Feel like channeling your inner James Bond? Dying over Angelina Jolie in her movie, Salt?
America's spy capital may well be Washington D.C. for those of you who really want to rock it. Here are some of the activities we are dying to do:
See a Spy
Well, if you see a spy, then the gig's up, right? But we're talking about the theatrical variety, of course. Arlington, VA's Signature Theatre produces its version of the Cold War thrilled, "Chess." And yes, the score is composed by the Mamma Mia musical wonders, Abba's Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.
There's also the big-screen version if you're not a Broadway musical type of person: The ThrillSpy film festival has some real espionage classes, from September 30- October 3rd. Some classics that are playing include Kandahar Break, The Green Zone, and Clemency.
Be a Spy
The International Spy Museum will help you channel your inner James Bond. You can crack codes, and learn all about undercover intelligence. There's also a cool "Spy in the City" game with GPS pepper with clues. If you had fun playing with Clue as a kid, you'll love this!
Spies in the news will also be featured in D.C.'s Newseum, D.C.'s interactive news museum. You'll also learn about the FBI's role in crime fighting and pop culture in a special exhibition.
Dine like a Bond
Sleek and minimal decor, the restaurant Zentan is so Four Seasons mixed with a dash of intrigue. If all spies dine like this, then I'm submitting my application to the CIA. Shhh! Chef Susur Lee's D.C. outpost is apparently very well known for her sushi.
Chadwick Restaurant in Georgetown was apparently the lunch spot where Aldrich Ames lunched with a KGB operative in 1985 and that famous dining experience led to the handing over of some documents that led to the downfall of some CIA operations in the Soviet Union.
Spy-esque Digs
I've never stayed at the Hotel George, but now I sure want to. It's named after the first American president, and get this — there's an "Undercover Washington" package that includes admission to the International Spy Museum and a "Spy Kit" complete with a guide to DC locations where famous spies once lived and worked and a "Spymaster Skills Exam" (score well on the exam and you'll also score a bottle of Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2003.) Rates start at $199 per night.
Also don't forget about the Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C. (the hotel's background was in Jolie's latest thriller, SALT).
- Charu Suri