We spent the long 4th of July Holiday Weekend in Washington D.C. Not only is our nation's capital full of historical exhibits, museums and monuments, but Washington D.C. is a foodie's paradise with great restaurants and coffee shops. Here's our Weekend Wanderings, Washington DC Guide.

Where To Stay

Fairmont Georgetown: The Fairmont Georgetown Washington D.C. is located within close proximity to Georgetown, Dupont Circle and only about a ten block walk to The White House. And the luxury hotel is also located just a few blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. It's great location and luxurious rooms make it a great choice for your Washington. D.C. trip. Make sure you read our complete review of the Fairmont Georgetown Washington D.C.

Where To Eat

Le Diplomate: We can't even begin to describe how great Le Diplomate is for any meal, but particularly brunch. The French brasserie is a must on your Washington DC Itinerary. Zagat described it as "Maybe the “hottest address in town – after 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue of course”. Do yourself a favor. Their french toast is incredible.

Founding Farmers: Founding Farmers is a Co-op-owned American eatery that dishes out classic comfort cuisine. This place transplants you to your grandmother's dining room with dishes like meatloaf, chicken pot pie and of course cornbread.

FireFly: FireFly is located in the Kimpton Madera Hotel near Dupont Circle. The restaurant is built around a large indoor tree, serving seasonal, local, New American comfort food. It's a place you'll find the locals in Washington D.C dining at. The steak, asparagus and truffle fries were very tasty. And the atmosphere is very quaint yet comfortable. Plus they serve up some delicious cocktails.

Where To Get Coffee

Bourbon Coffee: Bourbon Coffee offers direct-trade coffee from Rwanda. Their espresso featuring coffee blends from Rwanda is delicious. Plus you can grab a delicious sandwich or pastry. Bourbon Coffee has several hip and relaxed cafes across the Washington D.C. area.

La Colombe: No matter what city we are in, if there is a La Colombe, it's always on our list. They roast up some of the best coffee not to mention their draft lattes are incredible. With four locations in the District, it's pretty easy to sneak this place on to your list.

Where To Go For Dessert

Sprinkles Cupcakes: It's not a secret. We love Sprinkes Cupcakes. And they have a Cupcake Bakery in Georgetown. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and try one. Don't worry about the calories, it's vacation!

Baked & Wired: Baked & Wired is a family owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown. This place is always packed. Don't worry, it's worth the wait. The coffee is incredible and the baked goods are made in small batches with the finest ingredients.

What To Do

When you visit Washington D.C., places like the Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, etc. should already be on your list. Here are a few additions we suggest adding to your Washington. D.C. Itinerary.

Newseum: The Newseum is a dynamic, engaging and interactive museum of news. The museum allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today through the eyes of the media. All this while celebrating the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment. The museum offers incredible exhibits including a powerful wall showing the front page of hundreds of newspapers on the day after 9/11.

Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War and America’s Civil War. The cemetery is open to the public 365 days a year with free admission for those who wish to tour the site and pay their respects.

Arlington Cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which is a tribute to unidentified fallen soldiers who fought in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a large white sarcophagus that is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Tomb Guard sentinels from the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Holocaust Museum: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is another extremely powerful (and somber) place you should visit while in Washington D.C. The Museum is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. And the museum provides interactive exhibits showing how the Holocaust occurred, the lives it impacted and how the massacre finally ended.

Conclusion

Washington D.C. is not only our nation's capital, but it's a vibrant hub for culture, delicious food and of course great tasting coffee. If you haven't been to Washington D.C., it's a destination that should definitely be on your list. If you have any questions or need help making your Washington D.C. plans, be sure to let us know! Hopefully our Washington DC Guide helps!

And be sure to read about our entire day, spending Independence Day in Washington D.C.

Weekend Wanderings: Washington DC Guide