Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Gardens is a missed opportunity for many visitors to Washington, DC. It’s a bit off of the main tourism lane and unfortunately, too many miss this gem.

I’ve been dreaming of a White Christmas for 11 1/2 years, ever since we moved east. One would think living on the east coast of the US, it would be a given to see a blanket of white on Christmas morning, but alas… it has yet to happen. We’ve come close, maybe a few days before or after, but never on the actual holiday. Maybe this year?

Maryland -vs- Virginia. I don’t really know how often one can stand on either side of a river and be in a different state, but that’s the story of Great Falls National Park and the Potomac River. It’s really quite something.

Located in north eastern Washington, DC, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens National Park gives the Washington, DC annual cherry blossoms a run for their money. So-to-speak. While the gardens are not as well-known, they are certainly beautiful in their own right.

It’s Cherry Blossom Time in Washington, DC. If you know about Cherry Blossoms you know this time of year on the East Coast (and elsewhere I’m sure) is glorious!

2024. In many ways, the days of 2024 passed in the blink of an eye. But, the year also seemed to be one relentlessly long election year. Although we had a good year, we are happy to put 2024, and the election, on the shelf and get on with the business of living.

We relocated to the east coast, near Washington, DC, approximately 10 years ago. In all of that time, we haven’t had the joy of a white Christmas, nor have we seen the National Christmas Tree, in person. It was long past time to make at least one of those two things happen.

Updated: October 2024

Georgetown, a trendy neighborhood in Washington, DC, holds a special place in our hearts. For four years it was a focal point in our family, as our son attended Georgetown University. His four years at the university gave us the perfect opportunity to get to know Washington, DC. Little did we know that eight years later we would relocate to the east coast where Washington, DC and Georgetown would become our nearby playgrounds.

With that being said, let’s spend a day exploring Georgetown, shall we?

Harpers Ferry National Park. If you’re a US history enthusiast, Harpers Ferry is the place to see. Or, even if you just have a mild interest in the historical significance, there is so much more to experience. Harpers Ferry is the site of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia all meet at Harpers Ferry. Four national parks and three national trails all convene at Harpers Ferry. And, it is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail.

The Potomac River. First time visiting Washington, DC? Or, maybe you’re returning for a second, third or even fourth visit. Either way, there’s always something new to experience when visiting the city. I’ve said more than once a visitor could easily spend a month in Washington, DC and still not experience everything.