The new run of Travel Man: 48 Hours In… continues Friday nights on Channel 4, and in the week Donald Trump will be initiated as President, Joe Lycett takes us on a trip to Washington DC.
In the series, Joe Lycett packs his suitcase for more mini-breaks and shows more willing celebrity guests how to get the most out of a weekend away, with a fun-packed 48-hour itinerary of trademark humour and facts.
In the episode airing Friday 24 January, Joe heads off for a maxi mini-break to the US capital with comedian Phil Wang.
Their weekend getaway is spent at the Eaton Hotel, an “inspiring sanctuary” boasting unique features like a 24-hour radio station, a plant rehabilitation center, and a crystal library. At the National Mall, Joe and Phil explore some of the world’s most iconic monuments and memorials, including the towering Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. On a quieter residential street, they discover a hidden gem of Washington, DC: the quirky Barbie Pond, a collection of dolls arranged in monthly-themed displays.
Hungry after their adventures, they visit The Wharf to try a local favorite: the oyster shooter—a mezcal Bloody Mary paired with a fresh oyster. Seeking more cultural experiences, Joe and Phil head to The National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s network of 17 free museums. Here, they marvel at some of its three million artifacts, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Abraham Lincoln’s hat, and an early Superman costume.
Day two kicks off with a donut tour that combines delicious treats with a lesson in history, celebrating DC’s vibrant food culture. Starting with modern American donuts near The White House, they learn about various Presidential home renovations. Next, they venture to Chinatown for Japanese donuts and enjoy Italian bomboloni—zesty brioche donuts filled with chocolate and hazelnut.
Their adventures continue with a secret-door experience at the O Street Mansion before heading to Georgetown, the filming location for The Exorcist in 1972. They cap off their trip with a toast, sipping DC’s signature cocktail, the gin rickey, at a speakeasy-style bar hidden in the back of a chicken shop.
Stream the series on Channel 4.
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