PRE-FLIGHT FOOD AND FUN
With an abundance of dining and shopping at Dulles and Reagan , there ’ s something for everyone to do while waiting for wheels up .
When you pack your suitcase , head through that security line , and triple check you ’ ve got your boarding pass ( digital or paper ), your sole focus is on getting to your destination . But once you ’ ve gotten eyes on your gate and you have some time to burn , there ’ s a dining and shopping scene sure to delight every type of traveler . Whether you ’ re flying with your family , going on a solo business trip , heading to an ashram on a health-conscious reset , or getting ready for a party weekend with your girlfriends , these dining and shopping suggestions will help set just the right tone for your trip .
GIRLS TRIP
If you ’ re getting your best gals together for a weekend in a fabulous destination , don ’ t wait until you touch down to let the fun begin . Meet your girls at Dulles and get the party started .
First up , have some wine and light snacks at Vino Volo . Grab a seat at the bar for a wine flight and plot out your plans for the weekend .
Head over to Estee Lauder / M . A . C . for a quick movie montage makeover . The staff can help you freshen up with a fun smoky eye or bold red lip , so you ’ re ready for a night on the town when you arrive at your destination . Stock up on beauty essentials and you ’ ll be all set .
As the saying goes , “ treat yourself .” Pop into Vera Bradley and immerse yourself in the vibrant patterns and designs . Look for travel essentials like lightweight luggage , cosmetic bags , or a versatile tote to keep your in-flight necessities organized and handy . Then head to Vineyard Vines to embrace the coastal elegance by picking relaxed yet chic apparel perfect for a breezy arrival .
Finally , wait for your flight to be called with a sophisticated sit-down lunch at Chef Geoff ’ s , a longtime Washington institution , and say ‘ cheers ’ to the best weekend ever !
FAMILY VACATION
All most parents want is a seamless travel experience when trying to fly from Point A to Point B . Thankfully , with Reagan ’ s family-friendly options , dining and shopping with kids has never been easier .
The Smithsonian Museum Store is a must for families flying out of Reagan National . The boutique offers an array of souvenirs from the number one museum complex in the world . That includes things for the kiddos like astronaut ice cream , stuffed dinos and kid-friendly explainers of the Constitution and other historic documents .
Burgers are usually a hit amongst the small set , and Reagan National offers a number of options . Smashburger is great for made-to-order burgers ( and kids love watching the patties get literally smashed on the grill ); Good Stuff Eatery , featuring burgers with names like “ The Michelle Melt ” ( for Mrs . Obama ) offer some DC cred ; and Five Guys is a perennial favorite among diehard burger fans . Bonus : All three burger stops also offer frosty and fresh milkshakes as well .
Need to stock up on distractions for the plane ? Head to The Goods @ DCA for children ’ s books , a unique selection of toys , and snacks like trail mix and more .
For kids , there ’ s nothing better than watching airplanes take off . Once everyone is full and happy , head to any of the floor-to-ceiling windows by your boarding gate to get a sneak peek at the lively action on the runway .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 20 AUTUMN 2023