This Weekend Under 100: Paddle Boats and Urbana

The Cherry Blossom festival has arrived! Spring weather (ha), the flowers are blooming and the tourists along with them. The view along the tidal basin is one of the most gorgeous things about this city. If not for the tourists, I would say this is one of my favorite times to be in the district. Far too many of us get too caught up with the goings on of work, school, and other activities to make the short walk down to the Potomac to absorb the beauty, warmth, and light of this wonderful event. With that in mind, this weekend under 100 takes you down to the blossoms and later to one of my favorite restaurant spots in DC.


Now what's the best way to see these fantastic cherry blossoms? What's the best way to really take in the true beauty of the tidal basin? Paddle Boats. Yes, I know, only tourists use the paddle boats. Yes, I realize that they are likely the most absurd form of aquatic transport ever envisioned. But they still remain the easiest and the most cost-effective means of taking in the Cherry Blossoms. For a mere $8, the price of shampoo, you and a friend can spend an hour out in the tidal basin. While they are pretty strict on the hour time-limit, trust me, there's no way you're going to be able to stay out there longer than an hour. I'm no slouch, I don't smoke, and I get out and run every once and a while. But in all honestly, I was dying, my legs burning and my breathing heavy after just about 20 minutes. Granted my partner wasn't doing much work but that's beside the point. Spend an hour enjoying the blossoms. I would suggest heading down there later in the day, around 4 or 5pm. Enjoy a paddle, and after returning the boat sit down and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

I'm sure this bit of cardio will work up an appetite. From the tidal basin hop on a quick cab or if you're still feeling sprite make a walk out of it, and head up to DuPont Circle. Urbana is one of several Kimpton restaurants in DC. Connected to the Palomar Hotel, it reflects its sleek, hip, Mediterranean design. Dim lights, green highlights, black tables, and walls dotted with wine bottles. The food is also Mediterranean with a focus on Italian flavors. The wine list is extensive and diverse in price. You will find the staff friendly, helpful, and most importantly very knowledgeable. I would start out with the cheese plate, the beet salad, or the scallops small plate. My personal favorite being the beet salad. I have had both the duck and hangar steak there and have to say they were both terrific. Do not be alarmed by the fact that the duck looks nothing like duck and more like a delicious chop of steak, it certainly tastes like duck, and a fantastic one at that.

If of age, compliment your meal with their Cherry-Sour. A whisky sour made especially for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Also, finish off your meal with their special Cherry Blossom dessert: Chocolate Brioche and English Toffee Bread Pudding with Bing Cherries and Cherry Gelato. I can't say I have tried it but I wish to God I had as it sounds absolutely sumptuous.

Directions to Tidal Basin: Really? Walk south towards the water. Stop when you're wet.

Directions to Urbana: P between 21st and 22nd. Red line to DuPont and walk east or cab it up.

Paddle boats: $8
Appetizer: $10-12/each
Entrees: $24-27/each
Dessert: $10
Cherry-Sour: $10

Total: $88 plus tax and tip