End-of-Summer Vacation in Washington, DC and Virginia Beach

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

(Henry James)

My husband and I took some time off during the final week of August, during which we took in a baseball game at Citi Field, drove down to Washington, DC to visit our friend Robyn, and then to Virginia Beach to enjoy the last few peaceful days of summer.

New York Mets vs. Detroit Tigers

Although the Mets and Tigers are in different divisions, they still play each other once in a while. We went to the game on Saturday, August 24, during a gorgeous summer afternoon. Sam, being from Michigan, was happy to see his team do well and also to visit Citi Field for the first time, and we both enjoyed the ballpark food.

Citi Field in Queens

Perfect summer afternoon at the game

Box Frites garlic parmesan fries, El Verano Taqueria chicken tacos,
Catch of the Day grilled shrimp po'boy, Blue Smoke chipotle chicken wings,
Carvel swirl soft serve with sprinkles

Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera (aka Miggy) at bat

Zoo Animals and Paddle Boating in Washington, DC

We were only in Washington, DC for about 24 hours, from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon. We stayed at The Normandy, a boutique hotel in the Kalorama area of the city, where most of the embassies are located. We wanted to see the new baby panda at the National Zoo, but the day we visited was shortly after its birth, and baby and mom were not out in public. We went paddle boating along the Tidal Basin the next morning, and in between those 2 activities, we enjoyed some good meals.

Black and white toile room at The Normandy Hotel

Entrance to the Smithsonian National Zoo

Sam, me, and Robyn

Asian elephants

Washington Monument is having some work done

Ducks we saw on the Tidal Basin after paddle boating

Beach, Boardwalk, and Bicycling in Virginia Beach

After a pretty long drive from Washington, DC -- and almost getting our rental car towed in front of our eyes as we picked up lunch in Falls Church, VA -- we arrived at Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel on the northern end of the boardwalk. Neither of us had ever been to Virginia Beach before, and we had a nice, relaxing time; it's much more peaceful and quiet than places we've been to in Jersey or Maryland, and we had very satisfying food experiences.

Cheery room décor at Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel

Me and Sam in front of King Neptune statue

Great seafood dinner at Catch 31

Pocahontas Pancakes, Food Network's best in Virginia Beach

"You + Me" and our footprints

Relaxing by the pool in my trusty black onesie

Pedaling along the boardwalk on a surrey with a fringe on top

Another great meal at Fusion

Crab omelet at Belvedere Coffee Shop

Now that Labor Day has passed, we're unofficially in the autumn season already. I'm a little behind on some updates, including my niece Ellie's 1st birthday party, and a recap of summer recipes and restaurants. Stay tuned...