We kicked off Spring 2021 with a trip to one of our favorite places to see our favorite people. The list of things to experience in the US Capital is infinite. We've been to Washington, D.C. multiple times and have barely scratched the surface. The amount of natural beauty and history in one place... it's just not possible to be able to see in one weekend let alone one week.
The goal this trip was to experience Cherry Blossoms but with the surging weekend, we expected crowds and long waits. Can't forget the Gale Wind warnings to add to the situation. Regardless, we were still able to visit Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, and National Harbor! Even with a chilly rainy day, we were still able to enjoy a day IN until the weather cleared. Below is where we strolled, dined, and played all weekend.
We started the day at Virtue Feed and Grain for lunch located in an 1800s feed house. They had amazing appetizers, spicy margaritas, and yummy SHRIMP tacos! They even had a waterfront view patio to enjoy our sunny day. We then strolled along the Potomac (apparently I can't say this word, FYI it's not POE-TOE-MAC) River, and then to historic neighborhoods. There was a temporary public art installation on display "Groundswell" at the Waterfront Park but way too crowded with children playing for us to take a photo. It manipulated the city's shoreline of thousands of wood pilings. We stopped at the Carlyle House, a Georgian manor built in 1753 by one of Alexandria's city founders pictured below. We stood on Captain's Row on Prince Street with it's beautiful cobble streets leading to the waterfront, brick-lined sidewalks, gas lamps and American flags waving in the breeze. Can't forget the original antique knockers on every door, it was a photo opportunity around every corner and I was in love! Lots of narrow, tree-lined streets featuring historic houses of all shapes and sizes with gardens tucked away. We ended the day with some ice cream at Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream while enjoying the walkable streets of centuries-old architecture. Unfortunately we were not able to check off water taxis and river cruises by the Potomac Riverboat Company.
GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, D.C.
More waterfront strolling, shopping, and eating in DC's oldest neighborhood. Georgetown Waterfront Park/Washington Harbour Fountain was our first stop, enjoying the boardwalk lined with restaurants and picturesque river views. We were able to see the Kennedy Center, and Teddy Roosevelt Island along with some kayaking, and paddleboats. Wisconsin Ave and M Street NW was basically an outdoor mall, lots of chain stores for everything such as Patagonia to vintage/secondhand shops. See photo below for Georgetown's main intersection- anchored by the gold leaf-domed Farmers and Mechanics bank building (now owned by PNC), which was built in the 1920s. We then escaped the crowds south of M Street and walked along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, there were plenty of nooks and crannies to explore where we found coffee shops and boutiques. It was great to see architectural marvels and remnants of Georgetown's industrial past. We ate lunch at our most anticipated food spot of the trip, Il Canale. Adam works for an Italian company and we are always suggested great foods to try. After lunch was a quick stop at Georgetown Tobacco for some cigars. Last but not least, Olivia Macaron, and Georgetown Cupcakes for some sweet treats! The rest of the day was spent sightseeing and taking in the amazing weather!
NATIONAL HARBOR:
Spent brunch with cocktails at Agora Tyson's in Tyson's Corner, Virginia before crossing Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge to Maryland. First stop, MGM National Harbor- where we ducked in to avoid the rain. Quickly looked at the outdoor fountain, the wide range of retail shops, the conservatory, and then the casino. We kicked off the casino with the group toasting a shot of tequila and adult juice boxes at TAP Sports Bar before spending some money, Erin and I were the only ones that won LOL. We then headed over to the Waterfront District and was greeted by a 70 ft giant, "The Awakening" by J. Seward Johnson. It was a five cast-aluminum sculpture emerging from the sandy beaches. So many eateries, activities for families, shops and art installations. We ended the day with a 15 minute flight of The Capital Wheel, 180 ft above the Potomac River. Each gondola was air-conditioned and heated so you can enjoy year-round! We were able to see waterfront views of DC, Maryland, and Virginia and a bird's eye view of National Harbor. You're also able to purchase any beverages from the outdoor waterfront bar and lounge-Flight Deck but unfortunately for us, it was closed.
Towards the end I got lazy with the videos and pictures because I just really wanted to unplug and be present with my family. Below are quick snaps from Mike's American Grill in Springfield for dinner, and Ted's Bulletin at Tyson's Corner for breakfast (best tart I've ever had!) before heading back to Ohio!
Until next time DC!
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