When traveling, we get to appreciate parts of cities that we may overlook if we were to live in them. Walking our dog, Niko, down The National Mall or on a trail through Rock Creek Park makes any day brighter.
Watching the sunset over the Lincoln Memorial is a mesmerizing, awe-inspiring experience. The soft yellow lights flicker on to illuminate the memorial as the sun dips below the horizon and casts a cool pink and purple glow across the sky. It feels like being in a painting. Just watch out for the gnats(?) (or no-see-ums as we call them in Florida 🧑🌾) nearing the Reflecting Pool, especially if you recently got a little rained on by the crazy DC weather! Regardless, we were just so happy to be present.
Out and about during the work day
Working on music while traveling can be stressful, it feels like I’m somehow missing out on seeing or doing something in the city (like it’s even going anywhere lol)… but it’s mainly because I know we’re only in DC for a month. Composing while cooped up in the Airbnb can be draining. What’s nice is to walk to any of several nearby coffee shops with my Sam and work outside: people-watching, city-appreciating, and laughing with my best friend. Moments like these keep me inspired and feeling present, and make me appreciate the free, or easy, things to do in D.C.
Over the past few weeks here we’ve tried out a few coffee shops. This is our running list, for now, in no particular order. They’ve all been great, but stay tuned for some more in-depth reviews and a handy coffee / remote work guide 😉☕.
- Tryst: coffee, food, and cocktails. Open late!
- Aslin Coffee: coffee, snacks, and beer. Head inside during working hours for a coffee, or stay later and sit on the patio “beer garden” for a drink and a bite to eat.
- Little Penn Coffee: coffee, food, and cocktails. Also open late, but beware it starts to get more like a traditional bar as the afternoon and evening go on.
- Büna Coffeehouse: coffee and food. Tables along the street have a bit of shade and it can be nice to people watch.
- Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken: slim coffee options, but the doughnuts and fried chicken are lovely which makes it a great place to pop in and grab something before getting started for the day.
After work in the afternoons
It feels wild to get off work and just walk or take a very short bus ride to some of the nation’s most renowned museums. Most of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums close by 5pm, so making it to many of the more popular ones can be tough if you’re working right up to the end of the day. There are quite a few that stay open until 7pm and 7:30pm though — which is perfect during the summer when the sun sets late and you want to beat the heat.
- Hirshhorn Museum: Modern art museum
- Botanical Gardens: Indoor and outdoor gardens
- National Portrait Gallery: Open late, has a beautiful atrium, and some iconic works (as well as some great rotating curated exhibts)
- Library of Congress: Beautiful architecture (and a great study place if you get a library card!)
- National Museum of African Art: Much larger than it looks on the outside — there are THREE(? maybe four!) floors underground
- American Art Museum: This is actually in the same building as the Portrait Gallery, and if you’re not paying close attention you’ll probably just wander into it — and its lovely to wander into!