Warrior staffer Sydney Morrison gives you the inside scoop on how to get cultural without traveling more than 30 miles!

by Sydney Morrison ’13

2 Amys Restaurant – Cleveland Park, D.C.

2 Amys is an authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria that puts anything from eggplant to whole shrimp on its wood-fired pies. The restaurant is recognized by the Italian government itself as “Denominazione di Origine Controllata,” which means it uses the proper ingredients and methods to produce authentic Neapolitan pizza. With fresh, handmade dough, Italian plum tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, eating at 2 Amys is the equivalent of dining in a real Italian pizzeria. Located a mile from the Cleveland Park metro station, head out early – they don’t take reservations and they’re always busy – stroll down Macomb Street and enjoy the weather before you dine, inside or outside, on some of the best Italian cuisine you will ever have.

China Garden – Rosslyn, VA

Every Friday and Saturday (from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) some of the best

dim sum is wheeled between tables, ready to be delivered right to your plate. Since the majority of us won’t be traveling to southern China for spring break, China Garden is the perfect place to get a mouthful of some authentic Chinese food. Unlike the local Olney favorites such as Hunan Delight, China Garden is a Cantonese-styled restaurant, giving you something different to look forward to on the 40 minute drive down to Rosslyn, and during the long wait to sit down. Say no to the cashew chicken for once, this dim sum is where it’s at.

Great Falls National Park – McLean, VA

You don’t need to trek across the country to Colorado this spring break to view gorgeous mountains and beautiful scenery. With that springtime weather finally deciding to make an appearance, visiting Great Falls National Park is the perfect way to soak it all up. The National Park includes the Potomac River, which is surrounded by rocky cliffs and green scenery, an ultimate location for a long hike or rock climbing (if you have the right equipment). The Falls are also a great area for kayaking, canoeing and biking with family and friends. Pack a lunch, and don’t forget a water bottle because while the Great Falls is home to some amazing views, the main trail is five miles of rocky, demanding terrain.

Food Trucks – Washington D.C.

Don’t feel like you can’t experience new cultures just because you aren’t on a first class flight to Europe or Indonesia. You live right down the road from one of the most ethnically diverse places in the U.S. of A: Washington, DC! And with its enormous food truck culture, foods from around the world are brought right to your front door. Trucks like Fojol Bros. dish out tasty cuisine from places like India, Ethiopia, Thailand and more every day. Chef Driven DC serves Thai style pork sliders and fresh ceviche while Pepe makes Spanish inspired flauta sandwiches that are well worth the crisp $20 bill you will be handing over to them. Follow @fojolbros, @chefdrivendc, and @pepefoodtruck on Twitter to keep track of their locations!

The National Geographic Museum – Washington, D.C.

Discover the amazing birds of paradise and the wild cats of Africa. Walk in the footsteps of Indiana Jones as you embark on an interactive museum adventure. The National Geographic Museum allows you to travel the world without leaving their walls. Watch films about the Amazon Rainforest and the African elephants that are fighting for their lives. Journey to different countries with the amazing photography throughout the museum. If anywhere is worth travelling this spring break, it’s The National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC.