Fun with DC

on March 18, 2010
in All Posts

Welcome to Washington, DC!  Let’s play… squish the monument!

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Anne P picked me up from airport and then took me on tour of our lovely nation’s capital today!  I’ve been to all the monuments before, but it was fun to see it again!

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Anne was especially excited to take me to a vegetarian restaurant called Java Green.  It’s one of her favorite places, but she hasn’t gone in a while.  I ordered exactly what she told me to get!

 

I ordered some sort of yam noodles, kale, cabbage, and tofu mix.  It was spicy and delish!

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And we split a coconut.  I feel like I’m on a tropical vacation!

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Anne also brought me some of her 5 Minute No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars, which are amazing! I highly recommend you make these bars ASAP!!!

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I’m now at my friends (Stef and Jack) house.  We’re having fun catching up!  They are going to take me to an Ethiopian restaurant tonight, and then we’re going to Stef’s favorite bar.

 

And we’re snacking on fruit:

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Be back soon! 

 

Have you been to Washington DC?  I never went as a kid!  Aren’t all school kids suppose to go??

{ 102 comments }

 

  • kerry March 18, 2010, 4:33 pm

    Those pictures are so fun and those granola bars look yummy! xx

  • Kenzie (Healthy Purpose) March 18, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Glad you’re enjoying DC. I <3 my patriotic city. I've heard of Java Green, but never went–not I have to!

  • Sara K. March 18, 2010, 4:39 pm

    I lived there for two years and left for South Carolina last year. I miss it. Have fun! I am dying to try Ethiopian food.

  • Samantha March 18, 2010, 4:39 pm

    And you have nice weather – lucky you! It was a very cold winter but your photos show a clear blue sky. Yeah to sunshine.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 18, 2010, 4:40 pm

    Welcome!! Glad you’re having fun. This is the best weather ever so you picked a great time to come. I’ve never heard of Java Green – do you know where that is in DC? Thanks!

    • Sara March 18, 2010, 4:48 pm

      Java Green is on 19th St NW between K and L. It’s really good!

      • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 18, 2010, 4:50 pm

        Thanks! That’s pretty close to my office – I’ll have to check it out!

        • Sarah March 18, 2010, 5:46 pm

          It’s a great restaurant! The same company owns another company called Toscana Green in Courthouse which I’m actually going to for dinner tonight! Toscana Green has a mix of vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes so everyone is happy!! I’m getting the raw pasta tonight 🙂 Zucchini and basil and tomato sauce…

  • Therese March 18, 2010, 4:42 pm

    *gasp* I MUST try those granola bars! I’ve never been to D.C.! It’s on my list though!

  • Babycakes March 18, 2010, 4:43 pm

    Cute pics! I’ve been to DC a number of times and I always have a blast. Enjoy your trip!

  • Abbey M. March 18, 2010, 4:43 pm

    I never went until I was 22 (I’m 27 now). My husband majored in education with a specialty of history and he has NEVER been there. I need to take him ASAP!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 18, 2010, 4:46 pm

    I’VE BEEN! It’s the only place in the US (apart from Maryland in general) that I’ve been to, and despite the 40 degree weathe (degrees, not fahrenheit!! IE HOT) I loved every second! I’ve been to all those monument places 😀
    I’m going back there in Oct to run the marathon too 😀
    I hope you have a great evening – I can’t wait to see what Ethiopian food looks like 🙂

  • jessica g March 18, 2010, 4:49 pm

    i miss DC. i’ve written here before so you know i moved from DC back to Detroit (where i’m from) last year. I’m going in April. I used to visit Java Green all the time because it was not too far from where i worked. yum… i want some now!

    you guys should also check out sticky rice on H street if you have a chance. very yum!

  • Alyssa March 18, 2010, 4:49 pm

    I lived there for four months last spring for an internship. You NEED to go to Sticky Fingers bakery in Columbia Heights. They are a vegan bakery and have the BEST cupcakes!!! 🙂

  • Juliene March 18, 2010, 4:51 pm

    You get to enjoy this beautiful weather we are having in the Baltimore/DC region. Lucky you. I love DC the hubs and I go every chance we get. Our favorite time of year there is when the cherry blossoms bloom which is coming up in the next 2 weeks. YAY have a great trip

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething March 18, 2010, 4:52 pm

    No never been though they take the kids from the school i work at but honestly i do not want to spend my spring break with 8th graders even if it is in DC!
    love the cute pics of your two-especially the one where you are “drinking” the fountain-cute!
    BTY-your hair looks great!

    • caitlin March 18, 2010, 4:54 pm

      thank you!

  • Kristin P. March 18, 2010, 4:52 pm

    That lunch looks delicious!! And there is nothing like coconut straight from the shell! I had it in Thailand.

  • Whit March 18, 2010, 4:53 pm

    I went YEARS and YEARS ago. Watching real world dc made me want to go back…wait is that a bad thing? watching real world, I mean. And being influenced by it.

    • Kendall March 19, 2010, 12:00 am

      I ask myself that very same question every time I tivo it. 🙂

  • Nicole, RD March 18, 2010, 4:57 pm

    How fun! Definitely going to make those no-bake granola bars! Yum!

    I went in 8th grade — I thought all middle schools went!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 18, 2010, 4:58 pm

    I went for a week in high school, and then one of our best couple friends moved there this year when the husband got a job at Georgetown, so we’ve visited them a few times since then! It’s a fun town!

    That lunch dish looks absolutely fabulous!

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini March 18, 2010, 4:59 pm

    I went to DC when I was 16. I had my first ever proper burger there. I was brought up vegetarian and I was away from my parents and rebelling ha ha!! It was in a place called Hamburger Harrys I think 🙂

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad March 18, 2010, 5:00 pm

    My family and I went on a vacation there for a week one summer. We had the best time at the Smithsonian!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) March 18, 2010, 5:00 pm

    You’re in my hometown! I loooove Washington and am excited to move back in three weeks after spending the better part of three years living in places around the world. I totally rep DC everywhere I go. 😀

  • Evan Thomas March 18, 2010, 5:01 pm

    Splitting a coconut in DC–what what?

  • Samantha March 18, 2010, 5:03 pm

    I LOVE DC, went several times as a kid, and then again in 07 and 08 to run the Marine Corps Marathon. That was a GREAT way to tour the monuments! 🙂 We’ll be stationed there at some point in the future, just don’t know when.

    Enjoy your trip and Fit Bloggin’ conference!

  • s. March 18, 2010, 5:06 pm

    you were RIGHT by my office today! so funny.

    i am totalyl going to go to java green, i’ve been looking for a good veggie restaurant.

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run March 18, 2010, 5:07 pm

    It looks so warm there compared to Florida today. Lucky you!

    I went to DC with my class when we were seniors in high school. Most of the schools around me growing up went in the 8th grade, but for some reason we went later. I think 8th grade might have been better because we spent the whole time trying to figure out how to get fake ids 🙂

    I also went to DC in 1998 to go to the Tibetan Freedom concert, and my family used to stop there on our way from Ohio to Ocean City, MD for vacation.

  • Tracey March 18, 2010, 5:09 pm

    I’ve been to every state but never visited DC. I really need to get my butt over and check out the land!

  • Karen @ Not Just Celery March 18, 2010, 5:10 pm

    Looks like a fun time! I love DC and was just thinking I need to go back! I haven’t been since I looked at colleges there about 8 years ago!

    I went with my family a couple times and also went on a field trip with school in 7th grade! Lots of sightseeing and monuments and museums!

  • Allison March 18, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I never went- my 8th grade class was supposed to go and then 9/11 happened, so we went to Williamsburg, VA instead. I would LOVE to go to DC sometime though!

  • Rebecca March 18, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I went to DC in 8th grade on a class trip. I got left behind at the Planet Hollywood after dinner while the rest of my class went on the the Kennedy Center for a play. I swear I was not in the bathroom that long! This was before everyone had a cell phone so I was freaking out,luckily they realized I was missing on the ride over and promptly came back to get me.

  • allijag March 18, 2010, 5:13 pm

    Awww HOW FUN! and seriously – how perfect is the weather?!?!? I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow – fitbloggin is gonna be great!

  • Alison March 18, 2010, 5:13 pm

    I’m lucky enough to live outside of DC. It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it? I grew up in California and moved to Florida before high school and I never went to DC, but my younger sister did with the safety patrol. Ha! Thanks to the Army, we’re stationed in Northern Virginia; it’s great to have all the national monuments just a Metro ride away. Enjoy your time here!

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep March 18, 2010, 5:14 pm

    I’m seriously laughing out loud at your fountain picture.

    I went to DC almost every year of elementary school as a kid because we were so close (about 2 hours away), so all of the honor roll kids got to go. And I’ve been back a few times with friends and boyfriends.

    By the way, I’m insanely jealous you all are going to FitBloggin. I would have gone, but I’m running a half marathon in NYC this weekend!

  • Jenna March 18, 2010, 5:16 pm

    My boyfriend and I went to DC last May and we had the time of our lives. So many cool things to see, not to mention all the great EATS! Have fun tonight!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 18, 2010, 5:16 pm

    ooooh what a great day! Have fun!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear March 18, 2010, 5:20 pm

    How fun! I’ve never been to DC, but want to go and see Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden!

  • Lara March 18, 2010, 5:25 pm

    If you have time eat at Zaytinya, it is a wonderful Mediterranean/Greek/Lebanese restaurant in DC with lots of great vegetarian options and the best bread and hummus I have ever eaten.

  • Lia March 18, 2010, 5:26 pm

    I’ve never been either and people find it so strange! Have fun 🙂

  • Erin March 18, 2010, 5:27 pm

    You packed a lot in already! Looking forward to more D.C. area action. I’ve been twice (both times were after I graduated college) and loved it both times.

  • Amanda March 18, 2010, 5:28 pm

    I’ve never been to DC. It looks like it was a beautiful day! Your lunch looks yummy!

  • Katie March 18, 2010, 5:37 pm

    I’m in DC right now!! I’ve only been once (just for a day though) before but I’ve not been with my husband. We’re here to celebrate his last spring break ever (hopefully). Your lunch looks yummy. Maybe we’ll have to go there. I read about a vegan bakery called Sticky Fingers that I’d like to try. Have you heard of it…?

    • Sarah March 18, 2010, 5:47 pm

      Try the Red Velvet cupcake! It’s to die for!! Plus the actual non bakery food is delish as well 🙂

    • Alyssa March 18, 2010, 9:34 pm

      Sticky Fingers is AWESOME!!! Any of the cupcakes are great, far better than Georgetown Cupcake in my opinion 🙂

  • Morgan March 18, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I adore DC, it’s one of my favorite cities. I always have so much fun. My favorite place to go is the American History Museum!
    Have you had Ethiopian food before? It’s so so so so good! So many yummy vegetarian options, and satisfying, without leaving you stuffed! Enjoy!

  • Shannon March 18, 2010, 5:40 pm

    I’m actually from the DC area, glad you had a fun visit Caitlin! I’ll have to check out Java Greens next time I’m in the city. 🙂

  • Rachel March 18, 2010, 5:41 pm

    You should check out Georgetown Cupcake! You will not regret!

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com March 18, 2010, 5:42 pm

    My parents took me a lot as a kid. My dad is such a history buff. We’ve been to all the Smithsonians multiple times.

  • Lee March 18, 2010, 5:44 pm

    I grew up there, so yes, I’ve definitely been!

  • Johanna B March 18, 2010, 5:45 pm

    1968 – I was 18. I fell in love with the Smithsonian and would go back in a heartbeat.

  • Sarah March 18, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I’m so glad you liked Java Green!! It’s one of my faves 🙂 I wish I worked downtown so I could eat there every day…

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) March 18, 2010, 5:48 pm

    Yep! I live right outside of D.C.!!! I don’t go into the city as often as one would think but having lived there for over 20 years, I’ve been there quite a lot through field trips and family days.

  • Mae March 18, 2010, 5:51 pm

    I love the photos in the beginning!! my friends and I did that all the time. My favorite is one of me on a hill “standing” on my friend’s open hand. she has the best look on her face. It’s great. 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is March 18, 2010, 5:52 pm

    Hahaha I love the picture that looks like you’re drinking from the fountain. That’s great. 🙂

  • Grace March 18, 2010, 5:58 pm

    I went to the Smithsonian when I was 12. I thought it was the greatest place on earth so I’d love to go back again as an adult and explore more.

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope March 18, 2010, 6:05 pm

    I have not been, BUTTTTT i am going in May because I won an all-expense paid trip for the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition conference!! It is a hugeeee conference for critical care nurses and i’m super excited. The hospital is paying for the conference (>$400), flight, hotel, etc.

  • Nicole March 18, 2010, 6:09 pm

    When I read that you were coming to DC I really wanted to meet up with you but you already had plans. And I had to work. I’m glad you had a fun day today. What bar are you going tonight? I might be taking a trip to Baltimore this weekend to meet up with some of the bloggers from the Summit. I know you’ll be busy as hell but if I can see you I’d love to!

  • christie, honoring health March 18, 2010, 6:18 pm

    How insane is it that I have lived in Richmond for 10 years and have never been to DC. Crazy. I know.

    have a great time!

  • Jill Will Run March 18, 2010, 6:39 pm

    I had never been to DC until last year when I went to run the Global Race for the Cure… I was 30 at the time. So nope! Not every school kid gets to go to DC! But then, I live in the west and it’s a long trip to get there. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 18, 2010, 6:58 pm

    i went once for a volleyball tournament, and it rained hard the whole time! needless to say, we didn’t see any of the monuments…but i’d really love to! i’ve heard it’s just an incredible city 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 18, 2010, 6:59 pm

    All school kids are supposed to go!!!!!!!!!?? Crazy cool!!!

    I have never been there.

    The pics are great!

  • BroccoliHut March 18, 2010, 7:03 pm

    Wow! Java Green looks awesome–I love any place that you can split a coconut with a friend:)
    While you’re in DC, I highly recommend Restaurant Nora–they serve meals made with only local and organic ingredients. I went to DC last year for spring break, and that was my favorite eatery from the whole trip.

  • abby March 18, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Hey Caitlin! Maybe I missed this but did you announce who won the Glo Bar giveaway?

    • caitlin March 18, 2010, 11:43 pm

      i didnt announce it but i contacted the winner – i’ll announce it in the next post – sry i got overtaken by vacation!

  • Anna March 18, 2010, 7:14 pm

    Ahhh you were in my (adopted) city today! And what a beautiful day it was to be touring the monuments. I’m mad jeal of your Java Green trip, it’s been on my “must go” list forever. See you TOMORROW!

  • Katie March 18, 2010, 7:15 pm

    I’ve never been to Washington, I wish we had gone there on a school trip in high school or elementary school.

    I’ll get there one day. I have to!

  • Kelly March 18, 2010, 7:28 pm

    Haha you’re so lucky you got such gorgeous weather as opposed to the blizzards a month ago@! I went to college in VA so all of my friends live in the DC area. I’m there allll the time.

  • Christy March 18, 2010, 7:54 pm

    I have only been as a highschool Junior, we had fun, but your pics look like you had a blast! 🙂

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner March 18, 2010, 7:55 pm

    Looks like a blast! I lived there for a summer and it was HOTTTT

  • kate March 18, 2010, 8:00 pm

    I grew up outside of Boston & I never have been to DC! People are ashamed by me – I think Ill make it out that way this summer though!
    Your water fountain photo made me laugh! Have fun 🙂

  • Effie March 18, 2010, 8:18 pm

    I live right outside of DC and love it. The weather is perfect for this weekend too.

  • Allie March 18, 2010, 8:19 pm

    ooh, there are some great ethiopian places in DC. enjoy! i looove java green and miss it so much!!!

  • K.Wright March 18, 2010, 8:36 pm

    I am from DC! I love the city and although I don’t live there now I miss it terribly. The city is packed with wonderful vegetarian and vegan places to eat! Also, for yummy fresh veggies and other fantastic fare check out Eastern Market!

    http://www.cardioandcupcakes.blogspot.com

  • Stephanie March 18, 2010, 8:54 pm

    Been there more times than I can count since I live in Richmond! Looks like you are having a great time, can’t wait to travel north for FitBloggin’ tomorrow 😀

  • steph-exercise physiologist + Artist! March 18, 2010, 9:07 pm

    Caitlin you are amazing!
    Just read about you speaking at UF! that is so awesome! I hope to spread some of this positivity around.
    You have and continue to change lives daily. I hope to do the same someday 🙂
    Steph

    • caitlin March 18, 2010, 11:43 pm

      thank you 🙂

  • steph-exercise physiologist + Artist! March 18, 2010, 9:07 pm

    Caitlin you are amazing!
    Just read about you speaking at UF! that is so awesome! I hope to spread some of this positivity around.
    You have and continue to change lives daily. I hope to do the same someday 🙂
    Steph

  • Anna March 18, 2010, 9:24 pm

    I live just outside DC and work right down the street from where you were today! I work three blocks from the White House and LOVE Java Green. A vegan friend of mine took me last year and I was hooked. On gorgeous days like today, I love sitting out on their little sidewalk patio. So glad you got to play in DC — next time maybe you’ll be here longer and some of us local folks can meet up with you!

  • Nat March 18, 2010, 10:17 pm

    I live right outside of DC and work in town…I literally walked right near Java Green at lunchtime today…my office is on L street, haha. I’m glad you’re having fun…and I’ll have to check Java Green out soon. 🙂

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) March 18, 2010, 10:25 pm

    You’re in my city! I wish I wasn’t working so I could have come met up- looks like you had a fun day! It’s nice and sunny this week. I want to try that Java Green restaurant, too– looks so yummy!

  • Ray March 18, 2010, 10:58 pm

    I love DC and your pictures remind me that I need to go back soon!

    However… I noticed that a couple of your pictures were taken at the National World War II memorial. I’ve always had the personal belief that when visiting memorials, one shows respect to the honored cause or persons (in this case those who served during WWII, my grandpa being one of them) by demonstrating an demeanor of general decorum and thoughtfulness.

    Like I said, this is a personal practice of mine and obviously other people think and do differently– there’s nothing wrong with that (thank-you, First Amendment), but I’m curious after seeing your pictures, what do you think?

    • caitlin March 18, 2010, 11:44 pm

      i agree with you – just because we took fun pictures doesnt mean we didn’t pay our respects as well.

      • caitlin March 19, 2010, 12:11 am

        but im really sorry if i offended your or the honor and service your grandpa gave to our country – that’s DEFINITELY not what i meant to do!

        • AM March 19, 2010, 6:05 am

          You’re such a sweetheart for addressing the concern (which I think is legit and was expressed with courtesy) in this manner.

  • Shannon, Tropical Treats March 18, 2010, 10:59 pm

    never been there but I would love to take a roadtrip up the east coast one day and make a pit stop there! Love your goofy pics! 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 18, 2010, 11:33 pm

    I have never been there, it is on the complete other side of the country for me! But it sounds like you had an awesome time!

  • John March 18, 2010, 11:36 pm

    No but some day I’ll get there but it will probably be during the NFL season 🙂

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete March 18, 2010, 11:37 pm

    I love D.C. The hubs and I were just out there for the Annual Red Dress Run, and we had a ball!! If you aren’t too bashful, you should totally do it next year! http://geekturnedathlete.com/2009/10/10/red-dress-run-in-d-c/

    See you tomorrow!!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit March 18, 2010, 11:50 pm

    I never went as a kid either, and I grew up on the East Coast! I’m 24 and have still never been to DC but I plan to visit soon 🙂

  • kristina March 19, 2010, 12:01 am

    yes, i’m from d.c., born and raised there for 10 years of my life. i then moved to california, lived there for 23 years, and now i reside in wisconsin 😉 have fun in d.c.!!

  • Kendall March 19, 2010, 12:02 am

    Love Love LOVE DC! I lived there for 4 months in college for a congressional internship. I would so move back if I could find a decent paying job!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble March 19, 2010, 12:41 am

    I love DC! I always have so much fun when I visit and think it would be a great place to live! Anne P’s granola bars look great! I’ll have to try those!

  • andi March 19, 2010, 6:32 am

    i LOVE java green. LOVE. i was thinking how much i was craving that little joint just a few days ago. i went to college + grad school in DC and my first real world post-college job was in the city too. i miss being there every day–and i love reading things like your experience because it makes me appreciate where i live a bit more. 🙂

    glad you are having fun in the nation’s capitol! it’s PERFECT weather here too–not usually like this at this time of year!

  • Heather C March 19, 2010, 7:06 am

    welcome to the citayyy!! I’m glad you had fun in DC! Next time I’d love to get you out for a run…or a race?? 🙂

    The first time I came here was in 7th grade with the Fam – we had a blast, but I never would’ve imagined living here post-college. Life takes you to random places, but I LOVE this place 🙂

  • Caroline March 19, 2010, 7:37 am

    I love your pictures (and the one that didn’t make the cut 🙂 ) It must have taken awhile to get things lined up perfectly, good job!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing March 19, 2010, 8:18 am

    aw, so fun seeing places i recognize!! i went to java green the other day and tried their raw pizza which i highly recommend! i’ve never been to zeds but it’s like 5 minutes from my house and i guess i really should. that spongy bread looks super interesting!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie March 19, 2010, 10:08 am

    Wow! It’s crazy how recently they were having record snow and now it’s so beautiful looking!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) March 19, 2010, 11:24 am

    I went to DC on school field trips since we lived in Philly area. But Hunni and I went last year for a day since he loves politics and plan on going back this summer too.

  • Erin March 19, 2010, 12:52 pm

    I only went to DC for the first time a couple of months ago (I’m 26!). I thought it was fairly ridiculous that I had never gone so my husband and I planned a trip.
    Another good organic restaurant in DC (with lots of veggie options) is Founding Farmers. SO YUMMY! I blogged about it (http://beautydesignlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/eat-real-food.html) if you want to read my ‘review’. 🙂
    Have fun!!

  • Angie (Losing It and Loving It) March 19, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Looks like ya’ll had a blast!

    I spent a lot of time in DC because I lived in Maryland and Virginia for most of my life. Nothing about it excites me anymore LOL

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