As soon as I walked inside from our dog walk, it started pouring outside. I opened up the windows so I could listen to the rain, made myself a cappuccino, and now I’m ready to dive into this D.C. travel blog! It’s easier to write on a Friday afternoon when it’s gloomy outside and cozy inside.
A few weeks ago, Kyle and I headed up to Washington D.C. to visit one of my best friends, Meighan, and her boyfriend, Ed. It still breaks my heart that she doesn’t live in Charlotte anymore, but luckily D.C. isn’t too far of a drive, and we have some more trips planned soon. 💜
The weekend flew by way too fast. We did get super lucky with 80-degree weather in D.C.! I’m excited to share a few places we ate and all of the photos from our weekend. The city was filled with blossoms! 🌸 🍒
We left around noon on Friday and made it to Washington D.C. around 7 pm. We headed to The Hamilton Hotel, which is where we were staying for the weekend. We chose this hotel because it was in the heart of downtown D.C. It’s a quick walk to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, Museums, restaurants, and other historic landmarks. I’ve been to D.C. many times because my brother used to be stationed there, but we would always stay in the Alexandria area, so it was cool to stay in a new spot.
After getting checked into the hotel, we walked over a few blocks to meet up with Meighan at Fig & Olive for dinner!
Fig and Olive is a Mediterranean-style restaurant focussed on fresh seasonal foods that are sourced locally. I ordered the shrimp & salmon salad but had the shrimp replaced with extra salmon. I used to love shrimp, but I get a bad reaction to it every time I eat it, which is so sad. The salad had Scottish salmon, avocado, marinated fennel, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, and a citrus dressing. The meal was delicious, light, and exactly what I was in the mood for.
We all split a dessert tasting platter. I was excited about the apple sorbet in the corner! The dish came with four bite-sized desserts: chocolate obsession (whipped truffle ganache, chocolate obsession cake, raspberry & chocolate glaze., seasonal sorbet, crunchy praline, pot de crème), seasonal sorbet (which was apple), crunchy praline and pot de crème (milk & white chocolate crème, meringue crisp, hazelnut praline.)
All of the food was fantastic! ♥️
Later in the evening, Kyle and I walked back to the hotel, and headed straight to bed! All of the driving had us exhausted.
Early morning, Kyle and headed to some stores pick up a few things. I forgot to bring my sandals, and I really wanted a sunhat since it was going to be 80-degrees and we were going to spend most of the day outside. I did not want to deal with any sunburns!
Right across the street from our hotel was a Le Pain Quotidien. I know some of you may be wondering why I’d go here even though it’s a chain and I’ve been here so many times, but I love this place. Every time I go to D.C., I always stop here for their incredible coffee and delicious food. Whenever there’s a Le Pain Quotidien, I’m stopping in! This was the first meal I had after running my first half marathon, and it’ll never get old!
Kyle and I had breakfast here together early in the morning. I ordered the avocado toast on their nut and seed bread, a fresh bowl of fruit, and a pot of coffee. I’m telling you, their coffee is to die for! This breakfast was the perfect way to start the morning 🥑
This is going to sound silly, but I usually do not like to wear straw hats because I think I look like a scarecrow or a detective, but I finally found a straw hat that fit and looked cute! I can’t wait to wear this hat all summer long. The hat is the Packable Straw Panama Hat from the Gap. Since we were going to be out riding scooters, I didn’t want to carry around my big black purse. I decided to use a convenient backpack from Target. It held my camera, water bottle, wallet, cell phone, and a ton of other random things. I loved that everything was easy to find and it wasn’t filled with useless pockets. This backpack is going to be going with me on all future trips. I wish I would have had this at Disney instead of my giant bag.
The dress I’m wearing is actually from the Loft. It’s called the Ikat Tie Wast Flare Dress. I bought it almost two years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite purchases. I’ve worn this dress so many times, and I never get sick of it. I bought it for $70 back in the day, and it’s now only $25 at Loft right now! I saw that they had only a few sizes left, but I wanted to share just in case you were looking for it. I also saw one very similar one to this dress here.
Kyle and I hopped on some scooters to meet Meighan and Ed by the White House. I’m telling you, scooters are the way to go in D.C.! The scooters were so fun to ride, and a great way to see everything!
The whole city was filled with blossoming trees ♥️ I couldn’t get enough of it!
Shoes: MIA platform sandal. They come in so many different colors, and they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn! The soles of the shoes are squishy and comfortable! I’d rather explore a city in these over tennis shoes. My mom has them in black and brown, and I borrow them all the time!
Around 2 pm, we headed to Flower Child for a light lunch. I was so excited to try this place out because we are getting on in Charlotte! Eek! We stopped here on our way to Georgetown with our scooters.
I ordered the Organic Kale salad with Scottish salmon on top! It came with pink grapefruit, chopped kale, organic apple, black currant, smoked almonds, and an apple cider vinaigrette. Everything was delicious!
After lunch, we headed to Georgetown and grabbed coffee and dessert at Dog Tag Bakery. I love this bakery because it gives back to the veterans. I also want to mention how friendly they were in there! They made you feel as if this was your local coffee shop at home and you’ve been in there daily. They were so kind! ♥️ 🇺🇸
From the early hours of each morning, our bakery is mixing up batches of handmade baked goods while providing valuable work experience for veterans, military spouses and caregivers.
The Dog Tag Fellowship program combines education with hands-on experience to create a living business school, building a bridge to employment and helping veterans and military families find fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.
Make sure to stop in there next time you’re in D.C.!
I had a coconut milk latte with an extra shot of espresso and a delicious gluten-free macaroon!
We took a stroll around the Georgetown shops and then walked around the gorgeous Georgetown campus. It was breathtaking!
Later in the evening, we met back up with Meighan and Ed and had dinner in Old Town Alexandria at Virtue Feed & Grain. This is another one of my favorite spots to eat in Alexandria! I’ve mentioned it a few times in my older D.C. posts.
We started with some red wine and their nacho platter.
When I saw “baby kale” on the menu, I had to go for it. I’ve been eating baby kale nonstop since trying it for the first time on my Disney trip. I ordered the baby kale & apple salad with grilled chicken. It came with gala apples, golden raisins, roasted peanuts, and sweet mustard dressing. The salad I order usually come with cheese, but I always have them leave it out. I think this one had feta as an option.
We spent the rest of the evening drinking wine and then taking a walk around Alexandria before heading out! I told Kyle if we ever had to move to D.C. in the future, we’d have to live in Alexandria! I love it there. 💜
Meighan and I were supposed to run our three miles on Sunday morning, but it was pouring so we grabbed a coffee and decided to head back to Charlotte. Luckily, Meighan was in Charlotte the following weekend, and we managed to hit our three miles together! (read about it here!)
I hope you guys enjoyed the photos from our weekend in D.C.! 💜
Have a great weekend!
Questions for you!
- Would you like me to create a travel guide with all of the places I’ve eaten at in D.C.?
- Are the trees blossoming where you live?
- Have you ever been to Washington D.C.?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You are so, so, so lucky you get to see all the cherry blossoms! You can’t find them in Hong Kong, most of us here actually fly to Korea or Japan to see them. They’re beautiful! 🙂 💕
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Charmaine!
I hear the ones in Japan are gorgeous!! 💜
Ashley says
You make DC look so glamorous! Glad you enjoyed your trip. I’m quite sure I was sitting in class when you visited Gtown campus—best time of the year >>>to be outside 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
DC is a pretty great place 💜
That’s pretty amazing you go to Georgetown! What a gorgeous campus! xo
Stacie says
I used to work right across the park from that hotel! I love DC (I live just outside in MD now) and it’s so fun to hear your fav spots in the city! Next time, I recommend The Hamilton (bar and live music venue) which is a few blocks away from where you stayed. Fun spot for drinks!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Stacie!
We actually walked by the Hamilton bar several times. It did look like fun so I’ll keep that on the list for next time! 💜 Thanks for the rec!
Christina says
Glad you got to enjoy the beautiful weather here and peak time for the cherry blossoms! I live in Alexandria and Old Town is my favorite place! If only I could afford one of those beautiful homes in Old Town =‘(
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, man! Those homes are PRICEYYYYY haha You’re so lucky to live in Alexandria! ♥️ Enjoy the blossoms!
Carlee says
I am moving to Charlotte this month and am so excited! When I was house hunting I saw the Flower Child and got excited!! I need to look deeper at your Charlotte recs!! Is that up to date?!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carlee! You just reminded me that I should probably update that this weekend! 😊 Welcome to Charlotte!!
Brooklyn says
Your photos are extra stunning this time because of the cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom season just ended in Vancouver and I miss them already. There’s nothing better than walking around taking photos of them 🌸
Sounds like such a fun visit! I didn’t know DC was within driving distance for you!
http://Www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brooklyn!
Thank you so much 😊
I bet they are so pretty in Vancouver!!
It’s LONG driving distance, but drivable lol
Danielle says
DC is on my list to visit! You took gorgeous photos! Where are your sunglasses from, they’re so cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww it’s a fun place!! 💜 One of my top fave cities.
They are from Express! 😀
Carol-Anne says
Unrelated to your travel portion, but I just ordered those sandals!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re going to fall in love!!!!
Jenn says
Love The Loft for their dresses. Most of my spring/summer dresses for work come from there. It’s been years since I’ve been to DC. I love going to all the Smithsonian institutes. Can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to go to all of them and enjoy the exhibits. My Dad used to take me to DC by train as a kid and we’d always go check them out.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jenn!
Loft is my favorite! I have a gift card from Christmas and I think I’m going to get a few dresses for the summer from there!
The museums are so fun! I usually like going during the week when kids are in school otherwise they are so busy! D.C. really is a magical place filled with so much history!
Hannah R says
I am SO excited to see that the scooters have made it to DC! We are going on an “East Coast Tour” vacation in about a month, and I’ll be between 25 and 26 weeks pregnant. At first, we wanted to use bikes to get around, but I think I might get a little too pooped that way! Haha. The scooters seem like a really great alternative! Did you have a favorite “brand” or “company” that you used?
We’re cooling down again, unfortunately, but we did have ONE day that got around 78! Yes, please. I can’t WAIT for legitimate spring to be here (and stay). It’s absolutely my favorite time of year. NO bugs, cool mornings (I do love me a sweater), and warm days (because I also love the sun!) You just can’t beat it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hannah!
I would just be very careful on the scooters since you’re pregnant! I fell off like twice because of the bumpy roads! We just used the birds because it seemed like they had more scooters available.
I heard you guys were getting snow! 😭 You’ll guys have the perfect summer days in Iowa in no time though!!
Jackie says
You and Kyle are adorable! Where are your sunglasses from?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Jackie!
They are from Express!
Dev says
I have that bag from Target in olive! I agree with you about the convenience while traveling. What camera did you use for these photos?
Taralynn McNitt says
It really is 😊 I used my Iphone and also my little vlogging camera, the Cannon powershot g7x mark ll
Marcella says
This is perfect timing I’m actually going to DC tomorrow for work! Fingers crossed there are still some cherry blossoms..
Taralynn McNitt says
Crossing my fingers! Enjoy!
Jane says
We are visiting D.C. next weekend! Do you ever use the metro?
Taralynn McNitt says
The metro is a great way to get around!! I always used it while visiting D.C. but this time we didn’t since we had scooters!
Jess says
Love those Mia shoes! Do they fit true to size?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jess! I sized down a half size! 😀
Jereson says
I go to Georgetown!
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s so cool!
Ashley says
1. Yas, I think that would be great!
2. Yes, I’m so thankful. It’s such a beautiful time of the year on that note.
3. No, but I’d love to visit sometime.
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you visit there one day!
Kate says
Where is your jean jacket from?
Taralynn McNitt says
TjMaxx! 😃
Gina says
Do you still golf?
Taralynn McNitt says
I haven’t in soooooo long! I used to golf with my dad until he hurt his rotator cup!
Seriously? says
Cuff.
Taralynn McNitt says
yes, a typo *** sorry.
Danielle says
What presets did you use on your photos?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Danielle!
I create my own presets in Lightroom! 😃
Katie Meshko says
Awhhh I love this post!! Looks like you guys had a great time!! My husband and I just went the weekend after you guys and it was so much fun! The cherry blossoms are so beautiful!!! Things are just starting to bloom where I live so I am excited. Also the scooters look so fun we couldn’t get one for the life of us! Every single time we tried it was dead 🙁 Next time! lol Def a travel guide of restaurants!! 🙂
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
Thank you!! I’m so glad you had the chance to see all the blossoms!! We made sure to grab them EARLY morning! They need to have better charging stations for them!
I’ll work on the travel guide for sure!! xo
Baiely says
Looks gorgeous in D.C.!
Taralynn McNitt says
A beautiful place!
Dezzie says
Love all of your photos!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Dezzie!
hi says
🍒
Janna English says
Hey Taralynn, Do you have a post on how you started running again and how you got up to the 3 mile mark. I love your blog.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s coming soon! I filmed a video 🙂
Ruby says
Hi Taralynn! Love the blog looks like you had beautiful weekend! The trees are starting to blossom in Boston and I can’t get enough of it! Theres a lot of cherry blossom trees by my job and I cant stop taking pictures of them!
Yes to the travel guide! I’ve never been to DC but it’s an option for me to visit for my birthday weekend in October!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ruby!
The perfect time of year! Boston is on my travel list this summer! I can’t wait to visit! ♥️
ohhhhh October in d.c?? The best time!!!
Cait says
Where do your dogs go when you’re out of town?
Taralynn McNitt says
My parents watch them for us.
Anonymous says
👍
Katie says
You have such an eye for photography! I always love looking at the pics you take.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Katie!!!
Kristina says
I love your sunglasses, especially paired with the straw hat – so cute! I love big sunglasses but can never wear a hat with them because I feel like the sunglasses always hit the top of the hat and it drives me crazy. This looks like the perfect combo for a day exploring DC!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Kristina!! I loved these sunglasses because they were wide and not tall so they didn’t hit the top of the hat luckily! 💜
Alex Kemp says
Hi Taralynn! I also love your sunglasses – do you know where they are from! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Alex!
Express 😃
Lindsey St. Onge says
Yes please on the travel guide in DC! Before moving to Richmond, VA I actually lived pretty close to DC and would drive up there with my mom a lot. There are so any great places to eat and shop at and I would love to visit some of the places I haven’t been to yet! A couple of my friends recently moved close to DC so it would be fun to have a list of places for us to go when I visit 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lindsey!
I’ll definitely start writing that!!
DC is such a fun place!! We are lucky to have friends there. Great excuse to visit!!