Nationals Park

"Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals, is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you just might spy the top of the U.S. Capitol Building. While you’re cheering on the Nats, you can enjoy a burger from Shake Shack, brews from more than a dozen local breweries, or a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl, a local institution. Since it opened in 2008, the ballpark has become the glittering centerpiece of a revitalized Southeast Waterfront—so don't forget to check out the neighborhood while you're here." - Adele Chapin

"With a menu that rotates every series, this playful stand will showcase foods iconic to the opposing team’s home town." - Tierney Plumb

"Speak Softly and Carry a Big Baseball Bat In the middle of the fourth inning of every home game played by the Washington Nationals, a presidential race takes place—an actual footrace run between mascots depicting four former U.S. presidents. This ridiculous and hyper-local tradition has gone on at Nationals Park since the stadium opened in 2008 (and took place before that at the team’s previous home, RFK Stadium). Your food choices are not limited to peanuts and Cracker Jacks: ballpark options includes choice chains like Blue Smoke, Peets Coffee and Shake Shack as well as DC favorite, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and kiosks specializing in Maryland crabcakes and Virginia ham biscuits and many varied craft brews from the region. The park, a cornerstone of Southeast D.C.’s rapidly growing Navy Yard district, is easily reached by the Metro green line (dedicated trains run on game days). Go, take in a game, and enjoy a little Washington partisanship that doesn’t involve politicians."

"Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like? Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals, is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you just might spy the top of the U.S. Capitol Building . While you’re cheering on the Nats, you can enjoy a burger from Shake Shack, cocktails made with D.C. liquor, or a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl , a local institution. Since it opened in 2008, the ballpark has become the glittering centerpiece of a revitalized Southeast Waterfront—so don't forget to check out the neighborhood while you're here. What kinds of events can we see here? Baseball games are the bread and butter of programming, but Nats Park also hosts international food festivals and concerts by major performers, including The Eagles, Zac Brown Band, and Nick Jonas. How are the seats? There’s hardly a bad seat in the house. Even if you’re stuck sitting in the nosebleeds, you can still explore the lower levels; you can even watch the game while standing by the railings above the stands. Good for kids? Nationals Park offers plenty of kid-friendly activities. Before the game, watch as the team’s mascots—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt—race around the bases. Then, during the fifth inning, make your way to section 131 to greet them in person or hang out at the kids' play area outfitted with everything from slides to virtual-reality headsets. On Sunday afternoons, after the game, kids can run the bases, too. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for? Be sure to check the Nats’ calendar for theme games and special events such as ‘90s Night or Pups in the Park, when you'll be surrounded by adorable dogs." - Amy McKeever

"Gatsby is a new 9,000-square-foot restaurant complex near Nationals Park, which will feature Mah-Ze-Dahr with its own space and separate entrance." - Tierney Plumb