SAVE THE DATE!
Things To Do
National Mall
If you've never been to DC, taking a walk around the National Mall to see DC's iconic monuments is a must. One of our favorite evening activities in the summer is bike-riding around the mall. Laura's personal favorite place is the FDR Memorial that is located in a quieter corner of the tidal basin.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
All the Smithsonian Museums are also located along the National Mall. These are great to take advantage of (especially because they are free)!
Newseum
If you are willing to splurge a bit, we would highly recommend going to the Newseum ($25/person) which gives a great interactive experience of historical events through the eyes of the media.
United States Botanic Garden
Another one of our favorite places to visit is the US Botanic Gardens (just south of the Capitol): "From roses to orchids, the rainforest to the Mid-Atlantic, rare and endangered plants to the latest in home gardens, you will find a world of plants and environments in our permanent exhibits and gardens."
United States National Arboretum
A beautiful urban green space located in the Northeast area of DC. Visit the arrangement of twenty-two Corinthian columns which were a part of the United States Capitol from 1828 to 1958, placed amid 20 acres.
Eastern Market
Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is DC's destination for fresh food, community events, and on weekends, local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts
Union Market
Located in a converted warehouse, it is considered an epicenter of culinary creativity in DC with over 40 local vendors.
The Wharf DC
DC's newest 'hot spot', and naturally where Laura does yoga at the Yoga Factory DC! Visit restaurants and shops overlooking the water.
Georgetown
Georgetown is a charming area with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops. The dining scene is defined by upmarket restaurants and waterfront seafood spots, while nightlife spans boisterous college bars, traditional taverns and intimate live music lounges. Georgetown Waterfront Park has a riverside promenade and gardens, and there's a bike path along the C&O Canal.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
A uniquely located memorial to America’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. Wander through miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands honor the legacy of a great outdoorsman and conservationist.
Tysons Corner Center
A shopping mecca by the hotel.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
A unique concert venue with indoor and outdoor events all year.
Old Town
A charming historic neighborhood with shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof.
Paradise Springs Winery
There are many wineries in VA, but this is the closet to DC! Take a short hike in the trails just beyond the winery, and then relax with a flight of wines and picnic.
SEI
Our favorite sushi restaurant!
Mandu
Located right around the corner from our apartment, this is our favorite happy hour place if you like dumplings and bibimbop!