This was another work trip that I tagged along with Felipe. On this trip, he worked pretty late hours so most of my adventures were solo with a few things together after hours. When this is the case I try to maximize our dining experiences so those are events within themselves
If I were to sum up our week in D.C it would be Museums, Food and LOTS of walking! If there is anything you take away from this post when prepping to cram a lot of things into a short itinerary is 1. Have great walking shoes and 2. Take a battery pack to charge your phone along the way! Learn from me… be better than me.
Where we stayed
We stayed just out side of the city center in Silver Spring, MD. There is a big Ethiopian presence in the area which was fitting since this was our last trip before we moved to East Africa. There were a ton of restaurants, bars, coffee shops all within walking distance. Train station was right around the corner from our hotel or uber (which cost quite a bit more) to do some sight seeing.
Museums for days
Its really a choose your own adventure- but I was on a mission to maximize my time. Since it was July and ridiculously hot outside I planned each day making sure to focus on a cluster of museums that were close together and taking a much needed refreshment break at a café in the area. All in all I ended up going to the National Portrait Gallery, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, The National Archives, How may museums in the area- how much they cost to enter
American Indian museum.
Museums for Days...
The food is Amazing
Brunch
Ceviche Gastro Bar
Ethiopian
Coffee
Georgetown
I had to spend at least half a day here, not only because it was high recommended but because this is Alma Mater (Just got my masters here last year). I went based solely off of recommendations from friends on places to see. I started with the Exorcist Staircase (IYKYK), walked over to Coffee at blue caffe, some shopping on M street, took a quick break from the heat at Georgetown Cupcake, then made my way to the Georgetown Campus. I spent some time here getting some school swag from the bookstore and walking the beautiful historic campus. If you’ve got the time and want a break from museums, this is a great half day well spent.
Sneak in a date night
Since Felipe worked late most days we were unable to catch any museums together so I had to plan something special for us in the evening. Outdoor Memorials are a great option for this. We started with dinner an amazing Peruvian Restaurant then walk about a quarter of a mile to the Lincoln Memorial. We lucked out and got to catch the Marine Corp Band perform on the steps of the memorial which made it extra special. We found a local vendor selling mango slushies and took a sunset stroll from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. Along the way we visited the Vietnam and WWII memorial. If the Lincoln Memorial or Washington monument is on your bucket list- I highly recommend visiting in the evening or even right after sunset.
Short & Sweet
When budgeting for D.C, aside from lodging, I would seriously consider making a pretty decent food budget. The cuisine options here are not like I have ever experienced. Try something new, try something out of your comfort and pack yourself some reliable and comfy walking shoes.
… until the next adventure
