After this we were ready for lunch, so we took an Uber back to the hotel so we could try out &pizza, which was on the bottom level of the hotel. It’s basically the Chipotle of pizza, but we sat at a cute little table and ordered it as a sit down. We shared 2 pizzas: the OG (aka margarita) and the Maverick, aka tomato, mozzarella, salami, pepperoni, italian sausage, parm, and a drizzle of pesto. Both we’re so good and we definitely had leftovers, which we brought back to the room, because you never know when you’re going to need some pizza!

After we ate lunch, enjoyed the heck out of it, and rested our legs for a little, we headed back out to check out the Renwick Gallery. I’ve been here with my friend before and the exhibit was amazing! However, this time they were setting up a wedding reception so part of it was closed. It was still fun to walk around, but not my favorite this time around. It’s right across from the White House so we stopped by there afterward. It was all decorated for Christmas and looked so pretty!

We were getting cold and a little sleepy at this point so we decided to go get some coffee. We ended up taking an Uber over to the CityCenter and then stopped into Peet’s Coffee. We both got cappuccinos (mine was half decaf for baby, and the sake of sleep). We sat by the window and watched the snow fall outside. It was dark outside at this point so everything was lit up and beautiful. It was so relaxing and really made it feel like Christmas.

I really wanted to stop through the CityCenter because it was decorated for Christmas. This area has a bunch of high-end stores and it’s really pretty. We walked a few blocks to get there and walked through. It was gorgeous. Winter wonderland, especially with the snow falling down on us! So glad we stopped here.

For dinner, we had SO MANY amazing suggestions from you all! We wanted to go to each one of them, and maybe one day we will! This time, we decided to try out The Red Hen. We didn’t have a reservation (because they were basically booked through December), but we thought we’d try to get a seat at the bar. Sometimes we love sitting at the bar and just eating there. It was also an open kitchen in the back so we got to watch everyone work. The Red Hen is a wood-fired, Italian eatery and it was delicious!

We walked in at 6pm, and thankfully there were some seats at the bar so we sat right down. I was thinking we wouldn’t be eating until 8pm so I was pretty excited! We started off with a club soda and lime for me, and the most delicious Pinot Noir for Thomas. We relaxed for a bit before starting to order. We’re huge fans of progressive dinners, and making them last awhile. Eventually, we decided to go ahead and order the brussels sprouts for an appetizer. The were a big portion (heck yes!) covered in a the most magical sauces of spicy honey chili & garlic tahini as well as toasted sesame and parmesan. I could have eaten them all myself. SO GOOD, still thinking about them. Next, we went ahead and orders entrees. I ordered the grilled free-range chicken which was a whole chicken leg on a wild mushroom risotto and Thomas ordered the caramelized scallops, which was served over toasted fregola (some kind of grain), with greens, prosciutto, and a garlic-lemon aioli. Mine was good, and Thomas’ was phenomenal. I definitely ate most of his because he always orders best no matter how hard I try. We also got a side of broccoli rabe that was absolutely delicious! Phenomenal dinner, super cozy, and very content! Great service as well.

After this, we rode over to The Wharf. Apparently this is a new area in D.C. full of restaurants, shops, a movie theater, hotels, and plenty of things to do, like ice skating! We decided what better place to ice skate than here? It was on the water and BEAUTIFUL. Thomas told me he had only been ice skating once, and apparently he has, but of course he was somehow racing across the ice, doing spins, and definitely trying to impress me (it worked). Meanwhile, I was not as great, made good friends with the rail. Also, had to be a little cautious for Baby Daddio of course! It was so fun though, I highly suggest checking this place out if you go to or live in D.C.

I was beat after this so we went back to the hotel and fell into bed. Slept so hard and probably slept for like 9 hours, the best!

Sunday:

We woke up Sunday and my legs were definitely sore from all the walking but it felt great. We got dressed and headed outside, no snow today, a little warmer outside, and full of sunshine. We walked over to Whole Foods, which was 5 min from us. We got coffees and giant waters and hung out there for a bit. The Whole Foods was 2 stories, and so adorable. Also, Hotel Hive is basically on George Washington University’s campus so we got to explore and check the campus out on our walk.

After coffee, we walked back to the hotel, got packed up, and ready to go to brunch. I snacked on a pear while I was packing, and it was perfectly ripe. I’ve been super into fruit since being pregnant. We got our car and headed to Le Diplomate, a French restaurant that apparently is phenomenal for brunch and dinner. We met up with my friends, Annie, Allie, and Lyall. Three of my best friends from high school just missing one, Mimi. We had to wait an hour so if you’re going to go I suggest a reservation, or if you’re fine to wait it’s so cute in there and you could sit at the bar. The place was huge and so festive! Seriously made my heart happy just being in there.

We sat at our table and ordered 2 fries for the table to share, because fries are required. They come with a really delicious aioli type dip but we also had ketchup. SO GOOD. Also, they brought a bread basket, and it had the most delicious bread full of raisins and nuts. I’m obsessed! Thomas ordered the eggs benedict which came with roasted potatoes and he was in heaven. I got the country chicken club. It was bread filled with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, and rosemary aioli. If I lived in D.C. I’d go here every week and probably order this. I’m in love with this sandwich and it came with a simple side of greens that was the perfect accompaniment. Talk about happy bellies especially since this mama was hungry!

Best way to top off the best weekend. After lunch, we headed back home to Richmond. So grateful for such a fun-filled, active, enjoyable weekend, Luckily, D.C. is only 2 hours from us, so we will definitely be going back and hopefully sooner than later. Hope your weekend was wonderful!

Xoxo,

Lex