For our annual trip to NY this summer we decided to split the drive over two days, with an overnight in DC. That would let us see Leandra’s cousin Cody, and also re-visit the Udvar-Hazy Center, a part of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum located near Dulles Airport.

Audacious Aleworks – Parking was a little tight, but we were lucky to get a spot right in front. I got the Seven Evil Exes sour, then the tripel, while Leandra savored her two dark beers, the Pretentious Porter and the Camp Fire Sweet Stout. Once Cody arrived we also got soft pretzels to snack on. Everything was delicious.

Happy Thai Restaurant – Dinner took forever as the kitchen was clearly filling take-out orders ahead of the few people sitting in the dining room. When it did finally arrive, my Penang curry was very good, lots of flavor and a good medium heat. However, Leandra’s papaya salad was underwhelming, and the side of beef they sent out was steamed/boiled with basically no seasoning and terrible texture. I think this place gets all it’s good reviews from delivery or pick-up as the ambience and service was lacking.

Settle Down Easy Brewing – Leandra wasn’t feeling a heavy beer after dinner, so she opted for a 1/2 pint of the Zaragose (dark gose with lime, coriander + sea salt) while I got the Cobbleberry.

The next morning after breakfast at the hotel we did a quick shop at H-mart for gochujang, then continued on to the Udvar-Hazy Center. This massive hangar stores a wide range of vehicles, including the SR-71, the space shuttle Discovery, and the Enola Gay bomber. We arrived right after they opened at 10am so we were in the first wave of visitors before it got super crowded.

We spent about two hours admiring the planes then stopped for a quick lunch at Pepperjack’s Subs in Laurel, MD before continuing on to Long Island.