How to Spend Your Fall In D.C.
By Isabella Ramon
Fall is an incredible time in D.C. The sights, tastes, and smells of the District are unlike any other. Signifying the quick approach of fall, leaves around campus starting to turn and the air is hopefully starting to get crisp. Here are a few things to do to enjoy the season to its fullest.
Besides Starbucks advertising their Pumpkin Spice Latte, the colorful foliage around the area is the number one indicator of the fall season. There are a few incredible places to walk trails and get the perfect Instagram picture of the changing trees around the area. Rock Creek Park and The National Arboretum are both areas that have plenty of space to enjoy the foliage. With Rock Creek Park spanning a whopping 1,800 acres and The National Arboretum being 412 acres, there are plenty of areas where the changing trees can be admired. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sights of the season as picturesque leaves float off of the branches. Another spot to enjoy the sights of fall is the top of the newly opened Washington Monument. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the trees that are lining the Mall from the top of the 555ft tall structure.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without some Halloween adventures around the city. The Mansion on O Street is hosting its annual Halloween scavenger hunt during the week of Halloween. Explore more than 100 rooms with over 70 secret doors for a chance to find Halloween themed prizes. Located in Dupont Circle and within walking distance from the White House, it is a perfect central area to spend the night. A must for the Halloween season is Trick-Or-Treating on Embassy Row. Explore a bit of culture while collecting candy from different countries.
For fine dining in a Halloween themed atmosphere, head over to Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown. With over the top decorations every Halloween, Folimena’s makes eating there an experience. There will be everything from dragons to killer clowns hanging from the ceiling to engulf the guests in season.
Fall would not be the same in the District without the seasonal flavors. Head to local sweet shops such as District Doughnut, the nearest location being Union Market, and discover the sweet tastes of fall. Pumpkin Spice Latte Creme Brulee, Maple Butter Pecan, and Pumpkin Glazed are just a few types of doughnuts they have to offer to get everyone into the spirit. Ebenezers Coffeehouse and La Colombe Coffee Roasters are also great coffee shops nearby that will provide everyone’s fall flavor fix.
Last, but certainly not least, nothing else says fall like going to an orchard to pick apples or to a pumpkin patch to get lost in a cornfield maze. From apple picking to a pumpkin cannon, Butler’s Orchard has everything to satisfy even the most intense fall cravings. Visit the area for their Pumpkin Festival starting this weekend and continuing every weekend until November 3rd. Located a bit out of D.C. in Germantown, Maryland, it is the perfect way to take a day trip and enjoy the area.
Fall is an incredible time in D.C. so, be sure to take a break from school to enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the city.
