Explore DC with your Other Senses: A guide to activities in DC without Eating or Drinking
/Lately many clients have expressed that while they love socializing, it is hard to find activities in the DC area that aren't centered around food and alcohol. DC is a very social city, which is a lot of fun but can be challenging for those who are trying to reach their health goals!
It is important to work on managing food intake at the amazing restaurants in the area, but even better to get in a variety of activities with friends and family. This is helpful not only with food consumption but stress management and exercise goals as well. I recently surveyed clients and friends for activities in the DC area that they enjoy outside of dining and many wonderful ideas were generated. Here they are!
Explore Nearby Towns
Harper's Ferry, WV (photo by william fox)
Bike to and walk around Old Town, Alexandria
Visit and walk around Annapolis, Maryland
Visit Leesburg town and Outlets
Visit (and hike around) Harper's Ferry, West Virginia
Hike DC!
Jefferson Memorial at the National Mall
Picnic/walk or bike around the Monuments
Visit Mount Vernon
Visit Arlington Cemetery
Visit Theodore Roosevelt Island
Shop on 14th Street or in Georgetown
Exercise while Having Fun
Pure Prana yoga studio in old town, alexandria
305 Dance Class with friends
Workout class with friends
Jiu Jitsu
Horseback Riding
Running
Yoga
Stand Up Paddleboarding in DC & VA
Indoor Fun
King street coffee in leesburg, VA
General Activities
Rock Climbing
Read a book at a coffee shop
See a movie
Spa Day
Public Talks
DC-Area Related
Story District - every second Tuesday of the Month
Meditation class: with Tara Brach, in Arlington, in Ashburn
See a show at DC Improv
Visit ARTECHOUSE
Pottery Making at Hinckley Pottery
See a play: Kennedy Center, Ford's Theater, Studio Theatre
Stay at Home
Plants from leesburg farmers market and Catoctin Gardens
Potluck Dinner with Friends
Game Night
Gardening
Arts & Crafts
Fun with Animals
FOHA
Volunteer with animals: Lucky Dog Rescue, Washington Animal Rescue League, Friends of Homeless Animals
Spend time with other Dog Owners with
Any other ideas that you enjoy? Feel free to send them my way!