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Trip Tips: Washington D.C.

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Why Go Now The ballet company led by Suzanne Farrell, the most memorable of all George Balanchine's muses, alights again at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with two programs of works by the ballerina's mentor. Most intriguing of the six works being shown is Pithoprakta (above center). Set to an intricate score by Iannis Xenakis, the ballet, unseen anywhere for about 40 years, features a duet made vivid by Farrell in 1968 with her hair flying like the fringes of her bikini costume. Her partner was the electrifying Arthur Mitchell. Suzanne Farrell Ballet 2700 F St. NW; 800/444-1324; kennedy-center.org; Nov. 20–25.—Robert Greskovic

Stay The Hotel Palomar (2121 P St. NW; 877/866-3070; hotel-palomar-dc.com; doubles from $350) attracts sophisticated, creative types rather than buttoned-up politicos. This fall, take advantage of the Ballet Package (through January 2), which includes two tickets to the Washington Ballet and a backstage tour.

Eat Before 7 p.m., the stylish trattoria Notti Bianche (824 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202/298-8085; $64 for two) has a top-notch pretheater menu. Dishes such as red chard–and–chicken liver crostini and diver scallops with chestnut purée and red-wine sauce are unbeatable.

Don't Miss Spend an afternoon undercover at the International Spy Museum (800 F Street NW; 866/799-6873; spymuseum.org). You'll be given a secret mission based on an actual case from U.S. intelligence and learn to encrypt audio data, crack a safe, and conduct a polygraph test. To bypass lines (and avoid having your cover blown), book advance reservations on ticketmaster.com.

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