Winner No. 3 at the Willard Hotel

Congratulations to Kim Cave who guessed that clue #3 lead to the Willard Hotel.  Unfortunately, Kim lives in the other Washington and can't easily visit this gorgeous venue in the heart of DC. Kim sent an email with her answer so we'll respond in kind and mail her a copy of Thrones.

For those of you who do live in the area, the Willard Hotel is a beautiful place to stop for a drink in the bar or dinner after the theatre.  It is said that President Grant spent so much time drinking brandy and smoking cigars at the Willard that many who needed favors would wait for him in the hotel's lobby.  They eventually became known as lobbyists.

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #7

To find this final copy of Thrones, solve this clue, visit the site and claim your prize. Good luck!

Part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this past-president's home showcases objects from the White House, personal memorabilia and elaborate gifts of state including a mosaic of St. Peter presented by Pope Benedict XV. Built in 1915 by architect Waddy Wood, the Georgian revival style home has been carefully preserved to reflect the era of "his" residence here. (Hours of operaton are 10am-4pm Tuesday - Sunday.)

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #6

To find this sixth copy of Thrones, solve the clue and be the first to visit the site and claim your prize.  Good luck!

Once the home of Joseph Nourse, first Register of the Treasury, this Federal period structure was described as "...one of the very finest and most beautiful houses in the United States," by architectural historian Fiske Kimball. Today, this beautiful property is a museum dedicated to educating the public about life in Washington, DC during the early years of the Republic. It is also the home of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. (Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 1.)

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #5

To find this fifth copy of Thrones, solve the clue and be the first to visit the site and claim the prize.  Good luck!

Established in 1856, Washington's oldest and most historic saloon was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt. Although not in its original location, this popular meeting spot opened at its current address in 1983 and is stall a favorite of political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers. Finding this book at this site could be a "bear."

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #4

Here's the clue to the location of the next copy of Thrones.  Solve the clue and be the first to visit this site to claim your prize.  Good luck!

The current occupants of this historic home and museum like to say that its history reflects the "militant side of the suffragist movement." Part of the Women's History Walking Tour, this location was the home of the founder of the National Woman's Party. The hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday, noon - 4pm.

Winner No. 2 at President Lincon's Cottage

Eithne Ellis followed clue number 2 right to President Lincoln's Cottage.  The "cottage" is actually a lovely home on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest DC.  President Lincoln and his family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864 and surely enjoyed the beautiful location despite  the many Soldiers camped on the property. Congratulations Eithne and thanks to the good folks at President Lincoln's Cottage!

We Have a Winner at Eastern Market!

Vince Burns found the first copy of Thrones (clue #1) at DC's Eastern Market on Capitol Hill.  The book was in the care of Angie at Blue Iris Flowers. 

Thanks to Eastern Market for being part of the fun,  Happy reading, Vince!

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #3

Here's the third clue to the "hidden" copies of Thrones located in historic spots around DC.  To find this book, solve this clue, be the first to visit the site and claim your prize.  Good luck!

Clue #3

A DC institution, this grand historic hotel has hosted almost every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853. Other notable guests have included Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, and P.T. Barnum. On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King wrote his famous "I have A Dream" speech while a guest here and Mark Twain penned two books here in the early 1900s. The concierge holds the prize at this location.

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #2

Here is your clue to the location of the second "hidden" copy of Thrones.  Solve the clue and be the first person to visit this lovely site to claim your prize.  Good luck!

This "country home" served as a presidential residence for a quarter of this man's presidency. A quiet setting within DC, this "cottage" is still surrounded by 2.3 acres of land. President Clinton declared the site a National Monument on July 7, 2000; however it is stewarded and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hours of operation are Sunday (11:30am-5:30pm) and Monday-Saturday (9:30am-4:30pm).

Literary Treasure Hunt: Clue #1

Well, the weather set us back a day but the Literary Treasure Hunt is on!

We've left copies of Thrones at a variety of historic sites around DC.  We'll post clues to the whereabouts of the books and all you have to do is be the first to solve the clue, visit the site, and claim your prize.  Here's your clue to the "hiding place" of the first copy of Thrones.  Good Luck!


Clue #1


Public fresh-food markets were included in L'Enfant's original plans for the City of Washington.  Capitol Hill has had a farmers' market from almost the inception of the city. Designed by Adolph Cluss, this historic spot was completed in 1873 and has been in continuous operation since that time. Today, this is one of the few public markets left in Washington, DC, and the only one retaining its original public market function. Additional hint needed for this location: Author Gloria Bradfield's favorite flower is the iris.

Literary Treasure Hunt: weather update

Mother nature has been having a party in Washington this winter -- especially this past week! Our historic sites are still ready to participate but our ability to deliver the books has been stymied.  With a little luck (and some snow plow assistance) the books will be delivered in time for the hunt to start this weekend.

Check back tomorrow for an update and thanks for your patience!

Exciting News! Literary Treasure Hunt in Washington, DC

I'm very excited to announce that we're sponsoring a Literary Treasure Hunt in Washington, DC later this month.  We'll be "hiding" copies of Thrones at historic locations all around the city (all the locations have agreed to be part of the fun). Clues to help you find the books will be posted right here.  Even if you aren't in DC for the Treasure Hunt, reading the clues and the reveals will teach you a little more about the events that shaped our country.

The Literary Treasure Hunt begins on February 12 (Abraham Lincoln's birthday) and ends on February 22 (George Washington's birthday).  Stay tuned for all the details!