Easter has been put to bed and now it’s time to get ready for our trip to Washington, D.C. We’re taking a long weekend to visit Tim’s dad, who lives just outside the district in Great Falls, Virginia. We’re also looking forward to several mini-reunions with friends. One of whom will be heading off to the Middle East in June as a new member of the Department of State. She’s one of those people you’re glad to know because they’re always doing something amazing.
I love D.C. for many reasons. The best one is that I met Tim there nineteen years ago this Fourth of July. And I love the city’s beauty and energy and diversity. My first visit was during spring break one year when I was feeling a little adrift. I’d transferred from a small college to the University of Minnesota and hadn’t quite found my stride yet. But I remember walking down Embassy Row, soaking in the sense of possibility, and knew that I needed to be part of it. So I went home, kicked myself into gear, and ended up returning for an internship the following winter. Have you ever had a moment like that—an epiphany—when things suddenly became focused and you knew just what you wanted or needed to do?
We’re planning our itinerary now. What usually works best for us on trips is to let each kid pick one thing to do. Lexie wants to visit the National Archives because a book she just read and liked a lot takes place there. Will wants to visit the Air and Space Museum. Lily wants to see the pandas at the National Zoo. Andrew said he’ll be happy visiting Papaw at the Pentagon and Julie at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. We’ll see how much we can squeeze into three-and-a-half days!
Have you been to Washington, D.C.? What did you like best? If you only had a few days to see everything, what would be at the top of your list?
I just saw your comment on Marta’s blog and had to come over and recommend a restaurant for your trip to D.C. We just returned from there and every time we go, we always eat at Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande in Arlington. You can get there by metro too Ballston stop). The fajitas and salsa are out of this world and the place is totally family friendly. Have fun!
Thanks, Brooke! That sounds great, and it’s very close to where we’ll be visiting one of our friends.
Hi I am a DC native and also happened to meet my husband on 4th of July in DC. We both were attending the concert on the Capitol lawn with mutual friends. In any case, I found your blog through your post on Marta’s and wanted to share my top picks for DC. The National Zoo is a great pick because there are new baby lion cubs there now- so adorable! If you get a chance to drive around and see the monuments at night – that is so pretty and neat. There are also some evening tours that you can take. I also love the Smithsonian Museum of American History, recently renovated and besides having the First Lady gowns and the American Flag, it also has Julia Child’s kitchen. Also lots of fun activities for kids. And the Museum is free! I also love Matchbox Pizzeria in Penn Quarter/ Chinatown DC. Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill has great milkshakes and good burgers. Teaism–one location is very close to the National Archives is a good local chain with great tea ( of course) but also some really good quick meals and yummy salty oatmeal cookies. Another option for good meals on the go, are the food trucks. Several different chefs have opened mobile food trucks and they tweet their location. You can find them on food truck fiesta. My favorites are the Red Hook Lobster truck, the Takorean truck and the curbside cupcake truck.
For more DC suggestions you can check out the Washington Post ‘s Going Out Guide where you can narrow your search by kids or by neighborhood etc. Have a great time!
Thank you so much for the tips, Soleil. I just told the girls about the baby lions so now they’re even more excited to go. We definitely need to visit the History museum. And thank you so much for the restaurant tips. You’re the second person who’s mentioned those salty oatmeal cookies, so I think we need to check them out.
I love that there are trucks hanging around with lobster and cupcakes. This is why I love D.C.