Tara & Jack
Things To Do
National Mall
The mall is a great place to walk, run, or bike. We highly recommend grabbing coffee or snacks for a picnic and sitting on the lawn by the Washington Monument.
Coffee, Lunch & Drinks at Blagden Alley
Grab a coffee at La Colombe (ask for the black & tan!). Fun Fact: We used to live nearby, and would grab a coffee at La Colombe every Saturday morning. After grad school, Tara almost worked here as a Barista. After coffee, head over to Amazonia (second floor) for indigenous Peruvian-inspired small plates and cocktails. Feeling a bit less upscale? Walk a few feet to Calico, the neighborhood's charming, not-quite-dive-but-almost-there bar and grab a beer.
Walk, Hike, or Run through Rock Creek Park
We come here weekly to hike and run through the park's many, many trails with our dog. Rock Creek Park has the ability to make you forget you're in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many trailheads & entrances to the park, available on All Trails or Google Maps.
Donut Run
Grab donuts at this entirely vegan donut shop (some gluten-free options are also usually available!) Then walk over to Lost Sock Roasters for a cup of coffee. These spots happen to be in Takoma, one of the most endearing neighborhoods in the city. Walk around and admire the gorgeous craftsman-style homes while you're there! Fun fact: Tara and Jack come to get donuts and coffee here every Sunday!
National Museum of Asian Art
Check out the Museum of Asian Art. There are always rotating exhibits. We recommend at least an hour here.
The Dew Drop Inn
This is one of our favorite bars in the city. While we now live a lot closer to it, we used to regularly run/bike/train across town to come here. Make sure you ask for a dickel and a pickle (shot of whiskey with a pickle juice chaser!)
Metropolitan Branch Trail
A phenomenal trail that connects DC just north of the Capitol (by Union Station) all the way up to Fort Totten (our neighborhood and on the DC/MD border). A great urban place to stroll, bike, run, or just hang out away from motorized vehicles. Lots of food/beverage options along the trail. We recommend stopping into the Bryant Street food hall for bubble tea and snack while you're on your walk! For anyone who wants to bike, Capitol Bike Share is available throughout the city.
Anacostia Community Museum
Usually, when you hear "Smithsonian", you think of large, national galleries. The Smithsonian's Anacostia Museum tells the stories of local leaders who are often overlooked in history books. DC's local history transcends national politics, and is full of impactful community leaders and organizers. Even though the museum might feel like a trek, we think it's worth the trip :)
Mount Pleasant Neighborhood
This is easily our favorite neighborhood in DC - granted, we're biased, we lived there for four years! Mount Pleasant, in addition to being an incredibly charming place, is close to the national zoo and rock creek park (both accessible by foot) and has some of the best food and drinks in the city. For food, we recommend: Beau Thai (best Thai food you will ever eat!), a cheap beer at The Raven (cash only, very dive-y), tacos at Taqueria Nacional, baked goods and coffee from Elle, and a pricey-but-fun cocktail at OK PB (a speakeasy above the dentist's office!). In addition, if you're interested in food and cooking, we recommend Bold Fork Books - a delightful shop that specializes in selling only cook books.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Right off the national mall, the National Museum of African American History & Culture is a phenomenal experience that is provokes thought and reflection. We recommend at least three hours (if not more) here. Please note, you may need tickets to enter depending on the time and day, and recommend that you use the resources here to plan your visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/plan-your-visit
United States National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a wonderful place to spend a sunny morning or afternoon. In addition to the thousands of plants and trees, with origins spanning the world, you can also find the National Capitol Columns here, which were the original columns that held up the east portico of the Capitol 1828 to 1866.