Washington, DC is beautiful, and that really can’t be overstated, especially at this time of year with the cherry blossoms and bright blue skies and hot afternoons.
Within a day or so of arriving, I’d decided I could live in Georgetown and find a job doing, well, anything, just to get to walk among professionally dressed people on cell phones, stunning historic architecture, brick walkways, and fresh flowers.
I mean, look at this river! Walking distance from shops and old churches, it was filled with crew teams practicing, and I could have sat by the edge, my feet dangling, for hours while the sun beat down and the cool breeze blew my hair. And that was just Georgetown.
We didn’t do museums, but Thursday night was an event at the Capitol Building, amongst 145 or so DePaul alumni, where we took private tours of the rotunda and sat above the in-session senate floor.
Our group waited in an elevator, going up and down floors, while the king of Jordan passed by, I’m told right after President Obama. And I met Terry Gainer, Senate Sergeant at Arms and Nicest Alumnus Ever, who shook my hand and took pictures with us after the event ended.
One night after dinner, we walked out to the National Mall, becoming part of huge crowds by the White House and tourists at the Washington Monument. People were jogging and running everywhere, and who can blame them? I’d take this scenery any day, gladly.
Have you been to the Lincoln Memorial? It is huge, people. Huge. I’d love to know what President Lincoln would think.
But enough about that.
I guess some people travel to DC for the museums or monuments, but, as you might have guessed, we went for the food. And boy, did we eat.
Every night we had some version of tapas—Spanish, at Jaleo on Thursday night, Mediterranean at Zaytinya on Friday night, Spanish again at Mar de Plata with my old roommate Sonja, who drove in to see us. Georgetown is where we ate the ice cream pictured above, at Thomas Sweet, just across from a French place where we had lunch. I can’t wait to tell you about it.
By the time Sunday came, when our delayed flight descended over drab Chicago, all I could think was What am I doing here?
I have much more to tell you, but since I have the day off today, I’m going to go enjoy it—and whatever this city throws at me. Visit and you might just fall in love with D.C., too.
About Shanna Mallon
Shanna Mallon is a freelance writer who holds an MA in writing from DePaul University. Her work has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The Kitchn, Better Homes & Gardens, Taste of Home, Houzz.com, Foodista, Entrepreneur, and Ragan PR. In 2014, she co-authored The Einkorn Cookbook with her husband, Tim. Today, you can find her digging into food topics and celebrating the everyday grace of eating on her blog, Go Eat Your Bread with Joy. Shanna lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with Tim and their two small kids.
so glad you hit Jaleo! i’m very happy that you enjoyed your time in DC, your pix are gorgeous. please do come back soon, and i will do all i can to not get sick. 🙂
It is so nice to hear you loved DC. I always like to hear that people live the city I have called home for almost 8 years now. You made great decisions for food, Zaytinya is one of my favorite places to eat.
That first photo looks a little Boston-esque! I didn’t go to many museums during my two weeks in DC. Just the Holocaust Museum and the Smithsonian… I think. In Georgetown, I saw the steps from The Exorcist movie! Creeeepy. Love your food photos in the Flickr album. As always… you’re making me hungry!
Those are great pictures… It’s so funny you say “drap chicago” as I am from Kalamazoo and I go to Chicago every year to get away from “drap Kalamazoo” 🙂
Can we go somewhere together? For real. It sounds like you had such a good time. And me and the man totally plan our vacations based on the food. Not on monuments or the sights or the likelihood of a suntan; it’s ALWAYS about the food. So I think you and I would make excellent traveling partners. You game? 🙂
What a neat trip! All of those sights AND food!
I remember when I went to D.C., I absolutely loved it. And I was so young! I’d love to go back, see the cheery blossoms.
Glad to be back, everyone! (Well, mostly glad.)
Lan, I’m still so bummed about our failed meet-up. We have exchanged voicemails now, though, and that’s one step closer. 🙂 Next time, for sure, all colds excepting.
Risa, Is it weird all I feel is jealousy when I read your comment? Have a Hello cupcake for me, ok?
Meeso, I’m going to Kalamazoo next month, in fact! How’s that for irony?
MyFirstKitchen: Kendra, Kendra. Yes and yes. Anytime, anywhere. You’d be great to travel with.
What an amazing trip- I agree D.C. is beautiful- I can’t wait to go back and look into some of those restaurants.
Your photos are beautiful! I’m going to Boston this weekend and can’t wait to get out in the city for a little while.
Glad you like D.C. 🙂 It’s always exciting to meet the people in the Senate and White House etc. I live in Georgetown, and I’ve got to say, you think it’s going to be amazing when you move. And then it’s even better. Unfortunately I’m moving to Capital Hill in a few months, but I’ll be close to Eastern Market, which I’m sad you didn’t get to visit! Local produce, fish, poultry, beef, even flowers and artwork. Grocery stores are overrated 🙂
Susan – I hope you do! (and I hope I go back, too!)
Maris – Boston has my heart, in several ways. Gorgeous city.
Maddie – You live in Georgetown! You live in Georgetown! Even if you are moving, I’ll stay jealous, OK? I’m sad I didn’t get to see the Eastern Market, too, but maybe next time. Let’s hope there’s a next time.