National Harbor turned out to be exactly the kind of afternoon we were looking for. Here's what we enjoyed during our waterfront walk, from watching the boats to finding a quiet patio for lunch.

When I first started taking Archie and Saydie on day trips, I thought doing more would make every outing better. Over time, I realized the opposite was true. Here are seven things I no longer do when traveling with my small dogs—and how those changes have made every adventure more enjoyable.

Looking for a change of scenery without a long drive? These five parks, waterfront destinations, and small-town escapes near Old Town Alexandria feel surprisingly far away while staying close enough for an easy day trip.