Fun Activities For Your Out of Town Guests

One of the biggest perks of throwing an event in the D.C. area is the added bonus of so many great sights to see and things to do for your guests. Where to start with so much to choose from? At ARJ we are seasoned natives and happy to help you come up with a customized list for your friends and family. You’ll be confident letting this beautiful and dynamic locale take over as hostess so you can focus on your event.

There’s nothing quite like the National Mall and surrounding Smithsonian museums to occupy and entertain all types of guests. It’s popular for good reason: the museums and monuments are free, it appeals to all ages and personalities, and so much incredible history and Americana is within walking distance. If they’re taking public transportation, Metro’s Smithsonian Station will put them out directly on the Mall. They’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Capitol building to the east and the Washington Monument to the west. Among the free museums are - The Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Sackler, Hirshorn and Freer art galleries. No visit to DC is complete without a walk up the steps to visit our 16th president. The Lincoln Memorial is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of the monuments, from the walk up the steps, to the massive Abe seated in a regal position, to the breathtaking view of the Washington Monument and reflecting pool below. Respect to those who have served our country can be paid at the nearby Viet Nam Memorial, Korean War Memorial and World War II Memorial, all located on the Mall as well. We’d advise your guests to be sure and take an early evening stroll among the monuments as this is when crowds dwindle, the air begins to cool, and the light is just right.

The Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool in Autumn

There are plenty of attractions for those that enjoy a water view. D.C.’s District Wharf has experienced an amazing transformation and is sure to charm your guests with it’s popular music venue The Anthem, a marina, outdoor ice rink, waterfront restaurants, shops and street performances. Not far from the Wharf, your sports fans can cheer on the Nats at National’s Park or DC United at adjacent Audi Field. With or without a game on, there is plenty do do near the ball fields. There’s dozens of waterfront restaurants and breweries to choose from and even a trapeze school for the really adventurous. And just a hop over the river into Maryland is National Harbor with it’s giant ferris wheel, marina, shops, restaurants and the swanky MGM hotel and casino. And of course, there is the old DC standard, Georgetown Waterfront.

Your foodie friends and family will be perfectly happy with so much good food and drink to enjoy in the area. Exploring food halls and visiting tried and true landmark restaurants is a great way to spend a few hours and get to know the local cuisine. There’s the revered Eastern Market, full of history and fresh, locally-sourced food and drink nestled in Capitol Hill’s Barrack’s Row neighborhood. There’s also Tastemakers in Brookland, a converted factory offering a wide variety of vendors and a Ben Franklin Themed bar. Coming this fall is Arlington’s new Quarter Market, located in the old Ballston Commons mall. Local favorites and must-do’s for visitors include oysters at the stately Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House, a loaded dog from Ben’s Chili Bowl and brunch at the funky Busboys and Poets. Breweries and wineries are popping up everywhere these days. Some of our reliable favorites are the breathtaking Stone Tower winery in Leesburg, VA and the delightful Cana Vineyards in Middleburg, VA. For beer lovers, there are some truly great watering holes, including Two Silos Brewery in Manassas, VA offering an extensive list of hand-crafted brews, fire pits, a stage with live music on the weekends.

Indulge the senses at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market

Stone Tower Winery in beautiful Virginia wine country

Of course your guests are going to need a way to get around. While the Metro rail and bus system is clean and reliable (most of the time!) Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area. Capitol Bike Share is a fun way to get from A to B in the city as are pedicabs and Segways. We often partner with Point to Point Limousines and Dulles Executive Sedan and can easily connect you, offering your guests a little more style and comfort. We’ve just touched on a few of the many fun things your guests can do and see while in the DC, Virginia, Maryland area. Of course, there’s plenty more to occupy and entertain them while in town for your event. We are happy to help you customize a list of sure to please favorites suited to their tastes and personalities.