For military-connected entrepreneurs, the Military Influencer Conference is the best place to be! And this September, it’s headed to DC! This is the perfect opportunity to take a working vacation.
Things to See if You’re Coming to MICDC
We’ve got the best list of all the coolest things for you to do in DC this fall!
The National Mall
Okay, yes, this is the obvious choice for tourists, but it’s also the big thing to do for a reason! There are still hidden gems to discover and seek out while you check out the major monuments and memorials.
- Washington, DC WWI Memorial: This small, white rotunda is on the right side of the mall, between the Korean War Memorial and the World War 2 Memorial as you face the Washington Monument. It’s small, but so pretty and makes for a gorgeous spot for pictures. Plus, it’s never crowded!
- Lincoln Memorial: Escape the September heat (yup, still hot here) underneath the Lincoln! There is a small museum tucked away down there with AC.
- Jefferson Memorial: Visit another spot underneath the tourist draw to learn more about Thomas Jefferson and early American history.
- FDR Memorial: This is a giant memorial, appropriate for our longest-serving president. Arranged into four rooms, you can walk through FDR’s entire tenure as our leader and peek into the social events that unfolded around him.
- World War II: There is a human element to this memorial: veterans. On weekends, you can run into Honor Flight tours, coming to see “their memorials” or local WW2 veterans who are happy to answer questions. Stop here on Saturday before MIC kicks off!
Grab Dinner or Drinks
MIC is a great chance to network and build connections. But it can be a little rushed between sessions and seminars. Instead, head out into DC for dinner and drinks! There are tons of cool, creative and unique spots to check out.
- Cafe Saint-Ex: Located in the U St/14th St corridor, this is a neat spot for casual drinks with a good menu. You can come as you are for casual fare or dress up for a classy night out. Or bring your dancing shoes for the nightclub located downstairs.
- Anxo Cidery & Pintxos Bar: This Florida St. NW spot makes their own cider and serves Basque-region specialties!
- Off the Record: Go downstairs in the Hay-Adams Hotel on 16th St NW for some legendary drinks and people watching. This has been a hot spot for visiting dignitaries, politicians and journalists to meet or kickback.
- Barmini: A Jose Andres-created bar that lives up to its name. Barmini is seriously tiny! This 9th St NW spot specializes in unusual and surprising beverages.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: This legendary eatery is located super close to the White House, on 15th St NW. Presidents and political leaders, as well as DC movers and shakers, have eaten and drank here for decades – add your name to the list!
Take a Tour & Explore
Sure, you could hope on the Big Bus, but why do that when you can do something unique and unusual?
- Free Tours by Foot: Exactly what it says: free tours! Okay, they do ask that you pay what it’s worth to you, but there is no set rate. They have daily tours around DC and even a ghost tour in Georgetown.
- Food Tour: Book a spot on a walking food tour in a specific neighborhood, like U St, for a cool way to explore DC! You’ll grab bites and sips at a variety of off-beat places along your route with an expert tour guide.
- Gravelly Point Park: You’ve already (kind of) been here and just don’t know it yet! Right near Reagan National, this park is a hot spot for watching planes land and take-off, plus offers free parking and access to the Mount Vernon Trail.
- Be a Spy: Visit the International Spy Museum or take the Spies of Washington DC Tour for a behind the scenes look at international men (and women) of mystery. Like Julia Child. Did you know she was in the OSS during World War II?
- Congressional Cemetery: Go beyond Arlington and check out this historic burial ground for really famous people! It doubles as an event space and dog park, too.
- Capital Stones: Along a path in Rock Creek Park, you can find the discarded stones from DC buildings damaged during the War of 1812.
- Call Box Spotting: Around older DC neighborhoods there are police and fire call boxes, long disused. But artists have taken over, turning them into what could be a cool treasure hunt around the city! Can you find the Prince Box?
Have any DC hidden gems or unique destinations? Please share them – and maybe we’ll see you there for MICDC!
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Meg Flanagan
Meg is a military spouse, teacher, writer, and mom of two MilKids. She is an education blog and coaching/advocacy service focused on military families. Meg's mission is to help families understand and navigate the K-12 world. She provides timely posts, timeless advice, and personal assistance to families with school-aged children. You can find Meg online at megflanagan.com and @MegFlanaganEducation
Meg is a military spouse, teacher, writer, and mom of two MilKids. She is an education blog and coaching/advocacy service focused on military families. Meg's mission is to help families understand and navigate the K-12 world. She provides timely posts, timeless advice, and personal assistance to families with school-aged children.
You can find Meg online at megflanagan.com and @MegFlanaganEducation