A Capitol Style Celebration – A Washington D.C. Guide for Empty Nesters

Day 1: Mystery, Memorial & a Touch of Luxury

Morning:

Start your trip with something unexpected: The International Spy Museum. This sleek, immersive experience is as fun as it is thought-provoking—offering a playful challenge to your inner agent while exploring real stories of espionage across centuries. It’s a fantastic way to shake off the routine and step into a new role: explorer.

If you have a Bond fanatic by your side, don’t miss the Bond in Motion exhibit showcasing many of the iconic Bond vehicles over the past six decades. I was reminded during this tour the author of the James Bond series, Ian Fleming, was a spy.

James Bond 007 may have no time to die, but this exhibit leaves September 2025.

Mid-morning:

Not far from The Spy Museum is a must see for anyone (visitor or not) to Washington D.C., The People’s House, A White House Experience. The exhibit is free, but you should reserve passes ahead of time.

You can sit behind an exact replica of the resolute desk (hidden door included). In The People’s Voices Gallery, you will hear from the staff that are and have been witnesses to history. These are the voices of the staffers that have worked at the White House for decades and across many administrations. The White House in Action allows you to participate in a cabinet briefing, White House dinner, and witness diplomacy in action. What a way to experience history and immerse yourself in the government process. Such a great field trip idea to grow the love of government and history in our young people.

Other ideas include The National Air and Space Museum, which if you have visited before, you may not realize has been redesigned. Check the Smithsonian website for all other national museum hours, locations and updated information.

Midday:

Just across town, we stopped at Levain Bakery for one of their famous warm, gooey cookies. Yes, it’s dessert before lunch. No, I have no regrets.

Other great bakeries to visit: Baked and Wired

Next, we headed over to Georgetown to stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath before exploring the boutiques and galleries along M Street. Great shopping and a must if you go to D.C. Of course, that is just my opinion.

Dinner:

Dinner at L’Ardente was our glam Italian meal. Our family loves Italian, and we love to celebrate with a fabulous restaurant. We celebrated Doug’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and Macey’s upcoming birthday all in one.

We started with meatballs and caesar salad for the table. The 40-layer lasagna is one of the restaurants signature dishes; we ordered that and a pizza for the three of us to share. Both were incredible. I loved the flavor of the crust. We had just enough to “save room” for dessert.

We could not resist the Tiramisù Flambé and Soft Serve Gelato. I don’t recommend you resist either. These were the highlight of our meal.

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Day 2: A Step Back in Time

Morning:

We chose Tatte, a from scratch kitchen and coffee bar, to begin the day. These bakeries offer a variety of breakfast plates, sandwiches, fresh pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Please come to Georgia!

Our next stop was Tudor Place Historic House & Garden in Georgetown. Once home to descendants of Martha Washington, this estate offers a peaceful blend of architecture, heritage, and gardens in bloom. As you wander its paths, there’s a lovely sense of continuity—of lives lived, homes nurtured, and seasons passed. Tudor Place offers more of George Washington’s collection than Mt. Vernon! That was a surprise. Beautiful home and incredible tour.

Take time to tour the inside of the home. Listen to the history. Hear the stories of the lives lived, secrets held, and battles fought no respector of race, gender, or age. Take time to hear the truths of our cobbled past where history comes alive shares undeniable patterns. Walk through the high doors of Tudor Place, significant in their stature and opulent in their design. Lean into each room and ask yourself, “Has changed since the days our forefathers fought so hard for the freedom of others?”

On my D.C. bucket list is Dumbarton Oaks; the gardens were closed during our visit. My girl loves this venue; I will make it one day! Even though I have not been, I highly recommend. From the pictures and videos I have seen, the gardens are spectacular.

Mid-Morning:

Just across the river is Arlington National Cemetery. Walking among the perfectly aligned headstones is a sobering but powerful experience. Pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the changing of the guard is both precise and poetic (21 steps before the heels click). The Kennedy family burial site is high on a hill and can be found by its eternal flame. Only two of our nation’s presidents have been buried here. Can you name the other? Several Supreme Court justices are buried at Arlington. Download the Arlington National Cemetery app to follow the map and explore specific gravesites to pay your respects.

Afternoon in Alexandria:

Old Town Alexandria is full of cobblestone charm, boutique shops, and a welcoming pace. Explore antique stores, visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, or just wander with no map. Sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are the unplanned ones.

We had reservations at another local top tier restaurant in D.C., but we opted for an outside, early dinner by the river in Old Town Alexandria. Vola’s Dockside Grill offered plenty of menu options, great seating by the water, and perfect views.

King Street in Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite walkable streets to visit and explore. For our last night together, this was the perfect end to a perfect visit. We witnessed a couple announce their first baby to a new grandfather. The new grandfather immediately prayed over the couple. Happy tears. We played word games together on the pier. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.

Evening:

I love a boat ride! Return to D.C. in a Water Taxi and enjoy the breeze and views of the river. The city lights reflected on the water are a gentle reminder: beauty often appears when things slow down.

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Final Reflections: Rediscovery in the Capitol

This trip wasn’t about seeing every landmark — it was about reconnecting with the things we love: stories, beauty, family. As an empty nester, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing. But in Washington, D.C., I found something else entirely— a reminder to slow down and make time for what is important to us. Life moves so quickly. Take time to reflect on all you are thankful for and actually thank the One that granted those gifts to you. Dedicated to my C.B. and my girl.

One final thought. One of my favorite meals and evenings was our first night, Thursday evening. We ate at the Republic Cantina (fantastic food!) and spent time catching up with my girl and meeting her boyfriend. We were so engaged in the evening, we didn’t take any pictures. As much as I wish we did have a photo memory, I am thankful we were all so involved with talking and getting to know each other, building and making memories were more important than capturing the memory. Be enraptured with your people (that’s code for put your phones away, ok?).