History and Culture: Our Washington DC & Philadelphia Adventure

Our recent trip to Washington, DC, and Philadelphia was a whirlwind of history, culture, and amazing food. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we packed our itinerary with unforgettable experiences. Here’s a recap of our journey!

Day 1: Arrival in DC

We landed at Dulles Airport in the late afternoon and took an Uber to our Airbnb in the heart of Washington, DC. After picking up some essentials at Whole Foods, we kicked off the trip with a delicious dinner at Il Canale, a cozy Italian spot in Georgetown.

Day 2: Monument-Hopping and Art Appreciation

We started the day with a refreshing walk along the National Mall before visiting the towering Washington Monument. From there, we admired the White House and grabbed lunch at Fogo. The afternoon was spent exploring the National Gallery of Art, where we marveled at masterpieces, followed by a relaxing coffee break at Tryst in Dupont Circle.

Day 3: Museums and a Night of Irish Dance

The morning was dedicated to the Holocaust Museum, a powerful and moving experience. After lunch, we visited the Museum of Natural History and took a guided tour of the stunning Library of Congress. The evening ended on a high note with a spectacular Riverdance performance.

Day 4: A Day Trip to Philadelphia

An early start took us to Philadelphia via Amtrak. We wandered through Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the U.S., paid our respects at Ben Franklin’s Grave, and explored Liberty Center. After a delicious lunch at Reading Terminal Market, we checked out the immersive exhibits at Wonderspace Philadelphia and, of course, posed with the iconic Rocky Statue before heading back to DC.

Day 5: More Smithsonian Museums and National Archives

The day began at the Museum of American History, where we saw everything from the Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy’s ruby slippers. After a relaxing lunch at Pavilion Café, we explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture, followed by the National Air and Space Museum. Before wrapping up, we visited the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dinner at China Chilcano was the perfect way to end the day!

Day 6: Arlington, Georgetown, and the Zoo

We picked up our rental car and visited Arlington Cemetery, where we witnessed the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, we strolled through Georgetown, grabbed lunch at Clyde’s, and spent the afternoon at the National Zoo. The day ended with an entertaining performance of Spamalot at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.