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Founded in 1751, this northwest Washington DC neighbourhood, whose establishment precedes that of the United States capital, is now largely home to some of the city's most affluent, famous and politically connected residents. The city's preservation laws have ensured that Georgetown has successfully retained much of the village's old colonial charm after more than two centuries. Stroll down any of the cobblestone side streets and you will find yourself in a bygone era, surrounded by painstakingly restored Georgian mansions and elegant Victorian Queen Anne-style homes.
These days, Georgetown is well known for its dense population of medium to high-end retail stores along the main thoroughfares M Street and Wisconsin. Some of the best spots often go unnoticed because of the vast selection of stores and restaurants, or simply because they are not located on the two main corridors. But dig a bit deeper, step off the tourist-trodden paths and you'll quickly discover what's great about Georgetown.
 1 BACCHUS WINE CELLAR
At Bacchus, a comfortably opulent, Middle Eastern style wine cellar, Bassam Alkahouaji, the extremely knowledgeable owner is always available and willing for consultation. Actually, one of his specialties is helping customers build their own wine cellars, and with over 700 bottles of wine to choose from, asking for help is a good idea! Stop in on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening for complimentary wine tasting-a fantastic opportunity to develop your palette.
www.bwcellar.com;
202-337-2003
1635 Wisconsin Ave NW |
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 2 DOLCEZZA
Refuel with Argentinean gelato. Who knew chocolate fudge curry anything could be so sinfully delightful! Creamy pear sorbetto is ideal if you're feeling in a breezy mood; its flavour is intense but not overpowering or, if you're on the move take a caramel-filled churro to go.
www.dolcezzagelato.com;
202-333-4646; 1560 Wisconsin Ave NW
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 3 PAPERMOON
A chic Italian restaurant by day, when the sun goes down Papermoon transforms into a groovy nightclub with an intimate lounge atmosphere, and on Saturday nights into a hot salsa club with a sophisticated international crowd that is not afraid to dance.
www.papermoon-dc.com;
202-965-6666; 1529 Wisconsin Ave NW |
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 4 MARVELOUS MARKET
You'll have a hard time not salivating as you stock up on a wide selection of picnic-per fect impor ted and gourmet cheeses, meats, pastries and freshly made bread.
www.marvelousmarket.com;
202-333-2591
3217 P Street NW
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 5 MIE N YU
Dining at Mie N Yu means pure indulgence in luxurious comfort cuisine and ambience. It's a fusion restaurant that gets it right, intermingling Asian, North African and European flavours. If you're a meat lover, there are even more selections to choose from. Do tr y the barbecued lamb shank, or shrimp and lobster imperial, an especially scrumptious selection.
www.mienyu.com;
202-333-6122
3125 M Street NW
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 6 HELA SPA
Not your typical medical spa, Hela, which means "complete" in Swedish, of fers a remarkably wide range of treatments with a holistic approach. Expect to be completely doted on while their accommodating and result-oriented team provides body work and skincare ser vices ranging from general aesthetics to more sophisticated medical treatments.
www.helaspa.com;
202 333 4445
3209 M Street NW
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 7 RELISH
At Relish, items are carefully selected by owner Nancy Pearlstein, who has a singular eye for original and truly fabulous designs, many from the collections of Junya Watanabe, Proenza Schouler, and others. She usually carries about seven designers at any given time. This season's dresses and boots are particularly beguiling. Don't be surprised if, when you return, your previous purchases are kept in consideration-that's how personalized the service is here.
www.relishdc.com; 202-333-5343
3312 Cady's Alley NW
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 8 BIKE RIDE ALONG THE CANAL TO FLETCHER'S BOATHOUSE
A bicycle with a basket is perfect for a scenic ride to Fletcher's Boathouse via the C & O Canal. Potter about the neighbourhood for delectable items to fill the basket, then stop in at Big Wheel Bikes to rent a bicycle and riding gear. Building of the canal was initiated in 1828 to provide a trade route between the Potomac River and the Ohio River, although construction only extended to Cumberland, Maryland. Head south one block of f the main Georgetown strip, and enter the canal at 33rd Street. Make a left, and heading west, enjoy the scenic ride for about two miles until you get to Fletcher's. Situated on national park land, the area surrounding the Boathouse is beautiful all year round, perfect for a picnic, meditation or just an afternoon outdoors.
www.bigwheelbikes.com; 202-337-0254
1034 33rd Street NW
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Air Jamaica has direct flights to the Baltimore/ Washington International Airport from Kingston and Montego Bay. For more information call your travel agent or log on to www.airjamaica.com
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