Xin & Jesse
Things To Do
Leesburg, VA
While neither our recommended accommodations nor our wedding is in Leesburg itself, it is a cute historic town that has several restaurants, breweries, and shops and is about 20 minutes from the hotel. Walking up and down King Street is a great way to spend a few hours.
Reston Town Center
This is a great area for restaurants and shopping and would be a great place to grab a bite sometime during your visit. We like Uncle Julio's and Jackson's in particular.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Just outside D.C., near Dulles Airport, is the Udvar-Hazy Center, or "America's Hanger." This museum features some truly iconic and historically important aircraft: the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb during World War II, and Space Shuttle Discovery, a real spacecraft that traveled to space and returned home. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves planes, rockets, or big moments in history.
United States Botanic Garden
Right next to the Capitol, the U.S. Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy nature in the heart of D.C. We love wandering through the lush conservatory rooms and outdoor gardens, from towering tropical plants to tiny desert cacti; there’s always something new blooming. It’s a peaceful and colorful escape, perfect for a relaxing stroll and some lovely photos during your visit.
National Gallery of Art
We love the West Building and have returned many times to admire beautiful 19th-century artworks. Impressionism is our favorite, especially Claude Monet’s Sunflowers and Woman with a Parasol. We often pair a visit with a run along the National Mall for a perfect D.C. day.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
We love wandering through the geology and gem galleries on the upper floor. Xin especially enjoys learning how different elements come together to form each unique rock. It’s a beautiful and fascinating place to explore Earth’s history!
O Museum in The Mansion
A quirky, playful spot filled with secret doors and fun pop-culture surprises around every corner. We’ve only been once so far, but we had such a blast exploring! This is a great option for anyone who loves a bit of mystery in their sightseeing!
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
One of the rare places in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas, including the adorable new arrivals Bao Li and Qing Bao. Xin always gets excited to see the tigers, lions, and desert foxes. We’ve made so many happy memories here with family and friends.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
About a 45–50 minute drive from our venue, Harpers Ferry blends scenic hikes with rich Civil War history, which Jesse especially enjoys exploring (both in person and through his favorite strategy games!). The Maryland Heights Trail leads to an iconic overlook of the rivers and historic town below; a perfect little adventure if you have extra time.
Shenandoah National Park
A full-day adventure we always look forward to! We’ve tackled the Old Rag (rock scramble) trail and the Cedar Run trail — both packed with stunning views and lots of fun challenges. From mountain overlooks to waterfall hikes, Shenandoah delivers some of our best outdoor memories together.