Exploring Washington, D.C.

Thank you for stopping by to check out my Washington, DC trip! Have you ever been to DC? If so, let me know what your favorite thing was (to do or eat) in the comments!

 

Last November, Dan & I had the opportunity to visit his sister in Washington, D.C. the week before Thanksgiving. It was a total blessing & a much needed getaway for us both. During that time I had been burning the candle at both ends, working tirelessly shooting and editing weddings and becoming consumed with end of year projects for my charity work. A little downtime was LONG overdue!

When we arrived in DC, we hit the ground running. I had never been before so I didn’t want to miss a thing! We explored the city & spent some lovely quality time hanging out with family. I even crossed a few activities off my bucket list. (Scroll to see!) Dan even agreed to two days worth of riding the double decker tour bus… on the top… in the freezing cold… so I could take a million pictures, mostly standing and nearly falling over ever couple of minutes. Many face palms ensued…

Besides spending long overdue QT with Dan’s sister & parents, some of my favorite aspects of the trip were sightseeing & visiting the museums. I especially loved the grand architecture of the government & Smithsonian buildings as well as the quaint preservation of the homes and buildings in Georgetown. My favorite museum was definitely the National Gallery of Art. The architecture of the building ALONE is worth the trip. Can we talk about those marble columns please… and the lovely sitting gardens on either side of the galleries?? Swoon! As you will see, I took a liking to many paintings, home decor items & furniture pieces.

DC sure does have an impressive food scene. We gorged on dim sum, incredible thai food and the most incredible meal at Le Diplomate.  I stopped at an adorable macaron store in Georgetown and sampled most of their offerings. I can’t resist!

I almost forgot to mention the reason for the trip: Oyster Riot. What a whirlwind! Every year, DC hosts an oyster riot featuring all you can eat oysters from around the world and a bevy of other delicious seafood dishes. The band was excellent, the food incredible and the champagne flowing! A great time was had by all!

When we arrived home to Chicago the week of Thanksgiving, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. The trip helped me to recharge and take some time to savor the season. For once, I left my business hat at home and focused on exploring a new city which is exactly what I needed after a long year with my head buried in the sand. As a result, the holiday was even more special, and one I will never forget.

Our D.C. trip was a reminder for me to take the time to be present, enjoy life and make memories for when all is said and done, that is the only things that matters in the end.

Xx Tara

[Above]: Julia Child’s kitchen at the Smithsonian (Bucket Lister #1)

Julia Child holds a special place in my heart. Her contribution to American culture is insurmountable & it was such a cool experience to see her kitchen in person. Huge fan-girl moment!

National Museum of American History

National Museum of Natural History

Umm… yes please!?

[Above: The Hope Diamond]

[National Gallery of Art]

[Exploring Georgetown!]

[Tea time! Pinkies up darlings] Bucket lister #2: High tea at The Willard Hotel

Because really… high tea any chance I get is on my bucket list

[Above: The reason for the trip! Oyster Riot!]

[Above: Room with a view!]