My Updated Washington, DC Area Bucket List!

If you know me or perhaps follow me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), then you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE where I live! Living in the Washington, DC area has been nothing but a blessing to me ever since I moved here back in May 2021. When I first moved here, I made my own Washington, DC Area Bucket List (read it here!) and haven’t looked at it since then. SO, I figured I would provide an updated bucket list based off of the one I made back in May and some new things that I want to do in the area.

Washington, DC

  • Have a picnic at The National Mall
  • See a show at The Kennedy Center
  • See a show at Warner Theatre
  • Eat dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill
  • Attend a blogger meet up downtown
  • Walk along Dupont Circle and U Street Northwest
  • Try Baked & Wired’s Cupcakes in Georgetown – DID IT!
  • Admire the aisles and enjoy some delights at Eastern Market 
  • Watch the sunrise from the Jefferson Memorial 
  • Take blog photos in Georgetown – DID IT!
  • Hike at Aldie Historic Park
  • Try Urban Roast for brunch – DID IT!
  • Walk around Capitol Hill
  • Go to a Nationals baseball game – DID IT!
  • Tour the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court Building, and the Library of Congress
  • Take photos along the cobblestone streets of Georgetown – DID IT!
  • Walk around the Sculpture Garden
  • Tour the National Cathedral – DID IT!
  • Walk along the Tidal Basin when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at sunrise 
  • Tour the Tudor Place – DID IT!
  • Enjoy cocktails at The Wharf 
  • Watch the sunset from the Lincoln Memorial
  • Have a high tea at Lady Camellia
  • See The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center
  • Take a stroll along Georgetown Waterfront Park – DID IT!
  • Go to the Renwick Gallery
  • Have a picnic at the United States National Arboretum
  • Admire the flora of the United States Botanical Garden
  • Visit Ford’s Theatre
  • Learn ways to not repeat history ever again at the Holocaust Museum 
  • Ice skate at the Sculpture Garden (probably won’t do this – haha!)
  • Enjoy doing work at a local cafe 
  • Visit Enchante at Nationals Park at Christmas time – DID IT! 
  • Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting 
  • Shop in Georgetown – DID IT!
  • Walk through the Freer Gallery of Art *yet again*
  • Get a Washington, DC library card

Virginia

  • Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate at Christmas time 
  • Explore downtown Fairfax 
  • Enjoy dinner at a local Irish pub in Arlington
  • Get a Virginia library card
  • Go back to Carlyle Grand for dinner in Shirlington
  • Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria *yet again*
  • Take a day trip to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – DID IT!
  • Go back to Busboys & Poets for dinner in Shirlington
  • Visit the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 
  • Hike yet again at Great Falls Park
  • Spend an evening at the outdoor picnic areas in Reston Town Center
  • Visit James Madison’s Montpelier for a day trip near Charlottesville
  • Make it to all of the Charlottesville vineyards on the Monticello Wine Trail
  • Drive through the countryside of Loudon County, specifically Middleburg and Leesburg 
  • Admire the sunflowers and/or tulips at Burnside Farms 
  • Explore downtown Vienna – DID IT!
  • Sip some wine at one of the many Middleburg vineyards 
  • Enjoy dinner and strolling along the streets of Shirlington 
  • Take a hike at Occoquan Regional Park
  • Shop at the Leesburg Premium Outlets
  • Enjoy a meal out and shopping at the Mosaic District – DID IT!
  • Go iceskating at Reston Town Center (probably not doing this anytime soon!)
  • Spend an evening at the outdoor picnic areas in Fairfax Corner
  • Explore downtown Washington
  • Hike along Shenandoah National Park and drive along Skyline Drive – DID IT!
  • Explore Fredericksburg
  • Shop at the Potomac Mills Tanger Outlets 
  • Enjoy the nightlife and food scene in Arlington – DID IT!
  • Walk along Clifton and take blogger photos there – DID IT!

Maryland

  • Stroll through Annapolis at Christmas time – DID IT!
  • Enjoy dinner at National Harbor – DID IT!
  • Take a day trip or weekend excursion to St. Michael’s Island 
  • Enjoy a night at MGM in National Harbor 
  • Have a high tea with family in Annapolis 
  • Admire the Christmas lights at the Gaylord National Hotel – DID IT!
  • Shop at the Tanger Outlets at National Harbor 
  • Admire the downtown Annapolis area and enjoy ice cream there in the summer time – DID IT!
  • Visit Baltimore, Maryland 
  • Walking around Fells Point in Baltimore 
  • Tour downtown Frederick
  • BONUS: Visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia at Christmas time
  • BONUS: Visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia yet again

Now, onward to many more Washington, DC area adventures!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

5 Reasons Why I Love Living in the Washington, DC Area

The big city, the several major monuments, the people, and ALLL the sites – oh my! The Washington, DC area is such an extraordinary place to live. I moved to the Washington, DC area back in May 2021 and have never looked back. Needless to say, I have fallen in love with my new city all over again and do every day! Personally, I am a firm believer in loving where YOU live, as I do myself living in the Washington, DC area. Today, I am going to be sharing 10 reasons why I love living in the Washington, DC area.

  1. The diversity – Washington, DC is a MELTING POT of cultures, cuisines, and people. There is something for everybody and everybody is welcome as they are for who they are and for where they come from, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, sexuality, gender identity, and pretty much anything else you could ever imagine. Washington, DC is a multicultural center of our world and that’s what I love about it. With my city’s great prevalence of acceptance for ALL. One of the things that made me resent the South a bit was that there was less acceptance and excitement towards diverse backgrounds or backgrounds that are different from one’s own. I have always found such true beauty in diversity and the Washington, DC area’s multicultural melting pot truly embodies that beauty and acceptance that I so truly LOVE and embrace.
  2. The friendly people – Going off of my city’s diversity and great amounts of acceptance and true embrace for diversity, Washington, DC’s people I have found to be surprisingly friendly, given that it is a Northern city. Well, yes, we ARE located below the Mason Dixon line geographically, but we do function like any other Northern city. Washington, DC has A LOT of friendly folks. People are always willing to provide a helping hand and just simply hype one another up. I can’t tell y’all how many times I have complimented somebody on their outfit and they compliment me on my outfit in return – the hype squad here is REAL y’all and it is a beautiful thing.
  3. ALLL the food – The Washington, DC area pretty much has every cuisine you could ever ask for right at your fingertips. Want to try Chinese food that isn’t at a typical takeout place? We have that! Want to try Armenian coffee and pastries? We have that, too! Want to try Peruvian delights? We have that as well! Whatever the case may be, the Washington, DC area has it! I follow a few foodie accounts based in the Washington, DC area AND have found to love seeing ALL of the nations and cultures represented within my melting pot of a metropolitan area. It’s a truly beautiful thing, too.
  4. Public transportation – With all that the Washington, DC area has to offer, it also has an amazing public transportation system, known as the Metro. Metro consists of buses and a subway train system. Let me tell y’all, Metro feels like luxury when compared to the New York City subway – we in Washington, DC are spoiled when it comes to our public transportation! When I was in Raleigh, we only had a NC State Wolfline bus that went through only NC State’s campus nearby. It was tough to navigate and there wasn’t really much information available on Raleigh’s bus system – something I just WISH I was able to learn more about while in Raleigh, since I didn’t drive while in college. Whereas in Washington, DC, I feel so so spoiled with our public transportation system that is so widely used by practically the entire city’s population.
  5. ALLL the things to do – There is SO much to do just in the Washington, DC area! Whether it be the prominent monuments, parks, wineries in the nearby Virginia Wine Country (I have a Virginia Wine Pass for 2022!!!), adorable Virginia and Maryland towns, the plethora of Washington, DC neighborhoods (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle amongst the likes!), the restaurants and cafes, and the millions of museums, the Washington, DC area truly has something for everybody. There is SO much that I want to do here that I have yet to. My city is so amazing and it’s great to see how much it has right here and within a close proximity away from me. Y’all I can ALWAYS vacation right here in my own backyard and I love it so so so much for myself and my fellow Washingtonians, too.

I have felt oh so blessed to be living in the Washington, DC area since I moved here back in May. Having my family close by in this magnificent city and being able to live in one of the most historic cities in the world has been nothing but a blessing for me. Above all else, there is SO MUCH to love about where you live. These 5 reasons are some of the many reasons why I love living in the Washington, DC area. I hope you have some reasons as to why you love living where you live as well!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

A Day in Washington, DC Without a Plan

Some of the BEST travel plans that I have had have had anything BUT a plan. The other week, my good friend Bryn and I went into Washington, DC while she visited me with anything, BUT a plan. ALL we had planned, in fact, was which Metro (Washington, DC’s subway transit system) stop to get off at. From there, the rest was up to us and seemingly our minds!

So, funny story, Bryn and I are AWFUL at waking up early – haha! We, indeed got going in the mid-afternoon and hit my local Metro stop for the Smithsonian stop within Washington, DC with our snacks, coffee, and masks on hand. Once we got off at the Smithsonian Metro stop, we walked to the nearby notable Smithsonian of Washington, DC at the National Mall. If you don’t know much about Washington, DC, the Smithsonian is Washington, DC’s collection of museums that are government-run and FREE to all who come to visit. Some of the Smithsonian’s museums include – the Museum of American History, the Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum, and the Smithsonian Castle aka the original and first-ever Smithsonian museum/building. The National Mall is conveniently located right along the Smithsonian, so as you explore ALL of the Smithsonian’s incredible museums, you also get to admire some of Washington, DC’s many monuments – the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Capital, and much more! Once we arrived, we did nothing else BUT get hot dogs and soft pretzels at a local food truck. Another amazing part of Washington, DC’s National Mall is the MANY MANY MANY food trucks lining the streets alongside it.

Once getting hot dogs and pretzels, Bryn and I simply took in the incredible views of Washington, DC that are all around us. We, then, walked over to the Capital where we took wayyyy too many photos and admired the views of our extraordinary nation’s capital. And, we *of course* had to stop to enjoy some coffee and gold fish that we had packed while admiring where all of our United States Presidents have been inaugurated and a major building of many decisions being made within our country, too, have happened. The pond, steps, fields, and pathways surrounding the Capital are super stunning, y’all! It’s worthwhile, too.

Since yet again fueling up at the Capital, we headed over to the White House – a sight in which Bryn wanted to see while she was here visiting. The walk to the White House takes about 30 minutes from the Capital. One of the BEST parts about this walk is that it includes seeing the National Monument along the way. We *of course* had to stop there to take some pictures, too! BUT, the very very very best part of this walk that we took was that it happened to be that we took this walk at sunset. Sunset made our walk so so so much more stunning than on any other given time. It was so cool to see ALL of the monuments light up at night and shine brighter than a diamond. Then, when we got to the White House, it was dark and the White House was beautifully shining for all to see. Sometimes, visiting the White House and simply seeing it outside can be tough – given Presidential events, protests, and much more. BUT, we got lucky a few weekends ago while there AND it wasn’t crowded, either. It was a great time to just sit and admire the home of all our Presidents (well, most of them!).

After the White House sightseeing, we headed for the nearby Metro station and back to my house. Bryn and I both had an amazing time and each spent under $15 including food and Metro tickets, especially given that we had packed some snacks beforehand. All in all, a truly fun, spontaneous, and affordable day aka three of my FAVORITE THINGS! Blessings come in all sizes and packages, including those that are of the most unexpected.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

DC Diaries – Part 8

Life in the nation’s capital has been an adjustment in recent times. While moving is exciting when you’re in a brand-new town, it is also very very very much of a transition, too. Like many things in life, life while moving is a rollercoaster – there are several ups and downs. Through it all, I know that my move to Washington, DC is the right move for me at this time in my life.

There have been a ton of adverse affects of COVID-19 on everyone’s lives in general and those affects definitely pertain to the work life, too. It is super nice that we can all work from everywhere and anywhere. Indeed, I know so many companies that allow their employees to telework and will be moving forward. Teleworking is great and I have appreciated and reaped the benefits of it. On the same token, it is super challenging to get connected within a new city when you are working remotely and primarily so.

Personally, to say the least, I have been struggling with making connections in my new town. I think a lot of my lack of connectivity in Washington, DC has to do with the fact that I am working remotely. Despite the fact that I LOVE working remotely and really truly value the flexibility and comfort that it has offered me, I also miss seeing folks face to face and making those face to face connections. That being said, I am luckily able to go into my company’s office and will be doing so a few times a week on days when others will be in the office, too. On the same token, I feel very lucky that I have been able to make connections in a remote enivronment. Even though I may not be able to see my company’s office life pre-COVID-19, I can reap the benefits of going into the office in a fresh and new light and still make connections both virtually and in-person.

Beyond the work world, I miss getting to know others and establishing a social life. Let’s get this straight: making friends in a post-graduation world is HARD! It is such a challenge not being around folks my own age 24/7, whether it be in class, extracurricular activity, or a social event through school. Needless to say, I have spent a lot more time alone than I have in the past. Yet, I am not upset about it. I am using this time to simply focus on myself and figure out what comes next in my social world and where I want to connect with others. I am strategizing ways to connect beyond the working world too and I have some thoughts in mind that I am striving to connect through. Not knowing is hard for us all. And guess what?! That is OKAY!

Through it all, life in the nation’s capital has been a bit of a struggle. I am definitely not in the happiest part of the post-graduation transition. But, I also think it’s important to be honest with myself and others in that I am not perfect and my life is not perfect 24/7. In fact, NO ONE’S is! At the same time, like everything, things will and they do get better. I am striving to connect more inside and outside of work and my work put in to maintain connections with others WILL pay off!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

DC Diaries – Part 7 + My Favorite Labor Day Sales!

Being just over 1 month into my brand new job, my post-graduation life in here in Washington, DC is coming together little by little. At the same time, life can sometimes feel as if it is falling at the seams. Through it all, life, including post-graduation life, is essentially a roller coaster with twists and turns. But, it is great, and if we follow along and enjoy the journey and make the best of it, then that is pretty great and, indeed, a pretty great time!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

My work life is most definitely growing and it is super exciting on that end – I am getting to know my coworkers on my projects and beyond and starting to work on some pretty cool projects, too. At the same time, work-wise, I am starting to work on my first of two certifications via online courses, in order to better expand my skillsets within the Data Analytics world. Overall, my life in the work world is expanding and it’s expanding for the better.

As for my life outside of work, it has felt like an adjustment. This has been the first time that I have not been in school since circa 2002-2003-2004. So, needless to say, it has been real strange not being in school and starting school when I’m seeing others around the same age as me still in school, whether older or younger. I definitely miss being around others around my age within the classroom and social setting. I, mean, in college, I lived in a building such as a dorm or an apartment complex where all of my friends and classmates lived, meaning social life galore. Now, in the post-graduate world, it is anything but that socially.

When I graduated from college, I was departing college extremely drained and burned out. I was a workaholic in college and still am to some extent! But, I was really really engaged in my college’s academic, social, and extracurricular lives. I truly made the best of my college experience and am forever grateful for it. However, I knew that I could not jump right into another semester of school just yet. I knew that I wanted to be able to do some meaningful work that would make an impact beyond the classroom and my job has provided me with just that.

When in DC, do as a Washingtonian does! Last weekend, my friends Cassie and Caroline came to visit me from North Carolina. We had a pretty great time exploring the city and simply going with the flow. We visited the International Spy Museum, the monuments, TJ Maxx, and much more! I have ALWAYS been a big big big Type A person, but it was nice to be able to let go a bit. It was nice to know that ALL of us are in the transition phase from college life to post-graduation life. None of us are alone, no matter how weird it may feel from time to time.

Above all else, life may not feel super ideal given that I am going through the post-graduation life transition, but it is something to enjoy along the way. In the meantime, I am going to be admiring some of the great Labor Day Sales (listed below!) while saving my money for the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale. Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

DC Diaries – Part 6

Transitions, adjustments, and changes, oh my! These three words describe some of the hardest pills for people to swallow. Case in point, my move to the Washington, DC area, my transition into the workforce, and changing up my blogging schedule a bit to accommodate my new work schedule. When changes come into our lives, it can be challenging to accept them and move forward, whether they’re good or bad. Transitions, adjustments, and changes are tough at times, but they can also allow us to grow and excel in our lives the ways that we are meant to.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Personally, I feel that making transitions, adjustments, and changes to our lives is important. I believe that there is a plan for each and every one of us in this thing called life. Whether or not you identify with a religious faith, I personally identify as a Christian. My Christian faith has projected my belief system in that I see how God has a plan for each and every single one of us. God or whatever higher power(s) that you believe in have set aside a plan for your life and that plan involves many many many twists and turns and ups and downs. Whether you have a liking to those plans set aside just for you or not, is up to you. But, whatever may be put in your way is there for a reason and leading you to be the person that you are meant to be in life, if it is for a stage in life or something more.

Case in point, when I moved to the Washington, DC area, there were a lot of transitions, adjustments, and changes that popped up along with the move. However, there is a reason for them all and they have made me and will make me into a better person – the person that I am meant to be.

My move to Washington, DC has been an exciting times. I have found it hard over and over and over again to talk and even touch on the tough subjects in life. But, they have led me to truly be able to enjoy my life in the nation’s capital. The hard parts in life are what always lead us to the greatest things that have been yet to come.

At this moment, I have been able to adjust successfully to my new life in Washington, DC. Although there are still some transitions, adjustments, and changes to come, I know that I am where I am meant to be. It all happened the way it was meant to and making me into the person that I am meant to be thanks be to God (or whatever higher power that you believe in). Today, I will leave you all with one of my favorite Bible verses – Deuteronomy 31:6 – “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

A Day in Washington, DC?! Here’s Some Ideas!

So much to do, yet so little time! A city as big as Washington, DC has so many things to do that it can be hard to decide what to do when visiting, especially for a few days. The same concept goes for only having a day to spend somewhere too. Living in the Washington, DC area has its perks when it comes to sightseeing at my leisure as much or as little as I want to and when, but I also experience the challenges of choosing what to do and when. Whether it be on the weekend or for a weekday, Washington, DC has so so much to offer and here I will be sharing with y’all some ideas for what to do if you only have one day to spend in the nation’s capital!

Things To Do for a Day in Washington, DC

  1. A picnic and stroll along the National Mall – the National Mall offers a vast variety of major sights to see in Washington, DC. From the Lincoln Memorial to the to the United States Capitol to the Washington National Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, there is A TON to see along the National Mall. I would highly recommend spending a few hours here and enjoying a picnic on the mall if the weather permits. Otherwise, I would suggest going to a restaurant or cafe nearby or even a food truck along the mall streets. There are so many opportunities for photos and simply taking in so many sights in an easily accessible and walkable area from one sight to the next. Rain or shine though, do not miss out on the opportunity to walk alongside some fundamental sites that this city has to offer!
  2. Visit a Smithsonian Museum – a ton of Smithsonian Museums are along the National Mall and offer several extraordinary artifacts, pieces of artwork, and much more! Museums include: The Smithsonian American Art Museum, The National Gallery of Art, The Museum of Natural History, The Air & Space Museum, The Renwick Gallery, The National Archives, and The Museum of American History. The National Archives, for instance, is the home of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, the Museum of American History can also be considered Kansas in its own unique way, since it is home to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz‘s iconic red slippers. When walking along the National Mall, visiting one or two or even three of the Smithsonian Museums is an excellent way to spend a half a day or more. The best part?! ALL of the Smithsonian Museums are FREE!
  3. Lunch/dinner, dessert, & shopping in Georgetown – the notable Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC is home to Georgetown University along with a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops. Not to mention, there are oh so adorable streets – cobblestone, colorful, and all! You can easily spend either an afternoon or an evening in Georgetown. There are several notable chain shops and bakeries and *of course* Georgetown Cupcake. You can also walk along the waterfront and hang out there, especially in the warmer months. Whether it be shopping, strolling, eating, or all of the above, Georgetown is an easy way to spend a few hours or more.
  4. Enjoy dinner at The Wharf – personally, I have been really wanting to go enjoy an outing at The Wharf! However, I have yet to do so. The Wharf is right by the shipyard in Washington, DC and it is home to several restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, and much more. All in all, it is a super fun place to enjoy the local Washington, DC environment and social life here.
  5. Visit a non-Smithsonian Museum – although several of the museums here in Washington, DC are Smithsonian Museums, there are quite a few that are not. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Madame Tussands Wax Museum, the Holocaust Museum, and the International Spy Museum. You can also visit a historical building like the Washington National Cathedral, Tudor Place, and the Dumbarton House. While you do have to pay for admission for the majority of these museums, they are still very much worth the experience. More specifically, if you really want to go make a visit to them.

You can easily combine two or more of these ideas into one full day in Washington, DC. Fortunately, Washington, DC’s Metro transit system is easy to navigate and allow oneself to easily get around the city as well. Here’s to many adventures in this great city!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

The Historic Mansion Nestled in Georgetown

Imagine having a huge backyard and a huge house in the heart of Washington, DC. Well, then Tudor Place is most definitely that rare Washington, DC dream! Growing up, my Mom and I used to visit a lot of places that were rather deemed as off the beaten path. Some of these destinations include Krakow, Poland; Sunapee, New Hampshire, Sofia, Bulgaria; Rila, Bulgaria; and East Grand Lake, Maine. I have learned to truly love exploring some of the lesser known gems as I went off to college and started to travel on my own. That being said, I *of course* had to look for some not as well-known gems in my brand-new hometown of Washington, DC! More specifically, I will be sharing my recent experiences at Tudor Place in Washington, DC.

About Tudor Place

Tudor Place is located in the heart of the oh so adorable, historic, and iconic Georgetown neighborhood – also home to Georgetown University. It was the home of the Peter family from 1805-1983. The home’s first owners were Martha Custis Peter – the daughter of the first First Lady Martha Washington and step-daughter to the first President George Washington – and her husband Thomas Peter. One of the neat aspects of Tudor Place is that it has witnessed a lot of events which shaped the United States and its history: the burning of Washington, DC in 1814, slavery, the Civil War, World War 1, World War 11, and the Cold War. In fact, Tudor Place was used as a Boarding House for Union Soldiers during the Civil War. At the same time, Tudor Place has seen several advancements within technology around the United States and the globe, such as the the typewriter, telephone, lightbulb, and so much more. Since its ending of being a residential home for the Peter family, Tudor Place has become a historic site focused on preservation, education, rejuvenation, and community engagement (all relevant information from the “Our Story” page).

Currently, Tudor Place offers at minimal seasonal free admission to all guests who reserve in advance online to visit. This historical house also hosts events and weddings amongst speaker events and other things, too.

My Experience at Tudor Place

I booked Tudor Place tickets initially for my friend Wyatt and I a month prior to. Unfortunately, I had an event conflict so I had to reschedule my visit. Luckily, the Tudor Place staff were all super sweet and easy to work with and happily willing to reschedule it for us. In other to access Tudor Place, the Washington, DC Metro is a bit further out. However, there are buses that go into and out of the Georgetown neighborhood from Virginia, Maryland, and all over the District of Columbia. Tudor Place also offers parking nearby for all guests and visitors who choose to drive there. Wyatt and I chose to drive in. Upon arriving at Tudor Place, we both both surprised that Tudor Place was located in Georgetown. On a typical day, Georgetown is uber packed with tourists and residents alike. However, we drove a bit outside of the crowds all around the stunningly beautiful cobblestone streets and historic homes to the more quaint part of the neighborhood. All of a sudden, we arrived at Tudor Place, followed the signs for parking, and walked up to the historical home. We were in awe of home quaint and sweet this place truly was!

When arriving, everyone must check in with the welcome center. One very interesting aspect of Tudor Place is tickets. Even when booked online, one does not receive their tickets until they check in through showing their reservation confirmation. The tickets are, in fact, a name tag that must be signed by a staff member on site with the date of your visit upon check in.

Once you check in, Tudor Place tours are self-guided, but they also have an audio guide option that they have upon request at the welcome center. The self-guided tours can be done at your own pace, which is great. It didn’t take Wyatt and I super long to explore the entire Tudor Place that is free to see on tour. We both found it interesting that there were a lot of technological advancements within Tudor Place from when it was first a home in the early 1800’s. Once we toured the Tudor Place interiors, we strolled around the beautiful stunning gardens. The gardens are self-paced too with a map to guide you. All around the gardens, staff members are happily willing to help. Wyatt and I each found the staff members to be extremely friendly and helpful, too. In comparison to Mount Vernon, Tudor Place is most definitely small but it is mighty and has some amazing history to it as well.

Overall, Wyatt and I had an amazing time at Tudor Place. Since living in Washington, DC for almost two decades, Wyatt was shocked and wished he knew about Tudor Place much sooner than we did when going just recently. I was definitely impressed with the utter beauty and rich history that Tudor Place had to offer and I hope to go again, soon and to the nearby and comparable Dumbarton Oaks.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

DC Diaries – Part 5

The other day, my Big Sis Stephanie and I were talking about how this summer has felt stranger than others. The same idea went for when I saw my friends Haley and Violet the day before, too. Many of us are feeling that this summer has been a bit more bizarre than summer’s past. Although this summer has been a bit more peaceful than years past for me and those around me, it is about to end for me.

Starting next week, I will be starting my job. I couldn’t be more excited. Personally, I live for the hustle and bustle – something I have missed this summer. But, before I start my job, I have learned a lot of things over the course of my summer time off. I have mastered my commute to work and gained an extra sense of independence via navigating the Washington, DC area’s public transport all on my own. I have started to learn budgeting and financing and how much money I should allocate to different things. I have learned to set limits on what I can do and afford financially while saving and preparing for things that I want in the future, whether it be big or small. Moreover, adulting is a literal grind that NEVER stops, and it is something that I have learned!

Over the past few months, I have wondered what it would be like if I chose to stay in Raleigh. Would I have ever mastered the public transportation systems or even used public transportation? Would I know how to budget? Most importantly, would I be the person that I am today and becoming? Who truly knows!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

DC Diaries – Part 4

Ever since writing my very last DC Diaries, my life in the nation’s capitol got just a bit morning exciting! Surprisingly enough, I did not explore the city that much until about 2 weeks ago. Once I started my explorations of my brand-new backyard, I have not wanted to stop! So far, I have admired the walls of two Smithsonian museums, the several sights to see around me right in front of my eyes at the National Mall, and the fireworks right in front of the city’s many monuments. My time in Washington, DC has most definitely gotten more and more exciting, and I am oh so excited to see what is in store next, too!

Since writing my Washington, DC Bucket List, I have since enjoyed a few photoshoots along the National Mall, including the National Monument, Korean War Memorial, and the United States Capitol. I have also devoured a delicious brunch at the oh-so Instagrammable brunch spot of Urban Roast. I took a day trip to the charming town of Annapolis, Maryland and went for a sail boat ride with family. Lastly, I *finally* was able to visit the National Cathedral after over a decade of wanting to and enjoyed a burger and fries at Shake Shack.

At the same time, I have been able to make some new and exciting plans for the next few weeks and months! I am planning to go and visit one of my friends at the Tyson’s Corner Center Mall in Tyson’s, Virginia – the 10th largest business district in the United States. I will also be planning some outings to the charming Washington, DC neighborhood of Georgetown home to Georgetown University where one of my best friends from Meredith will be attending graduate school. For a belated Father’s Day gift, I will be taking my Dad for a day to George Washington’s Mount Vernon this Fall and I will be taking my Papa to one of his favorite restaurants nearby our house, too. Three or four of my friends will be coming to visit me in August, so I am super pumped to be able to spend time with them and allow them to explore my backyard with me as well.

My apartment has also been set up after a long long long awaited time of waiting and setting it up to be. It has been a blast with some hard work to set it up, but I am super happy to be settled in and enjoying living here. Each week, I have been providing y’all with different types of reveals related to my apartment. So far, I have revealed my Bedroom, Kitchen, and Jewelry Organization with much more to come in the coming weeks!!!

Overall, I am starting to get settled into my new apartment in my brand-new city and enjoy it, too. Here’s to making many more memories very very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment