Gravelly Point Park

Our Opinions about Gravelly Point Park 
Gravelly Point Park was LOUD! We parked our cars in the parking lot next to the park :)  The drive over wasn’t confusing because we’ve become so familiar with the area near the airport. This time, we brought sandwiches. We stopped at Jetties again because we can’t get enough of their delicious food! The park was right next to the Potomac River, so it was breezy even on this blazing hot day. And then it happened. A plane flew overhead. We all shrieked! This was the beginning of a great afternoon.

Duck!

 We slowly got accustomed to the planes as we munched on our sandwiches, but the thrill of the close proximity of the planes never got old. When we finished eating, we lay on our backs in the grass to experience the thrill of the thrill of the thrill! Boy, it was thrilling. This adventure was new to all three of us, and we all had a great time. If you visit Gravelly Point Park, make sure to bring sunglasses, a snack, and a friend. The following items are optional: frisbee, pogo stick, dog, mouse, poster board, bracelets, clogs, dishrags, ceramic mugs, or light bulbs. Just kidding! Those items would be a little excessive. Also, for all you bikers out there, just know that this park is bike accessible through the Mount Vernon trail. Make sure to check this place out if you’re looking for an adventure!

Catching some rays...and some planes!

I had a nice time. I thought the planes would come a little closer to us, but it was still pretty exciting. Bringing a picnic blanket was key, so that we could lie down and relax.
- Natalie 


Gravelly Point Park was a place I had never heard of before. I’m so glad we went, but the only thing that would’ve made the experience better is if Jetties had put honey dijon instead of yellow mustard on my sandwich. I also enjoyed catching a few rays with the occasional plane flying overhead.
- Haley


Gravelly Point Park was really cool, but like Natalie, I expected more. It was extremely hot, but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless. It was a nice way to spend the afternoon though, however I wouldn't go back there again just to watch the planes.
- Mishta 


Background
Location: GW Parkway Arlington, VA 22202
Gravelly Point is a park located only a few hundred feet from the runway at National Airport. It's a great place to lay on your back and watch planes fly right over your belly! You can even feel the ground rumble as the planes take off. Visitors say it's an invigorating experience that everyone must try. Not only is it a great picnic destination, it's also a great place to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July!


Admission Price: FREE
Time: Everyday, dawn till dusk
Location: Arlington, VA
Transportation: Accessible from the northbound lanes of the GW parkway (it's the first right as you leave the airport)
Our Rating: ★★★☆☆

Free Performance at The Kennedy Center

Our Opinions about the concert
The Kennedy Center was spectacular. As soon as we got off the metro at Foggy Bottom, a free shuttle bus to the Kennedy Center was waiting at the top of the escalator. The shuttle took about 5 minutes, and before we knew it, we had arrived! The Millenium Stage is in the Grand Foyer, and it was very easy to find. We recommend you get there early if you want front row seats because we arrived at 6 o’clock on the dot, yet we had seats that were quite far from the stage. At first, we didn’t know what to expect because these free concerts have a variety of different performances, and we didn’t want to get stuck with a boring symphony. Lucky for us, we chose the right day to go to The Kennedy Center. Scott Alan had the voice of an angel! He presented a beautiful performance of vocals and piano, and was accompanied by Mykal Kilgore (vocals), and Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf (cello). Between each of his songs, which were amazing, Scott Alan kept us entertained by cracking jokes. He is hilarious, talented, and an awesome person. We were determined to meet him, and guess what? – we did! After the concert Scott and Mykal signed our programs and we got to talk with them for a few minutes! Waiting in line to meet them was nerve-wracking, but when it was finally our turn, we knew it was worth the wait! They even left us with a special video. Check it out below! 

A message from Scott Alan and Mykal Kilgore

You can see who is performing each day by visiting the Kennedy Center website and checking the schedule for the free performances. All in all, this event is something we recommend all of you do, because not a lot of people know that there are free concerts, and who doesn’t like visiting the Kennedy Center every now and then!?

Mykal Kilgore singing

The concert was taped courtesy of the Kennedy Center. Click here for a video of the full performance! P.S. - For all you Twitter tweeters out there, follow @ScottAlanNet and @mykalwitha_y! #theyrock

Background
Location: 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566

The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts opened in 1971, and is known for presenting great performances and promoting upcoming artists from around the world. Everyday there is something going on at the Kennedy Center, whether it’s a musical, a play, or a dance performance. What’s neat about the Kennedy Center is that it puts on free performances every day at 6 pm in the Grand Foyer. No tickets are required! We’ll be attending the free performance on Tuesday, May 24^th, where rising star Scott Alan will be putting on a show! We are so excited! Stay tuned!


Admission Price: FREE (for the free performances)
Time: Everyday at 6 pm
Location: Washington, DC
Transportation: Metro Accessible from Foggy Bottom/GWU Station (Orange/Blue Line)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆

Eastern Market

Our Opinions of Eastern Market

WOW! We loved Eastern Market so much! The metro stop was a block away from the market which was super convenient. We first went into the flea market which is only open on Sundays. There were stands selling hemp dresses, tibetan jewelry, african crafts and native american trinkets. This flea market was by far our favorite part. Haley bargained with a vendor and bought a cool handmade bag from India for only eighteen dollars!

Mishta and Haley at the flea market

There was also an indoor fresh food market that sold everything from cupcakes to raw meat. We didn't linger in there since the smell of meat was overwhelming. Outside the food market, there were vendors selling cool artwork, including a giraffe statue made out of recycled Arizona Tea cans. We sampled many fruits, vegetables and fresh dips from the local farm stands, who sell their organic food at the market every weekend. Overall, we loved the warm and friendly atmosphere of the market, but wish we had brought more money to buy the cool handicrafts. 

I enjoyed a delicious fresh fruit smoothie and Indian spice hummus. The metro ride back was quite interesting -- I got smushed by the Metro doors when we forgot to get off a stop, and Mishta sat next to a man who was having a loud conversation with himself. Eastern Market is a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning!

- Natalie

I'm so glad we went to Eastern Market. I've never really heard about it, so I didn't know what to expect, but now I understand why people love it so much. My favorite stand in the flea market was the one that sold sports jerseys, because it sold Rajon Rondo's jersey, my favorite basketball player. Since there was too much to explore in the short time we had, I definitely plan on going back especially to snag an empanada!

- Haley

I loved Eastern Market!!! I can't wait to take my Mom and my sister there, because I know they will love it as much as I did. I bought the most delicious peach at a fruit stand, and the weather was perfect so everyone was in a good mood. My favorite part of our trip was when we made fun of a women who almost forgot to get off at her stop. Ironically, it was our stop as well, and we had to make a mad dash for the doors.

- Mishta

Beautiful hand painted chairs

Check out more pics of Eastern Market in our photo gallery.

Background

Location: 7th and C Streets, SE, Washington, DC

The Eastern Market is a public market built in 1871 in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC. The market was initially built as a symbol of urbanization in order to change DC’s original “sleepy southern town image.” Eastern Market is the oldest continuously running food market in the Washington DC area, however an unexpected fire in 2007 disrupted, but never closed, market activities. Thankfully, the market building reopened two years later. The market has become a popular stop for locals and for tourists because of the thriving stalls of fresh meats and produce, baked goods, and crafts.

More information: Eastern Market Website

Admission Price: FREE
Time: 10 am - 5 pm on Sundays
Location: Capitol Hill
Transportation: Metro accessible from the Eastern Market stop (orange/blue line)
Our Rating: ★★★★★

Roosevelt Island

Our Opinions about Roosevelt Island
Getting to Roosevelt Island was a hassle. The only way you can access the island is from the Northbound side of GW Parkway, so of course, we ended up at the National Airport once again. When we finally arrived at the island, parking was a little tight, but we managed to find a spot. The walking bridge over to the island is perfect for taking scenic pictures, however the brown Potomac River water made us a little depressed (especially because settlers could see the bottom of the river centuries ago!) The map on the island was easy to read, and led us right to the Theodore Roosevelt memorial. The statue was huge! How had none of us ever seen this before? Oh right, because it’s hidden on a lush, forest–filled island. Even though the drive over was frustrating, we all think the trip was worth it. We only visited the main memorial area, but there is a trail that goes around the entire island! We played a fun game of hide-and-go-seek around the statues, and we had a great time! On our back home, we stopped by Jetties on Foxhall Road, which is quite possibly the best sandwich place in the world. We highly recommend you stop by there before visiting the island so that you can have a picnic! All in all, it was a great trip and a perfect way to spend our Saturday morning!

Natalie, Haley and Muddy Waters

 I love the shrine dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt since he was a pretty cool guy! I enjoyed reading his quotes about nature that were engraved on statues surrounding the memorial. My favorite quote was “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.”

- Natalie

 Roosevelt Island was a pleasant surprise, and the landscape was beautiful! Next time I go, I’ll definitely bring my running shoes because it’s a great place for a jog!

- Haley

 I really enjoyed our trip to Roosevelt Island. I want to go back to explore the rest of the trails on the island. I think people should check this place out, because not a lot of people know about the Theodore Roosevelt memorial that’s on the island.

- Mishta 

Background
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located on the Potomac River in D.C. in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt.  It is not to be confused with Roosevelt Island in New York.  The island has several alternative names including My Lord’s Island, Barbadoes Island, Mason’s Island, Analostan Island, and Anacostine Island.  It is maintained as a park and has a paved walkway with a statue of Theodore Roosevelt.  In order to get to the island, you have to cross a footbridge from a bank on the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia.  With 88.5 acres, there is much to explore.  Coincidentally, Roosevelt Island was established on May 21, 1932, meaning our visit will be on the island's 79^th birthday.  Happy birthday Roosevelt Island! 


Admission Price: FREE
Time: 6 am - 10 pm
Location: Washington, DC
Transportation: Free parking off George Washington Memorial Parkway 
Our Rating: ★★★★☆

The Billy Goat Trail

Our Opinions about the Billy Goat Trail

The Billy Goat Trail was a ton of fun! At first, we didn't know where to go (because we are noobs!) but we quickly found the trail with the help of some fellow hikers. Unfortunately, the part we wanted to hike, part A, was closed because the Potomac River flooded the trail. We ended up hiking part B of the Billy Goat Trail. It was an easy hike along the Potomac, and even though we were looking forward to the challenging part A trail, it was still very enjoyable. The trees were marked with blue paint so it was virtually impossible to get lost. However, our hike was cut short when the path led us straight into the Potomac River! Apparently, this trail was flooded too. Overall, we had an awesome time, but make sure not to go on these trails after a huge rainstorm.

Our firsthand account of part B

I LOVED the hike! Next time I'll be sure to pack some sandwiches so I can have a picnic on the rocks. There is also a really pretty lake at the part A trailhead, which I never knew about. I recommend you all go check it out!
- Natalie


Today was a great day because I got to sleep in. I couldn't go on the trail with Natalie and Mishta because of my knee, but I wish I could've gone and I'm glad they had fun.
- Haley


I loved the Billy Goat Trail, even though it would've been 100 times better if there were actual goats on it! Singing songs with Natalie while we hiked was the highlight of my trip and we both decided that we're going to go back as soon as we can to hike the challenging part of the trail. 
- Mishta 

Mishta at the trailhead

Background
Location: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854
The Billy Goat Trail is a 4.7 mile hiking trail along the Potomac River. It's a moderately challenging hike, so it's a great workout, but not meant for really young kids. There are three sections of the trail: part A, part B, and part C. Part A is the most popular and difficult part of the trail because it's steeper and hikers are required to scramble over rocks at some points. Parts B and C are less strenuous and the path is clearly marked. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail, so make sure you leave a bowl of water at home for Buddy. The Billy Goat Trail is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying Maryland's flora and fauna.


Admission Price: FREE
Time: Everyday, dusk to dawn
Location: Potomac, MD
Transportation: Free parking across from Old Angler's Inn
Our Rating: ★★★★★

Great Falls, MD

Location: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854
Hey! It's Natalie! After the peeps show, we drove to Great Falls, MD to have a nice picnic next to the gushing water. Access to the falls was easy -- it's just a short walk down the C&O canal and through a scenic path. Located on the Potomac River, Great Falls is as close to Niagra Falls as Maryland will get. The path winds through a lush temperate forest with a few smaller falls along the way. Make sure you stay away from the railings though, falling into the white waters could be treacherous.

Don't try kayaking here!

The path ended with a beautiful scenic overlook of the vast Great Falls. We stopped there for a while and enjoyed our Chipotle lunch. We interrupted a few romantic dates, but love conquers all. Overall, Great Falls is a great place to clear your mind and explore nature. 

ThreeinDc vs. Great Falls

Admission Price: FREE
Time: Everyday, 9 am- 4:45 pm
Location: Potomac, MD
Transportation: Free parking
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ 

Washington Capitals Practice at Kettler

Location: 627 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22203

If you live in DC, you’re most likely a Caps fan. If you’re not….you should probably become one. Over the past ten years, hockey has become an increasingly popular sport, which explains the escalating number of fans for the Washington Capitals. In 1997, this NHL team moved their home hockey rink to the Verizon Center, which is metro accessible from Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red line). Unfortunately, the season for the Caps is over because they are no longer in the playoffs, however we found a fun activity for fans to do when the Caps are in action. The Kettler Capitals Iceplex is the practice arena for the team. Located in Arlington, it is the highest ice rink above street level in America. All Caps practices are free and open to the public. Any rink that allows fans to watch an NHL hockey team practice is pretty awesome, so even though we never actually did this activity, it sounds like a lot of fun! Now you know where to go if you ever want to get up close and personal with Ovechkin and his teammates!

Admission Price: FREE

Time: Non-Game day: 10:30 am; Game day: 10 am; Day after game: 11 am

Location: Kettler Capitals Iceplex

Transportation: Metro Accessible from Ballston-MU (Orange Line)