Alleyway with Murals near U Street - Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
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This spring, discover an array of beautiful and vibrant colors in the nation's capital.
DC’s color palette is not confined to museums or its bounty of natural beauty. The city is filled with murals and street art, such as Lisa Marie Thalhammer's LOVE mural in Shaw, the Watermelon House on Q Street, the Marvin Gaye mural at 710 S Street, Union Market’s Heart Wall, James Bullough’s mind-bending work at 905 U Street (commissioned by The Phillips Collection) and Cory L. Stowers’ Paul Robeson mural. All showcase a variety of colors and ideas – and they’re all free to see.
Once winter turns to spring, cherry blossoms bloom at spots all over the District. You and your comrades will be awash in pink at gorgeous sites such as the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and even off-the-beaten path locales like Stanton Park. You can entertain your cherry blossom enthusiasm even further by attending these National Cherry Blossom Festival events.
Both the Washington Wizards and 2018 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals play into the spring, so Capital One Arena will be at a fever pitch throughout the season. Even the boys of summer start in the spring, as the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals open their season at Nationals Park. Each team features its share of stars, so get ready to rock the red and feel the noise.
From the decor to the plates, the restaurants of José Andrés are eye-popping with color, matching the personality of their fun-loving owner. In Penn Quarter, the mainstay that is Jaleo features small plate sexiness in a stylish Spanish setting with big glass windows to see and be seen. Next door, China Chilcano's polychromatic designs match its true-to-Peru multicultural flavors, which incorporate Japanese and Chinese cuisine like sushi and dim sum. But wait, there's more! Nearby Zaytinya remains an in-demand reservation serving up Mediterranean small plates, while Mexican restaurant Oyamel features tableside guacamole and a whimsical (read: very colorful) dining room. All of these José Andrés restaurants have achieved Bib Gourmand status in DC’s Michelin Guide.
Throughout its effervescent and delicious neighborhoods, DC offers restaurants with concepts and flavors from all over the world. There’s the Indian fare and Hindu-inspired environs of Rasika West End and so many more restaurants to try right now. The list goes on and on, so start your colorful and delicious dining adventures in the District.
Patriotic colors are the focus of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's Star-Spangled Banner exhibit, which showcases the flag that stood at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write our country’s national anthem. You can view the historic relic for free at one of the city’s most popular museums.
You will want to have a camera ready for your trip to northeast DC’s romantic oasis. The National Arboretum stays colorful nearly all year long, sporting a diversity of flora and fauna, including bonsai trees, azaleas and conifers. In spring, you can find flowering cherry blossom trees that are far away from the crowds of the National Mall. A can't-miss: The National Capitol Columns that supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1828-1958. They stand triumphantly in the Arboretum today.
This repurposed church built in 1886 features an incredible facade that sports a range of colors and shapes, making the building an Instagram favorite. DC Culture House is a multipurpose facility – check its events calendar and know that the space serves as an open gallery from 12-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday.
Okay, you can’t literally feed Katharina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock sculpture at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building, but admiration and nearby-posing are more than welcome. This stylish wing of the museum (which is free to enter) also features paintings from artists of the Color Field movement, including Gene Davis and Mark Rothko (who also has an extensive showcase at The Phillips Collection).
Rock Creek Park is a 2,100-acre natural escape located in northwest DC. During the spring months, its 32 miles of trails are bedecked with lush green trees, creating a sanctuary that will have you feeling far from the city. Of course, Rock Creek is not the only park worth visiting in the area – read up on more national parks to explore as you plan your spring trip.
Nam June Paik’s jaw-dropping Electronic Superhighway installation is one of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's crown jewels. Closed-circuit televisions weave with neon lighting to create a piece that you can get lost in. From its multitude of colors, which indicate the individuality of states, to its screens, highlighting our obsession with film and television, Paik’s immense work leaves a lasting impact on the senses.
Friendship Archway in Chinatown - Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
DC’s Chinatown neighborhood is home to one of the city’s grandest structures. The Friendship Archway stands as a 60-foot beacon at the intersection of 7th and H Streets NW, featuring detailed artwork that includes 7,000 tiles and 272 painted dragons. Its expanse and explosion of color makes the Archway a great photo-op – then you can continue exploring the neighborhood.
Located on the National Mall, the U.S. Botanic Garden is awash in colorful plants from around the world. Throughout its Conservatory, National Garden and Bartholdi Park, the Garden is a living plant museum, showcasing species rare and fascinating. Relax in the peaceful and scenic Garden Court after you have taken in the wonders of one of the country’s longest-running botanic gardens.
Glenstone is not simply a trip to an art museum. This fascinating indoor-outdoor property and its architecture and artwork, all graced by the tranquility of nature, makes one feel that they’ve journeyed to another world altogether. Your sense of time can vanish as you are consumed by a mixture of artistic, architectural and natural beauty that you won’t find anywhere else in the DC area.
The Kennedy Center © Jati Lindsay
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts regularly features entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to check out the free performances at Millennium Stage as well.
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