Sharing our getaway weekend in the capital.
After realizing our last trip together was Montana in the spring of 2018, Dave and I decided to book a getaway weekend somewhere. (Buying a house really ties up time + the funds, ha.) Hello, DC!
I had only been to DC once before (for work, and for less than 24 hours, yikes) and Dave hadn’t been in years. Dave’s good pal, Thao, also lives in DC and offered to hang with us over the weekend and show us a good time. Time to book a flight and explore!
I started packing two days before because I’m always paranoid I’m going to either overpack or forget something. (There is no middle ground.) Muffin, very keen on spotting a suitcase, was immediately displeased.
She eventually moved from hovering to openly pouting.
Also, my color palette + style theme was very clear for this trip. Neutrals and all the animal print.
Travel day! My motto for flights is to wear your bulkiest/heaviest pieces to save space in your suitcase. So I tossed on these boots (a total Amazon steal) and made sure to wear my leather jacket.
Shop the look:
A few other packing tips include:
- Only bring a single set of jewelry. (I wear mine on the plane to avoid losing it/having to untangle it later.)
- Streamline your makeup to one look that can be intensified for evening. (For me it was a classic deep brown eyeshadow that I could wear for day as a liner with mascara and then amp up to a smokey eye at night)
- Limit your shoes. (I know, I know– so hard but honestly, do you ever end up wearing all seven pairs?!)
We landed in DC and headed to the hotel (the Sofitel in Lafayette Square) and did a little freshening up before meeting our friend, Thao, for dinner + drinks.
Our room was perfect and the bathroom lighting was good.
Good enough to get photobombed by Dave, who was clearly feeling his post-shower look. 😉
We started off at a Japanese place in Adam’s Morgan called Don Buri. Thao swore it was some of the best food in the city– and he wasn’t wrong. Don Buri bills their menu as “Japanese comfort food”, which is a great description. Hot bowls of fresh rice with curry gravy, homemade buckwheat noodles, and Panko-fried shrimp all served to you at a small wooden bar. It’s cozy and casual, and the food is really good.
With full bellies, it was time for drinks. We popped into Black Jack a few doors down– a quirky, moody space with loud (but fun!) music and lots of leather couches to lounge on. Plenty of groups celebrating the end of the workweek over shots and dance-offs, so the people-watching was quite good.
My drink of choice for a long night out is tequila and soda with lime. Low sugar (which cuts the calories and the hangover chances), bright and citrusy, but with a bite. Tequila is my favorite!
After Black Jack, we grabbed an Uber and headed to U Street, a part of the city with a super busy nightlife scene. Felt like a more hyped-up Mass Street (if you’re KU/Lawrence-familiar). We hit Takoda, where we gathered on the rooftop, drinks in hand. The weather was gorgeous– low 70s and no humidity– so we wanted to take advantage and sit out in the fresh air.
It was a really sweet spot, but at one point we looked around and realized we were clearly the oldest people in the bar. Tons of college kids (and young ones, at that). Immediate laughs and jokes about arthritis before we slammed our drinks and peeled out.
The final stop of the night was a place called Provision 14 in the 14th Corridor. Apparently quite the spot for dinner, it also stays open until 3 a.m. and throws quite the rager on the second level bar. Another fun spot where people were letting loose and blowing off steam; you get the feeling that DC works so hard during the week and then just lets loose over the weekend. (I’m sure this is the same in every big city, and I’m just used to that south KC suburban life, ha.)
P14 did offer a nice little photo op. This was taken at approximately 1:30 a.m. and after several tequila and sodas. But, you know, anything for the shot. 😉
Dave and I slept in a bit the next morning– that wasn’t exactly the plan, but we needed the extra zzz’s after crawling into bed around 3:00 a.m. We may hang with the college kids (for a time), but we do not bounce back like the college kids.
On the docket for day two: the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian and then catching an Uber across the river to Virginia to see the Cirque du Soleil Volta show.
We walked from our hotel in Lafayette Square down to the National Mall, where about half of the Smithsonian museums are located. (There are 20 total Smithsonians!) It was a sunny day and the walk there was so pretty.
After wolfing down a few hot dogs from one of the food trucks lining the National Mall (I mean, what’s more American than that?), we finally headed into the National Air and Space Museum. So many of the museums in DC are free– which is amazing! We were able to pop right in and start exploring.
After wandering around the museum for a few hours, we caught an Uber to Tyson’s Corner for the Cirque show. But first, a mango Moscow mule with Thao at Earl’s.
The Cirque show was such a fun way to spend the afternoon– I’ve never seen anything like it! Seriously, those athletes + performers are beyond talented. The show was set up in this temporary (but super fancy) tent in Tyson’s Corner. It was totally like going to an old-school circus (except with beer options and air conditioning, bless).
Post-Cirque, we took a train (DC has a really amazing public transit system; KC would do well to take some notes!) back to the hotel so we could change for dinner and (another, ha) night on the town.
Shop the look:
We had a few drinks on the patio of the Sofitel, enjoying the evening before the night really got started. Again, the gorgeous weather was just too good to pass up. All outdoors, all the time please!
I had a seafood craving– well, specifically a lobster roll craving– so Thao did some research and brought us to Luke’s Lobster. Um, OKAY. SO GOOD. One of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had. (Oh, and it’s sustainable– well done, Luke’s.) I would have snapped a picture, but the staff were trying to close up and honestly, I straight up inhaled that lobster roll.
The last stop of the night Decades. It’s a multi-level bar where every floor plays a different kind of music. Current music on the ground floor, 2000s on 2, 90s on 3, hip hop on 4, and house/dance on the rooftop. Thao had invited a bunch of his pals out to come celebrate our last night in town, and we had a blast.
Dave and I called it right after midnight– we did, after all, have an early flight the next morning. (Trust me, partying until the wee hours of the morning is not worth a miserable plane ride. Trust. Me.)
What a whirlwind trip, but so much fun! I feel like we only scratched the surface of what DC has to offer. Even though we packed quite a bit in, there’s so much we didn’t see. I already want to go back! And it was so nice to get away for a quick trip and explore + hang out with friends.
Have you been to DC? And DC friends, chime in! Have you been to any of the places we went? What gems should I put on this list for my next visit? I want to know!
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Straight A Style + On the Daily Express, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, and Pumps and Push Ups.
LOVE DC so much!n You two looked like you had such a sweet time. LOVE your cami and chunky sweater!! The City Center areas is one of our favorite spots and best place for a Mexican lunch is Tortilla Coast up by the Capitol!
I def need to see the City Center next time we’re there- and oooh, I love a good Mexican place! Thanks, mama!
I love Washington DC! So glad you had a fun time. I love all your looks and thanks for these packing tips!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
It was so much fun- and glad you found the packing tips helpful! 🙂
DC is one of my favorite cities and it sounds like you had an amazing time! Love the air and space museum and I definitely need to head to Luke’s Lobster next time I’m there! Thanks for sharing your packing tips! I need all of the help I can get in that area!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Luke’s is SO GOOD! You would love it!
Oh my goodness, it looks like you had SO much fun! You’re giving me total wanderlust envy! Also, all these outfits are adorable! I’m so ready for sweater weather!
Xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com/
We had a blast! And it was so lovely to have a little cooler weather to break out a sweater or two 😉
Looks like you had an amazing time! I haven’t been to DC since my 8th grade trip!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
We really did have a blast! 🙂
What a great trip! I’ve never been to DC but want to take my kids eventually. So we probably won’t do quite the same things as you, especially at night! LOL! Your leopard cami is to die for. Love your packing tips too!
Haha, yes, bringing kids would def make for a different experience. But there are SO many things to do + see that are kid-friendly, your fam will love it!
Looks like you had such a fun time! I absolutely loved all of your outfits you wore!
https://colorandgrace.com
Thank you so much, Grace! We really did have such a good time!
This second time visit to DC surely made you super happy and relaxing! Loved reading how you and Dave had so much fun! Loved your selfies and all the pics!
xo Babita
http://www.travelhues.com/
Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
Looks like you guys had so much fun! You guys hit a bunch of fun spots for a weekend away! Next time, you guys should also check out City Center for high-end shopping or H Street for really fun bars!
Great tip- I cannot wait to get back and YES, next time, DEF some shopping! 😉
DC is fun! We had some friends who lived close by for a while so I visited a few times. Hoping to bring the kids for a trip and it all the museums this summer.
BTW your hotel looked pretty amazing!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
There are SO many museums- great for kiddos! And our hotel was amazing- would totally stay at the Sofitel again!
What a fun weekend! Looks and sounds like you did a lot of fun things. Love your boots for the trip, such a cool fashion statement! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thank you! These boots are so fun, right?
what a fun weekend you guys had! LOVE reading such a blog post, Ashley. all your outfits are adorable. DC is definitely worth visiting! x
have a lovely day!
DC is such a blast! We cannot wait to go back- glad you enjoyed the post!
Talk about non stop fun.
I had to laugh when you said that about being the oldest people in the bar. We totally felt that way on our recent trip to NYC. Yet here in Sun City, I feel like the youngest!!!
Those boots are the bomb!! If I didn’t already have a snakeskin pair….
XOXO
Jodie
Haha, we were definitely amongst a bunch of youngins! 😉
Aww! Your dog is SO darn cute! What kind is she/he? Wow! DC looks so fun and the food looks delicious. I have it on my to see list!! My husband has been there once.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Muffin is a rat terrier! 🙂 But she has this weird longer coat (the vet calls it a “broken coat”) where she’s like oddly shaggy and has a BEARD (lol) in comparison to my other two ratties.
I lived in Dc for 2 years and I loved it! It is still in my heart!
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin’
Oh how cool! It’s such a fun + pretty city!
Your time in DC looked so much fun! I definitely would love to plan a trip there and really explore it. I used to go to D.C. for work and barely get to see it!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
We had a blast- and our friend Thao was so kind to show us the highlights so we could pack a TON of fun into a short weekend!
aw your doggy is so cute! I’ve only been to DC once but had a blast and can’t wait to visit again after seeing your photos
heyprettything.com
DC has a ton to offer in terms of food, culture, and fun! 🙂 We can’t wait to go back!
I loooove that sweater!
Federica
http://www.federicadinardo.com
Thanks, gf!
Animal prints and neutrals is a great packing plan. It proved to be a great one for your outfits were fabulous. Moreover, it is a good idea to wear your bulkiest and heaviest pieces on flight and to save up space in the suitcase this way.
It seems you had a great time. Fantastic photos!
The color/print palette was really successful- everything worked together! We had a blast, too! Thanks for swinging by, Ivana!
Great pictures and beautiful outfit.
http://www.paginasempreto.blogspot.com.br
Thank you!
Amazing pics and… those boots: totally obsessed!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
I loooove these boots- definitely purchasing a backup pair because they’re so amazing!
What a fun travel post! I visited DC this Summer and relate to your experiences with the transit system, museums, monuments, etc. It’s a nice place to visit.
It was such a fun city to explore! 🙂 We can’t wait to go back!
I know! I have to pack for 10 days in Paris and I have not started yet and I leave Thursday! It is stressful. And LOVE those Cape Robbin boots. Your trip looked great.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Omg, sending you ALL the good packing vibes! And PARIS! Yessssss!
What a fun trip! I haven’t been to D.C. in years and would love to be back. Great packing tips too!
It was such a blast! Glad you dug the packing tips. 😉 I am always trying to be more efficient!
What a great place to visit! We’ve only been once and I’m dying to go back. You guys are the cutest!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
We had so much fun- and only saw like a fraction of what DC has to offer! Cannot wait to go back!
I visited DC when I was 8 years old and that was like 15 years ago. You and Dave are SO cute and I’m glad you had a lovely trip!
https://lifewithmins.blogspot.com/
Thank you! We had so much fun!
Looks like you had such a great time! How cute is Muffin!!!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Muffin is such a cutie, but a total brat, hahahaha. 😉
What an awesome trip hun, looks like you had a wonderful time.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks, babe, we sure did!
We LOVE Donburi and Earl’s! Glad to see you had so much fun in our city! There are definitely endless things to see and do!
Rosy Outlook
Yayyy! I’m so glad I hit some of your fave spots! Next time I’m around, let’s get a drink! 🙂
Thanks for taking us with you on this fun DC journey! I feel like going there soon too now xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
We had a blast- thanks for reading. 🙂 Happy hump day!
DC was on my wish list and after reading your post I really want to check it out!!! I also may not be able to bounce back like a college kid, well I am sure I can’t, but I do love to explore a city and this one looks like a blast both during the day and night. Also, love all the leopard print!!!
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Yes- it’s a super fun city! You would love it!
I loved reading your Washington, DC vacay recap!! Also you look stunning in every picture! Not to mention all of your outfits are on point!
Ahhh, thanks so much, sis! We had so much fun and I, amazingly, did not overpack! 😉
Thanks for sharing your experience. The pictures are really amazing.
Adi xx | http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
Thanks, babe!
Seems like such an interesting place to visit, you found so many interesting spots. I’d love to go se cirque show, haven’t been on one for so long. Seemed like you really had a perfect getaway <3
LackaDaisy
We really did! And the Cirque show was awesome!
That cami is PRECIOUS! And I’m so jealous you were able to wear a sweater. I’ve never been to DC but it’s on my list and I think it makes a great couple weekend.
Thanks for joining the Style Six linkup!
Shelly | The Queen in Between
You had great time dear! Nice pictures!
Have a wonderful day! xx
La ilusión de Nina – http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com.es/
Hello Ashley
I loved , I loved all your travel looks and I’m obsessed with your chunky sweater, you were very stylish !!
I loved seeing the photos and some places I know just by seeing in the movies !!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
What a fantastic weekend getaway! I haven’t been to DC in probably over 20 years. I need to get back there one of these days. I could use a little crazy nightlife outing…just for the weekend, because I do not bounce back easily either. I am loving all your animal print outfits, too. I have been traveling more lately and am honing my packing skills. I only bring one set of jewelry, too, and I wear it during travel. I simply cannot be bothered with all that! And cutting back on shoes is rough, but I am getting better. Great post. Thanks for sharing your special weekend with us!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Welcome to my town, Ashley! What a whirlwind trip indeed! It’s hard to do DC in a weekend, but you packed in a lot of stuff! And you even took Metro! How cool is that. Glad you enjoyed your time in the DMV and hope you come back again. Loved seeing all your pics! 🙂
http://lizzyslatest.com/
Sounds like you had an amazing trip to DC and I love that leopard print cami!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
PS Muffin is so cute !
Looks like you guys had a blast! What a fun post.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
That’s how a getaway weekend should be enjoyed! Washington is a great place to enjoy during the day and night given so many attractions. Ought to say, you guys look great together.