Washington DC - Go Now!
Washington DC - Go Now!
This trip was a special adventure, one that is likely to be a tradition with all the grandchildren. Washington DC is a mighty city that is likely to inspire anyone! We went in the spring and it was especially beautiful, it seemed as if everything was blooming.
We travelled this time with the following ideas:
Find a place that would be comfortable for cooking and sleeping. Find a place with at least two bathrooms.
Be day crazy
Get to places when they open and plan for an early lunch. WAY LESS LINES!
Have one planned activity per day that everyone will do.
Don’t try and do EVERYTHING. Just flow. Everything is pretty close together so its easy to wing it.
Try public transportation but if its easier, its okay to use UBER/ Lyft. If you find a driver you like they likely have a business card and will be happy to grab you without using a rideshare platform.
The Crew
Grandma, Alyce, "aka" Doe Doe, 70. Likes to walk, art, cook, and planning adventures. Is always up for a good walk, a fun dinner party, and a provocative conversation.
Grandpa, Bob “aka” Bobba G, 73. Likes boating, reading, and a good dinnertime chat and glass of wine. Is always up for family events, travel planning and good food!
Daughter, Janelle, 43. Likes traveling - literally anywhere, cooking and exercise. Is always up for meeting new people, talking about inspirational ideas, and hanging out with family and friends.
Granddaughter 13. Likes shopping, staying at hotels, getting room service and sleeping in.
Accommodations
We found a great Airbnb in Alexandria, VA. Close to DC but a little calmer than the city. Also nice location for accessing the farmers market and other smaller businesses and restaurants.
Restaurants
In Alexandria, VA
In Washington DC
Food Trucks in National Mall
Adventures:
There is so much to do and see in DC it is very easy to get overwhelmed. We chose a few things to see in each day and then filled in around the main events. Made it easier to enjoy each moment, rather than just see everything an not enjoy anything. Some things for preplanning, reach out to your senator or representative NOW if you are planning a trip to DC. We were able to get a tour of the Capital which was fun for my parents and incredible for the 13 year old in our crew. Such a special treat to see where government happens and to understand more how it all works. Below you will find some sites with suggestions for optimal enjoyment, Our top 5:
Vietnam Wall - A Friend had recommended the most special idea. Prior to the trip look up the names of the soldiers who served in Vietnam from your town. While you are there, make a point to look them up on the wall. It is a very moving way to experience and honor such a powerful memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery – There is a self guided walking tour of the Cemetery. Be sure to make time to see the tomb of the unknown soldier.
National Art Museum – Perfection. The architecture, the vibe, the oh my gosh this is a famous picture and I am seeing it in real life!
Kennedy Center – There are many shows that come through the Kennedy Center. It is a large, nostalgic place, I recommend escaping to one of the many outdoor balconies to get a gorgeous view of DC.
Things we didn’t do but have on the list for next time:
Dumbarton Oaks. The museum and natural park, with the same name, and its many trails is just outside the garden. It is vast and it takes up nearly a quarter of central DC, yet it is relatively rarely visited.
The White House It was closed to visitors this trip, have been in the past and loved the experience. Will try again next time!
