Cherry Blossoms

One hundred years ago Japan gave DC cherry blossom trees as a gesture of friendship and goodwill, which bloom pink flower for a few weeks every spring.  Most of these trees have been planted around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, but you'll see them other places around DC too.

And every year millions of people descend upon DC to see the cherry blossoms and attend the festival.  Since it is the 100 year anniversary there will be more excitement that usual.  

If you are looking for a nice, relaxing, calm viewing of the cherry blossom trees, let me dash that hope right here.  There are lots and lots (and lots) of people who want to see these trees to, so expect lots of crowds.  Like, so-crowded-you-can't-move sidewalks.

There is a parade, street festival, kite festival, as well as other concerts and athletic events (10 miler, rugby, and others). The website even has a specific link to free events.

(FYI if you volunteer for the 10 miler this year, you get a reservation to register for next year's race, which will be by lottery only.  The reservation isn't in your name; any runner can use it the next year.)

Peak bloom is predicted to occur around March 28th, which is a bit early, probably spurred by the very mild winter.

Anyway, plan according and have fun!

Fort Washington

Now that the weather is getting nicer you can actually enjoy outside activities! Which is great because DC has a lot of stuff to enjoy outside.

First up, Fort Washington National Park.

Fort Washington is about a half hour from the center of DC, so if you're already on the south side of the city, give this spot a try.  Guarding the pathway of the Potomac River, see some of the original buildings and weaponry from the war.

Spy Museum and Bus Tour

Pretty good deal->

Spy City Tour of Washington DC and International Spy Museum Visit for $29

Groupon for Mansion on O St.

$20 for Self-Guided Secret Door and Sugar Tour with snacks and $10 Shopping Voucher

Deal ends in 5 days.

BD's Mongolian Grill

I know I don't tend to write about restaurants, but this one is so good.  It is BD's Mongolian Grill, and while there are other locations across the country there is on in Bethesda, MD.

The idea is that you grab a bowl, go up to a buffet style table and select meat, veggies and sauces/seasonings.  Then bring it to a communal grill and they grill it up right in front of you!  And it is... how do I say, so good.

 

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This place is right off the Bethesda metro stop (red line), and also right by Bethesda Row, for your (window) shopping pleasure. {photo via}

Eastern Market

Looking for something to do on a Saturday or Sunday when the weather is nice?  Consider going to Eastern Market.  

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Eastern Market is part farmer's market, part meat market, and part "flea" market.  Flea is in quotations because it's not what one might normally consider a flea market (cheap stuff).  This stuff is, like, made by artisans and what not.  Historical maps. Jewelers (including Scrabble jewelry!).  Handmade clothes.  Note that this is a nicer part of DC, so nothing is really cheap.

 

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Outside and also insider the main mall are farmer's market booths (again, not cheap), and inside are some meat vendors.

So come out and browse around one weekend on your way up to the national mall.  Have a crepe or a lemonade in the summer. Did I mention that there is usually someone there that sells scrabble jewelry? Lego cuff links too.

PS. Capitol Hill Books is right around the corner, if you want to browse a house literally filled with books.

Annapolis

Like I said in an earlier post, one of the reasons DC is great is because it is close to other cities. One place that is nice for a day trip is Annapolis.

 

Annapolis is a quaint city, home to the Naval Academy.  In fact the whole town is very Go-Navy. Stroll around St John's College, then down Main St. and browse the shops.  Catch a show at Rams Head Tavern, eat dinner by the water.  

Oh yeah, and go back in August and run/cheer for the Annapolis 10 miler.