6 Reasons Why You Need to Book a Weekend Getaway to Washington, DC

Fall foliage is officially abound, friends! To continue the autumnal merrymaking, we’re calling out six reasons you should grab a buddy, pack your duffel and travel to Washington, DC for a weekend of sightseeing, dining and imbibing. Only two and a half hours south of Philadelphia, it’s an ideal two-day destination to celebrate the season. 

1. Indoor entertainment. In the event it gets a little too nippy outdoors, head inside. Every day at 6pm, the Kennedy Center hosts a free performance (no tickets required!) on the Millennium Stage. Past performers include the National Symphony Orchestra, storytellers and variety of prominent vocalists. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some daytime fun, Washington, DC is home to an unmatched array of museums, catering to everyone from children to history buffs to art enthusiasts.
2. Shopping. After Black Friday, it’s officially high time for holiday gift hunting. Thanks to spots like the Downtown Holiday Market, there’s no need to scour the city in search of the perfect present. Running from November 27th through December 23rd, the market features 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses, making it an ideal locale to scoop up gifts for loved ones. Meanwhile, at CityCenterDC you can indulge in a little retail therapy at chic shops like Vince, Kate Spade and Burberry. And, of course, M Street is always a prime shopping destination, too.
3. Sports. Cheer on the Washington Capitals or catch a Redskins game while you’re in town.
4. Hearty fare. There’s nothing like stick-to-your-ribs grub when cold weather strikes. Make a reservation at The Red Hen to get your fill of dishes like mezze rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and suckling pig porchetta. But if you can’t shake your pumpkin cravings, there’s the roasted pork belly with apple moustarda and roasted pumpkin courtesy of Osteria Morini in Capitol Riverfront. Afterward, squeeze in an ice skating session at nearby Canal Park Ice Rink. No dining experience is complete without dessert; swing by Baked by Yael for one of their famous cake pops. (For more DC coziness, check out the latest issue of DC Cool.)
5. Beer! Gather your group and book a tour with DC Brew Tours. For $85 to $90 per person, guests will get to sample 15+ different beers (ranging from 3-16 ounces) and enjoy a beer food pairing meal, all while being shuttled around the city by a knowledgeable tour guide.
6. Exciting events. Come November, Washington, DC is rife with fun events. No matter which weekend you decide to head south, rest assured that there will be some type of event occurring. That said, if you’re more of a planner, you can consult this convenient and comprehensive roundup of the city’s happenings.

For more information about other exciting itineraries and planning your mini-vacation to Washington, DC, click here.