D.C. is a city I had not spent much time. I visited once on a family trip when young and passed through on a road trip in college, but this trip felt like it was my first time really here. The primary purpose of this trip was to spend time with my second cousin and check out his experience as  young professional living and working in our nation’s capitol. While I did not hit all the tourist sights, I got a feel for the experience of urban D.C. and it’s vibrant diverse culture.

EXPERIENCE

There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in our nation’s capital. From moments to markets we knocked out as much as possible while still making time for dancing! As far as tourist sites go, we did visit the National Mall for a walk from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. We passed by the National World War II Monument, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool and many of the national galleries and Smithsonian Museums.

We also walked much of the city and checked our Union Market Eastern Marketand the seafood market at the Wharf. We indulged ourselves in delicious foods and coffees and did some thrifting and perusing of crafts. In the evening we went out dancing at DC 9 in Adam’s Morgan for a 90’s Dance Night. 

Next visit, I’d like to hit the National Portrait Gallery and the Air and Space Museum. I was there for the very, very start of the Cherry Blossoms in East Potomac Park, but next time I will have to come back a few weeks later to catch them in full bloom!

STAY

While I am sure there are plenty of lovely places to stay in D.C., I slept on an air mattress in my cousin’s apartment (which presently had no other furniture due to an impending move). I was based in Adam’s Morgan, the heart of the gay scene. The Washington Hotel seems to be a famous spot with a great rooftop bar. If I were to visit again, I’d also consider checking out some Airbnb options if I did not have a local hookup. I hear DuPont is another great central spot to position yourself for exploring.

EAT

It should come as no surprise that eating played a fundamental role in our weekend. We focused our energy on the various markets around town. Union Market is pricy but everything we ate here was absolutely amazing. The food scene in D.C. is exceptionally international. Ethiopian and Korean topped our to do list. We also hit up a great local spot for Popsicles. Aside from this we nibbled through the markets and grabbed drinks at local spots as we walked. We never did make it to Ben’s Chili Bowl, despite lots of talk of it– something special to save for next visit!

Capitol Hill

Springtime in DC

World War II National Monument