Wednesday, July 2, 2014

DC Guide

This weekend I hopped down to DC/ Annapolis to visit college friends. DC is definitely one of my favorite places to visit. I actually seriously considered moving there after graduation, I love it that much! Specifically, I love the Georetown area. It's quaint and rich with history and there is so much shopping, delicious restaurants and the most fun bars... not to mention it seems as though all of the best looking and best dressed guys congregate in Georgetown. I'm really not even kidding. Anyways, every time I find my way into the District, I go to Paolo's for brunch. Every. Time. I'm sure everyone has their opinion on the best brunch in DC, but this is so good.

Really, you could just go for their olive tapenade. I mean I have dreams about this stuff. 

Paolo's menu has so many different options for brunch meals. I usually like to switch it up, but my go to is the smoked salmon fritatta. They also have bottomless mimosas, bloodies and bellinis. #Heaven. Another perfect thing about Paolo's? You can brunch outside and I have literally never had to wait long for a table-- not to mention the prices are outrageously inexpensive for DC standards.

Clutch (similar, use code JULY for 30% off)/ Sandals/ Sunglasses

Another thing I love about Georgetown? The architecture. I'd take any of the houses... they are classically styled and I would say 99% of them are my taste to a T. Because we had a few too many drinks the night before (oops) and ended up rolling out of bed a lot later than expected, I opted for something super simple and casual. I wore white chino shorts from Country Squire Haberdashery (so comfortable), a vintage belt that my dad got on my parents' Honeymoon in Bermuda, a white oxford cloth button down, Jack Rogers (on sale!!), a Vineyard Vines Clutch and Clubmaster sunglasses. I've really been into all white lately. It's easy but also very chic and very summer. It doesn't hurt that it accentuates a tan, too! 

Some of my other favorites while in DC?
  • Lunch: The Tombs or Tony and Joe's
  • Picnic: Stop into Dean and Deluca for Sushi and champagne (great coffee, too)
  • Coffee: Saxby's
  • Cupcake: Baked and Wired (great cappuccinos, too)
  • Bars: Rhino, Mr. Smith's (piano bar that is tons of fun!), The Guards, Smith Point, George, Town Hall, Tony and Joe's, Sign of the Whale, Whitlows, Madhatter, POV at the W (coolest view), Public... I could go on for days. 
  • Dinner: Oya, Clyde's, PJ Clarkes, Old Ebbit Grille (omg the baked oysters and champagne), J Pauls, Cafe Milano, Ris, Circa... they also have a Shake Shack. So. Good. 
  • Best Pizza: Pizzeria Paradiso (SO GOOD)  
  • Fun things to do: Tea at the Willard, Spy Museum, Walk around the monuments (Lincoln Memorial/Reflecting Pond is the best at sunset), Smithsonians, shop (duh), paddleboard on the river, go for a run/drive on the GW parkway (it's SO pretty in the fall), Newseum is awesome.
  • RIP: Third Edition and Rugby- why are they gone!?
  • Where to stay: The Mayflower, The Willard, JW Marriott, Hamilton Crown Plaza, Omni Shoreham, Four Season, Ritz Carlton, Hay-Adams. 
  • Shopping: Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Ella Rue, Sherman Pickey, Zara, Kate Spade, Brooks Brothers (incredible decor), J. McLaughlin, J. Crew, Cusp, Patagonia, Lou Lou, Barbour, Blue Mercury, Paper Source, etc. (all in Georgetown within walking distance)
  • How to travel: metro is clean and easy to navigate but an uber is also a great way to get around
So what are your favorite places to eat, dine and shop in DC? I'm always looking for recommendations! I will be back down in September! Have a fabulous day! 

Yours, 

14 comments:

Michelle said...

I went to DC a lot a few years ago for work, and I loved it. There were tons of nice places to eat, and I loved how walkable it was.

P.S. I LOVE your outfit :)

Gabriela said...

I almost ended up at Georgetown TWICE and sometimes I kick myself for not going there (though I guess college in NYC wasn't so bad, either...). Seconded on the Baked and Wired cupcakes- they are heaven and almost too pretty to eat!

Portuguese Prepster said...

I love this list! I'm from the DC area and I always love playing tourist and hitting up all those spots. Although I love NYC for now, I still like to think of Georgetown as my next place of residence ;)

Pink and Green Mom said...

Oooh, I am going to DC in a couple of months, so this will come in handy! Thanks!

Courtney Elizabeth said...

Love Paolo's! Their Happy Hour is also pretty rockin'. I'm heading to Annapolis for the first time this weekend, I would love to know some of your suggestions!

Anonymous said...

My family lives in Georgetown so I'm glad to see that you love it. Paulo's is great for lunch as well! George is being renovated this month, so be sure to go see it next time you're here.

Tracy said...

The Guards is closed! I was heartbroken when I read the news. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/its-official-the-guards-is-closed/2012/08/03/214c7804-dcfb-11e1-a894-af35ab98c616_blog.html

But you're spot on with your rec's. The funfetti cupcake at Baked and Wired? To die for. M Street is a great place to spend a day. I always grab a salad at Sweetgreen (kale Caesar please!) Helps balance out the bottomless mimosas that I'm sure to get.

Kristin said...

My boyfriend lives near DC, so I go up there a lot! I've been to Baked and Wired before - delicious! I got a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing. We also like to go to brunch at A-Town Bar & Grill in Arlington. I love Georgetown too!

Kristin
thedixiedaisy.blogspot.com

CLP said...

Baked and Wired are my favorite cupcakes ever! I will go out of my way to stop in and get one whenever I'm in the District!

2 Amy's Pizza is also really good pizza Also Founding Farmers is my favorite restaurant. It's farm to table and the menu switches seasonally. Love it!

Anonymous said...

I'm getting ready to move to DC in the fall to start grad school at Georgetown! Thanks for all of these tips! I have been to brunch at Paolo's on a trip in the past and loved it :)

Jubilee said...

My family lives on N & Wisconsin - right by Paolo's - great pick!

Also, instead of cupcakes, go to Olivia Macaron next time right next to Dean & Deluca - they are incredible!!!! And always such tasty seasonal flavors, like cherry blossom & chocolate mint!

Christine said...

I was in DC a few months ago! I'll have to try a few places from your list the next time I'm there!

DC Girl in Pearls said...

Next time you're in DC let me know! I'd love to get brunch :)

xoxo
Lauren Anne
dcgirlinpearls.com

Abby said...

I loved this post! I'm a recent American University grad and I spent 90% of my free time in Georgetown! For some other great DC places:
*Scion on P Street near Dupont Circle. Great bottomless brunch with yummy entrees as well.
*Chef Geoffs happy hour!
*Mighty Pint on M Street. Can't argue with pint sized mixed drinks for $6
*Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab. Great higher end dining. Definitely recommend the Alaska King Crab legs (they're HUGE) and key lime pie. There are also locations in Las Vegas and Chicago :)

 

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