Wanderlust Wednesday // Washington DC

This past weekend, a friend from college got married in our nation's capital, so we decided to fly in a day early and make a weekend out of it. The last (and only) time I was in Washington DC was in eighth grade for a school field trip (anyone else do this?) and it probably won't surprise you to know that I was far more concerned about the dance that was set for the end of the trip then embracing America's history.

We spent all of Friday exploring and while we didn't get to see everything, here a a few highlights:

• WWII Memorial - We visited a lot of the monuments and memorials, and this was by far my favorite. It's beautiful and filled with detail that pays a wonderful tribute to those who fought and lost their lives during this war. 
• Washington Nationals - It was raining and we had cheap seats, but honestly what is better then experiencing America's pastime in America's capital?
• W Washington DC - Visit this centrally located hotel's rooftop bar - it was the most amazing views of the city - it's right next to the White House! Cocktails are a bit pricey, but justified by the scenery. 
• Founding Farmers - This is a must for brunch. Caution: get there early or make a reservation - we arrived a half hour before the restaurant opened and there were already a few people in line. Crazy? Perhaps, but once you taste the food you will totally understand. Food recommendations - beignets and chicken & waffles. 
• Oyamel Cocina Mexicana - We happened to stumble across this restaurant while looking for lunch, and it turned out the be the major find of the trip. The margarita I had so nothing short of perfection, and the tapas-style menu allows for easy trial of all the goodness the kitchen has to offer. 

There's so much more we wanted to explore and weren't able to and we're already mentally planning our next trip. What are some of your favorite spots in DC?

pictures starting from top left: metro station with architectural detail, budding tulips by the Washington Monument, looking up at the WWII Memorial, Lincoln's view of the Washington Monument, the husband & I all gussied up for wedding festivities, the bottom of the Capital Building