Our family has visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee for years and we enjoy the variety of things to do each season. Each visit we find that we run out of time before we run out of fun. I’m sharing fun things for families to do in Gatlinburg that can be done over a weekend visit or stretched out during a longer stay.
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Charlottesville, Virginia is a destination that has been on my radar for a while thanks to Brigitte Belanger-Warner. I met Bri at at travel conference a few years ago and she keeps on giving me more reasons to want to come and visit.
I invited her to share more about the Charlottesville area because I wanted you to hear a perspective from someone who lives in the area, who still loves and believes in the local community. I believe that there are more positive stories that need to be told as this city’s narrative continues to move forward.
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Today my new friend Ashley, of Teachable mommy, is sharing some of her favorite places in DC. She is a DC local and a lot of fun. Make sure you check out her website for great tips on how to live a healthier life.
There are a lot of things to do and see in Washington DC. Any tour of DC or tourist guide will tell you the major things: monuments, Smithsonian Museum, White House, etc. But take it from a local the city has a lot more to offer.
One of my favorite places in Washington DC is Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market. Saturdays the streets come alive with vendors from all over selling everything from food and flowers to handmade jewelry and furniture. I have gotten some of my favorite pieces from that market. The best part? Dirt cheap.
If you are in town during October, a must for the kids is Boo at the Zoo. From 5:30-8:30 explore the zoo, enjoying special animal encounters and of course candy at different stations around the zoo. In the Big Cat area, my personal favorite, they have a train setup. Although admission to the National Zoo during the day is free, Boo at the Zoo requires you to buy tickets.
The Butterfly Habitat is not only beautiful but educational as well. My daughter loves trying to get the butterflies to land on her Bambi. This is one place to definitely bring your camera to. I think it is really cool to be able to observe the complete life cycles of butterflies.
I know I mentioned museums earlier as something any tour guide would tell you but this is one museum I don’t think you should skip over. The Spy Museum is a lot of fun for adults and kids alike. You learn the history of espionage from all over the world, from Biblical times to present day. Go on interactive Spy missions either inside the museum or around DC. The one hour Operation Spy mission is probably my favorite. Really allow yourself to get into character and you will have a blast! Perfect for the James Bond in all of us!
If you love sweets you have to check out Georgetown Cupcakes. Yes those Georgetown Cupcakes from TLC. Coming from someone who is not a huge fan of cupcakes, they made me a believer. All I can say about this one is yum. Oh, you will have to stand in line so be prepared.
Washington DC is full of great brick and mortar restaurants but don’t miss out on the food trucks. They might seem a little shady or even nasty if you have never eaten from one, I know that is how I felt the first time a friend suggested we try one. Um seriously, food out of a truck barf. Trust me though, there is some amazing food to be had out of those babies. To name a few: Curbside Cupcakes (cupcakes on the go, yes please), DC Empanadas, Fojol Brothers (one of the originals and still going strong), Basil Thyme (I think is better then the traditional Italian places in DC), Philly Steak Bites, and even Chick Fil-a. And now I am hungry…
I could not possibly list all the great places of DC in this post. But I hope that these give you some ideas for fun activities for you and your family or friends to experience.
What is your favorite location or event in DC?
Thanks for letting me share in your blog. I hope you guys have a fun trip out here 🙂
Ashley
Teachable Mommy
Ashley is a former Kindergarten teacher turned stay at home mom. When she is not busy attempting to be a super mom, she blogs about her life with her two children, health, fitness, and living green. Her goal is to encourage other moms and dads who are going through life just like her, one step at a time. Ashley’s motto for her children and her life is: you don’t have to be perfect, just be the best you, you can be.
One of the most important ideas to her is living life better, and she believes one way to accomplish that is by changing what you put into your body. Known among her family and friends as the go to girl for information about healthy, natural living, she makes it a mission to educate others. Encouraged by her husband and close friends, she began blogging to reach others outside her location. Teachable Mommy is about teaching others, teaching her children, while at the same time always learning. Ashley believes you should never stop learning. Ashley hopes that she can inspire everyone who reads her writing to start living a healthier life.