Exploring the Nation’s Capital: D.C. Weekend Adventure
Our adventure began with my desire to visit my sorority sister I hadn’t seen for almost three years. I’ve been missing my line sister since we graduated in 2014. So, when she called me and invited me to her 25th birthday, it was a trip I could not pass up. So, I asked my sister aka my “roadie,” to take the seven-hour drive with me to Washington, D.C.
Okay, so we didn’t find a hotel in the heart of D.C., but we found a pretty sweet inn in Arlington, V.A.minutes from D.C. and at a discounted rate. Looking back, I’m glad that we stayed outside the city; traffic is crazy no matter where you go in The District, but it’s worse as you travel closer to downtown.
Day 1 began the same day we arrived. With time to kill shortly after our arrival, we decided to educate ourselves at Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Washington, D.C offers free admission to over five museums surrounding the Smithsonian Institution Building including the National Museum of African Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Air and Space. We chose natural history to cover all bases.
On top of having top-notch taxidermists, the museum is home to a plethora of jewels, artifacts, and archives. It’s an experience all ages can enjoy.
The one thing I can appreciate about D.C. is the weather; if it’s 81 degrees, it’s 81 degrees. No humidity or heat index and there’s always a nice breeze to cool you down. We learned this as we walked five blocks to the Hard Rock Café on E St. NW, concluding our first day in the city.
Day 2 was a little more adventurous as we drove about 15 minutes through parks and neighborhoods to explore Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation. After driving around for 20 minutes looking for a parking space, my sister and I decided that the people generally park anywhere on the weekend and don’t get ticketed, so, when in Rome!
Being an avid animal-lover, I was excited about the zoo. It’s free admission allows its patrons to walk around and tour all parts of the park (that weren’t closed for construction). There was a wide variety of exhibits including The American Trail, Amazonia, cheetahs, and reptiles. To see everything the zoo has to offer will take about two hours.
After our wild time, we were starving and decided to eat at William Jeffrey’s Tavern. The ambience of the restaurant was very intimate and we didn’t have to worry about waiting to be seated. This place was a hidden gem as we discovered major discounts on their oysters and ribeye steaks. So of course, we had to indulge! As appetizers, I recommend the cheese fondue and/or the cheese quesadilla.
Our last night in D.C. ended with the main reason for our visit. After driving 25 minutes from Arlington, hunting 45 minutes for a parking space near Logan Circle or U St. Corridor, and walking 29 blocks from R. St to Cloak & Dagger, I FINALLY reunited with my LS and partied until I couldn’t anymore!
To sum up the weekend, I’d say it was pretty amazing! I haven’t had an adventure like this in a long time and it reminded me that all work, and no play makes you miss out on life. Sometimes you have to pack a bag and go on an adventure with someone who knows how to drive defensively and take crazy chances with you.
Check out my three-part D.C. vlog on my YouTube channel!
