Weekend jaunts are my thang.  Whether it’s a quick flight to Denver for a some ski or a bike ride over the George Washington bridge to New Jersey,  I like to get away from the city on Saturdays and Sundays.

This past weekend, I booked it to DC to attend a wedding.  We made a fun mini – break out of it.

Here’s my Top 10 for the District:

1. If buses don’t make you sick,  then travel comfortably by coach on Bolt Bus. Leather seats, electrical outlets and wifi make sitting in i95 traffic pretty bearable.  Make sure to book in advance for cost efficient fares and ‘priority boarding’

2. Book accommodations through airbnb. DC lodging is sparse and pricy but there are some decent deals in the Columbia Heights/Petworth area. We stayed in a tiny bedroom near U Street with 4 cats on a noisy street but loved the location.

3. Visit the local farmer’s market.  We heard great things about Union Market,  and stopped by the one on U street, where we picked up duck eggs, organic kale, and grass-fed ground beef. One of the perks of an airbnb stay is kitchen access,  and cooking your own meals is not only budget-friendly, but can also feel gourmet if you do it up right.

4. Eat out at unique DC joints like &pizza, which dole out artisenal, customized pizzas, and the price is right.  It’s like building a Subway sandwich,  but a lot more wholesome and delicious

5. See the city by bike.  Capital bike share offers $7 daily rentals with over 150 docking stations. Rides for the first half hour are free, and you can download the Spotcycle app on your phone to locate the nearest docking station.
6. Discover DC outdoors,  and ride up Rock Creek Parkway (from the tip of Georgetown) all the way up to Maryland via the Capital Crescent trail.  You’ll feel like nature is literally at your doorstep.
7. Take advantage of Union Station’s robust selection of shops and food options and give yourself a half hour or more to roam around before your bus/train.
8. M&M: monuments & memorials.  History, architecture,  awe. The Lincoln at night is a personal favorite of mine. 

9. Pack an umbrella and sturdy shoes (in case it rains)
10. Don’t have a plan. We didn’t, and it kinda worked out awesomely.