D.C. Fall Itinerary
D.C. in the fall is 100% a trip we would recommend and definitely want to do again.
After several postponed and canceled vacations Jon and I finally had the opportunity to get a well-deserved break. We even shut down the bowling alley for an entire week to make it happen. If that sounds crazy, remember you deserve to put yourself and your relationships first.
Why D.C.?
Jon and I both really enjoy museums, sightseeing, and food. Thankfully D.C. offers it all. Jon had been to D.C. when he was a teen and I had been a couple of times for work but not long enough to take in many of the sights. We crammed a TON into two days. I am pretty sure we would go back just to do a food tour.
Our Itinerary
Day 1
Flew from Cedar Rapids into D.C. We did a later flight to save some money and didn’t arrive until late into the evening. We stayed at the Canopy by Hilton on Embassy Row. It was a beautiful hotel. I wouldn’t consider the location central to all the places we visited but saying closer to museums would have meant additional $$$. It still was within walking distance to lots of the places we visited.
Stop 1: Hishorn Museum
Walked. We made this our first stop of the day to pick up our free timed passes for the Yayoi Kusama exhibit. This was a highlight of the trip. While we waited for our time we explored the gardens outside of the museum and some of the other installations and exhibits within the museum. Keep in mind you now have to reserve your Yayoi Kusama tickets online the day prior. Make sure you check out their FAQs.
Stop 2: Holocaust Museum
Walked. Jon had already been on his previous trip but he really wanted me to experience it. It was moving and heavy. Jon was glad we did it but decided it is definitely not a museum you need to do more than once.
Stop 3: Lunch
Uber Ride. Jon loves BBQ so I recommended we try Hill County BBQ and it did not disappoint. We can verify it is possible to find Texas BBQ in D.C. The portions were huge and the meat was amazing. Be forewarned D.C. dining is not inexpensive even when eating at a BBQ joint.
Stop 4: Museum of Natural History
Walked. I think this is the most fun we had during the trip. It felt like we were little kids again exploring dinosaurs, the animals of the sea and deserts. I personally LOVED the gemstone exhibit. Fun Fact: Our friend Whitney Klasna’s mom found a T-Rex buried on their ranch in Montana. It is now in the Museum of Natural History.
Stop 5: Time for Drinks
Walked. We popped into The Hamilton for a drink. It was the best Sangria I have ever had. So many people recommended the W Room but it was closed due to the Prime Minister of Israel being in town. It is known for its incredible rooftop views.
Stop 6: Back to the Hotel
Uber Ride. Headed back to the hotel to change to meet our friends for dinner. I had forgotten my running shoes and wore more Vionic flats all day. I was amazed at how good my feet felt considering I had been having a lot of feet problems that fall.
Stop 6: Dinner at BLT
Walked. Two of our dear friends live just outside of D.C. and work in the city. We met Katlyn through showing cattle and Ryan and I went to junior college and Kansas State together. They both grew up in Maryland so it was fun to catch up and also ask them all our D.C. questions. The popovers and steak were insane. Other places she had recommended for dinner that night were Succotash, Zaytinya, Hank’s Oyster Bar and Iron Gate.
Stop 7: Hotel and to Bed
Day 2
Stop 1: National Geographic Museum
Walked. This was right around the corner from our hotel and an unplanned stop. The exhibit was all about King Tut. Jon loved it and it was a B+ for me. It was mostly videos and reading, and a few actual artifacts.
Stop 2: Lunch at Founding Fathers
Walked. We could have eaten every meal here. It was incredible and a place we would both recommend regardless if you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Stop 3. Planet Word
Uber Ride. I LOVED this museum probably because that is what I do every day… use my words. Jon would have given it a B+. It is a free museum but they do require you to reserve a timed ticket. We got there about an hour earlier than planned and were still able to get in. The museum explores all the ways we use words and language. It is a very interactive exhibit. You’ll want to give yourself 60-90 minutes.
Stop 4. Old Ebbitt Grille
Uber Ride. There was no way I was going to miss these crabcakes. This is the oldest salon in D.C. but the food is also amazing. We wait too long to make reservations so we did an early 5 p.m. dinner. You can’t go to D.C. and not stop here.
Stop 5. The Monuments
Walked. We burned off all those calories by walking. First, we walked by the backside of the White House. It is pretty blocked off so you can’t get real close. The World War II memorial, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial were amazing. By going in the evening it was slightly less crowded and we were able to grab some beautiful photos. Many friends recommended a bus or bike monument tour and on another trip, I would like to do this simply to have someone share more of the history and facts.
Stop 6. Uber Back to the Hotel
Day 3
Flew to Dallas/Ft. Worth to spend some time with our nephews.
What We Missed
We had really hoped to do that National Air and Space Museum, but a later start on Day 2 and an unplanned trip to National Geographic cut that out. If we had a third day we would have spent more time down by the river or gone up to Georgetown. We were given lots of great food and shopping recommendations for those two areas. This Instagram reel has a list of all the other restaurants that were recommended to us.
One note. When I say Uber that also could have been a cab. We did a mix as sometimes it was easier to find a cab to jump into. D.C. traffic is a real thing so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if you are trying to get somewhere at a specific time.
For more photos and tidbits make sure you check out my D.C. Instagram highlight.