Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Perfect D.C. Weekend: 5 Summer Ideas

Perfect Escape. For a lazy sunny day, head to the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post—yes, the late cereal heiress—and wander the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave., NW; 202/686-5807; hillwoodmuseum.org). The French and Russian art collection is among the best in the States, and the serene setting offers 25 acres of lush gardens to explore.

Perfect Treat. Forget the éclairs and crème brûlée—the ultimate European pick-me-up is a vendor’s fresh crepe. Stop by Crepes at the Market (7th Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE; crepesatthemarket.com), open year round, to grab this Parisian classic. Nearly 40 toppings lead to endless possibilities …well, regarding your culinary experience. Try strawberry banana Nutella or the No. 2 breakfast crepe.

Perfect Buy. For the rare man who likes to shop, and even those who don’t: Stocked with hard-to-find designer labels, free libations and flat-screen TVs, Lost Boys (1033 31st St., NW; 202/333-0093; lostboysdc.com) is a haven to men who crave fashion.

Perfect Stay. You’ll find sleek, modern elements in the olive and eggplant tones of Donovan House from Thompson Hotels (1155 14th St., NW; 202/737-1200; thompsonhotels.com), whose 126 rooms are nothing but hip. Be sure to check out Zentan—featuring unusual dishes from chef Susur Lee—and ADC, the House’s rooftop bar.

Perfect Bites. Who says the path to enlightenment has to be dull? Get a dash of wisdom—plus killer sushi and savory cocktails—from Buddha Bar (455 Massachusetts Ave., NW; 202/377-5555; buddhabardc.com). The dramatic gold Buddha in the center of the two-story venue will lure you in, but the fusion of French and Asian cuisine will keep you coming back for more.