dc — DC Stuff — kate

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The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian

Many people don’t realize that the Smithsonian isn’t actually one museum, but dozens. Most of the great museums in DC are part of the Smithsonian, and most are free. I repeat: MOST ARE FREE! I considered listing out each museum as its own entry, but there are just too many. My must-see free museums are the Air & Space Museum, American Art Museum, American History Museum, and National Portrait Gallery. I also highly, highly, highly recommend the Renwick Gallery, Cooper Hewitt, and the Hirshhorn—you have to pay to see these, but they are completely worth it.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 13, 2018dc, places, see

Lynn Louisa

Lynn Louisa

I hate Lynn Louisa because everything is so beautiful and I can’t buy it all. It’s HAZARD if you’re a clothes horse. I never walk out of here thinking meh—usually I leave trying to figure out how I could sell my organs to get a couple hundred dollars quickly to purchase a new dress I didn’t realize would look that good on me.

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 13, 2018dc, places, shop

The National Mall

The National Mall

I also considered listing out each monument on the National Mall as its own thing, but I’m lazy so I’m just going to tell you that no matter what you do, you need to spend a few hours wandering through the Mall and seeing the incredible monuments surrounding the reflecting pool. Must-sees (among many others) include the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 12, 2018dc, places, see

A & D Bar

A & D Bar

If you’re into dives and feeling like a local when you’re traveling (and I am), A&D Bar is the spot for you. It’s in Shaw, and they’ve got it all—gummy bears in jars, friendly bartenders, cocktails named after 90s one hit wonders, etc. etc. etc.

dc, places, drinkKate WildmanJanuary 12, 2018dc, places, drink

Capitol Hill Books

Capitol Hill Books

Kramerbooks might be better known, but Capitol Hill Books has my heart. They’ve truly ruined me for used book prices elsewhere—can’t beat the prices or selection here. Books are spilling out of every nook and cranny of this place, and it’s the epitome of what I look for in a used book store. I miss this place a lot.

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 12, 2018dc, places, shop

The U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol

If you haven’t ever done a tour of the Capitol, it’s really worth booking one (unless you know someone on the inside and they’re willing to give you a guest tour, which is also very fun). It’s gorgeous and impressive from the outside, but the history and tidbits you get inside are well, well worth it, and the Whispering Gallery is always a hit.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 11, 2018dc, places, see

The Sovereign

The Sovereign

Ermagad, the Sovereign. If you’re in the mood to drink a lot of beer but want to be a little classier and feel like you’re in a hunting lodge and snack on Belgian delicacies (aka burgers and fries and waffles and mussels etc. etc. etc.), the Sovereign is your best friend. Plus, it’s in Georgetown, and who doesn’t love Georgetown?

dc, drink, placesKate WildmanJanuary 11, 2018dc, places, drink

Le Labo

Le Labo

Aside from walking into Le Labo and immediately feeling the twitch to pull out your phone and Instagram the heck out of this place, you’re also knocked off your feet because it smells so dang good. It’s as perfume store, which means it’s a really fun stop (I’m not kidding. If you haven’t ever killed 30 minutes in a perfume store, you’re not doing it right).

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 11, 2018dc, places, shop

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress

If you are local, for the love of all that is holy, go and get yourself a library card at the Library of Congress (yes, you can!) and spend as much time as possible wandering. It’s amazing. I don’t know how to do it justice. If you’re not local, this is another one of those things that is completely worth a tour, but if you’re strapped for time at least wait in line to pop inside and see the reading room.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 10, 2018dc, places, see

Ghibellina

Ghibellina

Ghibellina is cozy wine bar with great small plates, stone-fired pizza, and snacks. They don’t rush you here if you’re with friends and have approximately three hours of catching up to do, and their happy hour doesn’t mess around.

dc, places, drinkKate WildmanJanuary 10, 2018dc, places, drink

Salt & Sundry

Salt & Sundry

Salt & Sundry is the best if you’re a trinket person (you know who you are) or someone that likes to drop an obscene amount of money on candles. Home goods, accessories, baubles, trinkets, paper, candles…it’s got it all, and you’ll probably want to Instagram it. Plus, it’s in Union Market (read: fooooood!)

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 10, 2018dc, places, shop

The National Archives

The National Archives

The National Archives are kind of hit or miss for me, but if it’s your first time to DC I completely recommend going, if only to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution up close and, of course, to reenact some seminal sleuthing from National Treasure.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 9, 2018dc, places, see

Copycat Co.

Copycat Co.

Go to Copycat Co. if you’re out on H Street and want a really, really good cocktail, are into ambiance, and want to order dim sum to go along with it (trust me, it works).

dc, places, drinkKate WildmanJanuary 9, 2018dc, places, drink

Kramerbooks

Kramerbooks

If you’re hungry and bored, Kramerbooks is the spot. Part cafe, part bookstore, it does a great job of giving you a place to wander and it’s organized to tell you what you should read based on what you’ve liked in the past. Cake, coffee, Kafka? Don’t mind if I do.

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 9, 2018dc, places, shop

The White House

The White House

Ok I’ll admit it—I’ve never toured the White House, and I don’t think I ever will. I think it’s a bit of a waste of time compared to the rest of the amazing things to see in DC. But if you go to DC and you don’t snap a picture in front of the White House, did you really even go?!

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 8, 2018dc, places, see

Tryst

Tryst

So as I said, when I go out, I want a place where I can bring a lot of friends and settle into comfy couches and drink wine and cocktails and probably eat fries at some point without waiters trying to get me to leave so they can turn the table. Add live music and I'll probably move in. Tryst was that place for me in DC.

dc, places, drinkKate WildmanJanuary 8, 2018dc, places, drink

Varnish Lane

Varnish Lane

Ok listen, I’m not really one to get my nails done on vacation, so if you’re planning a trip skip this one unless you’re all about pampering yourself. If you’re bougie and have an hour to kill or you’re a local and you haven’t been to this place, GO TO VARNISH LANE. It’s by far one of the prettiest salons I’ve ever seen in my life, you'll be manicured in a leather chair, and they do a fabulous job.

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 8, 2018dc, places, shop

The Newseum

The Newseum

The Newseum is the only paid museum I ever recommend to people (thank you, Smithsonian, for making it easy to be cultured on a budget!), and it’s worth every penny. This museum is dedicated to…you guessed it…the evolution of news, and while I can honestly say that I find most every exhibit interesting, the viewing room with preserved newspapers from famous dates and events is always my highlight. Great views from the top of the museum, too.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 7, 2018dc, places, see

Souk

Souk

Souk is a very cool international market and bakery. Matcha? Check. Ras el Hanout? Check. Knock-your-socks-off-spicy-chai? Check. Worth a stop just to smell, trust me.

dc, places, shopKate WildmanJanuary 7, 2018dc, places, shop

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington is very special. It’s absolutely huge (over 600 acres) and is the final resting place for soldiers who have given their lives for their country. There’s a lot of history here, a lot of somber remembrance, and a lot of gratitude. I cannot recommend a tour enough to make sure you can really appreciate the sacrifices that have been made and the beautiful ways that Arlington preserves their memories.

dc, places, seeKate WildmanJanuary 6, 2018dc, places, see