Words By Mae

I went to D.C.

It was a last-minute trip that I planned about two weeks in advance. My gal pal Emily planned to be in D.C. for work, and my lifelong friend Hannah lives in the area, too.

This was my very first time to the city and I heard the greatest things, so I wanted to do the best that the city had to offer.

Unfortunately, some wind and rain and low temperatures threatened my chance of having a good time.  But they didn’t succeed! I had a great time despite the weather.

Here are the top 10 things I did in D.C.:

1. Bourbon Coffee — Hannah was my tour guide for all of Saturday. We started off right: with brunch at Ambar and coffee at Bourbon Coffee. Yummy coffee, chill vibes, great location.
2. Eastern Market — honestly, I expected more hustle and bustle. The weather definitely rained on this parade, but the market still had great local goods and foods to offer.
3. The National Mall — though it was chilly and wet, the Mall is still beautiful and a must-see. You can walk as little or as much as you want.
4. Earth Treks Climbing Center — you didn’t think taking a vacation meant a vacation from climbing too, did you? Emily and I checked this gym out and it looks “meh” from the outside, but on the inside it’s massive and impressive. Highly recommend.
5. Lincoln Memorial — Emily and I went late, late on Saturday night in the pouring rain (which I do not recommend). I do recommend visiting the memorial during friendlier weather, because of its reverent beauty.
6. Founding Farmers — three of my friends begged for me to eat here, and I chowed down on a massive, delicious avocado bacon burger. Similar vibes and pricing to Ida Claire and Whiskey Cake in Dallas.
7. Meeps Vintage — truly a hidden gem, I left this vintage clothing shop with a memorable souvenir: a 90’s denim dress, complete with fringe.
8. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — museums are very hit and miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit. Lots of great, informative and entertaining exhibits.
9. Bantam King — after a long, hard afternoon meandering around D.C. alone, I rode the Metro (all by myself!!) to Chinatown to eat ramen. It was absolutely delicious.
10. The Library of Congress — perhaps my favorite of all favorites, I loved visiting the Library of Congress. It’s both grand and gorgeous.

Though it was my first trip to D.C., it definitely will not be my last. I loved getting to know the city in just a couple of days, but I know there is so much more to eat, drink and explore. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I do know it will happen.