72 Hours in Washington DC

I cannot believe two weeks ago we were in Washington DC where the temps reached 80 degrees and tonight I’m sitting on my couch and it’s snowing outside!  The weather has been wacky lately but at least we only have one more month of winter because I’m soooo done!

We head down to Washington twice a year, usually during a school break and then on our way back from Hilton Head because we have family in the area.  This year, I decided to go down during winter break because we’ll be spending Easter in South Carolina.  Initially, I was apprehensive about visiting DC in February because Washington’s blocks are wide and long and walking around in the bitter cold is definitely not enjoyable.  But, we lucked out big time because the three days we were there, the temps were in the seventies!  So, here’s a breakdown of where we stayed, ate, and visited over 72 hours:

Where to Stay: Normally, we stay in Arlington for its’ proximity to the city and its’ more affordable accommodations but this time, I was able to snag a deal on Priceline so we stayed in the West End of DC in the Fairmont Hotel.  I loved the location which was walkable to Georgetown in one direction but also to the White House and all the sights in the other direction.  The Fairmont is beautiful from the lobby and bar/lounge area to the rooms and the gym/pool area.  We took full advantage so everyday the kids swam, my mom and I enjoyed wine in the lounge, and we loooved the comfy beds as well as the luxurious bath products from Le Labo.

Where to Eat: I was all about parking my car and not driving all over the place so I really appreciated the fact that our hotel was within walking distance to a plethora of restaurants.  We ate at the Cafe de Luxe two nights because it was a three minute walk from our hotel, had a kids’ menu, a wide array of choices and didn’t break the bank.  Another night we ventured into Georgetown where we ate at Pizza Paradiso.  I hate to say it but I was underwhelmed.  I think coming from New York, we have high expectations when it comes to pizza and this place was overpriced and it under delivered.  I regret not taking Katie’s advice and going to Clyde’s.  We passed it on the way to the pizza place and it looked like a much better option.  So, next time, we will certainly go back!  For lunch, we comically made a mistake and accidentally ended up at the Ritz Carlton one day.  I swear, it looked like a diner from across the street! We were starving, hot and tired and kind of stumbled upon it after a morning of non-stop walking.  I will say, their kale caesar salad is delicious and the kids’ menu is pretty good so it ended up being a successful mistake!  Another day, we ended up at Pete’s Diner on Capitol Hill where the former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, frequented for breakfast.  It totally hit the spot!  I ordered the grilled cheese and my boys got the cheese steaks and we all loved it!  Plus, the owners were super friendly and warm.  We will definitely be returning on our next visit!

Where to Visit: The first day, we decided to take advantage of the glorious weather so we walked our legs off!  We started out walking to the White House, over to the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and then the Lincoln Memorial.  This is when we headed back to the West End and ended up at the Ritz for lunch ha ha!  My seven year old was sooo tired!  After we recouped at the hotel for a bit, we headed out to Arlington National Cemetery.  We timed it so we would catch the last changing of the guard which takes place at the tomb of the unknown soldier.  If you have never visited Arlington Cemetery or witnessed the changing of the guard, as an American, I will say that this is a must do when you’re in DC.  It’s so emotional visiting this cemetery and seeing first hand the endless headstones that represent each life lost so we can enjoy the freedoms we tend to take for granted.  The backdrop of the city on one side and Robert E. Lee’s home on the hill on the other side is truly a site to see.  We were there on the most beautiful evening just as the sun was setting and it’s a moment I will never forget.

My husband suggested that I contact our local congressman prior to visiting to see if we could schedule a Capitol tour.  I have to admit, I was skeptical but I emailed anyway.  Much to my surprise, Peter King’s office got back to me right away and we arranged to visit his office one morning followed by a private tour of the Capitol building.  We ended up getting there early that morning so with a bit of time to kill, we headed over to the Library of Congress.  Oh my goodness!  This is a must see!  The architecture is absolutely breathtaking and the reading room is one of the most exquisite sights I have ever seen.  It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Washington.  Afterwards, we walked over to the Cannon Office Building where Peter King’s office is located.  His entire staff could not be more gracious and welcoming.  They gave us so much time including a tour of his office, a view from his private balcony overlooking the Capitol, and a private guided tour of the Capitol which included a walk through the underground tunnel that links the Cannon Building to the Capitol as well as the ability to tour the House Floor!  My kids and my mom were over the moon!  It’s pretty cool standing right in the same spot as the president when he delivers the state of the union address.  My son Michael calls it the “room with the blue rug.”

Afterwards, we headed over to Pete’s Diner and then to the Supreme Court.  I had never been inside so to see the court room where all the major cases have been decided was pretty surreal.  We then took one last lap around the Capitol (because the weather was unbelievably nice) and then headed back to the West End for dinner.

We lucked out with the weather, the hotel and the fact that our Capitol tour was such a great experience so this trip to DC was probably one of my favorite to date.  Next time, I definitely want to take a tour of the White House, go to the top of the Washington Monument at night, and check out the cherry blossoms (which I’ll have to time accordingly).  To read about our trip to DC last year, click here.  Feel free to email me with any questions or suggestions!