Maryland / Washington D.C. Golf Weekend

GolfDigest.com, 7/10

Drinking Made Easy, 11/11

My Town: Fred Funk

Historic landmarks and a diverse mix of courses make Maryland an enjoyable destination for golfers

By Ryan Herrington, GolfDigest.com
July 19, 2010

COURSES
People don't necessarily think of Maryland as a golf destination, but there are several courses around the state that are a lot of fun. Cumberland CC, in the northwest corner, is a course that's fantastic. I used to play it when I competed in PGA section pro-ams and everyone had a good time. Just before the Pennsylvania line, a little farther east in Hagerstown, is Fountain Head CC. It's private, but if you can find a way to get on, it's worth the effort. It's a neat Donald Ross layout.

Further south, as you head toward Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area, the new TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm is really good. The changes to some of the holes are outstanding. The fescue and natural areas look great. It's a much harder layout now, as I'm sure the rest of the Champions Tour guys are going to see first-hand when the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship is held there in October.

Along the Eastern Shore, Ocean City has become a real destination spot for golfers. It's about a three-hour drive from Baltimore and D.C. I haven't played all the courses there, but Ocean City GC and Ocean Pines G&CC are two of the originals, and they still stand out in my mind as good places for golfers of any skill.

WHERE TO STAY
There isn't one spot you can pick to set up camp and really hit all of the state. Finding a place to stay near Annapolis isn't a bad choice. First of all, it's beautiful there. And you're about halfway between D.C. and Ocean City.

Of course, staying in Ocean City isn't bad either. There are lots of different hotels on the water that offer spectacular views. Spouses can just chill out on the beach while you go play golf. And you really can't go wrong in Baltimore. Try to stay near the Inner Harbor, as there are a lot of neat restaurants and attractions available.

DINING
You've got to go to an authentic Maryland crab house. Bethesda Crab House stands out for me near D.C. Around Baltimore, try Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn in Essex. Go early, because the main dining area fills up fast, but they've got crabs cooked any way you like: steamed, soft-shell, deep-fried, etc.

DON'T MISS
It's hard to beat Washington, D.C. for its variety of attractions. The museums offer so much, and the capital's monuments are fantastic...The National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor is also out of this world...Nature lovers should get to Great Falls Park. There's access in Maryland and Virginia. It's fabulous to walk or have a picnic with gorgeous views of the Potomac.

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Washington D.C., 2011

Zane Lamprey and Steve McKenna head off to our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C, where they will check out some of the local bars often visited by our nations leaders and taste some of the native drinks. Some of these bars have served presidents as old as Abraham Lincoln himself and continue to serve original cocktails today. Zane and Steve will also learn about the “ARTini” and square off with each other in a DC shoot out. Yes, we gave Steve a gun…

WHERE WE WENT

Maryland Small Arms Range: Located in the Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. just minutes from Interstate 95 near historic Andrews Air Force Base. In business since 1975, Maryland Small Arms Range Inc. has been serving law enforcement and the general public for over 35 years. Comprised of two 25 yard indoor ranges, 10 points for law enforcement/security training and 13 points for general public use, there is also a large fully stocked showroom to meet the needs of most shooters. 9311 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 1-800-792-6434

Tune Inn: This proud and friendly dive bar serves as a hangout for local fire and law enforcement and offers great food as well as politician inspired drinks. 331 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast Washington, DC 20003 (202) 543-2725

Round Robin: Located just off the lobby of the Willard InterContinental Washington, the Round Robin & Scotch Bar has been a lively meeting place for DC’s political and social elite since the days of Abraham Lincoln. Long renowned among the best DC bars, this spot was known as the nexus of “Rum Row” and the “E Street Corridor” — plying its trade to luminaries such as Mark Twain and Walt Whitman. Today, this fashionable downtown Washington DC bar draws a smart, stylish cross section of DC movers and shakers. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004 (202) 628-9100

Bier Baron: Enjoy a fine selection of 50 rare draft brews, cask ales and over 500 bottled beers from around the world. Come celebrate a passion for beer and rediscover a DC institution! 1523 22nd Street Northwest Washington, DC 20037 (202) 293-1885

The Passenger: A speak-easy prohibition style cocktail lounge where ice cubes are cut from ice blocks with a chain saw to prevent drink dilution. 1021 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 393-0220

Old Ebbitt Grill: Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. Established in 1856, it was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt and is still a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers. 675 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-4800

The Gibson: This eclectic cocktail lounge is home to some original “Artinis” that utilize innovative mixology techniques . 2009 14th Street NW 20009 • 202 232-2156

WHAT WE DRANK

Bill Clinton
Marion Berry
Mint Julep
Neopolitan Beertail
Gin/Joe Rickey
The Bonfire Shelter
The Merry Traveler

WHAT WE FEATURED

DC Brau Brewing Company: Inspired by the need for a locally brewed craft beer in DC, Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock created an original beer company reflective of the DC community. This young brewery offers a number of political themed beers such as The Corruption, The Citizen, and The Public.

FUN FACTS

The District of Columbia was established by the Constitution, to serve as the nation’s capitol.
Washington, DC was officially founded on July 16, 1790.
During the war of 1812, most of the city, including the White House, was burned to the ground.
There has been an active movement the past 30 years to make DC a state. It would be called “New Columbia”.
The Old Ebbitt Grill was established in 1856 and was originally a boarding house, with visitors like Cleveland, McKinley, Grant, and Roosevelt.
The very first DC liquor license given after Prohibition was to the National Press Club, A 100 year old private club.
Although still not returned to her, it is said that Lewinsky’s $40 Gap Dress has the potential to fetch six figures if auctioned.
The Rickey was originally made with sparkling mineral water for its health benefits.
Col. Joe Rickey was not fond of the notoriety attributed to his name from this drink.
In 2011, The Rickey was named as DC’s official cocktail.
Joe Rickey purportedly disliked the perversion of the “Gin Rickey”, saying that “gin was no liquor a gentleman would ever drink”.
The Round Robin has been frequented by every President since Lincoln.
The Willard displays a copy of a hotel bill paid by Abraham Lincoln.
The term “lobbyist” was coined at the Round Robin, after the many occupants crowding the lobby to plea their cases to Ulysses S. Grant.
At many times, the Round Robin has been called the “actual center of Washington” versus the Capital and White House.
The Bier Baron offers 50 tapped beers and 500 bottled beers.
The word ‘perfume’ is derived from Latin words meaning “through smoke”.
The painting “The Last of the Buffalo” can be found in the Corcoran Gallery of Art in DC.