Washington, D.C.! What a place. I spent last weekend bebopping around this richly historical city with my mom and my sisters. G to the irls’ trip!
So there’s kind of a story to this trip. A while back I told you about this book I read that really moved and inspired me: The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult. It tells the story of a young girl living through the Holocaust, and it really made me want to learn more and pay respect in some way. At the time my sister was also reading a book about the Holocaust, and although we both wanted to hop a plane and fly over to Germany to really experience more firsthand, we decided that maybe Washington, D.C. and the Holocaust Museum there would be a little more realistic.
So we did it! And it was amazing and I’m so glad we took the time to make it happen. Here’s a quick recap of what we did and saw and ate. I hope you’ll chime in with your Washington, D.C. faves too, because I am going to need them for my next one hundred trips back.
Places We Ate:
- Old Ebbitt Grill – very classic and White-House-ish. I mean, it’s like two feet away. I’m sure Prez Obama eats here all the time. Things we ate and liked were the clam chowder, the quiche, the fish and chips, and the veggie sandwich served on fried eggplant instead of bread. YES.
- PJ Clarke’s – chosen less because of the restaurant itself and more because of the location within blocks of both our hotel and the White House, but that being said, the lobster mac and cheese + a side of roasted brussels sprouts were divine after a long day of walking.
- Founding Farmer’s – we arrived to find that 90 million people were also hoping to eat dinner here, so we didn’t brave the long wait. But it comes highly recommended by D.C. peeps and the vegan-friendly menu looked so creative and incredibly fresh. It will be my first restaurant stop next time I’m in D.C.!
- Baked and Wired – too cute, you guys. Just too cute. A really small local bakery and coffee shop full of good smells and addicting baked treats in a corner of town that looks like the East Coast version of Europe.
- Ceiba – seafood galore with a Latin flair. Favorites were the shrimp with pineapple salsa and guacamole and the huuuge crab cakes with a sweet potato plantain mash and caramelized brussels sprouts. And whatever spicy red spread they were serving with the crackers: yum.
- ShopHouse – this was the only restaurant on my MUST TRY list when we left for D.C. because it is the newest Chipotle concept restaurant, but southeast Asian fresh street food style. Right now the only locations are in California, Maryland, and D.C. so we made it a priority to check this place out. I created a noodle bowl with cabbage and kale, ginger tamarind tofu and pork meatballs (totally makes sense, right?), spicy green beans and broccoli, and drenched in a green curry sauce. Topped with green papaya slaw and crispy garlic. And at less than $8, it’s reeeally hard to beat that one.
Things We Saw
- U.S. Capitol
- White House
- Washington Monument
- Smithsonian Museum of American History
- Holocaust Museum
- Lincoln Memorial at night
- World War II Memorial at night
- Korean War Memorial at night
- Vietnam War Memorial at night
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at night
Where We Stayed
Only one place to list here! The Jefferson Hotel. They hosted us during our stay, and I think the pictures speak for themselves.
It was incredible, you guys. I was expecting it to be big and completely over the top. But instead it was small (maybe even boutiquey, if I may use that word), classic, and subtle.
The location was PRIMO – just a few blocks from the White House and walking distance to lots of monuments and museums. The staff was knowledgeable and patient, and they helped us figure out answers to the constant question —> where to eat. And the details of the room were just so lovely. For example, glass decanters of water on the bedside table that were refilled every time we would leave the room, plush slippers that I did not want to take off ever, big beautiful windows, high ceilings, really unique themed decor (our room was the architectural design, so the curtains and pillows had these really creative soft blueprints on them, which maybe sounds weird but it was so subtle that I didn’t even notice them until someone told me), and individual furniture pieces like a classic desk and a regal, antiqued-looking entertainment cabinet. It was such a pleasure to be so graciously hosted by such a unique place.
In the hotel itself, which was build in the 20’s as an apartment building, there were tons of original building details like the classically small elevators, old brickwork, and beautiful chandeliers. WHAT FUN. We loved it all.
After all this ramble-shenaniganing, I have a takeaway for myself: I need to take more trips. One of my goals for 2014 is peace and rest, which we already talked about, and another part of that is spending time with and truly appreciating people that I love, and this was such an awesome way to make that all happen.
To take advantage of those 72 weekend hours and really max them out took a little more work and required me to wear something other than sweatpants and old t-shirts, but it was so worth it. We had such a good time, saw so many things, and spent valuable time together. Yes, yes, yes. More of that please.
In light of that goal, pretty please share your best places for weekend trips! Email, comment, whatever so that I can start spending all my free time scouring the internet for deals. Which coincidentally happens to be my favorite time-wasting guilty pleasure. Win-win.
I’m always down in Washington D.C. chilling out on random days. I love the vibe of Washington. Now that you mentioned it, I might take a trip down D.C. soon just to get away. It’s only 2 1/2 hours away the most (if I drive the speed limit)…L š L!
Where did you take that picture of the tower of books?!
It was across the street from the Ford theater – there is a whole museum about Abraham Lincoln.
I’m pretty sure Pinterest is psychic because I just started interning in DC and this is a GREAT post plus all the comments will help me figure out how to utilize my time best. So far I’ve been to the Washington and Lincoln Monuments, I work at the Capitol, and seen the White House. A group of us also went to the Smithsonian of Natural History. I am in love with the Eastern Market!
I love hearing that! Thanks for the comment Lisa!
I’m so glad you got to go to our nation’s capitol! I’m a Washingtonian, and a HUGE fan your website. You and your hubs have inspired and helped me so much with my blog. You’ve actually inspired me AGAIN! I never ever thought about putting a where to eat in DC section from a local, but I’m thinking very positively about that! I’m so glad that you got to go and have some much needed R&R! Great photos, and sounds like an awesome trip! š
On your list of things you saw I think you meant to put U.S. Capitol instead of State Capitol. D.C. isn’t a state and doesn’t have a State Capitol. The picture you included is of the U.S. Capitol. Looks like you had fun! I love D.C.
*palm to face* Oh my gosh, thank you for the catch! That’s so funny because we were making fun of my sister for calling it the state capitol, and now here I go saying it, too.
I’m glad you loved D.C. I’ve grown up about 30 minutes outside of the city my whole life and I think it’s so great when I hear people from everywhere love it because I almost take it for granted living so close. If you ever get a chance to come during the cherry blossom festival you won’t regret it! Some places to definitely check out
– Jaleo: one of the top rated tapas restaurants in D.D
– Ben’s chili bowl
– Blue Duck Tavern
– The Spy museum
– The National Zoo – a little panda bao bao was just born there
– art history museum
– Georgetown Cupcakes
I live in DC! You guys have to come back and see other parts of the city. But The Mall is always A MUST so its good you’ve done that :). Next time do a food/walking tour. The hot spot: 14th St and Shaw. On 14th there are tons of awesome restaurants. The trick is they are popular so resos are best, or go in knowing you might wait. Ones I love are: Le Diplomate, Kapnos, G Sandwich Shop, Teakwood, Bar Pilar and Etto.
Gallery Place is another good restaurant hotspot, but find the gems because it’s chain food galore. Someone else mentioned Rasika and it is DIVINE. Also great: Sei, Oyamel, Jaleo and Clyde’s for good old American. I also like Matchbox which has several locations.
Old Ebbit is SO quintessential DC so glad went there!
Finally, for anyone hitting up DC, check out the Going Out Guide in the Washington Post. It’s awesome for things to do and gives you the real local inside track. I live DC, can you tell?
Thanks for the insider tips Lydia! š
Erm, LOVE not live in that last sentence haha.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun with you & your girls crew!!
I grew up in the D.C. area and will most def pass on your suggestions to family & friends in the area…I will especially check out some of the restaurants you recommended on my holiday visits back home. If you ever make your way back may I suggest one of my fav restaurants Jaleo (Spanish tapas). Also, the American Indian museum is a must see with its beautiful contemporary exhibits and architecture.
DC is so much fun…I have family there and love visiting at least once a year! Baked & Wired is my absolute favorite…what did you get?
Breakfast! Steel cut oatmeal, some kind of thick frosted bread slices, like a lemon bread or something? and chai, lattes, etc! š
ahhh so jealous right now! looks like you ladies had a blast =) what a fun trip!
I second the Austin, Texas recommendation! We used to live in Minneapolis and lived it, but Austin is so great! Especially for delicious, unique food…and especially in the spring when you are sick of looking at snow in MN. Austin is beautiful and warm and sunny in the spring š That is when my friends visit. And if you watch you can find good MSP to AUS deals on flights.
Great suggestion! Thank you!
*loved
So sad I missed you and we couldn’t align our schedules!! Next time for sure š you definitely knew where to go and did your research! I recognize all those places and everywhere you ate is amazing!!! Good job š We’re going on a weekend/birthday trip this coming weekend to Austin, TX – I think you’d LOVE it. I’ve also been to Nashville for a weekend. Ahh I love the south! hehe š
We will make it happen next time! Or maybe you’ll have to mosey on over to MN for a nice chilly getaway. š Nashville is great – we went there last summer on a road trip!
Thank you so much for this post! I loved it! I’m hoping to get to D.C. this year, so I really love all of your suggestions.
As far as weekend trips, I’ve took weekend trips to Nashville, Denver and Chattanooga to name a few. Chattanooga, TN is an amazing town with SO much to do! It’s a beautiful city! Oklahoma City is also pretty wonderful, too!
I love to travel, so I also enjoy great ideas and recommendations!
Chattanooga – I would have never thought! Thanks Ashley!
I’m actually moving to DC in less than 2 months, so I am super thankful for this post full of great ideas!
As for weekend trips, I went to Utah a few summers ago and LOVED it. It’s not exactly foodie country, but the landscape is gorgeous, and so great for outdoor activities.
Isn’t DC the best? I’ve lived here for 4 years and am still not sick of it and finding new things to do and see! You saw a lot of great things (Founding Farmings is one of my favorite restaurants!) Isn’t the Holocaust Museum so amazing and eyeopening? They just celebrated their 20th Anniversary and it was pretty special.
A few of my favorites that I think you’d love if you get the chance to come back again:
– The Newseum (an amazing museum near the Capitol.. you do have to pay but worth it)
-Union Market – since you’re a foodie this is right up your alley
-Graffiato – Mike Isabella’s first DC restaurant is his best
-Botanical Gardens
I could go on and on! So glad you enjoyed my city!
How fun! Thanks for the recs Mandy!
I went to Georgetown University undergrad and we LOVED going to Baked and Wired!! So glad you made a trip there! And Founding Farmers is also amazing, make sure you go back!!
Linds!
Love that you got to spent quality time with the girls in your life in our Nation’s Capitol!
If you go back to D.C., head to Georgetown and walk up to Dumbarton Estate. Gorgeous in the spring.
And our fav eatery is Pi. As in 3.14. It’s located right by Ford’s Theatre. Yummmm….
I’m so glad I have ideas of places to eat from you now!! Founding Farmers sounds delicious. :)))
You were in my neck of the woods! I was born and raised in the DC area. Sounds like you had a great time and you chose some GREAT restaurants to try during your visit. Founding Farmers is impossible for locals to get into without being on a VERY long waiting list. Maybe you’ll be able to try them out next time you’re here. I definitely agree with Julia that you should try out Ben’s Chili Bowl next time. The half smoke is a staple in the area.
Thank you so much for doing a post on your stay here. It is always nice to hear what others think of our great city! š
Geeeeeeesh, that BED. I just want to go there, by myself, and sleep ALL NIGHT LONG in that bed! I think I need more trips in my future too! Maaaaybe my husband could come too š
On a more serious note, I got to visit the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem about 12 years ago and it is definitely up there as one of my top most moving experiences. It was incredible and I’ll never forget it! Your trip sounds like it was amazing!
hahaha! the bed WAS pretty amazing. š
Lindsey, I’ve seen D.C. a couple times…amazing place. Check out the National Zoo if you have time. You can enter and walk around before all the shops open and the crowds arrive, which was totally cool. It’s like just you and the animals at the park early in the morning. A trip to Arlington Cemetary is a humbling experience well worth the time. We also enjoyed a side trip into Alexandria…lots of quaint and fun shops.
Looks like a great weekend! I’m moving to the DC area this summer and so excited.
I just visited D.C. in December and was able to see the Vietnam Memorial at night and make a rubbing of a family member. It was so moving. We also were at Arlington the day the laid the wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was an amazing experience. So solemn and affecting. I feel so blessed to have seen it. We ate at Founding Farmers, and though it was a long wait, it was worth it. So so good. I would have loved to see the Holocaust Museum but we didn’t have time. We went to Dachau when we were in Germany so we decided to see the Smithsonian instead. I’m so glad you got to go though!
Wow, what an incredible experience!
I spent about the same about of time in Washington, DC last summer with my dad. We mainly went to see a Nationals game (we’re trying to go to all 30 MLB stadiums together!), but since he also had some business to do, I bopped around by myself a bit. We did manage to go to the National Aviation Museum together, which was more fun than I expected! Especially because of the Hubble documentary we saw on the IMAX. I also enjoyed running around the Capitol Mall, and I randomly got a ticket to the Martin Luther King, Jr. 50th Anniversary Celebration of his “I Have a Dream” speech! But that doesn’t exactly help you with things to do for your next trip…
So the only other thing I can thing of is Chop’t! I know I mentioned it before, but it’s totally worth repeating. I ate there 2 or 3 times because our hotel was situated just 2 blocks from one. Absolutely amazing, and so fun to watch them machete your food!
I saw a Chop’t! We wanted to go but just didn’t have time! Next time though š
I went last summer for a work conference. It was my first time in the city and I loved it. I had a half a day to myself and I walked and walked and saw lots of things. one must-do was the Holocaust. So moving. And seeing the actual Constitution at the National Archive was really cool! I also stopped in a Chop’t. I LOVED IT!! I still think about that place often. If we had one in Iowa where I live I would be there ALL the time! So simple but soo good!
There was also a free bus tour arranged thru the conference I was at. I thought it was gonna be just a drive around and point out a few things type of tour. It was awesome, though, and we saw SO many things and walked around a lot. Saw lots of memorials. So great!
One night I went to Georgetown and ate at a great Italian restaurant where the pasta is made in the front window. And we also waited in line for Georgetown Cupcake. So worth the wait, though, because they were hands down the BEST cupcakes I’ve ever had!!
Art Smith’s Art and Soul restaurant near capitol hill is fabulous. A seasonal menu. Best shrimp and grits ever!
Loved reading this post! I’ve never been to DC, but I know I need to go, so this just gave me that extra push to get on it! That hotel looks amazingggg.
As far as trip suggestions, I know it would probably be too far to consider it a “weekender” but you guys need to come out to the Bay Area in California! I know everyone does the San Francisco thing, but living in the East Bay has made me completely fall in love with Oakland and Berkeley. SO MANY amazing farm to table restaurants, not to mention all of the amazing wineries just a hop/skip away in the Livermore Valley!
Yes yes yes! We have friends in Livermore, and I just want to go to SF and EAT FOREVER. It seems like such a great spot for foodies. š