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I decided to spend NYE in Washington, DC five days beforehand. Why? Because I not only need a getaway, I needed some quality BFF inspiration to formulate my aspirations for the coming year, all of which I realized kind of last minute. If you didn’t happen to catch my summary of the most valuable lessons I learned in 2014 (here), this past year was a doozy– an exciting doozy, but a doozy nonetheless. 2015 will be different… in the best way possible.
There’s something about greater DC that just feels right. Yes, it’s a large metropolitan city which happens to be the Capital of the United States, and yes, it hustles and bustles with vivacity, diversity, and culture; however, there’s also a simplicity and peacefulness of its rural neighbors that’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever visited. In rural Virginia, like Aldie and Middleburg {where S lives}, there are literally acres upon acres of land… to raise horses, grow crops, or just to run free. Cue Sound of Music. It’s a miraculous foreign land of opportunity and tranquility to a Floridian like me, and I’m addicted.
My trip, which was documented solely by iPhone– apologies in advance for quality, began with a safe and relatively uneventful {ie. creeper-free, see here (Lesson 6) for an explanation behind the significance of this phrase} flight from Orlando to DC on Tuesday afternoon. I kept to myself this time, warding off strangers with “I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This” by Kate White, a Christmas gift from my thoughtful mama.
When I arrived at the Whitaker Manor, S had made dinner and set a gorgeous tablescape for my first dinner in town. Her fabulous mom, who happens to be one of my all-time favorite people, asked, “Are you guys lovers or something?!” I died. Regardless, the flowers were beautiful, her Salmon and Penne dish was amazing (way to go, domestic S), and I felt right at home… as always.
The next day while S was at work, I made myself a home– literally— and blogged in my pajamas with hot chocolate by the fireplace. Their Christmas decor was magnificent; definitely need to step my game up next year after seeing how the Virginia folk do the holidays.
And then there was New Year’s Eve. I wore this amazing dark blue long sleeve bandage dress from The Kewl Shop (full outfit post to come shortly), paired with a stunning J. Crew necklace (on sale now here) and burgundy heels. My long lost princess kitten, Ladybug, helped me get ready.
For our New Year’s Eve dinner, S booked reservations at Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, VA. Hunter’s Head Tavern is an authentic English pub that serves drinks, fine dining cuisine, and amazingly delectable homemade desserts, including their Sticky Toffee Pudding, which I haven’t stopped dreaming about for the past two weeks. The best part? You experience organic local farm meats and product harvested from the neighboring Ayrshire Farm, which raises only Certified Humane animals.
We weren’t exactly in the market for a drunken idiot-filled New Year’s Eve, so we opted for the best {and classiest} alternative in the Greater DC area, Salamander Resort and Spa’s NYE 2014 Toast to the New Year Celebration. I sipped delicious champagne cocktails from the Gold Cup Bar all evening, while S stuck to her new Crown on the rocks kick, until it was time to make our way to the main ballroom to watch the clock strike midnight, transitioning from 2014 (bye Felicia) to 2015. To nobody’s surprise, Salamander was decorated so very elegantly, featuring customized NYE floral arrangements all over the property. These pictures don’t do the decor or ambiance justice– darn iPhone.
Ringin’ in the new year with my BFF. Balloons errywhere.
My one and only requirement for New Year’s Day is a fabulous brunch with no schedule or timeline and a mimosa bar. That’s exactly what we got– and more– when we visited the absolutely charming Goodstone Inn and Restaurant in Middleburg. I’m not normally a “let’s take pictures of our food” kind of girl, but I couldn’t resist. This was the best brunch I’ve ever had, like ever. The mimosas and the view weren’t too shabby either.
Can I live here? Is that allowed?
After hours of playing on the gorgeous Goodstone Inn property in Virginia’s official and scenic horse country, we finally left {no, we weren’t kicked out, although that was by no means out of the question} to grab a crème brûlée latte from our favorite little coffee shop in Middleburg, Cuppa Giddy Up. S took me there on my first DC visit in October of 2013, and I’ve been obsessively craving their coffee ever since.
On the drive back to Whitaker Manor, we stopped at the Ashby Gap Estates to take full advantage of this awe-dropping photo op. I mean seriously, you can’t pay for a view more peaceful or authentic than this.
Since we’re both true country bumpkins at heart, it’s so easy to steer completely clear of the city life, but we did manage to make our 2015 metropolitan debut eventually. We headed to STK Steakhouse in downtown DC for dinner and drinks to celebrate the birthday of S’ coworker, and although the service wasn’t my favorite (understatement of the year), the food was pretty amazing. I wore my hot pink stretch crepe skirt from C. Wonder, paired with blank tights, black top, and two of my favorite Christmas presents: my black and gold ‘Large Lexington’ Michael Kors chronograph watch and this stunning maltese cross enamel cuff from C.Wonder.
After an eventful evening in the city, all S and I wanted to have an old school Saturday Funday in Reston Town Center, complete with pop tarts from Ted’s Bulletin, ice skating, shopping, people watching, and a whole lot of mimosas. Our bartender at Ted’s Bulletin was the bomb.com, and, in addition to selling us on a blueberry cheesecake pop tart, a peanut butter bacon pop tart, and a handful of pomegranate grapefruit mimosas, he talked us into trying their ambitious Millionaire Malt, complete with a double shot of 18-year-old Scotch. I don’t usually like milkshakes, and I’ve never considered myself a fan of scotch, but holy cow, it was amazing.
Can you guys pretty please deliver to Florida? It’s only like a 14 hour drive/2 hour plane ride.
After a hearty, scotch-filled brunch, I managed both a) not die on the ice and b) take some really gorgeous pictures of trees and holiday decor.
The remainder of the evening consisted of “tavern hopping” from Clyde’s to Julien’s to The Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Perfect end to a perfect NYE getaway. This really was just the trip I needed to kick of 2015 on the right foot. In case you saw on Facebook or Instagram, I did pass out in the airport on the way home, but I promise I’m fine. When you combine one of the busiest traveling days of the year with heat, congestion, and a whole lot of stranger BO, my body’s going to shut down. Life Lesson Learned: Stay hydrated, even at 7 in the morning.
Until next time, DC… boo!
It looks like you had a blast! I much prefer a classier night with friends in comparison to a night filled with intoxicated strangers.
Agreed. I'll take a classy GNO over busy bar hopping any day of the week. Hope you had a great New Year's! 🙂
sound like you had an amazing holiday
We did! Can't wait to go back.
What a fun trip! Gotta love a kitty in the closet… she is beautiful. And the food… Yum! Amazing holiday.
Isn't she gorgeous? She's dubbed the "Princess Kitten." 🙂
I used to live near DC and miss it all the time. Looks like you had a blast!
It's so beautiful up there! Hope you get to go back and visit.
We've got a trip to DC planned for the summer. Won't be as relaxing as yours, but we hope to hit all the landmarks!
Y'all will have a blast! Downtown DC is literally an outdoor museum– so much fun stuff to do and see.
It sounds like you had an amazing time, and your NYE dress is EVERYTHING. I was in DC for a conference in October and you're right, there's something magical about that city. I had the time of my life while visiting and I can't wait to go back. Cheers to 2015!
Thanks, lady! Cheers indeed! 🙂 DC really is the best. Hope you make it back soon!
You had the best NYE, loved the clothes and photo diary. So fun to re-live that moment.
You have positively convinced me that I need to spend a Christmas near D.C! The photos are absolutely gorgeous and it sounds like you had such a wonderful time!
Looks like you really know how to ring in the new year! Glad you had fun