Good Morning!
I hope your week is off to a great start. I spent unpacking yesterday, doing laundry, grocery shopping, food prepping, working out, and getting back on track after a weekend out of town. I can’t sit and write if things around me are out of whack. Now that everything is taken care of, I get to share all of my photos from my D.C. trip with you!
Becca and I wanted a relaxing weekend away from Charlotte, and I thought it would be cool to surprise my brother for his birthday, so we decided to take a last-minute road trip up to D.C. for the weekend.
We didn’t have plans to see anything specific; we just wanted new scenery.
Karlee, Becca, and I walked down King Street in Alexandria to grab breakfast. We love going to Le Pain Quotidien (The Daily Bread) because the food is so healthy and fresh, + their coffee is perfect.
I ordered an egg-white omelet with veggies. It came with a salad and homemade bread. One of the best parts about Le Pain Quotidien is that the table is filled with delicious spreads and jams. They’re so fun to try. They have hazelnut, chocolate, cinnamon, apricot, raspberry, white chocolate, and more. I bought the cinnamon one to take home because it tasted like little Teddy Grahams.
We ran some errands after breakfast and stopped at some shops. I bought some cute little dog treats to bring Kona. Becca and I are usually quick to go out and explore D.C., but we just wanted a “chill” day (totally not like us.) I decided to go for a run because it was gorgeous out. It’s nice running without humidity. I went four miles while Becca walked the graveyard (goodness, that sounds creepy.)
We stopped to get snacks and headed up to the rooftop to sit by the pool for a couple of hours. It was so peaceful up there, and I ended up falling asleep for a good hour in a little cabana chair.
I stopped at CVS to grab some gift cards, wine, and a birthday card for my brother. I’m all about that last-minute convenience.
We all headed to Chinatown for T.C.’s birthday!
Drake was right across the street. NBD.
Everything was packed and almost impossible to get into because it was the weekend and restaurant week in D.C., + Drake was in town. The manager at Daikaya(Izakaya) was amazing. I reached out to him early morning, and he got back to me within an hour with an opening for us.
Our waiter was phenomenal, and he made the whole restaurant week experience so much fun. You could tell he loved his job and was passionate about the food.
It was only $35 for a six-course meal per person. We decided to all order different meals off of the special menu to try and share. We doubled up on the favorites.
Tater Tots Okonomiyaki style. These tots take gold.
Sautéed edamame Puttanesca style with olives and capers.
Grilled oysters with miso butter.
Fried Brussel sprouts with tofu ranch dressing. I was shocked how much the tofu ranch tasted like real milk ranch dressing.
Grilled okra with preserved lemon salt. I added okra to my grocery list after trying this! “Swedish” Tsukune Japanese-style chicken meatballs with Chintan-based gravy and lingonberry jam.
Grilled avocado with house-made ponzu, fresh wasabi, and nori salt. (recreating immediately)
Corn rice with butter, soy sauce, and mentaiko.
Grated Yamaimo with egg yolk.
Fried Shishito peppers with fried egg & baby kale Ohashi with spicy sesame oil and garlic.
Grilled cucumber salad with sesame soy dressing.
Miso salmon with carrot puree. I loved the flavors and presentation of this dish.
Mochi ice cream. One was green tea, and I think the other was plain. This was my first time trying Mochi, and it was such an unexpected and unique experience. It tasted like dough on the outside with a delicious ice cream filling. The outside is made from pounded sticky rice.
Fried Nasu (eggplant) with Vanilla ice cream and honey. This was my favorite of the desserts.
This is definitely a spot you will want to add to your D.C. stops. It was so different from ANY food eat. I’m a pretty basic person in food, and I really enjoyed stepping out of the box with this one.
We were standing around listening to an amazing singer (Kenny Sway), and we had one of those movie moments (things that never happen to you, but only in the movies.) He pointed at me and asked if he could sing a song to me. I didn’t think he was talking to me at first. I did the whole turn around to see if he’s talking to the person behind me thing, followed by a finger pointed at myself with a light, “me?” He sang a beautiful Ed Sheeran song, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. His voice is so good, and you can really feel the connection through his voice. That made my night.
We headed back to my brothers to have a homemade lemon cake Karlee made! I took this opportunity to try the Halo Top Birthday Cake Ice Cream!
I’m terrified of this cat. The cuts and bites all over my arms will explain why. He’s nuts. If it was champagne on the counter that he wanted…it was champagne on the counter he was going to get. He has a slap stronger than a ten-year-old boy and a bit bigger than a snake.
The lemon cake was so good!
Becca and I went on a walk after cake to walk some of it off before bed. I was so full and didn’t want to sleep on a full stomach.
We threw our gym clothes on, grabbed coffee, and took the metro to the Arlington Cemetery for a ten-mile walk.
You can read all about the Arlington National Cemetery in my previous trip’s post.
We found a juice bar we wanted to go to for coffee, water, and juice after our ten miles! We were fueling off of a protein bar and coffee.The juice bar was unfortunately closed, so we walked to the next closest restaurant. I wasn’t mad about it because I LOVE Potbelly’s. We split a Mediterranean veggie salad. We also downed tons of ice water!
We took the metro back to Alexandria to grab coffee and clothes.
I ordered a flatliner with skim and topped it with nutmeg. I am SO obsessed with this little nutmeg grinder. I bought one immediately after. I can’t wait to use it for fresh nutmeg in my baking this fall.
The walk back was so gorgeous. We really lucked out with a beautiful weekend.
Love sunflowers!
I quickly showered, got dressed, and did my hair to visit with Kona and Shauna! I loved seeing these two! They’re moving to Hawaii in a couple of months, and I’m going to be so sad when they leave. I won’t be sad visiting them, though! Kona LOVED his dog treat I got him. He stole the bag and ran around with it.
We had some snacks before going out to walk the monuments at Whole Foods.
It’s kind of nice having no set plans.
Ice Cream before dinner is acceptable when you’re an adult.
After walking over four miles around all the monuments, we met Karlee at the metro station so she could grab a late-night dinner with us.
We were STARVING, so we headed over to TGIFs to grab ice water and small bites while waiting on our reservation at Founding Farmers.
We started with the Whirley Pop kettle corn pot. It was so good and glazed! I had one bite and decided to have it at the end of my meal because it was sweet.
For dinner, I had the Founding Farmer’s salad with medium-rare steak. It had romaine, spinach, croutons, dates, almonds, tomato, and grapes.
Table farm bread with prosciutto, fig, mascarpone, and balsamic. (ANOTHER DISH THAT MUST BE RECREATED.)
Becca had the fish n chips!
Current obsession. I love how tasty this juice is, and it’s not full of sugar! It was ONE serving per bottle and not the misleading “2 servings.” It also has the right amount of ginger.
While everyone was sleeping in on Sunday, I made it down to see Kona and Shaughna for coffee before taking off.
Becca and I walked down to Le Pain Quotidien one last time for a good breakfast before heading out on the road.
I knew they had really good oatmeal, and that’s what I was in the mood for.
My oatmeal had strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, honey, and walnuts on top.
I ordered some muffins to take home for Kyle. (we tried them, and they were really, really good)
We said our goodbyes and headed home!
I stopped at Panera bread and ordered a salad for lunch. It had pineapple, watermelon, apple slices, egg, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, chicken, romaine, tomatoes, and kale with poppy seed dressing.
I’m currently so obsessed with these “No Cow Bars.” They are basically the vegan version of the Quest Bars, but I like the taste better. They have 20-22 grams of protein, 20 grams of fiber, less than a gram of sugar, less than 5g net carbs, and only around 160 calories.
I always hit rain on my drives home. I can’t name a road trip that I haven’t had to drive back in a storm. I’m used to it by now!
What a beautiful Charlotte sky! It felt good to be home, but the weekend away was much needed!
Questions for you!
- Do you ever go on last-minute trips to change up the scenery?
- Have you ever gone to the same restaurant twice because you loved it so much?
- What did you do this weekend?
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
When I was in Denver last year, I went to Snooze twice in the same trip because it was unbelievably good! It is a breakfast place with amazing pancakes and egg dishes. I grew up in the DC area and have seen Le Pain Quotidien around but somehow have never been!
Taralynn McNitt says
You can’t just leave a place like that without eating their twice! I don’t blame you 🙂 They have them all around the D.C. area!:) Makes it all more convenient.
Jenny says
You have convinced me that Washington DC should be at the top of my travel list!
1. I love doing quick trips to get out of town, I just love exploring new places in general.
2. Yes, we have our favorite few restaurants that we go to but sometimes you have to try new places too.
3. Flew to Turkey! Spent the last day taking in the sights in Istanbul. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
It really should. There is an ENDLESS amount of things to do! I have more spots in all my other D.C. trips (this was more a of a casual/relax) trip!
1. I agree!
2. It’s so hard to try new places when you’re stuck on the faves.
3. Wow! sounds lovely <3
Lena says
Becca’s makeup always looks so good!!!! Can you convince her to do a makeup vlog or list the products she uses!? I love her lip colors!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yeah, she makes me so mad (the good kind of mad) because of how perfect her make up is! ALWAYS! I’ll make sure she sees your comment!!
Jennifer says
Definitely day trips! There’s really nowhere to go for quick trips via car around MN! We drove up north two weekends ago but had that planned out for a long while. I’m hoping next summer I can do a random trip to Lake Okoboji because I heard it’s awesome!
Haha yes just last weekend when we were on our trip! Canal Park Brewery. Everything we had was amazing!
Nothing. And it was wonderful. haha After being up north, then flying to WV for a funeral, it was nice to be home after a long week!
P.s. You had mentioned wanting to see my coffee table when I was done redoing it… well it’s done and I finally made a post about it! http://jennifergailwrites.com/farmhouse-coffee-table-makeover/
Taralynn McNitt says
I’d love to do the same! I’ve always wanted to go there!
Love breweries and their food! I really love getting Kombucha there!
It’s always nice to be home after being gone and I’m sorry you had to go to WV for funeral 🙁 Hope all is well!
Your coffee table looks beautiful and I love the way you styled it all! Nice job 🙂 xo
Jayna says
First time commenter here! I have been looking forward to this post because I was also in Old Town this weekend! I fell in love with your Alexandria posts and persuaded my boyfriend to go to celebrate our anniversary. We had so much fun! We explored King Street, took a boat tour of the Potomac, and did Mount Vernon on Sunday. We even made it to Table Talk and Baked and Wired! Thank you for inspiring us to take this trip! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That is wonderful! This is the first time I didn’t go to Table Talk! I love that little place & Baked & wired is so good! What did you get there?!
I will have to take a boat tour next time I’m up there!
Happy anniversary!
Jayna says
I would definitely recommend the boat tour. We did the monuments cruise with the Potomac Riverboat Company and it was great and very informative!
I got the Vanilla Vanilla cupcake! Delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks for the info! I will add it to the list for sure:) I want to go paddle boarding too!
& that sounds so good right now!
Brooklyn says
If I love a restaurant guaranteed I’ll be back!
I wish there was a Panera bread in Canada. Every time I see someone post about it the food always looks so fresh 🙂
Your oatmeal looked exactly like the homemade oatmeal I make. I usually don’t order oatmeal at restaurants because I like mine better, but that looked awesome 🙂
How surprised was your brother? He must have been so happy to see you!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m surprised there isn’t a Panera bread in Canada! It’s a pretty good spot.
I love that haha. “I like mine better” that is something I say when it comes to certain foods! That oatmeal was AMAZING & way better than the kind I make at home. How do you prepare yours??
He was really excited! 🙂
Ashley says
I work on King Street and live in Old Town. Your photos really capture the beauty of Old Town. I pass most of these buildings every day, so I appreciate your attention to the finer details. You know…I’ve only been to Le Pain Quotidien a few times, even though I pass by it daily. The food looks so good in your photos, I need to stop in more and try the coffee. I go to Starbucks far too much, out of convenience, even though the coffee is not great. Killer ESP is great too, so it’s reserved for days, I don’t mind the extra walk. Also, there is a gelato/coffee shop across from City Hall (S. Fairfax street) you might want to try sometime. It just opened with the past few months. The espresso’s are hand crafted and worth a try.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Ashley!
Thank you so much. You’re so lucky to live in Old Town! What the heck is up with all the stores closing? It was insane! Did you know you’re getting a Sweetgreens where the Bittersweet Bakery used to be?
LPQ place has GREAT coffee. Kille ESP IS SO GOOD!:)
I will make sure to try that gelato place next time!! Thanks for the recommendation.
XO XO
Anonymous says
Yes! We’re all so excited about SweetGreen. After Cosi left King Street, we’re pretty much left without any great salad shops. Austin Grill closed a few months ago, and it was recently replaced with HenQuarter (https://www.facebook.com/HenQuarter/?fref=ts) =Southern Fare. The fried chicken is really good, but who can eat that regularly!!?!? I wish! I’ve never seen such a high turnover in restaurants and shops as this past year. I assume rent is higher than revenue for whatever reasons.
I’m going to La Fontaine later on this week (http://www.fontainecaffe.com/) It’s a french crepe shop. The reviews are pretty high for this place, and their front windows are plastered with awards. It’s worth a try!
What Old Town needs is a Juice Bar! That would be a thriving business 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet. I love SweetGreen.
I saw HenQuarter and heard it was pretty good! My brother said he liked it. Yeah, apparently the cost is so high and it’s hard to get shoppers down there!
That sounds amazing (adding it to the list)
YES YES YES! AGREED.
XO
Mackenzie says
Washington is definitely near the top of places I want to visit in the states (I live in Canada)…your posts always make me so jealous! I find that I always get hung up on certain restaurants. There are so many cool looking ones where I live but I somehow end up craving the same favourites all the time.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! I love it so much (I go there way toooooo much) Having my brother there is the perfect excuse.
I feel the same way about restaurants! I don’t want to risk the bad experience!
xo
Nicole says
I love love love all your posts and pictures so much!!
I’m going sky diving in TWO WEEKS and I AM SO SO SCARED. First, I’m absolutely terrified of flying so I might be more afraid of the plan than the jumping part. AND I’m terrified of big drops…why am I doing this?! For my boyfriends birthday!! When I saw you did it and for the SAME reason I almost jumped out of my chair and I have been looking for your sky diving post since 🙂 Cannot wait to read it and hopefully get some of my nerves calmed haha AH! Anyways,
1. I love going on quick, random trips 🙂 it’s what I live for, especially now that I moved to New Mexico for school…just so much to see!
2. I’m known for going to the same restaurant many times…. when you find something you like, why change?!
3. I explored new mexico 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Nicole!
Thank you so much.
Don’t be scared! I will have my skydiving post up this week so you can see it! I don’t know what came over me, but I wasn’t scared. It’s all a mindset. If you keep scaring yourself and thinking of all the things you’re afraid of, you won’t be able to enjoy it. Keep telling yourself its going to be so fun, get excited, watch youtube videos and you’ll be fine. It’s safer than driving a car! You got this.
I bet! I’ve never been to New Mexico!
EXACTLY.
Sounds like a fun weekend!!
xo xo
Katie says
Do you ever go on last minute trips to change up the scenery?
I feel like everything I do is last minute…so technically, yes 😉 We have been trying to get away to the mountains for a weekend of camping and ATV riding for months, but hasn’t happened yet! We don’t visit the big city much, but your posts always make me want to!
Have you ever gone to the same restaurant twice because you loved it so much?
We live in a very small town, so we visit the same few restaurants frequently. 🙂
What did you do this weekend?
This weekend my husband and I got a new puppy! A little black lab. Spent the weekend playing with him and spoiling him with new toys. Cant get enough!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Katie!
I feel ya girl! A weekend in the mountains sounds amazing! I think I nee to do that next.
I end up going to the same restaurants all the time and don’t live in a small town! I think we fear the unknown sometimes!
CONGRATS ON THE PUPPY!!! I bet that is so fun!!!
xo
Arielle says
1. I’m usually not the spontaneous type, but my boyfriend and I took a last minute day trip down to Cape May on Monday! We walked around the shops in the historic part of town and then went to a local brewery.
2. When I was younger my family went to the Florida Keys and had a horrible stay! The room we rented was subpar and it rained the whole time. We ended up leaving early but found a really great diner while we were there and we ate there for EVERY meal before we ended the trip early. They wee known for their key lime pie and it was outrageous!
3. This past weekend I helped my best friend move into her first home and went to a wedding!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Arielle!
Day trips are so fun! Cape May sounds lovely. You can’t go wrong with a brewery stop!
At least the diner made up for the awful stay! Now I want key lime pie…
Sounds like a fun weekend! You’re such a good friend for helping her move! That’s a lot of work!
xo
Aileen says
I love those black sandals! Can you share where they’re from? Also Becca looks great!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi:) They are from the GAP! & I agree! She does!
Evie says
I was so excited to see Japanese food on your blog! Also glad you like okra- it’s one of my favourite vegetables. I love the sticky texture and the way the seeds pop!
You and Becca are both looking fabulous.
1.Do you ever go on last minute trips to change up the scenery?
A friend and I went on an impromptu trip down to Kyoto last year! I need to be much more spontaneous, though! I’m too type A and have to plan everything with military precision 😀
2.Have you ever gone to the same restaurant twice because you loved it so much?
I don’t think I ever have!
3.What did you do this weekend?
I went to a soccer game! First time in my life :’D I’m not really a sports person, but the company was good!
http://evieintokyo.wordpress.com
Taralynn McNitt says
It was SO GOOD! Not something I’d usually go for, but I’ll definitely be more openminded to it now! Okra is so good, but I’ve never really cooked it! I loved the grilled taste of it.
& thank you! xo
1. Sometimes planning is smart! I should probably get more on the type A level! 😉
2. You are more outgoing then! 🙂
3. I bet that was fun. I’ve never liked soccer, but I heard the games are pretty fun to go to!
Alysse Milano says
Hi Tara! I have to leave a comment because I LOVE your black jeans. Where did you get them?! I’ve been on the hunt for a similar pair but can’t find some anywhere!
Also had to mention that I was in DC a few weeks back for the first time and just like you, went to Potbelly after a trip through Arlington Cemetery. Such a neat place!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Alysse!
They’re actually a really dark green. Some of the filters make them look pretty black! They’re from the GAP. They come in tons of different colors.
I used to be obsessed with Potbelly when I lived in Chicago (sometimes i make sure my connecting flight is in Chicago just so I can eat there) but it’s so good!!
Hope you had a fun time in d.c.!
Mystic says
I hope you get the chance to venture into DC, sometime! Alexandria is fun, but there is SOOOO much more in DC than in Alexandria! I know it can be intimidating, though. 🙂
ESP has a cool vibe, but they just brew Stumptown – they don’t source coffee or roast it, so you can get pretty much the same cup anywhere that brews Stumptown. If you check out some of the local roasters you’ll find some really amazing cups. IMO, the best cups of coffee in DC can be found at Swings (in Alexandria) and La Colombe (in DC, not far from China town).
Founding Farmers is one of my favorites! There’s a great place downtown called “Homestead” that is like a slightly more upscale version of FF and is incredible! The Red Hen, Crane & Turtle, The Fainting Goat, and Gypsy Soul are some other great restaurants in DC. And “Shouk” is a great casual/fast place.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Mystic!
I’ve ventured into D.C. tons of times! Not on this trip, but on previous ones. (especially when I was watching Kona for a month.)
Thanks for the coffee recommendations. I’ll have to try those out.
I will DEFINITELY have to try Homestead! That sounds great. Thanks for all the recommendations. I’ll pass them along to my brother too!
xo
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Great photos! Looks like such a nice time. Sometimes having no schedule is the best! I have a le pain quotidien near where i live and i love it! The foods so great and its pretty too!
They’re moving to Hawaii?! Thats exciting for them and for you because now you can visit them haha! I had the peanut butter no cow bar and wasnt a fan of the aftertaste. Are the other flavors better? Which one should i try?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Heather!
Thank you so much. It was a really great time! I agree. Going with the flow and just doing what you feel is so much more relaxing. The food is so fresh there!
They are moving to Hawaii! https://konadreaming.net She’s started a blog for it!
The aftertaste is a little “grainy” but is it weird that I like that? I think the raspberry truffle is my favorite.
Amanda says
Do you ever go on last minute trips to change up the scenery?
Yes, I love last minute day or weekend trips. I live in Texas so a day trip to Dallas or a weekend trip to Austin are my favorite. It’s so fun when you don’t have a plan and can just go out exploring or doing some shopping.
Have you ever gone to the same restaurant twice because you loved it so much?
Yes, there isn’t a lot of choices so its hard not to eat at the same restaurant twice but I do love trying new places to eat.
What did you do this weekend?
It was my fiancé birthday this past weekend. So we celebrated his birthday and we went out with friends. I was inspired by the birthday cake that you made Kyle. I made a birthday cake with his favorite candy and sprinkles of course.
It looks like you had a great trip! I hope to visit D.C one day soon!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amanda!
I bet you have so many fun spots to visit in Texas! I heard Austin is a MUST! I’ve been to Dallas and loved that as well.
I feel the same way!
Sounds like you had a fun weekend & I bet that cake was a hit!!!!
Definitely plan a trip to D.C.!
XO
Shannen says
I loved this post! So much fun packed into one weekend! I don’t tend to make last minute spontaneous trips. Unfortunately my bank account doesn’t allow for that – but I wish it did. Sometimes, however, I changes up where I walk my dog (sometimes driving a little farther away) to switch up the scenery.
Oh yes! Same restrauants, same coffee shops, all of it. There is the cutest little cafe near us, and they are pretty inexpensive but their food is amazing.
My family went camping over the weekend (six people and two dogs crammed in a little camper). It’s tradition for us to go every year at least once. This year we have a couple more trips planned for the fall.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Shannen!
I do the same with Grumps! Sometimes I’ll drive a couple towns over to walk him or do something fun with him.
I love doing that too, especially coffee shops!!!
That sounds like so much fun!!! I wish I could do a camping trip!
xo
Anna says
I love this post for so many reasons! But the biggest reason is the fact that you make time for best friend/girl time. I love that so much. My two best friends both live a few hours away from me, so I rarely see them. But when I do, best believe we are having some bestie time! It’s good to keep friendships strong as they are who we can turn to for everything (including boy drama or even just the latest episode of a great TV show haha!) Also OKRA. I’m so glad you liked it. I loooove that stuff. And the bread with balsamic on top? Girl. They sell a balsamic glaze at Trader Joes and I put that shiz on errything. It’s super easy to make, but it’s also nice to have the premade bottle on hand too! 🙂 love these posts so much. You look so happy and healthy and it’s inspiring me to live the same way, so thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Anna!
YES THAT IS SO IMPORTANT! It’s hard living away from your friends and sometimes life gets in the way and we forget to enjoy it with the people we love the most!
OKRA IS SO GOOD 🙂 I just bought some at the farmers market this morning!
OK…I NEED TO GET THAT BALSAMIC!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! They mean so much!!
xo xo xo
Kaleigh Bulone @ xoxoklee says
Last minute fun is what I live for!!! there is a cafe in Raleigh (the Morning Times) That I am so obsessed with! I go every time I’m downtown.
Taralynn McNitt says
I really need to make a trip to Raleigh!!!
Ashton Jury says
Loved the recap of your bestie trip! I’m really thinking I am going to have to just book a flight to DC! Perhaps in the spring, for my birthday! Now to answer your questions. 🙂
1. I love spontaneous trips, living in southern California I am blessed enough that I can drive in any direction and get a change of scenery, I’ll usually drive for the mountains (since I live at the beach) or out towards the desert and Vegas isn’t far so that is always a fun time.
2. As much as I love finding new places I could definitely eat at the same place over and over! There is a place in Long Beach called Georges Greek Cafe… and it is amazing! Also when I was in France (just outside Strasbourg) in Marmoutier I would walk to the same little cafe every morning for coffee and a either a baguette with butter and honey or a chocolate croissant!
3. This weekend I actually ran a 10k! It was my first one, I usually just do 5’s. This was a Tiki themed and so much fun! They actually served tropical pancakes that reminded me of Maui after. It was a blast. I’m thinking about starting to train for a half marathon. Maybe the one at Disneyland. Have you ever done one?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Ashton!
It’s so fun in the spring (not too hot) but the fall is a gorgeous time to go as well!
1. That sounds amazing! I still have NEVER been to California!
2. I did the same thing in Strasbourg! I’d walk across the bridge to Keihl Germany for coffee!
3. NICE JOB!!! Sounds like a blast! I haven’t done one! I get to stressed out with races or training and so I think eventually I’ll do one, but I need to figure out a way to not stress about it or get too anxious.
Linda @ the Fitty says
Happy belated birthday to your brother!
I’ll be celebrating my mom’s birthday almost 3 weeks in advance because I know I’ll be busy with a chocolate.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Linda!
I’ll be celebrating my mom’s birthday today! 🙂
candace says
Which flavor is your favorite of the D’s bar? I’ve been contemplating trying them (I used to love the Quest bars but now they make me bloated) but heard mixed reviews on flavors. I really love the Costco version of Quest bars but there’s only two flavors so I get sick of them fast
Taralynn McNitt says
I love the raspberry truffle! I didn’t know Costco had their own version…I want to try them!
Hannah says
Your style is so cute! Your posts make me so happy and I love reading them with my morning coffee.
I love taking spontaneous day trips to the vineyard or to the beach with my husband!
There is a restaurant that serves snow cones for adults and my girls and I go there every week.
This weekend- I did a movie marathon while grading papers!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much Hannah! <3
That sounds like an amazing time & I’m sure it’s so much more special with your husband!
ADULT SNOW CONES? WHAT….AMAZING!
Nice & relaxing! xo
Bethany @LuluRuns says
I love D.C.- It is such a beautiful city!! Oh my goodness, I have been loving Halo Top! Ever since you’ve been talking about it, I had to try it out. So far, I’ve had the vanilla bean and strawberry (both were amazing!)
How did you like the birthday cake flavor? I’ve been wanting to try that one out! Do you have a favoite Halo Top flavor?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes those are both amazing flavors! & D.C. is one of the best cities!
I LOVED the birthday cake flavor and it really did taste just like birthday cake.
I love the vanilla bean!
Amanda @ The Kitcheneer says
Yes! I love impromptu trips! My husband and I will take the random trip to the OBX for a quick weekend trip! On the way back we HAVE to stop at Skinny Dip for FroYo…cause it’s THAT good and there isn’t one near us! I too love Halo Top! Strawberry is my favorite so far but mocha is good too! We live near D., we will have to check out Le Pain Quotidien!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey girl!
I was glancing over the comment before reading it and I saw “skinny dip” and I was expecting a really crazy story haha. BUT FROYO is always good. I still havnt had the mocha or mint! I hope you enjoy LPQ!
Valorie says
OUTFIT ON POINT.
Taralynn McNitt says
AW THANK YOU 🙂
Kaylee says
Where is your black and white top from? Super cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Target 😉
Kathy says
Im obsessed with your blogging?
I’m from the UK and have a 3 week self drive holiday booked in Georgia from OcT 1st with my husband for my 40th birthday treat. Your Savannah blog post has helped with sightseeing ideas. Thank you ? I’m Vegan so very keen to know of Vegan friendly eateries in the South.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Kathy! That is so nice of you.
That’ll be such a fun trip for you! Georgia is wonderful and you’re coming down during a gorgeous time! If you go to Savannah eat at zunzis!
xo
Emily B says
Ahhhhh. Love DC. And love that you got to Founding Farmers! Hope you enjoyed it!
1. We usually don’t take too many list minute trips. Mostly because my husband and I are both planners and like to know things ahead of time! Haha!
2. YES! That happened in DC when we went last year with Ted’s Bulletin. Loved supper so much we went back for brunch {and the homemade poptarts!} And it would have happened with GCDC {grilled cheese DC} but when we went back the second time they were closed!
Also happened at our favorite restaurant in Fargo, ND called Wurst Bier Hall. It’s a hipster German restaurant with awesome food and the BEST sweet potato fries in the world.
3. We went camping with my parents on Friday night & then on a 14.6 mile bike ride on Saturday into the nearby town to get coffee. Sunday we went on a little out of town shopping date.
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes D.C. is great. I’ve been to Founding Farmer’s twice now and it’s a must!
That is totally understandable! Sometimes I want things planned as well.
I need to go to those places!!! I’m added them to my list for the next D.C. trip. You had me at sweet potato fries.
I bet that was so much fun! I need to go camping soon. Biking & coffee….sounds like a dream!
Q! says
Seriously, where did you get those super cute black shoes?
Taralynn McNitt says
GAP! 😀
JieunLee says
seems like you had such a wonderful trip! I always enjoy looking around your blog and get inspirations about living a life. (actually I have been a big fan and subscriber of yours for years though this is the first time I leave a comment on your post) Hope you have nice weekdays and hope you would visit Seoul one day!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you. It was a great trip!!
Thank you for the kind words & commenting! It always makes my day!
xo xo
Lizzie says
Every time you post about D.C it makes me miss it more and more! I visited D.C last summer, but only got a day there! We stayed in a hotel in Alexandria (which was not that great of a spot) sadly, but it was only for a night so who really cares! I would love to head back to D.C and take the bikes around the monuments. Lincoln looks a lot bigger in person that’s for sure. So many feelings around the war monuments. I really wanted to see the tomb of the unknown soldier, but we only had a few hours in D.C so not everyone was willing to look. Saw the museums and loved them dearly. I love learning about WWII so seeing the Holocaust museum was a great experience. I wish I had went with people who were also interested in it (i felt pretty rushed). Maybe one day I’ll get back to D.C and stop at all the little places you have mentioned!
This is also Lizzie, the girl who commented on your post a few weeks ago! I finally created a blog! I just started it last night, but I’m looking forward to growing it and hoping that things plan out right. I only have one post which isn’t much, just talks about what to expect from the blog. My next post will be more interesting about how I got diagnosed with my allergies.
I would love some feedback from you about any tips/tricks to the lifestyle/foodie blogging world. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lizzie!
Only a day in D.C.? That is like…torture! You better make a trip back soon. The tomb of the unknown soldier is something you must experience and I hope you get to go back. I think you’ll love it.
Welcome to the blogging world and I cannot wait to see your posts. Sorry you’re dealing with allergies, but sometimes a blog is a great place to talk about it and whatever is on your mind. There is always someone else out there that can relate.
I think when it comes to blogging, just be yourself. Blog about what YOU LOVE, what makes you happy. Don’t do anything that seems forced and just blog as much as you can. Take pictures of EVERYTHING (because you’ll wish you had them) and set time aside everyday to write. Make sure you ALWAYS LOVE it.
xo
Caitlyn says
I love seeing pictures from your trips, I always take notes and put it in a travel journal of places I wanna go so that I have ideas whenever I finally get that chance.
The last vacation I went on was a weekend trip with my now ex-boyfriend, but while we were there, we ate at this one restaurant that was sooooo freakin good I believe we ate there every single day at least one meal, and we kept getting the same waiter which was pretty cool.
As for this weekend, I was BURIED in homework but I still managed to have a little family get together, it was kind of a belated birthday dinner for my mom. It was a lot of fun because I don’t get to see my family very often since we are all so busy.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Caitlyn!
If you go to a place and it’s amazing…you MUST GO AGAIN!
It’s always nice seeing family and I’m glad you had a break from homework!
Savannah C says
omg…those Fried brussel sprouts with tofu ranch dressing- NEED TO TRY!!! Also I love the TJ’s green juice! Looks like it was a great trip 🙂
xx
Savannah
Taralynn McNitt says
It was such a fun trip 😉 & those sprouts were amazing!!!!!
xo
Mia says
Do you ever go on last minute trips to change up the scenery?
Yes! I’m currently studying abroad so my friends and I are trying to see as much as we can before the semester is over! But even back home, it’s definitely nice to get out of town, even if it’s a quick trip to the beach or visiting family.
Have you ever gone to the same restaurant twice because you loved it so much?
All the time. Sometimes I get embarrassed because the employees start to recognize me! My absolute favorite is Sweetgreen. I have an unhealthy obsession.
What did you do this weekend?
I was in Thailand! Wayyyyy different from the USA, so there was some culture shock but amazing to see!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet that is so much fun, especially with your friends!
I love when employees recognize me. It makes it all feel like home 😉 Having familiarity is great when you’re in a new place. I LOVE SWEETGREEN TOO.
So cool. Enjoy all of it!
xo
TC says
Apparently I missed out on a lot. Wasn’t feeling 100% otherwise I woulda came out!
Taralynn McNitt says
You can come visit Charlotte and I’ll give you the ROYAL tour of the Q.C.! Love ya!
Hannah says
Where are those shoes from!
Taralynn McNitt says
The black ones?? They’re from GAP!
Henry says
You’re hott
Haley says
You should model for gap!
Taralynn McNitt says
haha oh goodness no! But thank you 🙂
Kristen says
Hey Taralynn!
What flavor of the No Cow Bars would you recommend? 😀
-Kristen
Taralynn McNitt says
the raspberry truffle!
May says
You are my inspiration , I have few blogs and occasionally run out from to post : (.