April showers brought … more May showers.
The DMV is known for its glorious warm spring days, but instead of flowers and sunshine this May, we received seemingly never-ending rain that made for a dreary beginning of summer. The rain that poured down at the beginning of the season set an all-time record for 14 consecutive days with at least a trace of rain—the first time since 1935. According to the South Regional Climate Center, the DMV’s early summer temperatures and weather best resembled that of San Francisco.
With the temperamental weather in mind, we have crafted a comprehensive Metro journey brimming with food, shopping, movies and more that will allow you to stay indoors shielded from potential downpour.
Tysons Corner
Silver line
The D.C. Metro comprises 103 miles of track—not including the new Silver line, which leads directly to our first stop: Tysons Corner, home to Tysons Corner Center, one of the largest malls on the East Coast, which can be accessed from the Metro via a covered pedestrian bridge that will keep you dry all the way across the street.
Start the day off with breakfast at Barrel & Bushel, a contemporary, American-style restaurant that serves its unique dishes using local and fresh ingredients. Classic menu items for breakfast include bourbon French toast and biscuits and gravy Benedict.
After filling your stomach with a hearty meal, it’s time for a shopping excursion. Considering the vast amount of stores in the mall (more than 300), this stop is perfect for those looking to shop until they drop. Though the weather may not be bright outside, you can dress like it is by stopping by DMV staple Pink Palm, owned by a group of women who have an intense love for brands such as Lilly Pulitzer.
If you’re spending the day with your little ones, let them explore the National Geographic Kids Area. Stop for lunch at Wasabi, complete with a sushi conveyer belt, or jump back on the Metro to trek to the next location.
Pentagon City
Blue, Yellow lines
After riding the Silver line toward D.C., you can easily transfer to the Blue line at Rosslyn and ride it down to Pentagon City (at least until June 18, when the Blue line will be closed between Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery. Learn more here.). This stop is home to Fashion Centre mall.
If you didn’t grab lunch at Tysons Corner Center, stop for a bite of Italian food at Ristorante Murali and try the pumpkin ravioli or the signature pizza, Pizza Murali.
With more than 170 stores and restaurants, the Fashion Centre makes for a fantastic shopping experience. Continue to spend the afternoon putting your wallet to (arguably) good use by visiting the chic shops of Altar’d State and Michael Kors or update your beauty collection at popular locations such as bareMinerals or MAC.
Then, indulge and relax at Modern Day Spa with a massage, facial or pedicure.
Union Station
Red line
Next, jump on the Yellow line from Pentagon City to Gallery Place, and transfer on to the Red line until you reach Union Station. The beautiful architecture and convenient transportation make this hub hard to beat.
For a quick dinner, grab a savory crepe at Crepe Lena. Afterward, you can spend the evening relaxing by people-watching the crowd waiting for the Amtrak or catching the latest blockbuster at the 9-screen theater.
If you didn’t get concessions at the movie, grab a sweet treat at Sugar Factory. The decadent café is famous for its milkshake flavors like Barbie, Fluffer Nutter and Make A Wish.
On the way back home, stop at Tysons one more time for drinks at Earls Kitchen and Bar. While you may not make it back in time for the happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Earls is open late every day, and the bar offers an extensive spirits menu complete with specialty cocktails for a laid-back conclusion to your day.
