Did you travel for spring break this year? (Did you even get a spring break.. I know some areas only receive 1 or 2 days off around Easter).

During a typical spring, I'm running around literally like a chicken with it's head cut off due to Lenten programming and Easter prep. However, this year thing's were different and I've been reflecting on the slower pace of church life (which is completely odd to me but my body and mind seriously appreciates it).

In mid- March, I had the opportunity to travel north to see the family for a weekend. Planned months ago, we headed to D.C. on the Sunday for a day trip with the intent take my niece to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast's North American Tour (a show both my sister and I love). 

I am honestly not sure when my love for musical theatre started. Don't get me wrong: I DO NOT want to perform. I am perfectly happy being an audience participant. 

Perhaps it was middle school, after dropping out of band class, and taking up a music theater class; learning about films and productions such as Oklahoma!, Sound of Music, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Perhaps it was attending a smaller university where friends were often part of the theatre programming, prompting me to attend those shows.

Perhaps it's my love for Disney as my favorite childhood movies became broadway plays; and I eventually saw some stage performances when visiting the Disney Parks.

No idea when, but somewhere along the way, I found myself invested in broadway/ off broadway (after all, we can't go to New York ALL the time) shows and local theatre. Over the past years, I've seen some great awe-inspiring performances, some out of my comfort zone (here's to you, The Book of Mormon), and even some dismal ones where I wondered how the casting calls were made.

Beauty and the Beast's North American Tour is a delight to see. Our classic tale is brought to life through musical interludes, beautiful costuming, and passionate acting; with a few bits of humor thrown in that only the adults will get. I particularly loved the ball gowns, the intricate designs of casting the mansion characters turned into objects, and even the Beast's persona! 

While the tour has been through NC venues already, there are still plenty of opportunities to see this show across the country and more dates are being announced.

If this tale as old as time isn't your family's favorite, then my super all time favorite is heading to Greensboro May 2027. The Lion King is scheduled for May 19-30 at the Tanger Center. 

This was an afternoon matinee, allowing us some time to explore before heading home for the evening. On a Sunday afternoon, DC was not that crowded, giving us the opportunity to walk around the south side of the President's House, viewing some of our monuments, and giving us an opportunity for a nice stroll after sitting in the car and in our theatre seats for most of the day.

This was before the madness of Cherry Blossum season, but you could see some starting to peak. Some things we saw along the way:

• National Theater: The play took place at the National Theater. Opened in 1835; it's the nation's oldest theater STILL presenting touring Broadway shows. There's a whole history there, but one of the most interesting things is that Ford's Theatre (where Lincoln was shot) was not that far away. What would history have been like if Lincoln had not been at Ford's but National? Hmm. 

• The Historic Willard Intercontential Hotel: This hotel has hosted every president since the 1850's. Location is extremely close to the President's house, so this makes sense! I would love to stay here one day and learn about it's history further.

• The Washington Monument: As the tallest structure in DC, this took 36 years to build! Honoring our first President, George Washington, this attraction has 897 steps for you to climb... or take an elevator to the observation tower.

• Views of the Capitol Building are always cool to see when walking! 

• The White House: Remember being able to view the President's house at a closer advantage? I do, even a few short years ago when I took a bus tour from Virginia, but that's no longer the case. Now, you must either walk all the way around the President's Park to see the Southside as the north side has on-going street construction. 

We were so lucky it was the perfect spring day in D.C.! With sunshine, temps in the 60's, and a lighter crowd out on Sunday evening, walking around was a delight... but in normal times, I'd suggest walking shoes and not dressier shoes. Luckily the ones I wore are good for longer walking (not like all day pounding the pavement, but they do well), all was well. Also- be sure to note which venues do and do not allow water bottles. 

There is so much to do, see, and explore in D.C. Whether it's taking in a show at one of the many theatres, learning about life at one of the Smithsoanian Museums, or just walking along the side of the White House, glancing at the monuments and statues along the way. I do caution you to not be priced gouged by the food/ice cream trucks looking for customers as many are illegal (be sure to your research on that one as I've heard stories!). 

We ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe; always an interesting experience too. Musical decor, notes to past artists, and the likes make for a unique dinner option, although there are probably better local places to visit if you want to really explore the culture.

D.C. has a ton to offer the history buff, the cultural enthusiast, the sports-goer, and the kiddos (who probably love cool stuff but dont' care that much about history). As our 250th anniversary celebrations ramp up, you might want to consider checking out this guide for all the latest & greatest tips to keep your sanity.. and family entertained. 

Are you a weekend road-trip warrior? 

If so, where will your wheels take you next?