United States
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Where to See Bluebells in Virginia: Easy Spring Day Trips from DC
Run, donβt walk, to your nearest creek – Virginiaβs fairytale-like wildflowers are in bloom! Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) typically bloom from late March through mid-April, but their peak only lasts a couple of short weeks. I checked near Manassas Battlefield this past weekend, and theyβre already in full bloom. If youβre hoping to catch them at their best, this is your window! Plan a walk at one of the trails below before they fade. Bull Run Regional Park Bull Run Regional Park has a mile-and-a-half Bluebell Trail that winds alongside the creek, creating the perfect conditions for these blooms to thrive. Itβs one of the most well-known spots in Northern…
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Three Days in Los Angeles: From Santa Monica to Hollywood
The City of Angels sure has a lot to offer – Hollywood glamour, palm-lined streets, Rodeo Boulevard, Beverly Hills, and the California Coastal Trail. After spending a few days in San Diego, I traveled up the coast to Los Angeles for three days!Β I recently shared some tips about flying with toddlers, but I highly recommend taking the train if traveling between these two cities. It was so quick and easy to board the Pacific Surfliner trainΒ and the views riding along the west coast were phenomenal! Can you believe I paid only $30 to ride up to Los Angeles!? This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at…
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San Diego in Spring: What to See and Do
This time last year, I was soaking in the California sunshine in San Diego with my toddler in tow! I was so stoked to return after visiting 9 years prior with my mom, when I fell in love with the city and its laid-back charm. From seals and sea lions to gorgeous cliffside views, there’s so much to love about this city.Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coincidentally, both times I visited San Diego was during the spring! I am now convinced this is the best time to visit. If you’re planning a visit, here are my recommendations for…
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DC in Bloom: Best Places to See Spring Flowers in Washington
There’s something about the season of renewal – springtime is my favorite! Β After months of early sunsets and cold weather, it’s so exciting to see signs of the warmer weather ahead. Β Every year I look forward to peeping cherry blossoms and flowers in the city! Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Below are my recommendations for best spring flower highlights in Washington, DC. If planning a visit, check out my recommended local hotel pick. Magnolias Bloom Timing: Mid-March Enid A. Haupt Garden Closest metro stop: Smithsonian I might love tulip magnolias even more than cherry blossoms! Enid A. Haupt…
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DC in Bloom: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington
The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings more than a million visitors to Washington, DC each year! Although it gets crowded, the cherry blossoms have always been a must see for me. Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If visiting from out of town, check out my recommended local hotel pick convenient to the National Mall. Below are my favorite places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, DC: Tidal Basin Closest metro stop: Smithsonian Yoshino cherry trees are the iconic light pink blossoming trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. These trees were originally gifted to the US by Japan as a…
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5 Reasons to Visit the Library of Congress Jefferson Building
The Library of Congress Jefferson Building is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington, DC!Β There are plenty of reasons to visit this library, but here are my top five: It’s Free! One of the best things about Washington, DC is its plethora of available free activities and visiting the Library of Congress is no exception!Β Entry is free, you just need to reserve a timed entry pass before you go.Β See the LOC website to reserve your timed entry.Β Β Note: the weekend passes can book out in advance so try to plan ahead if you can! The Library of Congress also has staff throughout the building available to…
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Hiking Bearfence Mountain Trail on Skyline Drive
Hiking Bearfence Mountain Trail on Skyline Drive I recently spent a girls weekend in Orange County and we wanted to do a nearby trail.Β My friend suggested the Bearfence Mountain trail loop on Skyline Drive.Β Located in between the Swift Run Gap entrance and the Thornton Gap entrance, Bearfence Mountain Trail Loop is a one mile loop that partially overlaps the Appalachian Trail.Β The trail is quick but fun with several rock scrambles.Β It is not dog friendly so leave your furbabies behind for this one. The views atop the main rock scramble are absolutely spectacular!Β Due to the rock scrambles, you will definitely want to wear appropriate footwear with…
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Christmas in DC: Top Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
I can’t believe it is already about to be Christmas already – this year has flown by!Β There are lots of fun things to do in DC to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season.Β Here is my list of festive ways to celebrate the holidays! National Christmas Tree I always said the National Tree used to be the ugliest Christmas tree when they used net lighting, making it look like a cone. Β They seem to have done away with the nets though and it is much better! Β The National Christmas Tree is a must see during the holiday season, surrounded by smaller trees for each state decorated with ornaments created…
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Day Trip from Washington, DC: Harpers Ferry
While looking up trails and parks in the area, I came across Harpers Ferry!Β Harpers Ferry is located right where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge at the corners of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.Β It’s just over an hour away from Washington, DC by car or by train making it a super easy day trip.Β Β Harpers Ferry feels like a town frozen in time.Β The town is well preserved with 19th century buildings and is full of history!Β Harpers Ferry was witness to the first successful American railroad, more than 5 civil war battles, and the abolitionist movement! Harpers Ferry National Historic Park has various museums where you can…
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A Guide to Leaf Peeping near Washington, DC
The leaves changed a bit later this year but it’s official!Β It is leaf-peeping season!Β Here’s my guide to leaf peeping in and around Washington, DC. National Mall The National Mall is always a great spot for a stroll or a run.Β In the fall, it’s a nice spot to check out the changing trees.Β You won’t find super bright trees on the mall but the golden glowing trees will still get you in the fall mood.Β Β Walk towards the Capitol and there are some bright maples scattered around with popping color both on the East and West side. Rock Creek Park I recently posted about hiking in Rock Creek…
