Things To Do
National Mall
One of the things we love most about D.C. is the Mall! It’s an absolute must-see and the beautiful, monumental heart of the city. This is home to D.C.'s most iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. You’ll also find all of the free Smithsonian museums like the American History Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Art, and the Air and Space Museum right here. You can explore the National Mall on foot or, Josh's favorite way to show people around, by renting a bike through Capital Bikeshare. Several metro stations will get you within easy walking distance, including the Smithsonian and L'Enfant Plaza stops.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is one of our neighborhoods and where our relationship began! Check out some of our favorite spots and explore the beautiful row homes around the area. Make sure to duck into the Library of Congress—it is easily one of the most stunning interiors in the entire district. Eat: Hawk N Dove, We the Pizza, or Santa Rosa Taqueria. Walk a few more blocks to the east to check out the Eastern Market Farmers Market (Saturday morning) or head down Barracks Row and grab a bagel at Call Your Mother (you must get the Thunderbird). Drink: Tune Inn (A Capitol Hill staple - this is one of our favorite spots, we went here after Josh proposed in front of the Capitol. We always get the mozz sticks and pancakes!), Barrel, Lobby Bar, The Eastern
Georgetown
D.C.’s oldest neighborhood just might be Parisa's favorite spot in the city. Think cobblestone streets, flickering gas lamps, and elegant 18th-century homes sitting side-by-side with amazing boutiques and historic eateries. You can take a stroll through the neighborhood, explore the hidden gardens of Dumbarton Oaks (a historic 18th-century mansion), or walk the scenic Georgetown waterfront on the banks of the Potomac. Georgetown feels like a little village tucked inside the capital. Eat: Martin's Tavern (a swanky restaurant and bar where JFK proposed to Jacquie Kennedy in 1953) Drink: The Tombs (a longstanding Georgetown University haunt), Boulangerie Christophe (perfect for a morning café au lait and croissant in the cutest back courtyard).
Adams Morgan
Come check out our neighborhood! If you're looking for eclectic energy and global flavor, this is your spot. Centered on the buzzing 18th Street corridor, Adams Morgan is lined with colorful storefronts, independent bookshops, and vintage stores. By day, it’s a laid-back neighborhood for coffee and shopping and by night, it transforms into a high-energy nightlife destination filled with live music! Eat: Lapis (an elegant Afghan bistro - this is one of our faves!), Taqueria Al Lado, Andy’s Pizza, The Blaguard (an Irish bar and one of our favorite local dives. A great place to get chicken fingers [Parisa's go-to] or a burger [like Josh's preference] and a beer), Perry’s or Izumi (our fave sushi spots!) Drink: The Green Zone (vibrant Middle Eastern cocktail bar - you must get a mint lemonade), Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Grand Duchess, Meze
Other Great Spots
Union Market (1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002) - Housed in a revitalized 1930s food terminal, Union Market is an industrial-chic culinary hub. The main indoor market is a bustling sensory experience packed with local vendors tossing together everything from artisanal tacos to gourmet ice cream. International Spy Museum (700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024) - This crazy cool museum gives you an interactive look at the history of espionage features a large collection of spy artifacts & devices (including some James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 from the movie Goldfinger). The Wharf (SW DC neighborhood) - The newest entertainment district in the city, D.C.’s southwest waterfront has been re-developed into a sleek, high-energy entertainment spot on the water. The Wharf brings a fun buzz to the city with modern boardwalks, luxury piers, and beautiful sunset views over the water.
Game Day Spots
If you're like us, you may want to find a good spot to cheer on your favorite football team before the event on Saturday. Josh's beloved Jayhawks will be on a bye during our wedding week, but the Georgia Bulldogs will be traveling to Oxford to take on Ole Miss. Franklin Hall (1348 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)- Our favorite gameday bar! This huge TV-lined beer hall is probably the most popular bar in DC to catch a Dawgs game. Union Pub (201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002) - A UGA outpost near Union Station and Capitol Hill. A little smaller than Franklin Hall, but still a great place to catch a game. Blackfinn DC (1620 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006) - If you're sticking around to hang out on Sunday and want to catch the KC Chiefs take on the Jets at 1pm, we would be remiss not to recommend Blackfinn DC, a downtown gastropub and official Chiefs location. Blvd Wheat on tap! Union Pub