It’s a beautiful morning here in D.C. today. Kona and I woke up at 5 am and went for a stroll around the neighborhood before the hustle and bustle of people driving to work. I had to wear my jeans, a warm jacket and boots to stay warm. The sun is out now and it’s going to be a gorgeous day. I just finished a paper for class, so I have some extra time to enjoy a cup of coffee and blog about yesterday before I head out on a bike ride.
I want to share some photos from yesterday’s adventure at the 800 acre Great Falls Park in Virginia, right outside of Washington D.C. We have already decided to come back again next week when the leaves change even more. But the drive was absolutely breathtaking. The sun peeped out behind the treelined streets while leaves fell like snow.
There were different view spots and we went to almost all of them. You can do so much at the park. They have bicycling, bird watching, boating, climbing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicing.
Of course we brought some snacks. Chocolate coconut chew Larabar is now my favorite flavor! (next to pumpkin)
Emerald River juice from Whole Foods: celery, kale, cucumber, apple, lemon, broccoli, and ginger.
The vultures were on point yesterday. They were diving in and out of the rocks.
I loved that the sun lit up some of the trees in the back.
I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to kayak or river raft on something like that…
Kona loved it. He was so curious as to what the river was.
A guy from England with a phenomenal accent asked us to take his photo and in return, he took ours. As soon as I gave him my camera, he hopped up on a rock and laid down to get a fun angle. It was really cool of him!
He also loves photos.
We are hoping to go horseback riding there soon.
After we got back, we headed to Alexandria to have an early dinner/late lunch.
I enjoyed walking through the neighborhoods. All of the leaves were falling, the trees were changing, and people decorated their doorsteps with fall decor. Can you tell my favorite season is fall?
The crisp fall air yesterday…
Karlee and I are going to carve pumpkins this week! This town home had an adorable set up.
We went to Hunting Creek Steak House to eat. We wanted to sit outside on their adorable little patio.
I ordered their cobb salad and it came with smoked bacon, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, rosemary steak with a side of gorgonzola dressing. I think this was one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time. The steak flavored so well. I always order my steak medium and they cooked it perfectly. The produce as fresh and the dressing was to die for.
The only disappointment is that our waiter didn’t really talk to us. It was what do you want to drink?, what do you want to eat?, here is your check. I think we got an eye roll at one point, but at least it was some kind of emotion. Luckily, the food was awesome. But, we all have bad days so hopefully his gets better.
We shopped around King Street for a bit and then headed back to dive into Scream Queens! Emma Roberts is a genius in that role.
This popped up on my Pinterest and I had to share! I love everything about it.
Sorry for the short write up! My time is limited and a little something is better than nothing! xo
Gorgeous pics!
Thank you!
Amazing pictures! Jealous of your trip, have fun!
Thank you Aleah!
can I know what photo effect application that you usually use to edit your picture? such beautiful effects
I have an itch to go to DC now! Beautiful!
Just do it 😀
Wow, you are so lucky to be visiting such a beautiful area! Also, you look so pretty in these pictures… your hair is getting so long!
I know!! I’m going to get it cut this week!:) & thank you so much Angela!
The fall pics are amazing!
Thank you Alexa!
Great Falls is actually a national park – you might want to mention that! Also, it’s in both sides of the Potomac River (that’s Maryland you see when you look across) and both sides haves parks/visitors centers. Would be great if you shared links/more info about the sites you visit as you tour the DC area!
Awesome thanks
Great pictures! I have only been to Alexandria once, but I would LOVE to go back during this time of year to see all the beautiful leaves! So jealous, Texas is still in the 90’s!
Oh it is so beautiful! People really decorate cute here 🙂
I’m sooooo glad you made it to Great Falls park! Not only are the trails and scenery amazing, it’s a great photo-op in any season, but fall is hands down the best. Your Old Town pics are stunning too! As a DC native/resident it can be easy to take the beauty of it for granted this time of year when you’re around it day in and day out, but your pictures are a fabulous reminder of just how beautiful it is! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your time here 🙂
Thank you Katie! I’m excited to go back and hike it more once the leaves have changed. You’re lucky to live here!
Gorgeous fall photos! I also LOVE Scream Queens! Emma Roberts has the mean girl down perfectly! And Niecy Nash cracks me up!
lol yes! I’m not a HUGE fan of Abigal Breslin’s role…What do you think??
Totally agree with you! I won’t be sad if she is a red devil victim!
Hahaha I feel like it’s too big to be her! I think it’s the boyfriend of Chanel #1~
Your pictures are beautiful! Looks like you’re having fun!
Thank you!:) Having a blast!
I know you mentioned in another blog post a few weeks back that you were on a mission to lose a little fluff that was gained over the winter last year, and your progress really shows! Not that that is what is most important (health is!!) But as an avid reader and fellow person in recovery, I wanted to let you know that I truly see a difference not just in your appearance, but in your overall well-being and choices! I know pictures don’t always tell the whole story, but you seem much happier and content. You are inspiring to someone like me, who is also continuously working on finding that balance with food and life 🙂
Thank you Kate! That means a lot and I hope you continue to recover and become the healthiest version of you possible! Lately, I’ve been so happy and I want to continue to be!
The trees and colors look so beautiful! What an awesome adventure.
Thank you Kristin! Crazy how places like this are hidden around us!
Sorry but I’m just curious. Why did you decide to leave for one month? Is there something specific you want to do during that time? I feel so serene looking at your photos, I can almost feel the crispy autumn air!
I’m only gone for two weeks. Shaughna and Mike needed someone to watch Kona while they’re in Hawaii and I decided to do it. It’s a great opportunity for a change of scenery, a new place to study, to explore and I get to spend time with my brother and Karlee.
Pretty pictures! Hope you don’t miss Nick too much! Are you taking online classes, is that how you’re able to go away for 2 weeks?
Thank you and yes online classes!
So beautiful! I am loving all of the photos and being able to see you in another beautiful location!
I hope you have a great rest of your day! I know you’re busy but make sure you take some you time too 🙂
XO
Thank you so much Melissa!!!
A photo of air? Your incompetence is exhausting….
There is an X in the corner 😉 click it.
Yaaaaas, girl. Get outta here, Steve, you pompous ass.
haha
your response. hahaha. amazing.
I personally like your photo of air. guess I’m incompetent too.
Lol so be it!
I’m a Northern and I’m totally used to our waiters not talking much to people. Some are more friendly than others but for the most part it’s “Hey, how are you? What would you like to drink? Is everything ok” kind of deal.
Ok good to know ;). I thought he just didn’t like me hahaha. I guess that’s what happens when you’re living in the South for a while…people are just over the top friendly lol
I visited Washington DC last fall and I fell in love with the city. I wish I could go back to be able to see “your pictures” with my own eyes because it looks gorgeous.
Are Nick and Tino going to visit you during the time you spend in DC ?
Thanks Meryl! I can’t wait to capture Georgetown! & no:)
Wow, looks like a great place to live. I love all the colours of the leaves turning yellow and red. Here our leaves are still a lush full green.
Yeah, it’s going to be a beautiful Fall!
Where did you get your green long sleeve shirt? So cute!
Target!
Kona is so adorable looking at the river 🙂 Beautiful pictures Taralynn!
Thank you Melanie!
Tara!
You look so healthy and fit right now. You’re such an inspiration! I also had an eating disorder and began to eat healthier and take care of my body. It’s so amazing to see you go through all the changes. You look awesome, healthy, and happy. Keep it up, girly
-secret admirer
Thank you! I know it’s tough, but keep up the healthy lifestyle. Our minds can be pretty powerful! Glad you’re doing better and striving!
Omg you look awesome girl! Great pics too!
Thank you Victoria!
Autumn looks good on Alexandria! Your pics are great. I’m from Northern Va so I appreciate this post! Going to Busboys and Poets in DC? Highly recommended.
I’ll have to look into it! Thank you!
I think I saw you running on King Street tonight!
lol I was running near King Street:)
Wow it is beautiful there! I always hope to make the trip in the fall, but haven’t yet. Maybe someday.
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Add it to the bucket list 🙂
You look gorgeous and happy! Beautiful scenery, your photos really captured the beauty of the season.
Thank you Ashley!
Great falls is such a pretty place . I live in D.C myself and it’s absolutely an amazing place to live in. Do visit Dumbarton Oaks it’s near Georgetown it’s a really beautiful place as well as Hillwood Estate and Museum.
Thans for the recommendations!
Great pictures!
Thanks Heather!
You shoud try the Maryland side! I have hiked twice on the Maryland side now. I am going out to attempt running it today (some parts are very rocky/technical and so it is more of a scramble and not so runable). Anyway it is gorgeous 🙂
Thanks Kim! We are going to do that!! Let me know how it goes! xo
KONA IS SO CUTE!!!!!!
he is 😀
you’re amazing