On Thursday I said so long to Des Moines and hello to Washington D.C. – if only for a few days. The trip was a great mini-vacation to visit old friends, explore a new city and eat some truly delicious food.

While I had never been before, D.C. quickly became one of my favorite cities. I strolled across the National Mall, geeked out in the Library of Congress, chowed down in DuPont Circle and admired townhouses in Georgetown.

Of all the discoveries I made, my favorite was definitely Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe – one part independent bookstore, one part after-work bar and bistro. And if you happen to be hungry, head up the road to Lauriol Plaza for a modern spin on Mexican cuisine – where the swirl margarita and shrimp & crab enchiladas were absolutely to die for.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington D.C.

Lauriol Plaza, 1835 18th Street NW, Washington D.C.