Part 2 USA East Coast Multi-Centre Washington and Virginia.

Next stop, Washington DC approx. 1 hr drive. Upon arrival we enjoyed lunch at the Stellina Pizzeria in the upcoming area of Union Market. We met with Jason from DC Mural Tours for a 2-hour Street Art and Bar Crawl excursion. Union Market was once a trading market, now adorning fresh new apartment living and trendy restaurants and bars.

Our hotel in Washington was the chic Dupont Circle Hotel, a member of the Doyle Group of hotels. Terrific location in Dupont Circle close to Georgetown and quite easy to access Downtown DC. We dined at the Mexican El Centro restaurant in Georgetown.

Next morning we enjoyed a wonderful brunch at the Pink Taco restaurant to build up the energy for our E-Scooter tour of the Monuments and Memorials City Tour. Having a brief introduction to the Scooter we ventured off to the White House, the Obelisk, World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. The Scooter was the absolute best way to get around as walking would take an entire day. We stopped at each location to hear the history from our guide. As a complete novice to an E-scooter, I managed it very well. The tour ended at the Spy Museum which is a self-guided interactive experience which holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. You will need about 2 hours for this attraction at the least.

Another highlight in Washington DC was our evening visit to Artechouse which is an innovative art museum using art, technology, and tradition. Exhibitions change, so do check in advance. We enjoyed the Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds of the cherry blossoms. Fascinating experience.

Dinner this evening was at Bistro Du Jour, a chic French restaurant on the new Wharf area of DC. Fabulous! Please visit the Wharf while in DC, you will thank me.

Next morning after the most wonderful breakfast at the Dupont Circle Hotel we boarded our luxury coach to take us to Virginia. First stop was Luray to visit the visitor centre including the famous caverns. Fascinating tour through the caves, which takes approximately 1 hour to view the many formations. Adjacent to the caverns you can visit the Car & Carriage Museum which features cars, carriages and coaches dating from 1725. The Garden Maze, Rope Adventure, Heritage Village make this an ideal family visit. The town of Luray is charming and enchanting with festivals during the summer, performing arts, walking trails, museum, and monuments. Our overnight stay at the Mimslyn Inn was wonderfully comfortable, traditional style rooms with the option of cabins to the rear. Airey, bright and spacious hotel with a stunning large porch to soak in the most beautiful views of the valley sitting under the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Next morning after breakfast in a local café, we began our Skyline Drive with escort to inform of us of the history of the Shenandoah National Park, the only one on the east coast of America. As we ascended four thousand feet up into the National Park the views were utterly picture perfect, with green rolling hills. Once in the park we stopped at various look out points to take in the amazing views. First stop was at the Byrd Visitor Centre for a tour followed by lunch on the veranda of the Big Meadows Hotel soaking in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Valley below. Pinch me moment. Before we checked into our hotel at the Skyland, we embarked on a hike of the Stony Man Trail which took us to the highest point over four thousand feet. This was very much a WOW moment. Our guide was informing us of the geographical surroundings and wildlife that we may encounter. Bear sighting was possible as they were coming out of hibernation, but unfortunately, they did not come out to greet us. Not sure if that is a good or sad thing. Later this evening after dinner a group of Shenandoah cloggers entertained us with a display of their local traditional dancing, and yes, I did participate.

Following a very hearty breakfast in the Shenandoah National Park, it was time to start our descent back down and onward to Monticello, Charlottesville for the very final stage of this amazing itinerary. Arriving at the perfectly preserved home of Thomas Jefferson in Monticello for a guided tour of the house and gardens. Thomas Jefferson was an American statesperson, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United State and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the gift of a Bee sting at Monticello (all ok) lunch was hosted at the Michie Tavern, again a perfectly preserved rustic tavern dating back to 1784. We enjoyed a traditional lunch of Southern Fried Chicken, Cornbread and Biscuits followed by Peach Cobbler desert. A must do in the area and recommended to book in advance as it is extremely popular. Then to round it all off no trip to Virginia would be complete without a wine tasting experience at the Jefferson Vineyard before our direct flight home to Dublin with United Airlines once again in Economy Plus.

To conclude, it was certainly a busy yet phenomenal experience from start to finish which incorporated destinations I do intend to revisit again at leisure. The combination of city, country, culture, and history was truly amazing. What a beautiful holiday to experience and all within easy reach of each other.

Perfect fly/drive experience, combining shopping with a retreat, active and relaxed plus something for all the family to enjoy.

I am perfectly happy to discuss my trip and offer suggestions to you, so do get in touch if you have any questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal blog, I hope you enjoyed it and the photos.