I'd never really had any desire to visit Washington DC. "Traveling" wasn't really a priority (or option) in general, and DC was never even considered for the short list of opportunities. But THEN Jake and I started watching The West Wing on Netflix (was that a year ago or two? Not sure!). But it brought DC to the forefront, and while I wasn't dying to go there, I was willing to at least consider it.
While on our trip to Boston, we decided that seeing the places that make America AMERICA was suddenly very enticing!
WINTER
Winters in Nebraska can be....wintery. And by the time February arrives, you're ready to lose your marbles. So this February would have been a logical time to "get away". So we planned our trip for March! HA! Sometimes logic doesn't prevail. (Nebraska isn't the only area of the country that experiences cold temperatures and snow in February.) March would be more Spring like.
Spring in DC means cherry blossoms! It's a huge draw, apparently. I didn't know that in the beginning of the planning process. Jake, however, did. (It's a good thing he's typically the one (okay - he's ALWAYS the one) who arranges our travel plans. I'll just be sitting at work, and an "Itinerary" will magically be e-mailed to me.) So mid/late March seemed like it would be a great time to visit our country's capitol! I was getting EXCITED!
SPRING
The winter was long and cold, and before we knew it, it was over....and the flooding began. About two weeks before our scheduled vacation, the state of Nebraska was engulfed in flood waters. Our sweet little town of Pender seemed to be surrounded by water for days. Such an odd feeling - the "flood gates" were up on the north and east sides of town, and we were stuck in our home up on the hill. We watched as the water rose across the street, filling the park and the church's property. Rattlesnake Creek (is that correct?) was FULL! I joked about our "Waterfront Property," but it really wasn't much of a laughing matter.
The water began to recede, and by Friday afternoon people were able to begin to get on with things. But the flooding was beginning to take its toll further south. Fremont and Omaha were two major metropolises in the path. The damage that ensued was huge. Jake was supposed to fly out of Omaha the Monday after Pender was "reopened," and we were wondering if he'd even be able to find a route to the airport. Fortunately, he was able to get where he needed to go (although it took a bit longer!), and we would be able to get to the airport later that week for our mini-vacation.
VACATION
Jake came back from Nashville in time to head back down to the airport no more than 48 hours later. Poor guy....travel, travel, travel.
We flew Southwest, and we were lucky to be able to fly without anyone sitting with us on the way out. Score!
FLIGHT OUT
Jake had drink vouchers, so we had a cocktail on the way - a great way to start the trip!
No one between us.
Jake brought extra headphones for me.
And I was able to download "Sabrina," starring Harrison Ford, before arriving to the airport. That movie was so good. I hadn't seen it in years! I only had a tiny bit left to watch when we landed in Arlington, VA.
And LOOK! Tiny airplane Ritz Crackers.
Southwest, you sure know how to impress us...even if it doesn't take much!
We landed at Reagan National Airport around 4:00pm (I could be making that up, but it seems right??). And guess what happened the moment we landed! Graupel. Graupel happened. The temperature dropped 10 degrees, and it began to snow/hail. Of course that would happen, right?
The storm lasted about 10 minutes while we waited forever at the baggage claim (10 minutes at the baggage claim = forever) . It stopped graupeling, and the sun began to shine, but the wind didn't go away and the temperature didn't rise. It was a bit brisk! Not exactly the weather I had hoped to arrive to.
We found an Uber (one of our favorite things), and headed into the city to our hotel. We drove along and over the Potomac River - catching a glimpse here and there of famous landmarks and monuments!
FLIGHT BACK
Our flight back was kind of relaxing. No. I should rephrase that.
We got to the airport much too early. There was no line to get through security, and there was a whole lot of nothing to do at Reagan. At least not in the terminal we were in. But it was relaxing to just sit and eat and watch the birds. That's what was relaxing.
When we were getting ready to board our plane, it became quite obvious it would be a full flight. Bummer.
We found a pair of bluetooth earbuds in our row, and stuck them in the aisle seat back, planning to give them to the flight attendant.
We didn't get a chance to do that. Because the flight was full, a lovely woman sat next to us, and Jake watched as she discovered the earbuds, and quickly shoved them in her purse. Then we watched as she stuck her plastic tote bag under the seat in front of ME (my space). Lady, I know there's room. That's on purpose! I need my leg space. I might have smooshed her bag. I don't know. Not my problemo. But other than that, the flight was just fine. I finished "Sabrina" and started watching one of the free in-flight movies. Wifi is AWESOME!
We stopped at Runza in Blair on our drive home from the airport because "chicken strips & honey mustard." And continued on our way. We were excited to see the girls. They were disappointed they had to leave Grandma and Grandpa's. It was perfect!
Accommodations
Our hotel, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, was quite posh! I didn't get any pictures of it....
There were doormen, of course, and the lobby was very impressive. There was a restaurant to the right, and a bar to the left as you walked in. Beyond the dining/bar area, there was a long bench across from the elevators - green velvet lined the plush wall back, and the seats were possibly green leather. It was lovely.
In the middle of the lobby was a stand that showcased the brand's perfume and cologne. I already felt a bit out of place, so I didn't sample it! Where are you two from? Nebraska? Oh, it shows.
As you got closer to the concierge desk, there were two seating areas - little libraries with upscale seating options. If it had been a bit more private, I would have wanted to hang out there indefinitely. Most definitely.
Our room was very metropolitan and French. Did I mention, Sofitel is a French hotel? Yah. It is. So wherever there was writing (signs, books, instructions,) it was in English AND French. Our view was NOT impressive. It was of the "rest" of the building (the building was in a "U" shape). I guess I didn't want to admire the sites of DC from my hotel room anyway! The bed was SO comfortable! I slept in EVERY morning and took a nap both afternoons we were there. VACATION!
Dining
RARE
Jake made reservations for our first night in Washington DC at Rare. So we freshened up, and walked to the restaurant - about two hours early.
We hung out at the bar for an hour or so and enjoyed a couple of cocktails and people watched.
Traffic was pretty congested when we first arrived, and the passengers were watching us just as much as we were them.
More than once, we asked, "What are they wearing??" This just in - men wearing pants that are too short is very "in". It's ridiculous. I know the style has been around for awhile, but it ought not to be. On the plus side, Jake would have less trouble finding pants!
At one point, a group of men (I believed to be criminals), closed off one of the lanes of traffic, causing quite a conundrum. They were wearing vests, and had signs, but I was certain there was going to be a jewelry heist! I had to make it exciting!
When it was finally time for our dinner reservation, Jake had a short lived moment on the couch of his dreams. (The waitress came before I could take a nice picture.)
The restaurant is located upstairs, so naturally, I stepped on my dress and got my boot stuck in it - we were almost to the top of the stairs, too. So close! Oh well, I wouldn't be me if I didn't make an entrance!
The restaurant had a completely different vibe than the bar. It was very la-ti-da considering it has Wisconsin ties.
Our waiter, we'll call him Raul, knew the menu well, and convinced us to try the Steak Tartar. I'd never had that before! It was prepared at our table! There was truffle oil. We have determined that we LOVE truffle oil. There was a story about the Mayans and tartar. Ooh! Entertainment! It was also VERY good.
I had my heart set on a Ribeye of sorts and then Raul mentioned something about the Rib Cap having a lot of marbling, and I was like, "Uh...sign me up!". Jake ordered the Delmonico. We also had the Mac n Cheese and Brussel Sprouts. My steak was AMAZING...like buttah. Jake wasn't as fond of his. Not like buttah. The sides were pretty good, though.
Naturally, I ordered dessert - that's not natural by the way...as much as I love dessert, I usually don't order it. I had the Bittersweet Chocolate Pot de Creme....it was worth the belly bulge!
STARBUCKS
Coffee is a must on vacation. It's how I start my day on a positive note. Jake was a dear and walked to the Starbucks located about a block from our hotel, and brought back a Skinny Vanilla Latte and Egg Bites for me the first morning in DC.
We stopped there on Saturday in the late afternoon for a quick pick-me-up, and I tried the Caramel Macchiato Cloud. This was NUMMY. They had a seasonal drink - Cherry Blossom related, but it looked too much like the Witch's Brew I had in Portland that I found to be bleck, so I tried something a little less witchy.
We also stopped here on Monday morning to get our "go" on. We sat outside in the patio area and planned our last morning in DC. It was so interesting to watch people traveling about to work and what not. Do people have schedules I wonder?
Starbucks was a win in DC!
On our last morning in DC, we decided to have a late breakfast at Corner Bakery. It was interesting. It wasn't bad - it just wasn't what I was expecting. I had a Bacon Avocado Egg Bowl. It was actually really good. Jake ordered that, too, but he received some panini or something instead. He ate it anyway. No biggie.
The most eventful part was when I decided to find the restroom, and walked back to where I assumed they would be, and soon found myself in a small hallway where two employees were on break and looked at me funny. When I told them I was looking for the restroom, they informed me I needed a key from the front counter. Weird. It was "gold" according to the flamboyant employee filling the ice machine or something along those lines. The gold key was MIA. Whatever. I'll hold it!
We had walked by this a couple of times on our trip, and decided it would be a great place for breakfast Sunday morning. It was across the street from Lafayette Square, so we thought we might see something interesting.
We did. I noticed when we arrived that there were several Secret Service agents by the entrance of the square.
Soon after we sat down, another secret service agent pulled up in front of the restaurant in front of us. We watched as he assembled his machine gun (I think I'm serious when I say this). Then he moved his car a little bit, and then got out. Clearly, they were stopping traffic for something. After what seemed like forever (probably 10 minutes), a motorcade drove by. And that was that!
Let's talk food now!
I had the biggest piece of French Toast I'd ever seen. Like...4 inches thick! It was AMAZAZING. AMAZING.
Jake ordered the Corned Beef Hash. It wasn't prepared as traditionally as he expected, but he thought it was good just the same - after he smashed up the fries that came with it.
Did I mention I also ordered a Cherry Blossomrita! Yep. A margarita with breakfast. You know what they say - "When in DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival!"
After walking and walking and then walking some more on our first full day in the city, we were starving, thirsty and exhausted! We found ourselves near the rows of food trucks in the middle of the National Mall, and so we walked past them, and found Penn Quarter Sports Tavern - a narrow little bar with TVs and sports jerseys covering the walls. We walked through the outdoor eating area, and into the bar and found a two seater hightop near the bar.
It was so cold and windy that day, we thought dining inside would be an obvious best choice. Turns out the outdoor dining area was much warmer with the heaters, and the "tent" cover. Every time someone came in and out of the restaurant, there was a nice draft of cold air for us inside diners...BRRR.
Regardless, Jake was able to take in some of the March Madness games. I was able to drink water. We were happy!
I ordered a Steak Gyro so I could eat a couple of fries and have a salad, too! I didn't actually eat the pita, so I don't know if it was good or not, but the gyro meat and all of the sauces and veggies and feta were delicious!
Jake ordered tacos...I don't remember what kind - Baha Style Fish Tacos? I dunno. But I think he liked them. He also enjoyed some of my fries, too. He insisted there must be truffle oil on them. Maybe? He ordered a Bloody Mary that he thought tasted odd. He switched to beer after that. I enjoyed a Diet Coke. Caffeine please!
Jake did a quick search for nearby restaurants for dinner the second night we were there. He came across Stan's - famous for wings! So we thought we'd give it a try.
It was really not very far at all from our hotel, and when we came upon it, we thought it might be a little fancier than we expected. I don't remember why we thought that? Because the entrance was at the bottom of a set of stairs? Because the menu was posted on the railing at the top of the stairs? No idea. But we almost didn't go inside.
Then we thought, "Eh. We don't know anyone. What's the worst that can happen?". So we went inside, and were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't that fancy. We were greeted by a waiter who asked if we wanted to sit in the restaurant side or the bar...naturally, we chose the bar because Jake wanted to watch basketball.
So we parked ourselves in the middle of the bar - we were the only people in the restaurant, mind you. We noticed right away that the bar was lined with single serve carafes. Jake asked the bartender what they were for, and then she explained that at this bar, your mixer was served in the carafe, and then you get a second glass filled with your alcohol, and you mixed your drink as you like.
Jake's first drink was a Vodka Tonic. He was blown away by the concept. I had wine. This made us look even more out of place...you might figure out what I mean a little further down....
Jake ordered baked wings, and I ordered chicken tenders. We were both happy with our poultry selections. We were also happy with the hot sauce - Texas Pete to be exact. We ordered three bottles from Amazon before we left the restaurant!
After my hefty glass of red wine, I gave the carafe drinks a try, too. Amaretto and Diet for me! It WAS fun after all!
The bar scene was very....local. One gal, who ended up sitting next to Jake, admitted to us that she saw us walk up to the restaurant while she waited in her car for the restaurant to open. After she saw us walk down, she wondered how long it would be before we came back up. We sure showed her! Ha!
We had a great time at Stan's and would recommend you go if you're looking for a cultural experience with wings and stiff drinks!
On the first day, it was so cold and windy, and I was so unprepared. I was desperate for a scarf to cover my ears and face. I searched for shopping nearby, and thought H&M would be a great place to by a cheap scarf.
I never found H&M, but I found The Hamilton instead. A sign blocked the "A," and I thought I'd found the H&M, but nope. It was a ritzy restaurant. So every time we walked by or could see The Hamilton, we'd joke about it being H&M.
Since we'd talked about it so often, we decided we'd have a late lunch there on Sunday. It was pretty swanky. The menu was interesting - sushi, cheese, pasta and traditional American selections.
We both opted for the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich - it only seemed appropriate after our experience the night before at Stan's. I also ordered another Cherry Blossom drink. Cuz you know, "When in DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival".
It was March Madness, and we wanted to find a low key place for dinner Sunday night. We found Blackfinn Ameripub close by to dine and watch the Duke game. Coincidentally, we found a lot of Duke fans at the pub, too!
I ordered some Southern Nachos, and I think Jake ordered more wings? I dunno. I also ordered a Cherry Blossom Tini, and then an Orange Crush. It was a really nice relaxing experience with some Duke supporters!
The restaurant and bar in our hotel were very seafood oriented, and I am not. So I avoided both at all cost.
On Sunday though, we decided we could at least get A drink at our hotel bar. We went into the fishy swanky bar, and had a drink. I just enjoyed a glass of Cab and Jake ordered the cutest drink, an Old Fashioned Parisienne. I thought it tasted awful, but the glass it came in was precious. Tiny and fancy.
TO DO
There are SO many things to see and do in Washington DC! We knew it would be hard to see everything, so we set out a plan to see the things we most wanted to see and then fit in whatever else.
If you're going to DC, you have to stop by The White House! We did not plan far enough in advance and get our passes to go inside, but we were able to see it from afar a few different times.
It was really incredible to see it in person. All of the Secret Service, Snipers, Black Suburbans, fences, etc. Of course, the President wasn't there for the first part of our trip, but that didn't matter much. We weren't there to see Trump anyway!
He did come back to DC while we were there though. On Monday morning, we decided to get a view of the South Lawn of the White House. We noticed the Secret Service was closing off the President's Park / Ellipse Park. Something was going to happen! Oooh. Excitement!
We waited and waited until we finally saw a motorcade come through the park. I think they just went into a building across the street from the White House. Quite the spectacle!
Sunday night, after the Duke game, we walked down to the White House to see it in the dark. There were a couple of camera crews on site. So Jake and I decided we would be camera crew-esk, too.
The monument was "closed" for tourists, but we were still able to look at it - obviously...I don't know how they'd prevent THAT!
It really was remarkable.
I remember watching Late Night with Jay Leno, and he was doing his skit, "Jay Walking". He showed people he encountered a picture of this monument and asked if they knew what it was. I recall saying, "I know where that is! It's in Sioux City!" My mom laughed, "Lindsey, that is not the Floyd Monument! That's the Washington Monument in Washington DC!" Ah. To be young. I'm pretty sure if that moment hadn't happened, I wouldn't have been any wiser about the difference.
I didn't realize how large this memorial was. It was really beautiful with the fountains, the wall of stars and the "water falls".
Stairs....lots of marble stairs! The architecture you'll see in DC is awe-inspiring! To see these works of art in person was a humbling experience to say the least!
We didn't get pictures that really did the memorial justice. Don't skip this if you're out looking at the other monuments and memorials.
This memorial is not far from the Korean War Veterans Memorial. We didn't get any pictures at all of it. It was such a solemn area. Quiet and somber. It just didn't seem appropriate to take pictures. But a definite must see none the less.
It's nuts that it's free to get into most of the museums in DC! But this is also the reason they're completely crowded! They're massive, so that helps spread some of the people out, but be prepared to get cozy in certain areas.
Due to the crowds, the size of the museums, and the distance from one museum to another, we opted to only visit the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum and on different days. They were so neat! The kids would have loved the museums! We didn't get many pics - we were just soaking it all in...and trying to avoid people!
The museums open at 10:00am and close at 5:30pm. That might seem like a long time, but the lines can be long, and it takes awhile to get through the museums, and getting to the next museum might take awhile. If you want to go to the Natural History Museum, go right when it opens. Stand in line, and wait.
They do bag checks for each museum, too. Food, drinks (besides water), and gum are not allowed in the museums. Helpful to know ahead of time, so you don't get caught at the door with something after you've been waiting awhile to get in!
For a good part of the trip, I kept saying, "I want to march on Capitol Hill. Like actually march. That's all I want to do." So on Sunday, we went to Capitol Hill, and I marched - awkwardly at first. I was taken by surprise, and my tote threw me off, right, Jake? I embarrassed him. Not because I marched, but because I didn't do it right. LOL!
Plan a little extra time for this stop, too! You'll have to go through security before entering - I think. I mean, we did, but that's because we went through the Welcome Center. I don't know that you have to start there. So maybe if you start further back, you can just walk through the cemetery?
There are a lot of hills, and long walks to get to the more "popular" sites at Arlington.
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was our first stop. Check the hours of this tradition to make sure you're there when it's happening. We arrived to the top of the hill just in the knick of time to see it starting for that hour.
Then it was off to the John F. Kennedy Gravesite (aka - Eternal Flame). We might have taken an"illegal" route to get there. It was questionable, but we found it.
The cemetery is just another humbling experience, in general. So beautiful.
Saturday night, we needed something to do. So I found a comedy club near the hotel, and bought tickets to see Nick Thune. Stan's was conveniently on the way to the comedy club. ;)
It started with Mr. Thune kicking out the lady in the front row. (I decided she looked like Demi Moore) She was loud and very participative during the opening act. He insisted she would ruin the show and that would be bad for us (the audience). An interesting and awkward way to start the evening.
I'm glad he did it though. She would have been obnoxious. He was hilarious. Lots and lots of laughs! I would highly recommend seeking out a comedy show on your next vacation. It's something different, and you feel like you're sort of part of the local scene.
SHOPPING
There is plenty of shopping in DC. Souvenir shops, CVS Pharmacies - you know, for when you forget to pack toothpaste and deodorant. ;) I found a TJ Maxx to get my scarves, if you were wondering. I never did find H&M though. It's somewhere though!
WRAP-UP
We had a great vacation in DC. What would we do differently? Maybe get "in" with our congressman to see the inside of the White House. Take scooter lessons so I wouldn't have to walk 12 miles a day (although it wasn't a bad thing.). Spend a day on Embassy Row. There just wasn't enough time.
But my suggestion to you, is to SEE it. If you have the chance to go, GO.
EXTRAS
And I was able to download "Sabrina," starring Harrison Ford before arriving to the airport. That movie was so good. I hadn't seen it in years! I only had a tiny bit left to watch when we landed in Arlington, VA.
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