Staycation: 29 (Gluten Free) Hours in Navy Yard, DC

Staycation: 29 (Gluten Free) Hours in Navy Yard, DC

Inspired by the extremely popular "36 Hours" New York Times Series, here is my itinerary for what you should do on a staycation or vacation to Navy Yard, DC. 

Skip the dry GF bun and burger from Blue Jacket, but get the fries if you're ok with a shared fryer

Saturday, 11AM Early check in at the Courtyard Marriott

This clean, affordable, convenient hotel is
right where you want to be. There's no parking garage, but you'll find plenty of parking in nearby lots. Be sure to enter in AAA numbers or other groups you belong to for deals. Our AAA got us a better rate than my government status would have in a king room with a couch.See if you can check in early to secure yourself a parking spot-or come via the nearby Metro stop.

 
Saturday, 1PM Nationals Baseball Game

Whether you Metro in or drive, you can't miss the stadium. Like it or not, you'll be drawn toward it, consumed in a crowd of fans wearing Nats gear-and likely plenty of fans from the visiting team, too. They don't often sell out so you can usually buy tickets at the box office on the day of the game. Gluten free? I am too, and I enjoyed my first-ever game day hot dog and (Udis) bun at this stadium here. Gluten free beer available, too. Insider tips: don't bring a purse to skip the longer purse-checking line. If it's sunny and hot, don't get seats in the sun. You will roast. You can bring in water as long as it's in a closed bottle.

Saturday, 6:00PM Happy Hour at Agua301

From 3:30-7:00 every day (weekends included!), Agua301 has a happy hour full of drink specials. It seems that sometimes they offer food specials, too, but not on the Saturday we visited. The margarita was a bit heavy on the orange juice, and the "Enselada de calle" (their misspelling should have been the first clue that this was off) didn't taste like much. However, the star seems to be their tacos: the pork belly tacos were delicious, and we could have stayed for dinner based on tacos alone. 

 Saturday, 7:00PM Stroll by the Water

If you've never been to this area of the capitol city, or if you haven't been lately, you might be surprised by the way the area has been developed-and by the gorgeous views of the water. By this time of night, most of the kids playing in the splash pad my husband is standing next to had cleared out (we had a quick thunder storm), and those who had rented kayaks were coming in from the water. One couple even kayaked up to Agua301 for dinner! We just strolled and breathed it all in. It was gorgeous. 

Sunday, 10AM Breakfast and Flea Marketing in Eastern Market

Stroll downstairs in the hotel to grab a quick bite or a coffee or tea to bring with you. Wear walking shoes and head out toward Eastern Market, making your way through the streets of Capitol Hill, oogling at the beautiful homes along the way. In about fifteen minutes, you'll have arrived. If you're still working on an appetite, browse the farmer's market or flea markets (this is where we buy our Turkish towels to bring to the beach all summer long!). There are plenty of delicious places to eat (we chose the famous Market Lunch where the wait in line and cash only policy are worth it. They even have GF pancakes!), but my favorite is a chain. That's right, and I'm sorry, but I get cravings for the gluten free (optional) tartines at Le Pain Quotidien, especially the salmon one. 

Sunday, 1:15 PM Flying Trapeze-Outdoors or Indoors

That's right. Trapeze School New York has a site here. We did not know about this, but I think it would be an incredible bonding experience. I am terrified of heights, and I know we would come out of this closer than we went in. We saw folks up on the wires inside and outside after the storms passed, and it looked so fun-and terrifying.

Sunday, 3:30PM Gourmet Ice Cream

If we had gone up on the wires, I would have required a stop by Jubilee for honey lavender ice cream-or maybe caramel popcorn. Most of their flavors are gluten free, and they also have sorbet in case you are dairy free (like me!) and forgot your all-important Lactaid. 

I have this dream where a bunch of you come to DC and I plan a shopping and eating-packed weekend for us. Want to come?