The Reinvention of Me: What Comes Next

I get a lot of questions about where to go do/see things, or eat/drink in DC.  After much thought, I’m giving you my list, compiled through decades of living here (and a well-known liking for trying new places), of things to do/see in this post, followed by another post on eating/drinking establishments.  A lot of these are also really great date ideas too!

Disclaimer: I’m not a well-known tour guide, which means a lot of things that some may find “fun” or “usual”  or even “touristy” may not be in here.  I will also try to update this as much as I can with new and interesting things.

Things to Do:

• Dumbarton Oaks – during all seasons – it is outdoors though.  Check out my review of it here. (DC)
• Take a ride on the carousel on the National Mall. (DC)
• See a matinee at Ford’s Theater and then tour the house across the street where Lincoln died. (Need a quick bite? Head to Bistro d’OC, across the street.) (DC)
• National Cathedral and Bishop’s Garden.  The gardens are like walking through a hidden maze.  (Hint: great spots in there for proposing.) (DC)
• Spring Gold Cup/Polo Matches – Although far, it’s such a fun place to gather, celebrate, sip wine and be in the company of fun people (Middleburg, VA)
• Paradise Springs Winery - The only winery in Fairfax County.  They have award-winning wines, free wi-fi, a fireplace for the winter and during the spring/summer – live bands and places to picnic! (Clifton, VA)
• Take a walk around the monuments at night – especially with the cherry blossoms in bloom. (DC)
• Shop at the Eastern Market… for dinner.  They have the freshest meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other things to make an amazing meal. (DC)
• Roam around Glen Echo Park – it’s like time stood still. (Virginia)
• Mount Vernon – Just a quick ride down the Parkway or a more calming ride on one of their ferries, to get there.  Their restaurant is also fantastic! (Virginia)
• Take in dinner and a show at Birchmere.  A lot of famous acts got their start here!) (Alexandria, VA)
• SAX Restaurant offers a burlesque show and dinner (DC)
• If it’s snowing so much things are closed?  Hop on the metro and walk around the monuments – it’s breathtaking.  (Note: If the snow is bad, only underground service is available.)
• Torpedo Factory – Follow that with dinner at the Chart House (Alexandria, VA)
• Woody’s Miniature Golf – if Disney could have a miniature golf course, I suspect it would be a lot like this. (Reston, VA)
• Take a walk/run around the paths of Roosevelt Island (DC)
• Walk around the Historic Town of Vienna – plenty of things to see, do, eat and drink. (Vienna, VA)
• Tour of O Street Mansion (DC)

Idea: Have a museum scavenger hunt on a rainy day.  Pick artifacts throughout one or two museums with clues to find them. See example here.

• American History Museum – by far one of my favorites, as much of it is post-1800s artifacts
• Freer Gallery of Art – Not many museums move (and reconstruct) someone’s entire dining room.
• Botanical Gardens – Walking through there is like walking the entire earth in a few hours
• National Gallery of Art – They have a theater in the basement and sometimes, live orchestras play to the screen