I remember as if it was yesterday the day I realized I needed to start thinking about what University I wanted to apply to, and attend. I was a sophomore in high school, who was still relishing in not having braces anymore and struggled to sit through a block of AP History. How did I know where I wanted to spend the next four years?
All I knew for sure was that I wanted to be in a large city, so that I would never run out of opportunities and things to do. Fast-forward four years and I have called D.C. my home for over a year now, and I couldn’t be happier.
Although living in a bustling city can be exciting and interesting, it can be equally as overwhelming, especially when you’re a freshman—so this article is my gift to you!
D.C in the end of summer and beginning of fall is like that fresh cookie that has perfectly cooled from the oven: the humidity begins to die down (I promise), the city takes life as the students start classes again, and the Hill comes out of recess. So here is your Back-To-School Guide for all things D.C.
Places:
D.C. is arguably one of the most diverse cities in the sense that you can attend sports games, visit museums and have a five star meal all in the same day. Below are some of my favorite spots to visit while I’m on campus.
Free Museum Day, September 26th
- Early my freshman year one of my good friends found out about this little gem, and so the four of us spent the day at the Newseum and saved a chunk of money! Reserve your tickets now and enjoy a day of exploring some of the best exhibits D.C. has to offer.
Paddle Boating in Georgetown
- Located right by the Key Bridge in Georgetown, there is a boathouse that offers Canoe, Paddleboard and Kayak rentals. It’s a great way to spend the day especially with this gorgeous D.C. weather.
The Washington Monument
- Anyone who has done this will tell you it is hands down of the coolest things you can do in D.C. The tickets are free (there is a $1.50 surcharge for ordering them ahead) and it doesn’t take a ton of time. I had the opportunity to go up to the top last semester and the views are incredible. You get to see a 365-degree view of D.C. from one of the most famous monuments in the United States.
Sports Games
- For those of you who, like myself, love sports- D.C. has a lot to offer. We are currently in the thick of Baseball season and the Nationals won’t leave you unimpressed. I mean who doesn’t want to see Bryce Harper in person? If Baseball isn’t your sport, not to fear, D.C. also has its own soccer club called D.C. United which is also still in season. Yet if you are like me, what you’re really excited about is Hockey season, which starts October 10th at the Verizon Center, when the Washington Capitals face the New Jersey Devils!
Kennedy Center
- If you’re like most college students who really want to see a performance at the Kennedy Center, but also still want to eat dinner and do laundry, the Millennium Stage is the perfect mid-way point. Hosted at the Kennedy Center, there are free performances everyday at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Concerts
- Coming from the New York area I was extremely curious what the music scene was like in D.C. After searching around I stumbled upon the 9:30 Club and Echostage, which are a mix of Terminal 5 and the Roseland Ballroom. Both are hosts to great performances for affordable prices. Last semester I saw Mayday Parade and The 1975 for a mere $25. The Verizon Center also offers great musical options, but at a higher price.
Eastern Market
- I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday than walking around Eastern Market. It has vendors, its own flea market and loads of food options—including food trucks—to satisfy all of your Sunday Brunch desires.
Chinatown
- Easily accessible, and a ton of fun! D.C. has its own Chinatown, which offers great restaurants, shops, and of course karaoke bars. If you’re ever in need of something to do one night, or for a birthday party—I highly suggest an evening at Wok and Roll.
Museums and the Botanical Garden
- By now I am sure you know that D.C. is home to some of the best collections, and exhibits in the world. All of the Smithsonian museums are free as well as the Botanical Garden, which makes them even more desirable. If you ever find yourself with a few hours to spare, visit the National Museum of American History or take a yoga class in the Botanical Gardens!
Dumbarton Oaks
- For those who are more interested in history, and old homes—Dumbarton Oaks is the place for you. It is a participant in Free Museum Day on September 26th and boosts an unbelievable estate in Georgetown with gardens that rival the home itself.
Old Town Alexandria
- For those of you who may know D.C. pretty well and want a change of pace, or for those of you who simply want to explore—I highly recommend taking a trip to Old Town. Located right across the Potomac, Old Town is home to historical buildings, delicious restaurants and fabulous shops. It makes for a great day away from D.C. and has it’s own metro stop!
Georgetown
- Not the school, but the section of D.C! Located just a 15-minute walk away from Foggy Bottom it is home to some of the best restaurants and shops in the D.C. area. Not to mention the Georgetown Waterfront runs parallel to the main shopping area, which also offers greats views and entertainment. Whether you want to see a movie, go bowling at Pinstripes or have a cupcake at Baked and Wired, Georgetown has it all.
Parties at the Embassy’s
- Nothing is cooler than attending a ball at an Embassy. Last semester I attended a Masquerade Ball at the Italian Embassy, and had the time of my life. I watched an opera performance, learned to Waltz and ate authentic Italian food. Other Embassy’s also hold events such as the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Mexican Embassy. For tickets and more information visit “Things to Do D.C.”
Food:
Blatantly and honestly my life revolves around food. I love good food, and wonderful restaurants. If you feel the same, or simply want to know where to go here is a Back-to-School guide for some of my favorite eateries in D.C.
Brunch:
- Ted’s Bulletin (homemade poptarts anyone?)
- Farmers Fishers Bakers: one set price, all you can eat
- Founding Farmers, stuffed French toast or go home
- Bread and Chocolate
- District Commons
- Firefly
- Old Glory
Lunch/Dinner:
- J. Pauls
- Clydes
- Custom Fuel Pizza
- Alero
- Ben’s Chili Bowl
- Astro Fried Doughnuts
- Vapiano
- Shake Shack
- Jumbo Slice
- Jetties
- Luke’s Lobsters
When Mom and Dad Come into Town, a.k.a Free Food:
- Farmers Fishers Bakers
- Founding Farmers
- Virtue Feed and Grain
- Filomena
- Café Milano
- Ristorante Piccolo
- Boqueria
- Zengo
- Tackle Shop
- Circa
Dessert:
- Captain Cookie
- Thomas Sweets
- Baked and Wired
- Georgetown Cupcake
- Olivia Macaroon
- Crepeaway
- Georgetown Scoops
- Golden Brown Delicious
- District Doughnut
