My second day in D.C. was spent more in Virginia than D.C. I was lucky enough to wake up to a phenomenal breakfast from room service. I stayed at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel and they have “superfood breakfasts”. The two that caught my eye were the blueberry banana soy milk smoothie and the steel cut oatmeal with bananas and caramelized pecans. The oatmeal won me over.

It could not have looked any more pleasing. I asked for berries and honey on the side and also got a pot of Tazo tea. The oatmeal was at least 2 servings so it was worth the price but luckily it came in my hotel package so it was pre-paid for/slightly cheaper. Nothing is better than a good bowl of oatmeal with bananas, berries and nuts and a side of tea… in a hotel bed. Perfect Friday morning.

My family and I then drove to Mount Vernon, Virginia to go to George Washington’s property. We saw his house, gardens and whole property in about 2 hours. It was unbelievably beautiful, especially not being in the city, seeing the Potomac and all of the greenery.

The photo above was one of my favorites. It reminded me of a house you would see in Florida yet it was one of George Washington’s gardens. In Virginia. I absolutely loved it but don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t wait to go to Georgetown later on that night.

Although 99% of Georgetown’s stores are located in Cleveland and/or Chicago, I went there when I was younger and fashion label obsessed so I had to go back. I wanted to try Georgetown Cupcake but it closed by the time my family and I got out of dinner, unfortunately. I did get to do some shopping in Nike and Urban Outfitters, which is always a good time. For dinner we had a few options. My mom and her fiancé wanted french food but as soon as I saw Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge I had to go. Tapas food is probably my favorite type of cuisine because you can get multiple dishes and try an array of foods but all in tasting sizes, so you get the best of everything. My brother ordered the Seared Octopus with potatoes and paprika ($8.95) and the Shrimp sauteed in garlic and olive oil ($9.95). My mom and her fiancé ordered the Quail stuffed with chicken and pickled cabbage ($12.95), Marinated house olives ($5.95) and the Chef’s selection of Spanish cheeses ($14.95). I ended up ordering two dishes, although I was very tempted to go for three. The seared Tuna with caramelized onions ($9.95) and Salmon with olives, capers and shallots ($8.95). The salmon came on a bed of rice which was given a rich flavor due to the juices of the olives. As for the tuna, the caramelized onions paired sweetly with the fish. I wouldn’t have wanted anything else. I’m a huge fan of tuna when it was practically raw and just lightly seared. This one definitely met my expectations.

Before we were seated at Bodega, we walked around the corner to see this restaurant, Ristorante Piccolo, with the cutest outdoor balcony seating. Perfect for a date for two. They offer Brunch, Lunch and Dinner and Monday-Friday have a “Sunset Menu” which is Prix-Fixe. If I go back to D.C. in the future I definitely would love to try this cute Italian oasis. Despite Georgetown having a lot of the same old stuff you can see anywhere, the restaurant scene is alive and buzzing. I noticed Good Stuff Eatery a famous burger place that has been shown on the Cooking Channel and Food Network, along with a restaurant my roommate recommended to me called ThunderBurger. Without a doubt there is something for everyone. Seafood, Mexican, Italian, American. Even basics such as Chipotle and SweetGreen.

Without a doubt I enjoyed my dining experience in D.C. As well as the 48 hours I spent there.

-Addie