Faves and raves by
Jay Fisette
Fisette is chairman of the Arlington County Board, and has served on the board since 1998. Fisette is an outspoken environmentalist and is chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Climate Energy and Environment Policy Committee, and serves on the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee. He is also a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
AGE: 54
NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C. AREA: 27
NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashton Heights, right next to Lyon Park in the center of Arlington.
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Whitlows on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon). I’m too old to hang out in the bars, but Whitlows serves a great meal.
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Bicycle. I feel best when I bike to work or take short local trips on my bike. I love coasting down the bike lane on Clarendon Boulevard past the cars.
3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
The U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic with its signature Crystal Bike Ride – usually in May.
4. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISTORS
Eastern Market Flea Market and the Torpedo Factory [in Old Town Alexandria] on the weekend, the FDR Memorial, Clarendon, Shirlington and the U-Street Corridor for restaurants, the Air Force Memorial at night.
5. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
Regionally, the Birchmere, “America’s Legendary Music Hall” in Alexandria. In the neighborhood, probably Iota on Wilson Boulevard.
6. FAVORITE MUSEUM
The East Wing of the National Gallery. The building design is wonderful, as are the changing exhibits.
7. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
Biking through Rock Creek Park or along the Potomac on the Mount Vernon trail or kayaking on the Potomac. More often than not, however, I end up working in my yard.
8. BEST OUT-OF-TOWN RETREAT
The Guest House in Lost River, W.Va. My partner and I discovered it 22 years ago and return regularly. No phone, no TV, just clean air, rocking chairs and a hearty family-style breakfast.
9. BEST INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT
My back yard. That’s a private retreat.
10. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
For late-night meatloaf or just a chocolate sundae, my partner and I end up at the Silver Diner in Clarendon. You didn’t ask, but it’s also my breakfast meeting spot of choice.
11. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION¹S CAPITAL
That this is the nation’s capital. Being on the National Mall during Obama’s inauguration, or for a pro-choice or LGBT equality rally, or to eat chicken and drink beer on a blanket while listening to a Fourth of July concert – it’s all good.
12. BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH
Three options: The Mall, Dupont Circle, or in winter, the ice skating rink in the plaza at Pentagon Row.
13. PIECE OF MUSIC THAT YOU MOST ASSOCIATE WITH D.C.
The Star Spangled Banner? Born in the USA? OK, I’m not a music guy.
14. FAVORITE LOCAL HIDDEN TREASURE
Shirlington Dog Park, where the dogs can play fetch for hours at a time in Four Mile Run Stream … and then come home and sleep.
