By Joe Surkiewicz - The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guides) (8th Edition) (2005-03-05) [Paperback]

by Joe Surkiewicz

The insider's guide to Washington at its best More than 75 restaurants reviewed by Washington Post dining columnist Eve Zibart Hotels reviewed and ranked for value and quality—plus secrets for getting the lowest rates A complete guide to Washington's cultural and historic sites—with hints to help visitors make the most of their time Plus guidance on where to watch government at work, how to get around, what to do outdoors, and much more

Paperback

First published September 15, 1997

About the author

I'm a former newspaper reporter, columnist, and travel guide author living in Vermont and writing stuff I actually like. For now, that means noir, crime fiction and humor (allegedly).

A major influence is Holly Martins, the pulp fiction writer in the 1949 classic The Third Man (played by Joseph Cotton). No one's heard of him except Sgt. Paine (Bernard Lee, later "M" in 11 Bond flics), the Other Ranks Brit soldier who has read some of Martins' cheap Westerns (and ends up socking him in the jaw). At the end of the movie, Martins doesn't get the girl. Set your sights low, I always say.

Holly Martins : Did you ever hear of "The Lone Rider of Santa Fe"?

Maj. Calloway : Can't say that l have.

Holly Martins : "Death at Double-X Ranch"? Uh, "Raunch".

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Washington D.C. It could use more moderately and inexpensive restaurants, but for understanding the sights to see this book was the best one I found.