Description:

If you walk down 21^st street, which veers off of Connecticut just prior to reaching DuPont Circle, you’ll pass one of the most beautiful buildings in Northwest D.C. called the Christian Heurich Mansion. The historic building – built between 1892-1894 – was the brainchild of brewer Christian Heurich and showcases some of the most technologically advanced features of any building of that era. The house featured a burglar alarm, central heating, an intercom system, and an elevator shaft. It also contains many of its original furnishings, featuring beautiful French revivalist furniture and German-inspired late Victorian American design. The shell of the house is also fireproof, an important feature in a city of old row houses.

The brew master lived in the house until he died in 1945 and he continued to run the brewery until he passed. The castle is now on the national historic registry and hosts tours Thursday through Saturday. They cost $5 and require an appointment (you can reserve up to a month in advance). The museum is a great option for someone looking for an off-the-beaten-path daytrip.

Nearby attractions include the Mansion on O street, the Sonny Bono Park (which currently is in its planning stages). There are a handful of good restaurants in the area, such as Mission Taco, Levante’s, Firefly, and Ping Pong Dim Sum.