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Stroll along a portion of Massachusetts Ave. for a richly narrated look at the party palaces where wealthy Americans entertained during the Gilded Age. On this brisk walk from Dupont to Sheridan Circles and up R Street to 21st Street, you’ll hear tales of lavish parties, cursed jewels, and the neighborhood’s transition to today’s Embassy Row.

Along the way, you’ll see some of the city’s finest Beaux Arts mansions and recall the World’s Fair in the late 1800s that inspired them. You’ll see the residence where Eleanor Roosevelt’s life changed forever and hear about the unique holdings of the Phillips Collection, a private-mansion-turned-art-museum where the tour concludes.

This tour is an outdoor walking tour and does not go inside any of the buildings described.

In case of bad weather: Raindate will be Sunday March 10th.

About Your Tour Guide: The tour will be led by Mary Anne Hoffman, a friend of Parlay House and a veteran Washington tour guide known for her ability to weave local history and architecture into memorable stories. Mary Anne has been a docent at the National Building Museum and Heurich Brewmaster’s Castle, a documentary television producer, and a popular guide for Washington Walks and Children’s Concierge.

What Others Have Said About This Tour:

“The guide was superb — well-spoken and well-informed.”

“You chose wonderfully interesting and illustrative stories.”

“This was probably the best value of anything I’ve ever done in DC! The tour guide, Mary Anne, was fabulous: entertaining, excited about the material and well prepared.”

“Sensational, mainly because of the guide.”

“Thank you for the amazing tour! My heart was laughing every minute from the joy and satisfaction.”

WHERE:
Meet at Dupont Circle Fountain for the two-hour tour, extend the day with optional lunch afterwards (not included) at Sette Osteria, Dupont Circle (1666 Conn. Ave, NW).