Let the Washington DC recaps begin! :D
One of my favorite things we’ve done while in DC is visit several rooftop lounges and restaurants that have given us spectacular, birds eye views of the monuments and major landmarks in the city. The first place my in-laws took us to was the POV rooftop lounge inside the W Hotel.
Steps away from the White House, POV has the trendy style of most W hotels,
and as we stepped into the open-air lounge on the top floor, we were nothing short of amazed at our view.
The stately Washington Monument & Jefferson Memorial stuck out to our left,
the dignified Lincoln Memorial could be seen in the distance,
but the real highlight was sitting right in front of us – a perfect view of the east wing of the White House (which we had just come from touring!!)
The beautiful, ornate and columned National Treasury, sat right between us and the big, white house, but nothing could take our eyes off it.
Drinks don’t come cheap with a view like this, so we sloooowly sipped our drinks on this warm, spring afternoon.
Beers all around! :D
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better – the snipers showed up – HA!
Can you spot him?! ;)
While we were there, two snipers appeared about every 5 minutes to scan the area for threats to the White House, its staff and, of course, our president. Can you imagine doing that job in the winter?! 2 words – slippery. roof. 8O
It was really cool. :)
The view of the White House would get some major competition a couple of nights later, when we arrived at the Double Tree Hotel in Crystal City for cocktails at sunset, overlooking DC.
“The Double Tree Hotel?” you might be asking? Sure, their cookies are top-notch, but a view of the city? Ohhh you bet. Located just across the Potomac River from downtown DC, this hotel has what many don’t – a Sky Dome on top!
A ROTATING Sky Dome, nonetheless!!!!
We were just about to race for a table with the best views of the city before realizing, oh right, this place rotates. Every table is the best table! ;) So we ordered our cocktails – a Tangerine Mojito for me – and waited for the sites to come into view.
First up was the Pentagon. 5-sided and MASSIVE – although Anderson Cooper says you can get anywhere inside within 7 minutes – the Pentagon is intimidating, and seriously HUGE. The plane that struck on 9/11 hit just behind the far left corner. There’s an outdoor memorial there now.
Next, the full view of DC’s most well-known sites came into view. See if you can pick them all out!
Ok, I’ll show ya’. ;) Here we have the Lincoln Memorial on the bottom left,
the White House perched in the trees on the left and, of course, the Washington Monument on the right. Kind of hard to miss, eh? ;)
Finally, one of the most spectacular sites – the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial sitting right at the base of the traffic coming in and out of the city. Gorgeous!!!
The Reagan Airport was just to our right, so we got to see dozens of planes landing all night long. It was really cool because you could see them lining up far off in the distance waiting for their chance to come on down.
And it was so, so good! :D
There’s plenty more to come! Ben’s parents, for as little time as they’ve been here, know a TON of great places in town. They’ve truly shown us one spectacular time in DC, so stay tuned for more! :D
Melanie 05.23.2011
These posts are going to be so helpful – between work and grad school my fiance and I definitely have NOT gotten to know the great places of the area very well, so we’ll be learning from Ben’s parents too! ;)
Cristy 05.23.2011
I love DC! And live here. :) So cool to see it from a tourist’s POV. For rooftop bars, try Marvin. Very chic and popular. For dinner, try Ripple. Super hip, trendy and scrumptious!! And if you like the whole trendy thing, come to the Del Ray neighborhood in nearby Alexandria! If you dig custard, you’ll LOVE the Dairy Godmother… Glad you enjoyed DC!!
Keely (Sky Blue) 05.23.2011
This is so great!! I would love to see DC someday:) Enjoy your stay!
cory 05.23.2011
i just had to stop in and say hi – i stumbled upon your blog over the weekend and really love it! i love your candid post & little glimpses…i have to admit what really sealed the deal was the post about the yoga pants not being high enough! hahaha….totally feel your pain. my best advice is closing your eyes and handing the cashier at lululemon your card. they are the best.
thanks again for a lovely blog! :)
Cheryl 05.23.2011
My husband already knows he has a conference in DC in May 2012, so I’m looking forward to all of your DC updates and reader comments with things to do/places to go!
Lauren 05.23.2011
You really did live it up with all of the best sights in DC! So glad you had fun!
Mac 05.23.2011
I’ve never been to DC, but you have just convinced me that I need to go! That is really interesting about the snipers and very cool that you happened to have a view to see them!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat 05.23.2011
I love checking out new bars/restaurants – these ones look fancy!
Faith @ lovelyascharged 05.23.2011
Just about a year ago I was up in DC exploring it myself…I wish I was doing it again now! Your gorgeous photography totally brought me back mentally…stunning! So glad it’s been a fun trip for you – there are such awesome things to see!
anna 05.23.2011
Love that sunset picture – perfect colors! Have a great rest of your trip/trip home!
Jennie Morton 05.23.2011
I love DC! If you’re near the Logan Circle area, you absolutely MUST check out Artfully Chocolate / Kingsbury Confections. They have a cocoa bar and their hot chocolate is brewed like coffee – with real cocoa nibs! Hubby and I went there on our honeymoon three years ago and feel head over heels for their drinks. No hot chocolate since has ever come close!
Courtney 05.23.2011
The pictures are wonderful!! And that mojito looks delicious– might have to try to recreate that one ;)
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl 05.23.2011
What great views of Washington D.C. I’ll have to hit up some of those spots next time I go to visit my brother.
Chantal 05.23.2011
Love it when people visit my hometown and have a great time :) Obviously, I’m pretty biased in being very fond of it and saying it’s one of the US’s best cities!!! Glad you had fun!
Tina Boogren 05.23.2011
What amazing pictures! Thank you for sharing–makes me want to go back–soon!
nicole 05.23.2011
I’m loving your recap of DC! I have been there 3 times…twice for work and once with 4-H….but all with about 50 or so high school kids. So, I have seen only the typical DC sites. Now I want to go back on my own sometime, and do it right!
Jen 05.23.2011
So jealous… I absolutely LOVE D.C.! Next time you go you should definitely do one of the Monuments at Night bike tours through Bike and Roll. Best $40 we spent! A bike is the best way to see that city!
dmc 05.23.2011
One of my Favorite posts! My heart is warmed that you called him OUR president even though I know you and yours are not “fond”.
Lovely photos and I wish I were there!!!!
Wow!!! GREAT POST.
That Mojito looks amazing!
Iowa Girl Eats 05.23.2011
We love Obama!!!
dmc 05.23.2011
YAY!!! I am happy camper… cause we love you! Yay!!!!
WE loved you even when I thought you didn’t love “our” President!
You’re the bestest!!!
Have a safe, wonderful rest of the trip!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles 05.23.2011
LOVE this! DC is such a wonderful city – so much to do! The rotating sky dome sounds absolutely amazing!
Liz @ Blog is the New Black 05.23.2011
Your trip looks SO FUN! you are certanly being a #1 tourist!!!