Flight delays, cancellations, storms, and drinking wine in an airport was how we started our 4th of July weekend. What a whirlwind of a trip... but an otherwise lovely time in D.C. for us newbies!!!
Spending July 4th drinking wine in the Airport
This was probably the worst travel day I have had in a very long time. I mean it's bound to happen with the amount of traveling I do, one just hopes not too often (knock on wood). It all began at 7AM when John and I drove to Bloomington airport. We were relaxed, super chill, and ready for a fun day. Our flight to Chicago was supposed to leave at 10AM, landing us there at 11AM, before our 12PM flight to D.C., arriving at 3PM.
We planned to be on our rooftop pool by 4:30PM, with a cold drink in hand, ready for an air show and fireworks. Boy, were we mistaken.
Due to "mechanical issues," our flight that was coming in to Bloomington was delayed... and delayed... and delayed again. We began to realize we'd miss the 12PM connecting flight to D.C., but luckily there was a 2PM flight that they immediately booked our entire plane on, setting us back just a little bit.
But then it was delayed again... and still again. We hadn't even left the Bloomington airport and we knew we were on track to miss our second connecting flight they put us on.
John and I made a game time decision with the encouragement of the gate agents; we would drive to O'Hare, park, and make it just in time for the 2PM flight to D.C. So we hopped in the car and drove two hours north to Chicago O'Hare.
Of course, all of the economy lots were booked once we arrived (it was the 4th of July duh!!). These range from $10 a day to $17 a day. The only lot that was open was the Main Parking Garage for $40 a day (!!!!) We had no choice but to park as we had little time to find an off site spot. Once through security, we had 20 minutes till boarding, no sweat.
After boarding, we sat on the tarmac for 2 HOURS. Yes, I watched an entire movie just sitting in a parked position. Apparently there was bad weather in D.C., so they took us off the plane, cancelled our flight, and rebooked us on an 8PM flight, arriving at 11PM. So much for a 4th of July pool day.
Instead John and I spent the evening drinking wine in the airport at the restaurant Publican and then Bubbles Wine Bar. Hey, at least we were together.
We Finally Made It
After landing, cabbing to our hotel (we always cab at airports because they are already outside waiting), and checking in, we were ready to scratch this 4th of July from our memory and start the 5th on a good note.
Our Hotel
We stayed at the beautiful Mason & Rook Hotel. The location was a quick uber down to everything D.C. had to offer. The neighborhood was fun and walkable. And the hotel had so many amenities:
Rooftop pool and bar
Delicious restaurant and cute outdoor patio
Dog-friendly lobby
Free wine at happy hour
Free coffee and tea for breakfast
$232 a night for a boutique hotel over a holiday weekend - really good! (I use booking.com for all my hotel stays)
Our Favorite Eats
Kinship - A One Michelin Star restaurant with incredible flavor and amazing service... but expensive!
Daikaya - The most interesting Japanese-inspired restaurant we've ever been to. Sadly no sushi, but LOTS of sake
China Chilcano - Chinese meets Japaneses meets Peruvian. Unique and fantastic for lunch.
JINYA Ramen Bar - Late night ramen, some of the best noodles I have ever had. Just around the corner from our hotel.
Our Favorite Things to Do
Take a fascinating tour at the Newseum
Explore the Permanent Exhibition at the Holocaust Museum and get tickets ahead of time
Take a bus tour through the beautiful Arlington Cemetery and see the hourly changing of the guards if you have time
Scooter through the National Mall
We also did a Capitol tour, saw the White House, the Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. All are must sees, but don't plan to spend too long there. The Spy Museum was overrated for adults, but something kids and pre-teens would love!
Why D.C. is a great United States destination
Scooters! - So fun to ride everywhere
You can go back again and again and still not see all the museums
It's a super short flight to central Illinois (provided you get there on time)
AH-mazing food scene
Why We Won't Be Back Too Soon
Expensive - I would argue just as expensive, if not more so than NYC
Lots of protests and rallies (unless that's your thing.. which is great but just crowded and closed off streets!)
Very busy all the time (next time we goin' in the winter)
John went out at 4:30AM (while I slept) to take some beautiful sunrise photos. He's so talented.
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