When you have only a day to visit the nation’s capital, what all do you have time to see? What do you wear? Are all of the locations easily accessible? Well I am here to answer those questions!
First of all, I’d like to start off by saying I think January-February is a great time to see D.C. because there aren’t lines! This really optimized how many stops we were able to fit into out day trip, not to mention that the weather is PERFECT! All you need is a sweater and maybe light jacket.
On our trip to D.C. we were able to visit:
- The White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Reflecting Pool
- Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
- National Archives
Honestly this was a lot of stops to fit into one day, but with no lines or crowds it was totally doable!
But, what do you wear?
So when touring you want to be comfortable, BUT you are going to be capturing pictures you are going to keep forever sooooo you want to look nice, AND be able to go from museum to dinner without having to change. The ensemble I selected was not only comfortable but on trend and so stylish! I was warm, my feet didn’t hurt, and I never looked underdressed.
I choose a soft knit sweater from Express, oversized Quay sunglasses, a metallic accordion pleat skirt, a knit beret, and over the knee boots. I think the skirt color, along with pleating detail is what really dresses up this look, along with the crisp white. I was able to comfortably walk everywhere and never felt underdressed while out and about. So I think this style is perfect for travel and transitioning from day to night.
Now on to what all we did!
Note to self: Monuments are open 24/7
This is important to keep this in mind, as you have no time restraints when planning out tours and stops to these locations. That means you can stop at the memorials very early in the morning before the museums open, or late at night when everything else is closed – depending on if you are wanting pictures during the day or not. We chose to fit in the monuments after touring the Smithsonian and National Archives.
Museums are only open from 10-5ish with last tours starting around 30 minutes prior to close.
I am pointing this out because the museums are only open for a short timeframe so you have to time them right if you are wanting to visit multiple locations in a day. There are also no tickets to be purchased because everything is free. That is why I think it is important to map out your route, and have a game plan before heading out.
Okay so now that all of that is out of the way, here is how we spent our day!
9:00AM Breakfast at the Juniper.
The Juniper is the restaurant located in the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown which is where we stayed. For info on the hotel and our accommodations click here!
10:00AM Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
We decided to conserve our energy and Uber to our first stop for the day. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was awing. The sheer size of some of the pieces they have will stop you in your tracks! Jhonathan was like a kid in a candy store, and I felt like I had to pry him out of there just so we would be able to make our remaining stops for the day. The museum is cataloged and organized so well! No matter what era of aviation interests you, they have it! Not only that, but they have artifacts and pieces that transport you through time….not literally but, you know what I mean. We even took a spin in the flight simulators they have available! Here you can do barrel rolls, fly a jet and even be a gunner! Needless to say we both very much enjoyed all this museum has to offer.
12:45PM National Archives
Just a short walk across the street we arrived at the National Archives, and after a brief security scan we were inside. Sadly, there is no photography allowed in the Rotunda but getting the opportunity to see the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights with my own eyes was such an incredible experience. There are many other historical documents and rooms to visit while in the Archives building, but as we has a lot to still do, we only attended the Rotunda. I also recommend stopping in for your souvenirs while at the National Archives because there is a little bit of everything D.C. related available in their shop and its fairly priced.
2:00PM Joe’s
It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Archives to the White House so we decided to hop over to Joe’s on the way. I ordered mint ice cream with hot fudge and chicken wings – yes I know, what a combo, and Jhonathan also ordered a mule. The architecture of this building is exquisite, and so welcoming. After a rejuvenating snack it was time to see the White House.
3:00PM The White House
We walked by the White House and took pictures, but did not tour or stay in the area for long. There were many protestors out, and the grounds were double barricaded. I really only wanted to see it in person, so I got to do that and check it off of my list.
3:45PM Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
We Ubered from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial as it would have been a 25-minute walk. This is totally walkable, but we didn’t want to loose sunlight so we opted for the 5 minute Uber ride. I definitely think the monument was the most moving thing I saw on the trip. The sheer size is overwhelming and the words, so meaningful. This is a MUST for anyone traveling to D.C.; I think all of our stops were, but this one even more so. We stood atop and looked out to the reflecting pool with a beautiful clear blue sky as the back drop. Such a perfect way to end the day. On our way out, we spotted a lady taking pictures of her two golden retrievers so I had to snap a pic of the cuteness.
6:00PM
We finished the evening back at our hotel, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for dinner in their lounge. The perfect ending to a lovely day!
There is so much to see in D.C., and I am definitely interested in going back to see more; but for one day in town, I think these stops are a must if it’s your first time in the city. Thanks for stopping by, and look forward to my upcoming NYFW posts as I will be traveling there in ONE WEEK! <3
During my brief trip in Washington D.C., I wanted to stay somewhere that was close to everything yet quaint and luxurious. The Fairmont was the perfect fit!
(stay tuned until the end of this post, because I will be sharing some fun events the hotel has coming up in the next month!)
The Fairmont Washington, D.C.,Georgetown was recently renovated, and man is it glamorous! I instantly fell in love with all of the lobby’s decor, full of plush jewel tone pillows, high back chairs and sparkling geometric sculptures.
Throughout the hotel there are subtle hints of history, with presidential and D.C. monument inspired artworks. This adds such a customized feel to this Fairmont location, and a charming warmth of heritage without the feeling of being themed.
Georgetown
This adorable town is filled with cute shops and eateries all within walking distance, creating picturesque moments any time of the year.
During my stroll I of course had to stop in somewhere for a treat, and this decadent chocolate mousse cake did the trick!
Check-In
The room we stayed in faced inward to the courtyard, with a balcony that provided a beautiful sunset view. The rooms also pay a subtle tribute to our nation with artwork of the president’s signatures and stamp collages, to name a few.
We were also welcomed with a cheese and fruit plate, along with rosé; perfect after a day filled with travel.
Early Riser
After a comfortable, and restful night’s sleep we started the morning off right with a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant; the Juniper. Jhonathan opted for the pancakes, while I tried the buffet. This cozy restaurant has French parlor vibes with beautiful bright windows welcoming in natural light, marbled tile and lantern sconces. The buffet was well assorted with sweet, savory and even healthy options! I went with eggs, bacon, a pecan sticky bun, fresh fruit, potatoes, and spinach apple juice.
Following a filling and energizing breakfast at the Juniper, it was time to tour the city. Here I have added in a few highlights from the stops we made, but will create a separate post for all of the details, like how I captured this shot of these cuties!
Evening Dining
Exhausted after a full day of sightseeing, we concluded the evening with dinner at the the hotel Loggia Lounge. For eats we dined on appetizers of crab cakes, calamari, oat and walnut bread with honey butter, and concluded with salad and steak. Our meals were beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection. I enjoyed the upscale lounge setting, perfect for chatting, enjoying a meal, and relaxing after a busy day.
For drinks, we had the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Bee-tini. Not only is this drink smooth and sweet but also special because the honey is actually produced on the roof of the hotel from their own bee colony – how cool!
And now for the fun! While at the Fairmont, I was informed of all of the upcoming events they will be hosting and wanted to share that with you!
Super Bowl Sunday
The hotel will have the big screens ready for action with ample viewing space of the big game. There will be a buffet of sliders, chicken wings, pretzels, and nachos to dine on for $20 and specialty drinks and beers ranging from $4-$10. The party gets started at 5:00 and no reservations are necessary, so make sure you are there!
Valentine’s Day
The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has two very special Valentine’s events planned this year! First is the Engagement! If you get engaged at the hotel during the days of the 9th – 13th you are entered for the chance to win a free nights stay with champagne at the hotel on Valentines. One winner will be chosen each day for the 5 days, so that’s 5 winning couples. Out of the 5, one will be upgraded to a suite! How amazing is that?!
There will also be super cute themed beverages at the bar and lounge during this timeframe so be sure to stop by for date night to enjoy a love themed beverage. And lastly, on Valentines the Juniper will be serving a four course meal from 5:00 – 10:00 pm with delectable steak and pasta options, and of course let’s not forget to mention amazing desserts!
Guys this is just a glimpse at what the hotel is offering! They are always creating special experiences for their guests and finding ways to make everyone’s stay rememberable and spectacular. So if you are in the D.C. area and are looking for a chic bar to visit, or a delicious meal to enjoy, or are searching for that perfect location to stay at for vacation, this is the place! I know I will be back the next time I travel to D.C.,they have everything I look for when I am staying at a hotel, and more!
A very special thanks to the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown for hosting me for the weekend!