Mum and coffee lover, Katie can not only share with other mum’s how to manage their day to day life, but she can also tell us why Washington DC is such a great place to live.
If I only had 24 hours to visit Washington DC, describe what I should do.
You have to see the National Mall and visit some of the museums along the mall. There are honestly so many to choose from and no way you can visit all in a 24-hour span. But, the Mall is classic and quintessential DC and what it is all about. My absolute favorite museum is the American History Museum. The First Ladies exhibit and The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit are two of the must-sees in that museum. Also, fun to explore along the National Mall is the National Gallery of Art (especially the outdoor Sculpture Garden) and the United States Botanic Garden next to the US Capitol. Lastly, I highly recommend visiting the Library of Congress (you must reserve a time/ticket to enter). What’s even better about all these locations is that they are free! It’s something I never appreciated until I moved away from the city, but it’s one thing that makes Washington, DC really unique is all the amazing free things you can see and do.
What is your favourite restaurant / cafe / eating / drinking place there?
There are a lot of amazing restaurants and coffee shops in Washington, DC (including The Coffee Bar which is great!). But one that has always stuck out for me is Ethiopic Restaurant which serves up amazing Ethiopian food. You can find it at: Ethiopic Restaurant 401 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing in Washington DC, what would it be and why?
If you’ve never been to the city before, you have to take a walk along the National Mall. Start at the Lincoln Memorial and walk towards the Washington Monument and end at the United States Capitol. It’s an iconic walk for a number of reasons and there are some amazing memorials/statues to see along the way too.
What is one thing Washington DC should be known for and why?
History. Washington, DC is full of so much history; it is everywhere. From buildings to museums to monuments. History is just seeping out of the city everywhere you look. And it makes sense because Washington, DC was founded in 1790 when it was set up to serve as the permanent site for the federal government.
Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity in Washington DC?
My favorite outdoor activity is seeing the outdoor monuments. My favorite monument is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin.
Tell me about your favourite indoor activity?
Honestly, any of the Smithsonian museums are a great place to spend a day indoors. They are amazing and you can easily spend a whole day at just one or two museums. Seeing the Hope Diamond and the dinosaur bones at the National Museum of Natural History is always enjoyable. If you are looking for something a bit different, you can check out the United States Holocaust Museum. It carries a lot of emotional weight, at least it did for me when I visited, but it is a beautiful and humbling museum.
Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit your Washington DC, how would you describe it to me?
I would describe DC as a tourist playground with a business soul. There are dozens of iconic buildings and landmarks that are beautiful to visit and look at, but many are actual places of work and governance. Washington, DC is where the United States is “run” every day and the government is an integral part of the city landscape, from its buildings to its people.
What makes Washington DC stand out compared to nearby places?
You don’t realize how unique Washington, DC is until you visit it compared to a bigger city. What I mean by that is that you don’t see skyscrapers like you would in a traditional city. And, that’s because in the early 1900s a federal “Heights Act” was passed that regulates building heights (and it’s still in effect today). So it’s so different from any other major city in the United States for this specific reason. Washington, DC still has all the excitement and benefits of a big city, but it offers this small-town feel at the same time. It also means that rooftop bars and restaurants are really unique and some have unobstructed views of the city. So it’s fun to find those and explore the city in a unique way.
What is the best thing to do with children there and why?
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park (aka the National Zoo) is the perfect thing to do with children in Washington, DC. Not only is it free (yay!), but it’s also one of the oldest zoos in the United States. There are so many different animal exhibits to check out (like pandas and elephants and gorillas). Plus there are a number of special events throughout the year at the zoo, like Boo at the Zoo and Zoolights.
What is the best thing to do as a solo traveller and why?
I’d head to Georgetown and explore the shops and eateries along the main drag. It’s touristy, but also an area more frequented by locals, college students, and business professionals. It just offers a different view of the city and it’s fun to explore. Baked & Wired and Georgetown Cupcakes are fun places to eat at, although there can be a line at Georgetown Cupcakes so be warned!
What is the best thing to do as a couple in Washington DC and why?
Visit The John F. Kennedy Center and see a show or performance. The Kennedy Center is beautiful and its location on the Potomac River means excellent water views. Broadway shows like The Lion King, Wicked, and even Hamilton often make appearances at The Kennedy Center and make for a great date night!
Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?
A lot of people don’t realize how small DC is because there are so many other cities in Virginia and Maryland around it (like Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Spring, and Bethesda). That said, though, Washington, DC is composed of a variety of sub-cities and each has its own identity. Capitol Hill and the National Mall are what people often think of when it comes to Washington, DC, but there are so many other places to explore. Georgetown, the Navy Yard, Northwest Washington. There is just so much to do and see in DC, so make sure you get outside of the Capitol Hill and National Mall area and explore all the city has to offer.
Check out Katie’s lifestyle and coffee blog, KT Likes Coffee
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