable from the MLK and Jefferson Memorials and is well worth the (short) diversion.