Cherry Blossoms in DC: Spring Break in Washington

Cherry Blossom time in the Nation’s Capitol

The National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20- April 14, 2013) takes place in Washington, DC  every Spring and is packed with festivals, parades and many other events. Washington turns pink as the many cherry blossom trees in the city start to bloom. This year’s festival  commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC  in 1912.

Peak bloom this year is expected between March 26 and April 1, but it is hard to predict. The National Park Service website offers a blossom cam, as well as updated predictions on blooming dates.

From parades to fireworks to paddle boat rides on the Tidal Basin, the family friendly festival has something for everyone!

Click for a list of Destination DC’s can’t miss Cherry Blossom Festival events

Make the most of your spring break visit to Washington, DC. Georgetown Suites is offering a special Cherry Blossom Package: Stay 3 nights, and get 20% off each night. The spacious suites with full kitchens are perfect for families. Park your car in our underground garage and leave it. It’s much easier to get around DC without a car. The DC Circulator bus takes you from Georgetown to Downtown for $1, or Foggy Bottom Metro is a ten minute walk from the hotel.

Check rates for Georgetown Suites Cherry Blossom Package

Visit DC for Inauguration

US Capitol on Inauguration Day. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you considering coming to Washington, DC this January for the U. S. Presidential Inauguration?  This year the public Inaugural ceremony will be held on Monday, January 21.  The inaugural committe is formed after the election, so specific event details won’t be revealed until a few weeks prior to the inauguration. 

Besides the swearing in ceremony,  Inauguration festivities usually include a parade, and several official and non-official balls. 

Be sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations early. Georgetown Suites has a 3 night minimum stay requirement for arrivals Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Full payment is required at time of booking. Cancellations made 30 days prior to arrival will be refunded deposit, less $30 charge.  Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival are non refundable. 

 View rates and availability: 
30th Street Building
Harbour Bulding

So, bundle up and pack your formal wear and head to Washington, DC to be a part of history!

Halloween in Georgetown

If you will be in DC for Halloween, you’re in luck! There are lots of fun events happening all over the city. 

Boo at the Zoo: This fun family event is held at the National Zoo each year. This year it is October 26-28, 2012.

Fright at the Museum:  This scary exhibit at the National Crime Museum will make you want to sleep with the lights on!

Take a haunted tour of DC: The Most Haunted Houses walking tour will take you through Lafayette Park, which is known as one of the most haunted areas of DC! For more haunted spots, DC Ghost Tours show you “a Washington DC roadmap of the paranormal”. 

DC Drag Queen Race:  For something a little less scary, head to Dupont Circle to check out this over the top, flamboyant annual race. Stay for a fun block party following the race.  It attracts a very diverse crowd, and it is worth checking out, at least once.

Last but not least, Georgetown is the place to be on Halloween night.  The streets are blocked off, and costumed revelers wander in and out of the bars on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.  It makes for some fun people watching!

Georgetown: Where to shop in DC

Shopping in Georgetown

If you are looking for a little “retail therapy”, Georgetown is the place to be. This video highlights some of the unique shops Georgetown has to offer.

How to shop and tour Georgetown

Georgetown is not only known for it’s fashionable boutiques, but also for the many home furnishing stores. Cady’s Alley is an entire city block of Georgetown. It features international and local home furnishing retailers that offer high end fixutres and home accessories.

St. Patricks Day in DC

Saint Patrick's Day Parade of Washington, DC

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in DC! The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade of Washington, DC  will be held on Sunday March 11, 2012. This annual parade has been a Washington DC tradition for the past 40 years.  The parade starts at Noon and makes it’s way down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW.  

If you would like to celebrate by enjoying an authentic Irish meal, or green beer there are plenty of Irish restaurants in the area. For the hard core Irish revelers, Fado Irish Pub opens at 8:00 AM on St. Patrick’s Day.

Book yourself a room at Georgetown Suites, and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in DC.  You’ll be in the perfect location to take advantage of all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Washington!

Do you have a favorite spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in DC?  Let us know!

We heart Georgetown

In honor of Valentines Day, Georgetowndc asked on Twitter  “What do you love about Georgetown?”.  They got some great responses, and we thought we would add our own.

Food tops the list of our Georgetown favorite things. There are so many great restaurants to choose from.  Some of our staff’s favorites include: Mr. Smith’s, Filomena Ristorante, Clyde’s, and Sequoia.

Georgetown Suites also loves Georgetown’s sweets. We’re sure you’ve heard of Georgetown Cupcake, and Sprinkles, but don’t forget to check out Pie Sisters, Baked and Wired, Pinkberry and Georgetown Scoops!  Also, be sure to check twitter for the free cupcake of the day!

Of course, we have to mention the shopping! Fashionistas will love the variety of shops lining the Georgetown Streets.

We also love all the scenic spots, such as Washington Harbour, the C&O Canal and the brick row houses. 

What do you love about Georgetown (other than Georgetown Suites!)?

Neighborhood Tours Explore DC’s Good Hoods

Washington,  DC is known for its national monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution.  But, if your sightseeing plans consist only of the National Mall,  you are missing out on many of the things that make Washington, DC unique. 

DC is made up of several historic and diverse neighborhoods. From Adams Morgan to Georgetown to Capitol Hill,  these areas all have unique qualities that make up true Washington, DC.   For example, Georgetown began as a tobacco port town in the 18th century.  Today, you’ll find historic houses, gardens and museums interspersed between the trendy shops and cafés. Destination DC’s website lists 12 unique neighborhoods with brief highlights of each. For more information,  Cultural Tourism DC breaks down the city into 19 historical neighborhoods with walking tour suggestions.  Another great way to experience these neighborhoods is by taking a food tour! These food tours highlight the locally owned restaurants in the area. Find out more about Georgetown and DC’s other great neighborhoods by venturing off the mall, and into the ‘hoods! 

If you would like to spend some time disovering DC’s good hoods, book a stay at Georgetown Suites. We are ideally located in the heart of Georgetown, and are walking distance to all the shops and restaurants.

 

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