WASHINGTON, DC WORK TRIP: MY EXPERIENCE, HIGHLIGHTS, AND WHAT I’D DO DIFFERENTLY
A close look at the Lincoln Memorial’s marble sculpture, captured during my Moonlight Tour on the National Mall on September 9, 2025.
Where I Stayed
In September of this year, I traveled to Washington, DC, for work and stayed at the Embassy Suites downtown. The location made it easy to walk or run to many of the historic sites.
My Moonlight Tour
I took the Old Town Trolley Moonlight Tour, which included stops at:
• The Smithsonian
• The National Museum
• Arlington National Cemetery
• The Capitol
• The Lincoln Memorial
• The Washington Monument
• Several other monuments and landmarks
Seeing everything lit up at night was a really unique experience.
A Powerful History Stop
My hotel was close to Ford’s Theatre and the boarding house across the street where President Lincoln died. Being that close to such a significant piece of history made the entire trip feel more real.
Every morning before my conference sessions, I ran from the hotel down Constitution Avenue toward the National Mall, the long stretch of monuments and museums in the center of the city. I usually aimed for a 2–3 mile run, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
A Chance Presidential Sighting
One evening, President Trump went out to dinner at Joe’s Seafood. I happened to be standing across the street when he came out of the restaurant. It was one of those unexpected moments you don’t forget.
A Hometown Connection
I also visited Founding Farmers, which is owned by someone from North Dakota, right next to South Dakota, where I live. All of the beef served there comes directly from their farm, and that little hometown connection made the meal feel special.
What I’d Plan Differently Next Time
There are a few things I’d do differently if I returned to DC:
• I didn’t reserve tickets to go inside the Washington Monument, which needs to be booked about 30 days in advance.
• I wish I had taken a boat tour to see the city from the water.
• I would have liked to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which I didn’t fit into my schedule.
Final Thoughts
Washington, DC, is full of history, monuments, and unexpected moments. Even though I was there for work, the trip gave me a mix of movement, learning, and perspective. Next time, I’ll plan for the experiences I missed, but overall, it was a memorable and meaningful trip.
