Playing Catch Up

February, although cold, snowy, and gloomy, did have little fleaks of sunshine thanks to visits from family, some local travel, and some new found D.C. treasures. Here are a few highlights:

John's family came to town for a winter-time visit. We were happy to share some of our D.C. favorites (such as Founding Farmers, and Hotel Tabard Inn) and discover some new finds with them during their stay. We welcomed them with a home cooked meal followed by my homemade Oreo peanut butter ice cream pie to celebrate John's/his dad's birthdays. 

We took a tour of the nation's Capitol thanks to our dear friend, Clint. 

We sipped coffee at Ebeneezer's Coffee, which is conveniently located within walking distance from the Capitol and is own and operated by our new church. 

We went to the Newseum which is well worth the money and is probably one of the best museums in D.C. that we have seen thus far. The tickets are good for 2 days, which you should definitely take advantage of because there's so much to see. Check on discount sites for half price tickets before you go. 

We even got to see a piece of the Berlin Wall up close and personal. 

We went to the Washington Monument and took a look at the city from up above. It's a must see for D.C. visitors and locals alike. 

John and I celebrated Valentine's at home this year by making a delicious meal at home and eating wine and cheese to finish off the evening. 

That weekend, John and I celebrated President's Day by renting a car and taking three consecutive day trips. Stop one was Gettysburg where we took the full tour of the historic battlefield as well as the museum. While we didn't see any ghosts during our stay, it was eerie to walk the grounds of one of the bloodiest battles ever fought. 

The next day we went for a short trip to Annapolis, MD. The quaint little town by the waterfront was super cute but secondary to the frigid temps- we scooted back to D.C. early in the afternoon.  We did go to the amazing Cantler's Riverside Inn for some Maryland blue crab (out of this world!) and walk up and down the historic downtown streets before heading back home though. Maybe when the temps get a little more bearable- we will head back and see the town to the fullest.

That evening, we decided to take advantage of the rare occasion of having a car in D.C. by heading to one of the more metro inaccessible areas of D.C., Glover Park for dinner at 2Amy's. Y'all, talk about authentic Italian. I think that I could hear angels singing during some point in our meal. It was that good and now tops the list of my favorite D.C. restaurants. 

The next day, we headed out for Richmond, VA. While there, we feasted on some amazing soul food at Mama J's where I got my sweet tea fix before going to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is by far one of the best art museums that I've been to and houses Rothko to Warhol and everything in between. On the way back, we were involved in a hit and run in our rental car and then hit a snow storm on the way home-causing us to spend the night between Richmond and D.C. It was a crappy ending to our day trip adventure, but I'm just thankful that we were ok and our rental car was insured. 

The following day, we finally made it back to D.C., dropped off the wrecked rental car, and came home to play with Henry in the snow on an impromptu day off. 

Later that week, I completed my Level 1 yoga training. Woo hoo! 

Then it was time for a week full of concerts including:

Kishi Bashi at the Historic Sixth & I Synagogue 

The Punch Brothers at 9:30 Club 

The Dodos at Black Cat 

We rounded out the month by making the trek to NOVA for dinner at Ray's Hell Burger with the Browns followed by a late night coffee at Northside Social. I do have a few pictures of the infamous burgers that we consumed, but they just don't do it justice.  You just have to go to appreciate it.

Despite the icy temperatures, snow filled days, and unexpected overnight stay between Richmond and D.C.- February wasn't so bad when I reflect back. I am more than ready for the spring though and have already started planning our spring bucket list. So, come on warmer temps!

Cheers to another fabulous week in the District!