So, I just got back from Washington D.C., and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind. If you're ever wondering about the best things to do in Washington D.C., let me lay my experience on you over this piping hot cup of coffee. Honestly, I went in with a little skepticism—I mean, how much excitement can you find in a city jam-packed with monuments and, let's face it, politicians? But I was totally wrong.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
One day, I decided to wander through the National Mall, which, don't get me wrong, I figured would be pretty impressive. I mean, the Lincoln Memorial—it's kind of a big deal, right? But my meandering led me to the FDR Memorial (the one I didn't even know existed). I almost walked past it. Seriously—my sense of direction is about as good as a blindfolded toddler's.
When I finally found myself there, my jaw kind of dropped. It's this sprawling space, and it's not just about statues. There are these little quotes from FDR carved into stone that just hit different. I sat on a bench, and for a moment, I felt completely immersed in history but also in the now. The water trickled nearby, and I heard laughter from kids running around. There's something about a juxtaposition of serious history and innocent joy that really took me by surprise.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
You know how sometimes you have those afternoons where everything just feels… blah? I had one of those, until I stumbled upon this little coffee shop called Litteri's Italian Deli. I had ducked in to escape an unexpected downpour, and honestly, I was expecting a mediocre cup of coffee and soggy panini. Instead, I was met with this buzzing atmosphere—and my oh my, the smell of fresh bread!
In a moment of sheer impulse, I ordered a muffuletta. I didn't even know what it was before that day. But it arrived—this glorious mountain of a sandwich, dripping with olive salad, salami, and provolone. I took that first bite, and it was like my taste buds were having a party. I was sitting at this tiny table, gnawing on food that felt both indulgent and perfectly comforting, and that was when the clouds seemed to lift. I started chatting with the barista, who turned out to be a local artist, and by the end, I was feeling downright inspired. We exchanged Instagram handles, and honestly, I walked out feeling like I made a friend—totally unexpected, but I guess that's the magic of travel.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
You'd think I'd have learned my lesson about direction after the FDR Memorial misadventure, but nope! I decided to venture off to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Instead, I found myself at a small exhibit about the history of American fashion—way off course. I didn't even think I'd be into that, but the bright colors and quirky outfits just pulled me in like a moth to a flame.
I remember staring at this 1950s dress that must have belonged to someone's grandma, and it was like stepping into another world. I mean, who knew I could become so engrossed by taffeta and sequins? There's something really eye-opening about stumbling upon things you didn't even know you were interested in.
At that moment, I thought, “This detour may not have been in the plan, but isn't that kind of the point?” I wandered around for hours, losing track of time and completely absorbed in stories stitched into fabric. I joked to myself that fashion might just be my new thing, but really, it was about the stories behind them that did it for me.
Food That Stops You in Your Tracks
The cherry on top of this trip was when I decided to try this little place called Ben's Chili Bowl. It's been around forever and is kind of legendary. I figured it couldn't hurt to indulge in some chili cheese fries after all that walking. I grabbed a half-smoke, which I had never even heard of until I got to D.C. It's like this amazing smoked sausage topped with mustard, onions, and that chili sauce. I still can't get over how the flavors blended—they had me wondering how something so simple could taste so divine.
There was a whole wall of photos featuring celebrities and politicians who have passed through the place, and I felt like part of this weird, delicious history, too. The vibe was casual—with locals swapping jokes and laughter at the tables—that sense of community made the food taste even better.
The Moments I'll Carry With Me
I fumbled a lot during my trip. I lost my way more times than I'd like to admit, and I spent a good chunk of my time getting soaked in that rainstorm I mentioned. But those little detours—the unexpected conversations, the moments of pure delight with food and art—made the trip what it was.
I couldn't help but reflect on how often we stick to the scripted form of travel—hitting all the “must-see” spots and keeping to a timeline. But those instances where I ventured off the beaten path? They felt like gifts.
So, yeah, if you're curious about the best things to do in Washington D.C., I'd say embrace the messiness of it. Get lost, make some wrong turns, find a cozy coffee shop, and maybe, just maybe, fall in love with the city in ways you didn't expect. I've been home for a few days now, and those memories still swirl in my head like the last sip of that coffee, fragrant and rich, leaving just a hint of sweetness as I savor the experience.
