Charlotte & Kyle
Kyle & Charlotte's Grand Tour of DC
United States Capitol
Kyle's favorite thing to do in DC! Even though he's been on a great many Capitol tours, he always learns something new. If you haven't toured before (or if its been a while!) schedule a tour at the link. They go quickly, so reserve early! Even if you don't get the chance to tour the inside, take a walk around and you'll be walking one of our favorite routes. Kyle & Charlotte can often be found taking a nightly stroll up and around the Capitol from their home in Navy Yard. You can see their apartment from the east end! While you're there, make sure you also walk to to the Library of Congress and the US Supreme Court buildings right across the green.
National Mall
Sometimes the touristy things are touristy because they're awesome! We can't count the number of times we've walked up and down the Mall and marveled at how gorgeous it is in every season. The address listed is for the Smithsonian Castle, nearly halfway down the Mall and nearest to the Smithsonian Metro Station, a convenient place to start your tour.
Bluejacket
If your questions are "Where can I find the best beer in DC?" and "What's something fun to do in Kyle & Charlotte's neighborhood?", Bluejacket is your answer to both at once! Once a lonely neighborhood standout, it is now surrounded by many delicious restaurants. Have a flight of the best beer in DC and try one out! Afterward, you'll be near a lovely walk on the Anacostia River, which bounds Navy Yard to the south. Walk along it moving west and you'll arrive at Nationals Stadium, home of the defending World Series champions!
Eastern Market
You'll find Kyle & Charlotte perusing the stalls at this vibrant outdoor market most weekends in the summer and fall. Take a look around at the art, produce, and various wares from local vendors. Afterward, take the short walk to Barracks Row on 8th Street SE. Here, you'll find two of DC's Michelin Star restaurants (Rose's Luxury and Pineapples & Pearls) and a whole row of other standouts, including Kyle and Charlotte's favorite restaurant in DC: Torai Sushi!
Union Market
This home of local vendors is an upscale cousin to Eastern Market. Its also the site of an early date for Kyle and Charlotte, where the doe-eyed adventurers grabbed Ethiopian fast casual from inside and then ended up at a pop-up party in the warehouse behind it. You'll also be near two more of our favorites: Red Bear Brewing and REI. Stop by for a beer and camping gear, in case you forgot yours at home.
Atlas Brew Works
Another spot to grab some local beer. Once here, you'll find yourself in an industrial park that is also home to Green Hat Gin Distillery, Joseph A. Magnus Bourbon Distillers, and One Eight Distilling. Make a day of brewery and distillery tours!
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Only about a week into our relationship, Charlotte's sister, brother-in-law, and niece came to visit her in DC. In an early test of Kyle's fatherhood potential -- and to give Sasha and Rob some time to sleep -- Charlotte suggested we take Rory to the zoo. Retrace our steps of that wonderful (and exhausting) early date.
District Wharf
Another favorite summer stroll for Charlotte and Kyle. Take a picturesque walk along the water and stop into any of the variety of restaurants and bars, find a new book at Politics and Prose, or find a souvenir at Shop Made in DC.
Lucky Buns
Don't get too full before the reception, but the Cosmos Club is near one of the best burgers in DC. Charlotte treated Kyle for his birthday last year to great praise. Can't find a table? You're also not far from the other best burger in DC: the Proper Burger at Duke's Grocery.
The LINE DC
Our wedding's runner-up venue is a hotel that was converted from a historic church. Stop by for coffee, to record a quick podcast episode, grab a cocktail in one of DC's most historic neighborhoods, or get a reservation for an upscale dinner! Kyle would be in big trouble with his parents if he didn't mention that the neighboring ice cream shop, Nicecream, offers both a unique experience and some of the best ice cream in DC. The Line is at the north end of 18th Street in Adams Morgan. Walk down 18th to experience a popular food and bar scene. In particular, we recommend Zenebech or Keren (both Ethiopian food!), Amsterdam Falafel for a quick bite, or the famed oddity Madam's Organ (for the more adventurous late-night evening-goer).
Rasika
If you like Indian food, you will love Rasika! Charlotte treated Kyle to their first birthday dinner together at the West End location, while Kyle treated Charlotte to birthday dinner last year in Penn Quarter. Indian food is a shared love of theirs, and they advocate Rasika to all who ask for recommendations. Their Penn Quarter location will bring you to the heart of the business district in DC. There may not be much to do but eat after 5pm in this neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you can't still catch some sights. Before dinner, get in line to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives. Afterward, walk around best man Adam Watkins' favorite: the United States Naval Memorial plaza (it has a cool map).
Momofuku CCDC
Undeniably one of the best shared meals that we have had, this City Center fine dining spot has some connections to another Charlotte & Kyle favorite: MasterChef. After watching numerous seasons together, we had to experience the cousin of host Christina Tosi's New York City restaurant come to DC and we think you, like us, will be very impressed! After dinner, go just next door for dessert at Milk Bar to taste their famed Cereal Milk Ice Cream. And now, since you're so close, walk the short way down New York Avenue to the White House and Lafayette Park, which we think you might find recognizable.
The Big Hunt
Not necessarily the best bar, but if you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, its home to a popular DC underground comedy scene! It can be edgy, but shows a much different side of the DC you see on the news.
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Regardless your opinion of its near neighbor's rotating residents, art aficionados will love this rotating display of installations. The building originally housed the Corcoran Gallery, but has since been turned over to the Smithsonian. After a major renovation, it is now a popular weekend destination of the happy couple. Attendance is free and, afterward, you might want to snap a picture across the street.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Among the most notable of DC culinary institutions is fairly unassuming. As profiled on the Dish City podcast (https://wamu.org/story/19/09/12/dishcity-half-smokes/), this late night (and anytime!) treat should not be confused with some simpleton's hot dog. Although the bride doesn't eat meat, this king of mixed meats is the one thing that could sway her. You'll now find yourself in the historic U Street district. Enjoy the history, the food, and - if you're up for it - the late night scene. Don't get too full at Ben's Chili Bowl, you might need room to enjoy some more DC classic cuisine common in this area: Ethiopian!