Roughly 20 minutes from the wedding venue, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a great spot for wedding guests wanting some fun (we even recommend staying at hotels in the area!). The racetrack, open since 1933, hosts live thoroughbred horse racing Wednesday through Sunday. You can also bet on simulcast races from other tracks. The casino offers about 5,000 slot machines, over 100 table games like blackjack and poker, and a sportsbook. Dining options include the Final Cut Steakhouse, Epic Buffet, and casual eateries. With live music and events, it’s a solid choice for a day or evening out.

If you’re interested in exploring Washington, D.C., we’ve put together a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of a single day in the city. It’s designed to hit the highlights and provide an enjoyable, efficient way to experience the nation’s capitol.

Start your day on Capitol Hill

The U.S. Capitol is a must-see—and a personal favorite! For a more memorable experience, reach out to your Congress Member in advance and request a personal tour of the Capitol, which typically starts at your member's office. Be sure to ask for gallery passes too, so you can sit in on a session if Congress is in session. After your tour, it’s an easy walk to two other iconic landmarks: the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress—both well worth a visit.

Click here to find and contact your representative.

Uber or Scooter to Ford's Theatre

This is one of the few paid tours in D.C., but it’s absolutely worth it. The tour offers a powerful and engaging look at the events surrounding President Lincoln’s assassination, right in the historic theatre where it happened.

Click here to secure tickets.

Walk to the White House

Just a short walk from Ford’s Theatre, the White House is an iconic stop—but be prepared: due to security measures, there are often fences and barricades that can make it difficult to get a clear view. If you’d like to tour the inside of the White House, you’ll need to request access through your congressional representative at least 90 days in advance. It’s usually easiest to go through your House member rather than your Senator.

Walk to the National Mall

The National Mall is about a one-mile walk from the White House, and it's home to some of D.C.'s most iconic monuments—including the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. We recommend starting at the Washington Monument and walking west toward the Lincoln Memorial. If you can time it just right, this walk is especially beautiful at sunset.

End your night at the Wharf

If you're looking for a lively spot to grab a drink or enjoy a meal, The Wharf in D.C. is a must-visit. It’s especially beautiful at night, with stunning waterfront views and a variety of great restaurants and bars to choose from.

Honorable Mentions:

Georgetown: Georgetown is a charming neighborhood to explore on foot. Stroll through its historic streets, grab a coffee at one of the cozy cafes, and enjoy some unique shopping. It's a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Top Smithsonians to Visit

- The American History Museum

- The National Portrait Gallery

Affordable Eats Around D.C.

- Shake Shack

- Good Stuff Eatery

- We the Pizza

- Sweetgreen

Great Restaurants

- Old Ebbitt Grill: This iconic spot has been a favorite of presidents since the 1800s. A must-visit for history and great food.

- Medium Rare

- Founding Farmers

- Le Diplomate

- Zorba's Cafe

Purcellville is nestled in Loudoun County, which boasts over 50 wineries & breweries, a majority of which are within 10-20 minutes of the venue—making it a perfect place to spend a day wine tasting and hanging out! If you’re a wine enthusiast, you can hop between different wineries and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Some of our favorite wineries in the area include:

-Firefly Cellars- owned & operated by family friends, the Pierleonardi family! On site is also a beautiful Airbnb that the family owns and is worth checking out!

-Breaux Winery

- Creek’s Edge Winery

A few breweries we highly recommend are:

-Old 690 Brewing Company

-Harvest Gap Brewery

-Harpers Ferry Brewing

-Dirt Farm Brewing

For a full list of popular wineries to visit, check out this link:

Discover Loudoun County Wineries

If you're in the mood for a little retail therapy, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets is a must-visit! Just minutes from downtown Leesburg and about 15 minutes from the wedding venue, this outdoor shopping center features over 100 designer and brand-name stores including Coach, Nike, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren — all offering great discounts. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll and a bite to eat between wedding festivities.

https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/leesburg/about