All of my favorite places in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. I've divvyed them up by categories and I'm always adding new places to this list, especially Noms.
Map
Sections
6
Noms
Retail Therapy
Coffee Needs Its Own Category
Services
Rest of the Best
Best of the 'Burn
Noms
My favorite restaurants in VA, DC, and maybe MD.
Lovely little cafe in Georgetown that's great for brunch. No reservations, so be ready to wait! Their Nutella espresso and mimosas, along with scrumptious noms, make it worth it.
Cafe Bonaparte
Their mocha donut is AMAZING. Their donuts are always so fresh and fluffy, way better than Dunkin or Krispy Kreme.
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
I don't care that this place is potentially overrated. I love it.
Le Diplomate
They always make your special occasion wonderful. Great bar in front, also.
BOURBON STEAK
The BEST macarons ever. Amazing iced Vietnamese coffee, cupcakes, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, etc.
Bakeshop
I love coming here for brunch outside on a nice day.
Belga Café - Barracks Row, Washington, DC
Retail Therapy
Where can I buy stuff and make my heart happy?
Looking for a rare, signed first edition? Look no further.
Second Story Books
2
The best place to get your Mad Men glasses set.
The Hour Shop: Vintage Barware & Glassware
Funky, fun antiques and handmade goodies in DC.
Miss Pixie's
Love this little shop! Book clubs, signed copies, local authors, children's section, it has it all!
Old Town Books
Expensive selection, but super cute items and amazing service. Shop the sale items in the back and the gently used luxury purses shelf!
Monkee's of Fairfax
This is a great store for unique gifts, especially around Christmas.
Red Barn Mercantile
Coffee Needs Its Own Category
Yes, there are a ton of Starbucks around. But, here are some local shops with amazing coffee and treats that you need to check out whenever you're in the DC area.
Get the nutella latte and thank me later. They also carry Jewish Deli bagels and Good Co doughnuts.
Mishas Coffeehouse and Roaster – Misha's Coffee House
They have a second location in Union Market. While the coffee and noms are good, make sure to also try their peach iced tea in the summer!
Peregrine Espresso
Services
Yes it's far from where I live, but worth it. I get highlights and keratin treatments from Megin Jordan regularly.
Ira Ludwick Salon
Rest of the Best
The places that defied categorization.
The best cat lounge I've found. It never smells like cat pee in here and there are always a ton of cats and kittens to play with.
Patriot Pawsabilities Cat Lounge
Best of the 'Burn
A bunch of my favorite places to eat and check out in and around Ashburn, VA. Loudoun County seriously has SO much to offer Northern Virginia.
Awesome date night spot in Brambleton - Ashburn area.
AhSo Restaurant
Best spa to check out for lashes, brows, waxing, facials, Botox - Sculptra - Dysport - Xeomin, microneedling, laser hair removal, lip filler, peels, etc.
The Fix Clinic
Love this for before or after date night drinks!
Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar
You can have your Starbucks, give me a local cafe any day!
Blend Coffee Bar
New, fresh, clean digs for your doggos and kitties to stay while you're out of town.
Olde Towne Pet Resort
No stop to Ashburn is complete without checking out this well-known brewery.
Old Ox Brewery
Not far from Ashburn, this well-known resort is located in Middleburg and is worth every penny.
Salamander Middleburg | Five Star Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA
Over in Sterling, this water park is amazing for kids and grownups alike!
Volcano Island Waterpark
I'm not personally an oyster fan, but I found plenty I loved on the menu anyway. And my friend told me she thought they oysters she had were sublime.
King Street Oyster Bar
1
Whenever I think of Ashburn or Sterling, I think of shopping and eating at One Loudoun. There is seriously so much here you'll never be bored.
One Loudoun
Craving hibachi? Go with Yum Yum! Great takeout.
Yum Yum Hibachi
A Northern Virginia staple, this location has some really great sushi on their menu.
Passion Fin
This TopGolf location is SO nice. I was sad to see the Alexandria one close, but this one is so updated that I'm not even mad.
