Botanic Garden and Ben's Chili Bowl

After an entire week of cold wind and rain, 55 and sunny this weekend felt pretty amazing so of course we had to get outside and enjoy it.  Our day started with delicious chocolate chip banana pancakes and only went up from there.  We headed to the United States Botanic Garden and were totally stunned by the gorgeous place.  The botanic garden is located right next to the Capitol and has incredible views both inside and out.



Can you believe this place is FREE?!





Although we have tried a half smoke at Nationals stadium, we still had not been to Ben's Chili Bowl.  We joined the ranks of Barack Obama, Bill Cosby, Paula Dean, and all of the other and finally had burgers, sausages, and fries covered in cheese and delicious spicy chili.  Ben's Chili Bowl is a DC must try and I totally get the appeal -- the food is so yummy, the place is colorful and fun, and even with a long line they get you through quickly.  You really feel like you are somewhere special looking at the pictures of all of the people who have eaten in the same exact place.



We finished out our DC day date eating fresh pastries and walking around the Eastern Market (a giant Flea Market and Farmers Market).  Next time we go, we will definitely be prepared with bags to keep food cold because I could have bought almost every single thing there!