24 Hours in Washington, DC: A Fall Overnight at Riggs

Some trips don't need a week. They need a full tank of gas, an early alarm, family to visit, and a city that does history beautifully.

Washington, DC is about three and a half hours from New Jersey, and if you wake up early in the fall, the drive itself is the opening act, mile after mile of trees turning gold, amber, and red. It's a gorgeous drive.

We went for just an overnight, checking into Riggs Washington DC the landmark hotel set inside a historic 1891 bank building, right in the heart of downtown. The location is the whole point: you're a short stroll from the monuments and the Capitol buildings, so if seeing history is on your list, you couldn't be better placed. And the building keeps its banking past alive in the details. Even our minibar was dressed as a tiny brass-studded vault, medallion and all.

Afternoon: brunch and a stroll

As soon as we arrived, we settled into Café Riggs for a little afternoon brunch a delicious omelette and green tea. Then took a walk around the area. Our stroll wound past Ford's Theatre and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, with the monuments and the Capitol all within easy reach. It's a wonderful neighborhood for wandering.

Designer shopping at CityCenterDC

From Riggs, it's an easy walk over to CityCenter, where all the designer shopping lives. If Gucci, Louboutin, or Hermès is on your list, this is your stop. (And if you're weighing hotels, the Conrad is right in this area too, another beautiful option for a DC stay.)

Dinner: Rose's Luxury on Capitol Hill

For dinner, we headed to Rose's Luxury on Capitol Hill the Michelin-starred spot doing a prix-fixe menu, with dishes arriving meant for sharing. We sat upstairs with a lovely view of the street, and the whole experience felt special without being stuffy. Standouts included their legendary pork & lychee salad, spiced pork sausage with habanero, peanuts, and lychee, the blooming tomato, and an off-menu cacio e pepe that was absolutely worth asking about. If you're looking for a unique dinner in DC, this is it.

After dinner: cocktails and a concert

Afterward, we walked over to Dirty Habit for cocktails, they have a gorgeous outdoor space for sitting with a drink. And right around the corner is Capital One Arena, where we caught the John Summit concert. Being within walking distance made getting in and out completely effortless.

The next morning: tea, then Dolcezza

Before heading home, we stopped at the cutest little tea shop I picked up a teapot and browsed their wall of teas. Then one last stop at Dolcezza for coffee, a nice hot tea, and a few pastries.

Three and a half hours each way, one night, and you come home filled with excitement for the next adventure. If you've been thinking about a quick DC escape, this is your sign go in the fall, when the trees are showing off.