Shop - Emily Goes Places

Skip to content

Instagram Pinterest Facebook

Search

Guides & Gear
The Blog

About Emily
Contact

Emily Goes Places

Helping you to go places and experience more

Instagram Pinterest Facebook

On The Blog

Experiences
Stays
Destinations
View All

Learn More

About Emily
Guides & Gear
Collaboration
Contact

Get the Newsletter

Fireworks on the @nationalmallnps are coming up in

Fireworks on the @nationalmallnps are coming up in a few days, and if you’ve never experienced the Fourth of July in DC in person… this might be your year.

Last year was my first time seeing the show behind the Washington Monument, and it was one of those finally did it moments. Crowded? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. I really think everyone in the DMV should experience it at least once.

A few tips if you’re planning to go this year:
– Arrive early (we got there around 4:30 PM and it filled up fast)
– Bring water, sunscreen, and something to sit on
– Metro or walking is your best bet—driving will be chaos
– After the show, expect Metro delays. Be patient and take your time getting out

The fireworks are set for 9:09 PM on July 4 (weather permitting), and the show lasts about 17 minutes. It’s loud and beautiful—totally worth seeing once.

Wishing everyone a fun and safe July 😊🎆
.
.
.
#FourthofJulyDC #DCfireworks #NationalMall #WashingtonDC #DMVevents #July4DC #Only1DC #July2025 #thingstododc

➡️ Want the FREE DMV Summer Bucket List full o

➡️ Want the FREE DMV Summer Bucket List full of can’t-miss events and outdoor fun? Just comment “bucket list”, and I’ll send it to you!

Summer in the DMV is packed with amazing experiences—here’s the full list to get you started: 🎆 Watch 4th of July fireworks on the @nationalmallnps 🎶 @smithsonianfolklife (July 2–7) 🌻 See sunflowers at @burnsidefarms (July–Aug) 🪷 @kenilworthnps Lotus & Water Lily Festival (July 18–20) 🎾 @mubadalacitidcopen tennis tournament (July 19–27) 🛥️ Take a DC brunch or dinner cruise w/ @citycruises  🚣‍♀️ Kayak the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers w/ @boatingindc 🎷 Listen to Jazz in the Garden or at Jazz Fest 🎤 Catch a concert at @wolf_trap  🍦 Try local ice cream (Toby’s, Thomas Sweet, +) ⛳ Play mini-golf at East Potomac Park 🎡 Visit a county or state fair near DC 🍽️ @ramwdc Restaurant Week (Aug 18–24) 🛡️ Maryland Renaissance Festival (Aug–Oct) ⚾ Catch a @nationals game (use code EMILYGOES for 30% off!) #NatsAmbassador 🥾 Hike Great Falls, Rock Creek, or Burke Lake 🫧 Play with bubbles at the @bubbleplanetexperience  🎬 See a movie outside (@thewharfdc, @unionmarketdc, +)

What’s the first thing you want to check off the list?
.
.
.
#DMVsummer #WashingtonDC #ExploreDC #SummerBucketList #VisitMaryland #VirginiaOutdoors #DCEvents #DMVEvents #SummerInDC #ThingsToDoDMV #OutdoorFun #FamilyFunDMV #VisitVirginia

🪷 DC’s most underrated summer bloom is back!

🪷 DC’s most underrated summer bloom is back! The Lotus & Water Lily Festival returns to @kenilworthnps from July 18–20 — and its peak bloom season. Acres of lotus and lilies take over the ponds, and it’s one of the most unique (and photogenic) experiences you can have in the city this summer.

☀️ Hosted by the @nationalparkservice, the festival includes cultural performances, art, food trucks, ranger programs, and more.

Planning to go?
✔️ Take Metro to Deanwood (15–20 min walk)
✔️ Arrive early if driving — parking fills fast
✔️ Dogs on leash are welcome
✔️ Bring a blanket and stay awhile
.
.
.
#LotusAndWaterLilyFestival #thingstodoDC #KenilworthAquaticGardens #Only1DC #HiddenGemsDC #DCEvents #SummerInDC #NPS #AnacostiaPark #DCNature #LotusSeason

Just climbed to the highest point in Washington, D

Just climbed to the highest point in Washington, DC and the views at golden hour? Absolutely worth it. 🌤️ The After Hours in the Towers experience at the @wncathedral gives you rare access to the Cathedral’s towers for a sunset climb unlike anything else in the city. You’ll wind your way up spiral staircases, pass hidden passageways and intricate Gothic details, and even stand beside the Cathedral’s historic carillon—a 53-bell instrument with one bell weighing over 24,000 pounds. 🤯 After the climb, you’ll unwind with a drink in the Tower Observation Gallery as the sun sets over the skyline. #hosted

🎟️ Tickets are $60 and include the guided tower climb, one drink ticket, and access to the Cathedral Nave. 🚶🏻‍♀️ Climbs last about 50 minutes, with tickets released in 15-minute intervals between 5–7 PM. 😅 It’s not an intense workout, but expect stairs and some tight spaces—closed-toe shoes are a must. 🧍🏻‍♂️ Participants must be at least 11 years old. ⏰ This experience runs weekly through July 31, and spots are limited—so grab your ticket soon! 🔗 Purchase at cathedral.org or check the link in @wncathedral’s bio.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience DC this summer… this is it. . . . #WashingtonDC #DCViews #NationalCathedral #ThingsToDoInDC #DCEvents #DCHiddenGems #VisitDC #DCBucketList #CathedralViews #ExploreDC #DCItinerary #DCMonuments #HistoricDC #WashingtonNationalCathedral #TowerClimb #only1dc #thingstodoDC

If you’ve been to DC, you’ve likely heard of t

If you’ve been to DC, you’ve likely heard of the National Mall, but have you heard of the @franciscanmonastery? This peaceful Brookland landmark has stunning gardens, beautiful stained glass, and even underground catacombs you can tour — all for free.

🕰️ Planning Your Visit:
✨ Guided Tours of the church and catacombs (about 50 min):
– Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat at 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM
– Sun at 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM
🎟️ Book online in advance — walk-ins allowed if space is available
🚪 Tours meet at the Visitors Entrance (through the Main Gate)
📍 Lower church access requires stairs (no elevator access)
💰 Tours are free; donations appreciated

🌿 Self-Guided Visits:
– Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
– Stroll the gardens + Upper Church
– Catacombs only available via guided tour

📍Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Brookland, Washington, DC
🚗 Free parking on-site
.
.
.
#DCHiddenGems #FranciscanMonastery #DCThingsToDo #WashingtonDC #BrooklandDC #FreeInDC #DMVweekend #DCgardens #ExploreDC #UnderratedDC #thingstododc #Only1DC

Trying something new with this one—my first vlog

Trying something new with this one—my first vlog-style post! 🎥 Come along for a real-time look at what it’s actually like to hike Old Rag in @shenandoahnps ⛰️ I included time stamps so you can see how the day unfolded—from our 6:09 AM start to our 10:53 AM finish.

It was a mid-June hike with perfect weather—but don’t be fooled, this trail still packs a punch. I may have said there were two “hardest parts” in the video… and yep, turns out there really are two 😂

PS: I posted a carousel yesterday with all my best tips for hiking Old Rag—packing tips, what to expect, how to prepare—so make sure to check that out too!

Let me know what you think of this vlog format—should I make more of these?
.
.
.
#OldRag #ShenandoahNationalPark #HikingVirginia #DMVAdventures #WomenWhoHike #HikingVlog #WeekendGetaway #NatureLovers #hikevirginia #visitvirginia #girlswhohikeva #nationalparkusa

🥾 Thinking about hiking Old Rag? This post is f

🥾 Thinking about hiking Old Rag? This post is for you ⛰️ This trail is hands-down one of my favorites—I’ve done it 10+ times, and it still gets my adrenaline pumping in the best way. Every time I reach that summit, I feel a mix of exhaustion and strength that never gets old.

I’m an experienced hiker, and it usually takes me around 4.5 hours to complete the 9.4-mile loop (including stopping at the top). But if you’ve never done it before, definitely budget more time—especially for the scrambles. It can take 7–8 hours, especially when it’s crowded later in the day. There are three sections I always find a little tricky (hello, narrow crevices + awkward boulder climbs), but with patience and confidence, they’re doable.

A few things that make Old Rag unique: 📍 Topping out at 3,284 feet—not insanely high, but definitely rugged 🪨 Long stretches of bare granite you won’t find on other Virginia hikes 💪 Even experienced hikers get humbled—it’s all hands, feet, and yes, the occasional butt-slide

Before you go, be honest with yourself: ✔️ Make sure you’re physically prepared ✔️ Don’t go if it’s wet or icy—seriously, it’s dangerous ✔️ Bring at least 2–3 liters of water per person (you’ll sweat a lot). I recommend a @camelbak ✔️ Wear grippy, supportive shoes ✔️ Stay on the trail to protect fragile summit plant life ✔️ Pack light but smart—first aid, snacks, layers, sun protection ❌ No pets allowed

PRO TIP: Download the route ahead of time via @alltrails or Google Maps—there’s little to no service out there. ✨ I’ve got a discount code for AllTrails and some favorite trail gear linked in my bio!

Let me know if you’re planning to hike it or have questions—I’m always happy to help in the comments 💬
. . . #OldRag #OldRagMountain #alltrailsambassador #ShenandoahNationalPark #VAhikes #DMVhiking #HikingTips #WomenWhoHike #AllTrails #EastCoastHiking #BlueRidgeMountains #VirginiaOutdoors #HikingAdventures

🇺🇸 An outdoor summer tradition just outside

🇺🇸 An outdoor summer tradition just outside of DC. Every Tuesday evening (except July 8), the @marines host a formal Sunset Parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington—a ceremony rooted in tradition, precision, and respect.

🎺 The 45-minute program features “The Commandant’s Own” Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon, showcasing time-honored Marine Corps customs.
🪖 Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes early for a good spot. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, stay cool, and enjoy this reflective tribute to Marine Corps heritage.
📍 Tuesdays at 7 PM | June 10–Aug 5 (except July 8) 📸 Photography is welcome—please remain respectful throughout the performance.
.
.
.
#DCevents #SunsetParade #ArlingtonVA #MilitaryTradition #DCbucketlist #FreeInDC #DCsummer #WashingtonDC #thingstodoDC

© Copyright 2024, Emily Goes Places

Privacy Policy
Website by Eunoia Design Co.

Home
Guides & Gear
The Blog
About Emily
Contact
Collaborations

Instagram Pinterest Facebook