If you know me well, it will be no surprise that the first long-weekend trip featured is all about my favorite city. A very proud, former resident of Washington D.C., there are about 1,000 things I could go on and on about related to the complexity, grandeur, diversity and the joy of this city and the culture.

Here’s my break down of the high-point “must-dos” and “must-knows” about D.C. for those who want to experience the city in ways more than just the monuments.

WHERE TO STAY

This city is not short on cozy and unique stays.

Mast visitors will choose a hotel in walking distance to the National Mall – and if your priority is to see the monuments/museums, the U.S. Capitol or the White House – that’s a good choice for you. But if you venture into other areas of the city you’ll also be able to experience the local scene, with tons of its own embedded character and history.

My most recent stay featured a reservation at The Line, DC. Located in the Adam’s Morgan neighborhood (2-3 miles from the National Mall), this hotel was bold and alive in every way. From a personable but constantly active lobby/restaurant/bar, which was is the center of life at the hotel, to the striking exterior architecture overlooking a colorful neighborhood, it was bright, luxurious, and the rooms balanced the liveliness of the busy area with a much needed quiet break between brunch plans and art gallery dates.

Adam’s Morgan is enough-distanced away from the more touristy area of the city so that you can play local for the weekend. It boasts so many adorable local shops (including good coffee), an incredible local art scene, weekend farmers markets, old architecture with row homes and good food. It’s youthful, colorful and really just full of joy! Truly a spot that will feed your energy and enthusiasm through a weekend getaway. It isn’t my favorite location for accessibility to other key spots in the city, I find it easier to get an Uber to most other D.C. places – and this can easily run you about 30 minutes to the Mall or to Georgetown.

A few other neighborhoods that are my favorites include Capitol Hill (if you’re looking for walkability to all of the D.C. classic tourist stops and you also want a quieter and more historic vibe), Navy Yard (if you’re looking for a modern, convenient, and trendier stay), The Wharf (hotels overlooking the water and you’re steps from restaurants, music venues, bars, and ferry rides) or Dupont Circle (also a little more distanced from the tourist stops but a great combination of a lively art scene with rich history).

WHERE TO EAT

D.C. turned me into a foodie. And I’m not mad about it. This city, known for its diverse and award-laden food scene, does not disappoint if you do your research and for the love of Heavens, make a reservation for the weekends.

Find my Instagram page to see a good tribute to favorite D.C. restaurants, but here are my top recommendations (not in any order) for those who have never been to the city before, to get you good food and a good experience, but to also place in various pockets of the city to give you a little more flavor (pun attended).

WHAT TO SEE

You could spend all your time in D.C. just wandering through various areas and taking in the larger than life architecture, the history, and all of the culture, but there are a few noteworthy things to say you D.C.’d properly. I’ll start with the obvious… for those who have never been to D.C., make sure you save several hours for the National Mall, but think of it as more than just the classic D.C. monuments stretch, and visit the tidal basin to see the Martin Luther King Jr. monument, go inside a Smithsonian or two (the National Gallery’s East Wing is a favorite), or catch a seasonal festival or outdoor event on the lawn. The Mall is always lively, and even a simple coffee walk around the reflection pool feels quintessentially D.C. We love the African American Museum, the National Botanical Garden, The Archives (where you’ll find the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution, and this girl, in tears), and so many more places. You can get lottery tickets to travel to the top of the Washington monument to get a birds eye view of the city and for all my city planner and city lover friends… it’s a good idea.

If you can, carve out a half day (or full day) to see Georgetown. It’s a location much more than just a fun place to shop (or get cupcakes), the neighborhoods are just a D.C. lover’s dream. Give me uneven cobblestone sidewalks and the most gorgeous college campus to wander through. The Dumbarton House is worth getting tickets for if you like old estate architecture and beautifully cared for gardens. Not far from Georgetown (and walkable) is the Kennedy Center for the Arts. Find the elevators to take you to the terrace rooftop view where you will see really gorgeous (and free) views of Georgetown University, the Potomac River, and the city.

To experience a piece of D.C.’s Black cultural heritage, spend time along U Street, catch a show at the legendary Howard Theatre, or follow the vibrant murals that celebrate the neighborhood’s history. Jazz clubs and small galleries keep the area’s creative energy alive. It’s one of the best places in the city to hear live music or grab a nightcap after dinner.

We’ve already talked about Adam’s Morgan, and a little bit about Dupont, but it is worth your time to kill a couple of hours in a local art scene. Whether it be a flea market/farmers market or picking out an independent small gallery or plant store, this city has so much to offer for creatives.

If you’re craving a bit more modern riverfront time, you should check out The Wharf or Navy Yard. The Wharf has a fresh seafood market and is usually busy on the weekends with events, pop up markets, and a good brunch/dinner scene. It has wonderful public spaces and a really lovely public pier with swing benches that I adore. Navy Yard (hello, my former and beloved home) has plenty of restaurants, walking paths and an active community. If you’re traveling with a little one, the Navy Yard waterfront side is a great place for your little one to have access to splash pads, green space, wide and accessible trails and plenty of ice cream stops along the way. Navy Yard is home to Nationals Park, which is a fun summer stop, or even better, grab a beer next door at Dacha – our favorite beer garden.

If you’re going to D.C., I’m automatically envious of you. A city with a little bit of it all, just how I like it.

With love,

Kaia