“Countdown has begun. What goes on the DC bucket list before I move??”

Photo by angela n.

Mandy asks: “Ok friends. Countdown has begun. What goes on the DC bucket list before I move to NC?? What say you @PoPville and community? Over a dozen years here I’ve done a lot but what is a MUST DO?! Ready, go.”

Ed. Note: The magnificent variety and breadth of the recs below is a good reminder that we take a lot for granted and are lucky to live in one of the greatest places on earth. A bit corny to write but straight up truth.

The early replies:

“If you like to bike, Anacostia Waterfront Park to Bladensburg and beyond, like College Park; Rock Creek Park to Lake Needwood; Mt Vernon Trail to MtV, W&OD trail — good stops at breweries, BBQ; Sligo Creek Trail; and in town on Metropolitan Branch Trail”

“Get some drinks and go around to the BACK of the Lincoln memorial late at night, hang your feet off the edge and look at the pretty lights on the river”

“Go to the @Inside_da_Gates in SE, Barry Farms to be exact.”

“Washington monument. It is worth going up to see the view”

“Teddy Roosevelt Island is a must!”

“I also really enjoyed a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House in VA”

“Go to a show at Blues Alley”

“If you know someone with a boat go to Gravelly point, it’s the end of National Airports runway spectacular view. Then take a trip to the Warf for lunch, go to Georgetown and the 3 sisters rocks or down to Va…all sorts of stuff along the water. Also best place to watch fireworks”

“Food!!! DC has come up in the food scene. 5 restaurants that may or may not fly under the radar and go there and splurge.

Queens English
Corduroy
Oyster Oyster
Either Rasika
Wydown (because who doesn’t want a morning coffee with an incredible scone??)”

“Visit the Bonsai Museum at the Arboretum, go see the new Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition at @ngadc (opens Sunday!), see Ovechkin play hockey, grab a pizza at Brightwood Pizza or try the soul food at Hitching Post, follow @IGDCofficial on Instagram so you can stay close to DC.”

“stand on the left side of the escalator for the entire length at Wheaton station”

“The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building–because for many years, it was typically closed, but it reopened late last year. The FUTURES exhibit currently on display there is a lot of fun and the building itself is beautiful.”

“Have you seen the breathtaking view of Monumental Washington, DC from the parking lot of the Panorama Room in Ward 8?”

“Go to the Arboretum. It is lovely all the time but it’s flat out amazing this time of year!

Also if you’re still here in the summer the #lotusfestival at the Aquatic Gardens is a must see.”

“Any memorials or Smithsonian’s and Fords Theater you’ve missed, you’ll remember forever, all originals.”

“Washingtonian here… see DC at night. On a clear evening – Lincoln, Jefferson, Capitol, Monument, PA Ave, White House, Hains Point….”

“Do a ride with @DCBikeParty it’s something you won’t forget.”

“Perfect timing, sunrise Easter service at the Lincoln Memorial”

“Lincoln’s Cottage, Hillwood, the Arboretum, the Air Force Memorial at sunset (trust me), Reveler’s Hour for the best meal, Baked and Wired, and The Roost.”

“Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens”

“My randomized list of things to do (for a year/52 weeks); start at #1 & go in order & force yourself to see something new. If you’ve already experienced a location/activity, move on to the next one!”

“I took my parents for a tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Super silly but it felt off-the-beaten-path. Capitol tour, esp with an official tour guide, is my absolute fave thing in town. If LOC concerts w/ their Strads start back up, go.”

“Visit at least 51 murals.”

“Mt Vernon, Ft Washington, Water taxi from Alexandria to SW waterfront-DC wharf, National harbor Ferris wheel… go help NC legalize marijuana!”

“See the Supreme Court, in session if possible.”

“And go inside the Library of Congress while you’re over there”

“Visit the National Cathedral – gorgeous inside and out. Beautiful views of DC from the tower (better than the Washington Monument). Then lunch at 2 Amys.”

“Have you done the outdoorsy things? Billy goat trail, old rag, white oak canyon hikes. Dumbarton oaks for a secret garden walk/feel. Bike ride around capital crescent/rock creek park. Seafood happy hour at Old Ebbitts.”

“Malcolm X Park on a Sunday”

“A quiet walk in Arlington Cemetery”

“Hike Difficult Run in Great Falls and go the Old Brogue afterwards. Picnic at Gravelly Point. Dinners at 1789, Peking Gourmet, Filomena, Bistro Aracosia, and Chez Francois. Get drunk at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo Park.”

“Salt air margarita at Oyamel.”

“Been to Dumbarton Oaks?”

“Watch the sunrise over the national mall from the Lincoln memorial steps. Bonus points if it’s after a night of debauchery: choose you’re own adventure style”

“brunch at ambar!”

“Bike to and from Mt. Vernon”

“You should visit Glenstone before you move away.”