dcglobejotters

Travel. Explore. Experience. Repeat.

Washington

DC Scavenger — The National Mall

The first of a multi-post series with KidFriendly DC takes us to the National Mall, undoubtedly one of the first areas that comes to mind when many think of the nation’s capital. The landscaped strip spanning from the US Capitol…

travhillingglobejottersNovember 10, 2022November 10, 2022 DC, Uncategorized, Washington DC No Comments

Four Outdoor, Family-Friendly, Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Explore Outside of DC

FOUR OUTDOOR, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PLACES TO EXPLORE OUTSIDE OF DC Visit secretdcbook.com to discover additional surprises, secrets, and sordid stories about our nation’s capital and its surrounding area. Spring is here, and Mother Nature is summoning us to get outside, explore, and…

travhillingglobejottersMarch 30, 2021March 30, 2021 DC, Secret DC Book, Washington DC No Comments

Secret Washington, DC: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Additional Stories That Didn’t Make It Into the Book… But Are Every Bit as Wonderful and/or Weird! LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Visit secretdcbook.com to discover additional surprises, secrets, and sordid stories about our nation’s capital and its surrounding area. WHY WAS THE WHITE…

travhillingglobejottersMarch 23, 2021March 23, 2021 DC, Secret DC Book, Washington, Washington DC 1 Comment

Secret Washington, DC: FIVE OUTDOOR, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, AND FREE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PLACES TO EXPLORE IN DC

FIVE OUTDOOR, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, AND FREE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PLACES TO EXPLORE IN DC Visit secretdcbook.com to discover additional surprises, secrets, and sordid stories about our nation’s capital and its surrounding area. The past year has undoubtedly presented unprecedented challenges and unforeseen changes for all…

travhillingglobejottersMarch 5, 2021March 5, 2021 DC, Secret DC Book, Washington DC 1 Comment

D.C. Dining December 2018: From the Marvelous to the Mediocre

“Good food and good eating are about risk.” -Anthony Bourdain Just one of many insightful words of wisdom from the late Anthony Bourdain, who never ceased to inspire and embolden so many of us on how to travel, eat, and…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 12, 2018December 12, 2018 D.C. Dining, DC Restaurants, Washington, D.C. No Comments

Seattle: The Emerald Gem of the Pacific Northwest

Nirvana. Frasier. Microsoft. Starbucks. Rain. Just a few of the things that often come to mind when thinking about Seattle. Sure, these are the obvious and typical associations, but in my opinion, what really defines and elevates Seattle as one…

travhillingglobejottersOctober 23, 2018 American West, Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Washington No Comments

Welcome! My name is JoAnn and I have lived with my husband Thalamus in Washington, DC for over 20 years. I am the author of the books Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, DC Scavenger, and Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC (scheduled to release in April 2024).

I’ve written extensively about DC’s hidden histories and peculiarities, active pursuits, and vibrant food and drink scenes. My passion for food and adventure has led me to sharing stories and tips that satiate the hungry enthusiast and inspire the curious traveler. When I’m not writing, you will find me teaching fitness classes, enjoying a night at the theater, and exploring as much of the world as I possibly can.

Together with my husband, we’ve traveled to 59 countries and 47 U.S. states. We’ve smoked honey-dipped cigars in the tobacco fields of Cuba. We’ve belted out karaoke tunes with Japanese businessmen in Japan. We’ve slept in the frigid temperatures of the Sahara Desert. We’ve basked in the phenomenal splendor of the Northern Lights in Iceland. We’ve danced in the streets of India while celebrating the union of friends. We’ve hiked the verdant coffee fields nestled in the Andes Mountains in Colombia. We’ve swam alongside manta rays in the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora and nurse sharks in the diverse and vibrant reef system of Belize. We’ve marveled at extraordinary wildlife roaming the vast and varied landscapes of South Africa and Tanzania. We’ve been humbled by the sheer sight of ancient wonders like Machu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. We’ve learned what it feels like to be weightless in the Dead Sea, paddle the exhilarating rapids of Idaho and Wyoming, surf in Costa Rica, practice the dance-like martial art of Capoeira in Brazil, and venture deep into the caves of Honduras.

We’ve been captivated by Whirling Dervishes in Turkey, tango dancers in Argentina, bagpipe players in Scotland, and opera singers in the Czech Republic. We’ve learned how to whip up chocolate truffles in Belgium, harvest rice in the lush fields of Bali, and cook delicious meals in a tagine in Morocco. We’ve discovered that heaven on Earth truly does exist while watching the sun set upon the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, the magic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, and the expansive beaches of Nicaragua. We’ve hiked, biked, kayaked, and snorkeled our way across the United States, including 24 U.S. National Parks, Alaska, and Hawaii. And we continue to love and cherish every glorious minute of it.

Anywhere that seems interesting, unique, and/or beautiful is surely on our forever-growing traveling list. Whether from my backyard in our nation’s capital or across the world, I’m thrilled to be sharing travel and dining tips with all of you.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt