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Cherry Blossom Festival- Washington, D.C.
Without a doubt, Washington is at it’s most beautiful in the spring. Down at the tidal basin, it doesn’t get much better than those fleeting few weeks in March or April when the cherry blossoms bloom, and the entire area is transformed into a pale pink dream. Some years are better than others; harsh weather and high winds can destroy the delicate blossoms. But, when the weather cooperates, the experience is downright heavenly. The idea of cherry trees around the tidal basin predates the official planting by almost 25 years; during her first trip to Japan, National Geographic board member Eliza Scidmore encountered the trees, and was moved by their…
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The Hay-Adams- Washington, DC
The Hay-Adams is a Washington institution; it is a historic hotel that feels like it has been around as long as the city itself. A thoroughly plush establishment, with one of the best addresses in town, it is an excellent escape for locals, tourists, and visiting dignitaries alike.
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The Willard InterContinental- Washington, DC
Sophisticated is the first word that comes to mind when I think of The Willard. Polished and gilded follow, but surprisingly not stuffy. It is a wonderfully historic hotel that manages to preserve traditions such as afternoon tea, but yet still feels comfortable. It is a rare bird indeed.
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Dumbarton Oaks Gardens- Washington, DC
Dumbarton Oaks is just about the perfect appellation for a grand estate. It conjures images of an imposing manor house, surrounded by a leafy, verdant oasis. This is exactly what awaits you on the other side of Dumbarton Oaks substantial, yet ornamental, iron gates. And while the Colonial Revival mansion is magnificent in its own right, it is the garden that steals the show.
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The Renwick Gallery- Washington, DC
Art and architecture go hand in hand at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. Fresh off a magnificent renovation, this small gallery set in a Second Empire beauty is all around impressive.
