Monuments, Museums, and a Thunderstorm: My Washington, D.C. Adventure!

By AngelaBlog

Monuments, Museums, and a Thunderstorm: My Washington, D.C. Adventure!

Washington, D.C.

My adventure in Washington, D.C. was full of amazing sights, history, and fun experiences! From seeing The White House to exploring the Smithsonian Zoo, walking past famous landmarks, and eating delicious food, I had a great time discovering the nation’s capital.

Staying at the JW Marriott – The Perfect Location

During our trip, we stayed at the JW Marriott, which was right next to The White House—a perfect spot for walking everywhere!

🏨 Easy access to everything – We were able to walk to The White House, National Mall, Georgetown, and more! It was so nice being able to explore without needing a car since we had been on a long road trip.
🍽️ Great food options – The hotel had an amazing market with fresh food and snacks, plus restaurants on-site that were super convenient.
⬆️ Super cool elevators! – The elevators at the JW Marriott were high-tech and futuristic, and I loved them! I’ve always been fascinated by elevators, and these were some of the fastest ones I’ve ever seen.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: If you like to walk and explore, staying at a centrally located hotel like the JW Marriott makes everything easier, so you don’t have to worry about taxis or public transportation.

Seeing The White House

One of the most exciting parts of my trip was seeing The White House, where the President of the United States lives!

🏛️ A historic landmark – The White House has been home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800!
📸 Great photo spot – It was so cool to stand outside and see this famous building in real life.
🍦 Surprisingly great ice cream! – We got ice cream from one of the food trucks near The White House, and it was delicious!

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: The area around The White House can be crowded, so visiting early in the morning or on a weekday is a great way to avoid big crowds.

Exploring the National Mall & the Washington Monument

While in D.C., we walked around the National Mall, which has so many incredible landmarks and monuments to explore.

🗽 The Washington Monument – This monument is SO tall and cool! It honors George Washington, the first U.S. president, and is 555 feet high!
🏛️ Historical landmarks everywhere – The National Mall is full of places to visit, and I wish we had more time to see all the museums and monuments!
🚔 Lots of security – Since it’s such an important area, there were security officers and police everywhere, making sure everything was safe.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: The National Mall is huge, so wearing comfortable shoes and taking breaks can make exploring more enjoyable.

Visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo was a highlight of the trip!

🦁 Lions and more! – I got to see lions, tigers, and other big cats up close.
🦓 Lots of animals – There were elephants, zebras, monkeys, and so much more to explore.
🎠 A super cool carousel – The zoo even had a carousel with animal-themed rides, which made it extra fun!

🎟️ Free but requires entry passes – The zoo is completely free, but you need to reserve passes ahead of time to enter.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: The zoo is big and can be loud, so wearing noise-canceling headphones or bringing a weighted lap pad can make the visit more enjoyable.

Eating Delicious Food in D.C.

D.C. had so many great places to eat!

🍕 Pizza at Il Canale in Georgetown – This was one of the best meals of the trip! Il Canale serves amazing pizza and has lots of great menu items.
🥬 Musssels & Spinach? – We love spinach and we love mussels! We found both at The Oceanaire Seafood Room that was right behind our hotel, within a short walk! The staff was SO friendly and accomodating after walking around all day.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: If restaurants are too crowded or noisy, getting takeout and eating in a quiet park is a great alternative!

Walking Through Historic Georgetown

One of the last places I visited was Georgetown, a beautiful and historic part of Washington, D.C.

🏡 Charming streets & fun shops – Georgetown has cute cobblestone streets, great stores, and amazing restaurants.
📖 Lots of history! – Georgetown is older than Washington, D.C. itself! Founded in 1751, it was originally a separate town before becoming part of the capital. Many historic buildings remain, giving it a colonial feel.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: Georgetown’s quiet side streets are a perfect place to take a sensory break from the busy city.

Waiting Out a Crazy Thunderstorm!

One of the biggest surprises on our trip was a huge thunderstorm that rolled in!

⛈️ A lightning and thunder show – The storm was so loud and bright, with tons of lightning flashes and booming thunder!
🏨 A cozy day inside – Since it wasn’t safe to go out, we stayed inside at the JW Marriott, and it turned out to be the perfect place to wait out the storm!

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: Storms and loud noises can be overwhelming, so I used some of my favorite sensory-friendly tools to help me stay calm:

🦊 Frankl Weighted Fox – Hugging my weighted plush fox helped me feel grounded and cozy while waiting for the storm to pass. Frankl is perfect for reducing stress and creating a sense of calm! https://averysautismadventures.com/product/frankl-the-weighted-fox
🛌 Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask – The thunder and lightning were intense, but using my weighted eye mask made it easier to relax, block out the flashes, and feel more comfortable. https://averysautismadventures.com/product/nodpod-gray

Even though we had to stay in, the JW Marriott was very accommodating, and we had plenty of snacks from the hotel market, comfortable spaces to relax, and great service that made us feel right at home.

∞ Autism-Friendly Tip: If you need a quiet and calming break during travel, weighted sensory items like Frankl the Weighted Fox or the Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask can help provide relief from overstimulation, available in my Avery Approved shop of my favorites!

Final Thoughts on My Washington, D.C. Adventure

Washington, D.C. was such a fun and exciting city to visit! I loved seeing The White House, exploring the National Mall, visiting the zoo, walking through Georgetown, and eating delicious food.

We only stayed for two nights as part of our East Coast road trip, but I can’t wait to go back and explore even more museums and landmarks!

Until next time!

💌 Avery

March 17, 2025

Bar Harbor, Maine: Lobster, Tides, and Stunning Views

By AngelaBlog

Bar Harbor, Maine: Lobster, Tides, and Stunning Views

Bar Harbor, Maine

There are some places you visit that just feel special, and for us, Bar Harbor, Maine was one of them. This charming coastal town quickly became one of our favorite destinations, with its waterfront views, fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, explore, and take in some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see—all at your own pace.

A Picture-Perfect Seaside Town

Bar Harbor sits on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s rugged coast, and it’s the perfect mix of New England charm and outdoor adventure. With its quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and scenic harbor, it’s easy to see why people have been visiting this town for centuries.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The town is walkable and low-stimulation, making it easier to navigate without overwhelming crowds or sensory overload. The harborfront area is a great place to sit, watch the boats, and take a break from the activity.

Lobster Like Nowhere Else

You can’t visit Maine without eating lobster, and we made sure to try some of the best Bar Harbor had to offer. Whether it was lobster rolls, steamed lobster, or lobster mac and cheese, everything was fresh, delicious, and exactly what you’d hope for in a Maine seafood feast.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with harbor views, which can be a quieter, less crowded option. For those with picky eaters or texture sensitivities, many places also have simple seafood, grilled cheese, or burgers on the menu.

Exploring Acadia National Park

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Acadia National Park, one of the most stunning natural areas in the country. With rocky coastlines, mountain views, and beautiful hiking trails, Acadia is a must-visit for anyone coming to Bar Harbor.

Acadia became a national park in 1919, making it one of the first national parks in the eastern U.S.. It’s known for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives, with more than 120 miles of hiking trails.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Acadia offers a range of trails—from easy, flat walks to more challenging hikes. If you’re looking for a low-impact, sensory-friendly option, the Jordan Pond Path is a great choice with calm water views and smooth trails. The Park Loop Road is also a great way to see the scenery without a long hike, perfect for visitors who prefer a car ride to walking.

Walking to Bar Island—Before the Tide Comes In!

One of the coolest things we did in Bar Harbor was walking across the ocean floor to Bar Island—but with a catch!

At low tide, a natural land bridge appears, allowing you to walk across the sandbar from Bar Harbor to the nearby island. But you have to time it right—if you don’t make it back before the tide rolls in, the walkway disappears completely, and you’ll need a boat to get back!

We made it across and explored Bar Island, taking in the quiet, peaceful nature and beautiful coastal views. As the tide started to shift, we made sure to head back before 5 PM—watching as the water quickly covered the path we had just walked on. It’s such a unique and fun experience, and definitely a must-do if you visit Bar Harbor!

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Walking across to Bar Island is a great sensory-friendly activity—the sandbar is soft and quiet, without the usual beach crowds. However, check the tide schedule and give yourself extra time to return to avoid any stress.

The Perfect Place to Unwind

Beyond the adventures, Bar Harbor is also a place to relax. The town has comfortable hotels, cozy inns, and even luxurious spas, making it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. And then there are the sunsets—Bar Harbor has some of the most breathtaking sunsets we’ve seen, with the sky turning shades of orange, pink, and purple over the harbor.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Many hotels and inns in Bar Harbor offer quiet, low-stimulation environments. If you need a break, find a secluded spot by the water or a quiet café to recharge. Some spas in the area also offer sensory-friendly experiences, like gentle lighting and calming music.

Final Thoughts

Bar Harbor is the kind of place that stays with you. Between the friendly small-town atmosphere, fresh seafood, natural beauty, and fun adventures, it’s easy to see why it’s one of our favorite places we’ve visited. Whether you’re looking to hike, eat, shop, or just take in the views, this charming coastal town has something for everyone—including sensory-friendly, autism-inclusive experiences.

If you ever get the chance to visit Maine, make sure to put Bar Harbor at the top of your list—you won’t regret it!

Until the next adventure!

January 31, 2025

Peaks Island: A Perfect Day Trip from Portland, Maine

By adminBlog

Peaks Island: A Perfect Day Trip from Portland, Maine

Back in the summer of 2022, during our big East Coast road trip, we found ourselves passing through Portland, Maine. Our hotel was near the port, and we couldn’t help but notice the steady rhythm of ferries coming and going. On a whim, we decided to hop on one early in the morning and set our sights on Peaks Island—just a short ferry ride from the city, but a world away in terms of pace and scenery.

We started out by hitting up a cult favorite, The Holy Donut, for a sweet treat and some coffee to get us moving. Although it was a long line and we got quite impatient, it was worth it. They were outstanding. 10/10, highly recommend.

Our plan for the day? Walk the entire Peaks Island. The route we’d picked out was around four miles, an easy loop that promised good exercise and plenty of sights along the way. We weren’t sure what we’d find, which only added to the excitement.

The ferry ride over was about 30 minutes and cost us about $14/ticket. It was great to be out on the boat in the morning with our donuts, ready for a new adventure.

As soon as we pulled up, we were greeted by that classic New England charm: weathered coastal
homes, tucked-away coves, and panoramic ocean views that made us pause to take it all in.

Every turn seemed to offer something new—a rocky shoreline overlook here, a wooden bench
with a great view there. One moment we were passing a quiet residential lane, the next we were
checking out Maine’s coastal flair: lighthouses, sailboats, and lobster hunt in the distance.

After completing our four-mile loop, we headed back toward the ferry dock, our senses full of the island’s sights and sounds but our bellies growling with hunger. The line for the fresh lobster rolls moved quickly, so we stopped in at the Island Lobster Company, a cheerful lobster shack right by the water. Refueling with a buttery lobster roll was a perfect compliment to the day.

Before catching the ferry back, we wandered into Down Front, a little gift shop and ice cream spot tucked near the dock. We browsed through local crafts and souvenirs, ultimately picking out our favorite: a Christmas tree ornament to commemorate the trip. We love collecting ornaments from each place we visit, and this one would help us remember our great day morning stroll and that salty air charm.

Whether you’re looking for a bit of exercise, a scenic escape from sensory overload, or a delicious lobster roll, Peaks Island offers a laid-back adventure that’s just a quick ferry ride from Portland, Maine. For us, it was one of those unexpected gems that you stumble upon when you’re open to new experiences—exactly what travel is all about.

January 7, 2025

Travel & Adventure

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