Living inside of the nation’s capital is an experience like no other. There is so much history everywhere you look: The Lincoln Memorial, The Reflecting Pond, The White House, and so many more. There are also so many activities to do here as well! Like going to the Tidal Basin, all of the museums, shopping in Georgetown, and the list does not stop there. But, there is also so much to appreciate outside of DC that tends to be overlooked. Being from 35 minutes outside of DC, I am here to let you know some must do’s when you need a little break from the city!
The first place I would recommend would be Pike and Rose in Northern Bethesda. It is super convenient to get to since it is off of the metro; you can just take the red line to the White Flint stop and you are there! While you are here, I strongly recommend checking out Summer House for honestly any meal of the day. The aesthetic of the restaurant is very clean, modern, and chic which makes it perfect for photos as well! But, if you are in need of some retail therapy, this is the place for you! They have stores ranging from LLBean to Francesca’s. But, before you go, you MUST go to the Baked Bear for a custom ice cream sandwich with either a donut, brownie, or freshly made cookies! (the donut is the best!)
But, if escaping the concrete jungle and really experiencing some green space is the goal, then Great Falls Park is the place for you! It is about a 20 minute car drive outside of DC, sadly this amazing place is not metro accessible. This park offers different levels of hiking, biking, and even cliff climbing! I love hiking along their trails to see breathtaking views from their 3 main overlooks, but I promise the views do not stop there! Especially in the fall, this is a perfect get-away to see the foliage as well!
Finally, if you really want to get away from DC and the intensity of the city, going to Frederick would be the perfect fix! It is the farthest destination, BUT it has so many things to do! The shopping scene is very local and boutique based; the best one is Velvet Lounge off of Market street! Also, the food there is very unique. Some restaurants that I recommend are Family Meal, Brewer’s Alley, White Rabbit, and Zoe’s Chocolate Company! Each have their own distinct style, and some are even farm to table! It is a perfect area to just walk around and enjoy the feeling of a small town for a while!
These places have all been so prevalent in my life growing up, and still are today. I love living in DC, but there is something about leaving the city for a few hours and experiencing a new environment, or as I like to call it, my home. Please take a few days to see what life is like outside of DC :)