This is the first article in a three-part series highlighting three different types of momcation staycation or vacation destinations for moms. Co-authored by Caroline Quat and Stephanie Shipman.
Being a mom is a tough job that requires lots of self-care and breaks for child-free fun. What better way to get both than a “momcation”?
There are lots of different types of momcations that you and your mom friends can take: staycations, vacations that are a short road trip away, and vacations that require some planning and plane tickets to a totally new locale.
If you want a change of scenery but don’t want to travel far, several brand new hotels have opened in the DMV area. With shiny new amenities and great restaurants and shopping nearby all of these options, gather your girlfriends and arrange for a momcation staycation at one of these hotels.
1. AC Hotel Capitol Hill Navy Yard
Recently opened in February of this year, this new Marriott hotel has sleek, modern rooms and is walking distance from all of Navy Yard’s amenities. There is also a Whole Foods is next door for any snacks you want in the room.
Where to Eat + Drink
- If the weather is nice, check out the views at Top of the Yard Rooftop Bar or sit on the patio at Dacha Beer Garden (its indoor restaurant, Jackie, has amazing food).
- For a casual night out, Atlas Brew Works/Andy’s Pizza satisfies for food and beer.
- Take in the water views up close at Solace Outpost or The Salt Line, both with riverfront seating.
Things to Do
- Attend a baseball game! Navy Yard is home to Nationals Park and this hotel is about a 15-minute walk away.
- Check out the multitude of waterfront activities you can all do on/around the Anacostia River.
- Have dessert after tasting wine! District Winery is just a block away from the unique (and delicious) flavors of Ice Cream Jubilee, both in the picturesque Yards Park. Close to the waterfront, it’s perfect for walking.
2. Watermark Hotel
This hotel opened in the fall of 2021 and boasts a free breakfast buffet for guests every morning. If you need any staples or just want to keep some snacks and beverages in your room during your staycation, the Watermark Hotel is located right next to a Wegmans.
Where to Eat + Drink
- You’re down the street from endless upscale options in Tyson’s, like The Palm steakhouse, Eddie V’s and The Capital Grille.
- You’re also down the street from more casual but high-quality dining options, like Founding Farmer’s, Barrel and Bushel, and Fogo de Chao.
- There’s also a sleek Japanese restaurant called Wren within the hotel if you want to keep dinner on-site. If you’re looking for live music on a casual rooftop with several beer and cider options, The Perch is within the building, as well.
Things to Do
- The Watermark hotel is very close to the largest mall in the Baltimore-Washington area (and the 22nd largest mall in the US): Tyson’s Corner Center. The upscale mall, Tyson’s Galleria, is across the street from TCC, so you can do some serious retail damage.
- The hotel is also right next to Capital One Hall. Check out the plays, musicals, and bands/musicians at the theater the weekend of your staycation.
- You’re within just about a block of the Mclean Silver Line stop, so you can take the train close by, too. Get off one stop away at East Falls Church to enjoy the restaurants and bars in downtown Falls Church; head to the Ballston stop to check out Ballston Quarter’s shopping and dining; or take the train to the Clarendon stop, where you can barhop practically all the way down its namesake street.
3. WhyHotel by Placemakr in Union Market
WhyHotel opened a year ago with an interesting concept: it has about 120 apartments homes that people can stay in. Amenities include those that you’d have in your home— washer/dryer, kitchen with cooking utensils, along with an outdoor courtyard, multi-level fitness center and walking distance to NoMa amenities. It’s also right across the street from a Trader Joe’s.
Where to Eat + Drink
- You’ll find just about every different kind of food, Italian to Indian food to sushi, at nearby Union Market from great local restaurants, including coffee, ice cream and adult beverages. If the weather’s nice, check out the Hi-Lawn on Union Market’s roof.
- Sit in Wunder Garten’s beer garden for happy hour as you decide where you should go for dinner.
- Splurge on dinner at St. Anselm and Masseria, both short walks away from WhyHotel.
Things to Do
- Union Market doubles as an activity in itself—support local shopping for gifts from local vendors, like Politics and Prose, or get mani/pedis at Glosslab. Union Market also has so many events, from fitness classes to mural tours – check out their event calendar!
- The NoMa-Gallaudet U metro is nearby, so you can hop on the train and cut over to the nearby Smithsonian National Postal Museum (you can also walk there, it will just take you 20-30 minutes).
- Rent Capital Bikeshare bikes or take a leisurely walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
Do you have a favorite Momcation Staycation location? Please share below! Stay tuned for part 2 of our Momcation series, where we’ll highlight our top three road trip destinations.
