A Memorial Day Weekend Getaway to Washington, D.C.

Somewhat impulsively (or as impulsive as you can be with a couple kids in tow), we made a quick trip down to Washington, D.C. over Memorial Day weekend. This beautiful city, steeped in history and national pride, is a fun-filled and educational destination for families. Our goal for the weekend was ambitious: visit a few of the city's historic sites, a museum or two, the zoo, and oh yeah, maybe relax a little bit. Luckily we were able to achieve that last part in spades, thanks to our stay at The Omni Shoreham Hotel. This luxurious hotel made us feel at home and comfortable almost immediately, and frankly, kind of hard to leave once we arrived!

First, a few words on why The Omni Shoreham is a great space for families visiting the DC area:

Location. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the Smithsonian's National Zoo, which is a must-do for any animal lover. We arrived mid-afternoon and headed straight for the panda exhibit (got to see them munching on bamboo... too cute). We also saw an Asian elephant, cheetah, crocodile & more snakes than I care to remember. My personal favorite was the gorilla habitat. So many adorable animals! And admission is free, too, by the way.

And speaking of location, because The Omni Shoreham is situated away from the main part of town in leafy Woodley Park, it felt like we had sort of gotten away from it all when we returned each day. The hotel grounds back up to Rock Creek Park, so the pool area and hotel "back yard" are very quiet. At the same time, you're not far from the heart of the city - a metro stop is one block away (though for this quick trip, we took Lyft everywhere and nothing was more than a 10 minute drive). Hurrah!

Second, Omni Kids! The hotel is very welcoming to kids and families, and their Omni Kids program is an excellent example. Upon check-in, kids receive a backpack filled with fun items designed specifically for them (our contents included a coloring book & crayons, game and a cool pair of binoculars). Kids also receive milk and cookies to their guest room on the first night. Naturally, my girls loved them! And if you dine at Robert's Restaurant in the hotel, they'll bring you a coloring menu and crayons-- always a benefit when eating out with kids.

Third, and I think this goes without saying, the POOL! The pool area itself is huge and we loved having access to the snack bar and wait service (I highly recommend the Mango Mule, for the record). While the girls and Husband swam, I made use of the hot tub. So relaxing! Wish I'd had a chance to check out their spa and gym, but there just weren't enough hours in the day.

Much like NYC, Washington, D.C. is a city you can keep coming back to, seeing something new on every visit. There are SO many world-class museums (many of them free, thanks to the Smithsonian) and monuments, tours, parks and restaurants. On our main day, we visited the Lincoln Memorial, walked along the Mall and past the National Monument, then all the way down to the Air & Space Museum. After lunch at the American Indian Museum, we walked over to the National Portrait Gallery. I think we walked almost 3 miles that day! And still, only the tip of the iceberg.

We'll be back, DC. You're a bit of a treasure. You, too, Omni Shoreham (I'm ending with a few more pics because clearly, I wish I was back on vacation)!

Disclosure: I was provided with two nights lodging in exchange for promotion and this review. All opinions herein are my own.

A Day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

We spent our summer vacation this year out on the West Coast exploring San Francisco, then driving down to Los Angeles and Orange County (post to come). I have family in both places, so it was fantastic to not only catch up with all of them but be a tourist at the same time. We had an amazing visit, and truth be told, we've been California dreamin' ever since we got home.

On the day we left San Francisco, we headed south along Route 1 to Monterey Bay and its world-famous aquarium. What an incredible visit! So many beautiful animals, interactive exhibits & feedings/demonstrations throughout the day, with a super friendly staff & volunteers to boot. See for yourself:

I must point out that this diver feeding the fish (& sharks!) is a volunteer & (wait for it) 70 years old! Incredible.

Touching a sting ray. No fear!

This aquarium is absolutely worth a visit if you find yourself on a similar-type trip along the coast of California. So many learning opportunities, and while obviously some things are geared towards children, I think Husband and I can safely say we had just as good a time as they did! If I had one complaint it's really that there is just so much to see and do, and if you want to catch certain feedings or shows throughout the day, you must plan accordingly and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Chances are a few people might have the same idea as you!

Side note; check out their Family Activities page before you arrive to help gain momentum for your visit - lots of fun ideas. 

Two thumbs up from the whole family on the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Disclosure: I received 2 press tickets to use towards our visit. All opinions herein are my own.

A Pumpkin Patch Day Trip with Enterprise Car Share

This post is sponsored by Enterprise Car Share. Thanks for supporting Baby Meets City!

I look forward to many things about fall, and a day out of the city for pumpkin picking and taking in nature's changing colors is at the top of the list. And while we do own a car, it's quite old and not exactly reliable for longer drives, so I was more than happy to learn about an easy replacement for the day: Enterprise's new Car Share program, which is available here in NYC and other cities around the country (including my hometown of Charleston, SC)!

The process for using Car Share is quick and easy. After becoming a member online (you'll need to submit a photo & your driver's license), you'll then receive a card in the mail with a unique member ID number. Download the Car Share app to scan available cars in your zip code, and book using the app -- it only takes a few moments! When you arrive at a garage to pick up your car, as I did, just swipe your membership card over a sticker on the drivers' side windshield. The door will unlock and your keys will be inside.

Vehicles are parked in designated spots all around the city, giving you 24/7 access. Should you need a car at 3am, you can find one! And reservations can be as short as 1 hour or up to 7 days. Enterprise Car Share is determined to make the ability to enjoy a day out of the city or a quick trip to the grocery store as easy as possible.

What a gorgeous fall day, and it was made SO much easier by the use of Enterprise Car Share. And guess what? Exciting news. Enterprise would like to offer Baby Meets City readers a special promo. With this link, you can sign up for the Car Share program for $0, get your first year membership for $0 and receive $20 in driving credits. And remember, you don't have to save Car Share for roaming around the countryside. It's great for grabbing groceries (we love the parking lot at Fairway on 125th Street!), a cool furniture find on Craigslist or picking up a friend from the airport.

While you mull over the convenience of 4 wheels, here's a few more pics from the pumpkin patch...

Disclosure: I was compensated for this review. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Who Says You Can't Go Home Again?

Thomas Wolfe, that's who. And while I understand his sentiment, I have to say it was really good for me to go home this summer. First and foremost, the girls and I were able to reconnect with my family (and extended family), whom I don't see often enough. But a week spent at the beach was particularly perfect, and here's why -- I've been gone a long time. And while I didn't feel like I needed to relive any "youthful memories," as Wolfe wrote, I hoped I would remember what it was (if anything) that still connected me to my birthplace.

The South often gets a bad rap (and there are plenty of valid reasons, which I don't need to get into). I felt strongly about leaving and moving to New York City since I was old enough to understand it was a place filled with bright lights and excitement. A place where people from all over the world descended and blended together. Simply put, it was somewhere different, where I couldn't see my life perfectly planned out ahead of me, and that was exciting. As hard as it was to move away from family and friends after college (and boy did I cry at the airport), I always knew that I was making the right decision.

Our week at Edisto Beach (very close to where I grew up; my parents now live in GA) brought me full circle. So much of the "good stuff" came back: the smell of the salt air from the screened-in porch, the feel of the sand between my toes (not so much the jellyfish that stung my niece), the food -- oh, the food! -- seafood casserole, flounder sandwiches, potato salad, etc. Just ask my waistline. The laughter of my parents' friends, gathered around the table. The same friends who carted me to basketball games and chaperoned those awful middle school dances. The mystery of Spanish Moss (is there something romantic about it or is it just plain strange?). Old friends who I know I'll know and love for a lifetime, even if our lives aren't so intertwined as they once were. The sunsets, no filter needed.

Memories/accents/tastes/smells kept rolling in each day, as reliable as the afternoon tide in front of our house. And while I'm not sure relief at my renewed sense of place is the correct phrase, I do feel content. You CAN go home again. And I would encourage anyone to find out what it is that binds you to a place, whether it's where you were raised, where you live now or somewhere you visited once that you've never quite been able to shake. Because while NYC fits me like an old (yet shiny) glove, there will always be a little piece of me that belongs to where my journey first began.

Enjoy these last few days of summer, friends!

A Catskills Getaway (Part II)

I'm so happy we could get away for a few days last week. We drove up to the Catskills (basically two hours north of the city), and honestly I could feel the stress peel away as we first encountered those gorgeous hills and fresh mountain air. Is it possible to be both a city and country girl at the same time? Discussion for later date.

We spent our first two nights at The Emerson Resort followed by a night of camping at Mongaup Pond in Livingston Manor. On Thursday, we visited friends renting a house on Lake Dutchess before heading home. Short. Sweet. Perfection. Oh and we saw a bear crossing the highway one afternoon. That was maybe not my favorite part, but sure spiced things up a bit. Here are a few pics of our time away... enjoy!

Phoenicia Diner is a must-do if you're in the neighborhood. Excellent food & atmosphere!
With my southern roots, I had to try the shrimp and grits special. Did. not. disappoint.

Despite not being the sight of the ACTUAL Woodstock in 1969, Woodstock, NY has embraced its name and is a fun little town to walk around. Great restaurants, shops and street art. We went to Landau Grill (it seemed to have the best kids menu) and Taoo Juan's for ice cream afterwards. Fun day!

Mongaup Pond... we love this campground so much. After setting up our tent, we walked down to the "beach" for swimming with ducks and canoeing. We went in to Livingston Manor for an early dinner (don't miss Main Street Farm) and came back to our site in time to roast 'smores over the campfire. While I can't say I LOVE sleeping on the ground, the girls had a blast and I will happily do it again (although next time with a better mattress underneath me!)

This moment was near perfection. Sigh. I hope they'll still want to go camping with us when they're teenagers.

Serene and lovely Lake Dutchess in Holmes, NY.

Because when you're passing the Red Rooster Drive-In on your way home, you stop.