Content Produced in Partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
The nation's capital is known for its monuments and museums, but when you want to disappear from the political sphere and treat yourself, any local will tell you there's plenty to see, eat and do in Georgetown. Washington D.C.'s oldest and most well-known neighborhoods has grown from its humble roots as a tobacco shipping port to a refined and lively hub for shopping, dining, sightseeing and, in some cases, being seen. The historic canals, quaint gardens, colorful homes and decadent restaurants have appeared in numerous TV shows and movies over the years, making Georgetown a neighborhood much beloved by visitors and locals alike. Located in between it all is The Fairmont Washington, D.C., a luxury hotel known for its stylish accommodations and equally stylish guests. With the Fairmont Washington, D.C., as a base, visitors can conveniently take a short walk west to the cobblestoned street known as M Street. There, you'll find plenty of narrow alleys and designer shops — plus some seriously tasty delights. After all, no trip to Georgetown is complete without a stop or two to refuel, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
First Stop: France
French architect Pierre L’Enfant created the layout for Washington, D.C. so it’s fitting that your first stop should be the French-inspired Crepe-N-Cream. Known for its large crepes and yummy combinations (Nutella is a popular request), Crepe-N-Cream's delightful crepes are all made right in front of you and can be served with a scoop (or two) of the shop's homemade ice creams as well. Extremely popular in the mornings and early afternoons, this tiny shop also offers a variety of coffee drinks, milk shakes and savory crepes and is a perfect little refueling station for a mid-afternoon snack too.
A Genuine Cupcake Battle
Continuing west on M Street, you’ll find a raging battle for the perfect cupcake between Sprinkles and Georgetown Cupcake. Take your pick of the hot pink accented stores – or do your own taste comparison. Sprinkles claims to be the first cupcake bakery and even provides a cupcake ATM at some locations for 24 hour cravings (although not in Georgetown), while Georgetown Cupcake is famous for its own TV show, DC Cupcakes, and it has the lines to prove the show’s popularity. You can watch the live “Cupcake Cam,” on its website just in case you want to know how the place mixes, bakes and packages their tasty treats.
Pie in the Sky
In 2010 sisters Alli, Bear and Cat Blakely opened Pie Sisters with the motto, “Any time is pie time, morning, noon or night.” That philosophy created an almost instant sensation in the Georgetown neighborhood, and the shop still offers both sweet and savory choices. Their most popular treats are by far the bite-sized individual pies called “cuppies." Offered in a variety of flavors including pecan, vanilla creme and key lime, cuppies are just a hair smaller than a regular slice of pie and are a great option if you'd like to try a variety of flavors and share with a group (but if you don't, we understand why.)
You Scream, I Scream
There’s one more stop on the Georgetown sweet treat tour, if you still have room. You’ll find Thomas Sweet along Wisconsin Avenue on your way back to The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Offering dozens of homemade ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt and a host of toppings, the combinations — and possibilities — here are nearly endless. They also offer a wide variety of fudge (which you can easily take that back to the hotel) and other pastries that can be washed down with a hot or cold coffee drink.
Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont
The Fairmont Washington, D.C. offers more than a great location and luxury accommodations, it's also been ranked by Fodor Travel as the number one hotel in Washington, D.C. for a modern afternoon tea. Featuring small sandwiches and decadent desserts alongside signature blended teas, the afternoon tea is a special treat for any guest — and a must stop anytime you're in Georgetown.