When you have friends visit you in D.C. from abroad, you’ll surely make the rounds of the most well-known things to do in the city like the Smithsonian Museums, the monuments and the National Zoo, but if your friends have never been to the U.S., why not take them to experience the most American things to do in the area? Many everyday American experiences in the D.M.V. appear pretty normal to us, but they might surprise and amuse international visitors. A recent thread on Reddit dives into some very American and very D.C.—but very weird—things to do with first-time overseas visitors. Here are just a few of those suggestions.
1. Eat a big American meal
Most visitors from abroad have never experienced the kind of spreads that Americans enjoy at typically American restaurants. All you can eat? Head to the Olive Garden. Or blow their minds by introducing them to the Cheesecake factory menu. Commenters say the late-night Waffle House experience is a must. Or take in a classic American diner like Tastee Diner in Bethesda.
2. Attend a Nationals game
America’s favorite pastime is a must for first-time visitors. It’s easy to make a night out of it when you go to a Nats game. They’ll love the President’s Race—featuring George, Tom, Abe and Teddy—held in the middle of the fourth inning. Then, during the Seventh Inning Stretch, the presidents lead the crowd in Take Me Out to the Ball Game.
3. Head to Baltimore
You can spend plenty of time in Baltimore on its own, but the city has a couple very unique, very regional experiences that international visitors will love. The Hampden neighborhood, home to HONFest, has a kitschy vibe of its own. Getting crabs in Baltimore is a must, too—there’s nothing like smacking a crab with a little wooden hammer and getting messy while enjoying the delicious, Old Bay-seasoned delicacies.
4. Go to a State Fair
Your friends from abroad have likely never experienced anything like a state fair. The Maryland State Fair, held in August and September, has it all: free entertainment, agricultural exhibits and tons of weird food. Watch as their minds are blown by lamb shows, swimming pigs, veggie competitions, a goat mountain, a tractor exhibit, a mullet competition and culinary delights like turkey and stuffing waffles, smoked pork belly fried rice and Nutella stuffed pretzel rolls. And so much more.
5. Check out a Renaissance Fair
Americans seem to love recreating Medieval times (see also: Medieval Times restaurant). Renaissance fairs around the country go all out, with actors in full costume, jousting, medieval music, mead and plenty of festival food. Your international friends—especially those from Europe—will enjoy seeing our interpretation of this period. And certainly will opt for a pic chowing down on a giant turkey leg. Check out the Virginia Renaissance Faire in the Spring or the Maryland Renaissance Festival in late Summer through early Fall.
What are some funny/weird “American” things to do with friends visiting from abroad?
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