Austin Graff

Washington, D.C.

Contributing writer
Austin has lived in Washington since 2007. He grew up as an American in Russia, attended boarding school in Germany, has lived in Kazakhstan and China and has traveled to almost 70 countries.
Latest from Austin Graff

Take a solo trip, even if you’re coupled up

Having a kid made travel more complicated. Going it alone was the compromise.

June 3, 2022

A local’s guide to Washington, D.C.

A local's city guide to Washington, D.C., including the best restaurants, bars, parks and things to do.

April 28, 2022

6 Little Free Libraries worth visiting, from D.C. to California

Explore a new city outdoors with free exchange boxes that cater to puzzle fans, pet owners and poetry lovers.

March 8, 2022

We made exploring our city part of home-schooling. Here’s how you can, too.

When traveling stopped, one parent wanted to find a way to see new places with his toddler. So he went back to the ABCs.

September 8, 2020

Take a walk in D.C. and find these 7 murals off the beaten path

You probably know the rainbow "Love," in Blagden Alley, and the Watermelon House. So use your work-from-home break to discover the city's hidden street art.

March 24, 2020

    How to ride Metro, Washington's subway system

    For tourists visiting D.C., our city expert takes you from buying a SmarTrip farecard to swiping out of the station.

    November 11, 2019

    How my wife and I have traveled with our kid, from 12 weeks old to toddler

    Our now-2-year-old has flown over a dozen times. Here's what we'e learned, from ditching the portable carrier to inviting other adults on the trip.

    June 22, 2019

    How to ditch an itinerary and discover a city

    Spoiler alert: Even the best wandering takes a plan.

    June 17, 2019

    A guide to local favorites in Mount Pleasant

    Visiting Mount Pleasant in Washington D.C.? Here's a neighborhood guide to bars and restaurants, like Haydee's for their pupusas and Mount Desert Island Ice Cream's for their funky flavors, like butterscotch miso.

    June 17, 2019

    A guide to local favorites on H Street

    Visiting H Street in Washington D.C.? Here's a neighborhood guide with restaurant recommendations like Maketto’s green tea matcha latte and Toki Underground’s ramen.

    June 17, 2019