This post and the giveaway is sponsored by Congressional Plaza.
One thing you won’t find in DC is a shopping center with great shops that you can drive right up to, park, shop, and hop back in your car and be on your way. It’s one thing I miss about living in a more drivable city. But last week, I had the opportunity to check out a shopping center that’s a quick 20 minute drive from DC!
I don’t own a car, but I love making quick day trips outside of the city about once a month. I use Getaround, which is basically like Airbnb but for cars. I booked a car one street over from my apartment, hopped in it on Friday morning and ventured 20 minutes out to Rockville, Maryland to see what Congressional Plaza has to offer!
Congressional Plaza
The shopping center is fresh and new and has a lovely sitting area where all of the fast, casual restaurants are located. The cutest, bright yellow umbrellas dot the sitting area where there are tables, chairs, and even a few lounge sectionals for when you need a break from all the shopping! I arrived around lunchtime and had plenty of options to choose from! There’s a Chop’t, Modern Market, Lebanese Taverna, Smoothie King, Starbucks, and Honeyfish Poke. I went with a salad from Chop’t and grabbed a table outside to people watch and fuel up for an afternoon of shopping!
I had no idea there was a shopping center with so many great shops so close to DC! I first popped in Neiman Marcus Last Call to browse all of the designer goods on major mark down. One section that stood out to me was the jewelry section. They had a huge selection of John Hardy and David Yurman bracelets and bangles that were marked down. I was so tempted to treat myself! I’m definitely keeping this in mind for when the holiday gifting season rolls around! Also on the luxury front, Congressional Plaza boasts a Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth too!
Next, I popped into The Container Store to scope out anything I might need for my apartment. After perusing through rows of jars, organizing units, and under the bed storage options, I made my way to Ulta! Before moving to DC, I used to shop at Ulta all. the. time. However, there’s not one in the city so I rarely get to pop in there anymore. I was so excited when I saw that there was a store at Congressional Plaza! Ulta carries all of my favorite beauty and skincare brands. I scooped up my go-to shampoo by Wella, a container of Kopari coconut melt (the best makeup remover!), and I finally grabbed Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer to try out!
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop in LOFT as they were having a 40% off of everything sale! I grabbed a Lou & Grey sweater that I can’t wait to wear in California later this week. Before heading back to DC, I grabbed a quick drink at Starbucks, which by the way, is the cutest little Starbucks! Word to the wise, if you’re dragging your significant other along for the afternoon, suggest that he bring his laptop or a book, and drop him off at Starbucks. 😉
For a full list of all of the shops and restaurants at Congressional Plaza, visit their website here!
GIVEAWAY
Now for the fun part! I’ve partnered with Congressional Plaza to giveaway a $50 American Express gift card! The giveaway is happening over on Instagram. Scroll to the bottom of the blog post to see how to enter to win!
GIVEAWAY
Enter to win a $50 American Express gift card!
Here’s how to enter:
- Like this photo on Instagram.
- Follow @congressionalplaza on Instagram.
- Tag 2 friends in the comment section of this photo who’d like to win the $50 gift card!
You must complete all three to be eligible to win the gift card, and you must be following @congressionalplaza and @cobaltchronicles.
The giveaway ends at midnight on September 1, 2018. Winner will be announced by Tuesday, September 4, 2018 on Instagram!
Thank you to Congressional Plaza for sponsoring this blog post and the giveaway!
