When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC?

***Please note that this When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC? Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date dining scene. This list was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

One of the biggest blessings about living in the Washington, DC area is getting to take part in the city’s National Cherry Blossom Festival yearly. Millions of visitors (perhaps, like yourself!) flock to Washington, DC every year for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. I have felt SOOOO lucky to host some friends and will continue to host some friends who visit to see the cherry blossoms here! While the cherry blossoms are such an exciting sight to see here in Washington, DC (and beyond the city, too!), it can be pretty tricky to time your visit as to when the cherry blossoms bloom. That all being said, this When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Washington, DC? Guide will outline based on previous years when the cherry blossoms could and will bloom.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

When Do The Cherry Blossoms Peak Bloom in Washington, DC?

Planning a trip to see the Cherry Blossoms bloom in Washington, DC?!?! Book your stay today using Booking.com or Hotels.com. I also highly recommend reserving tours, excursions, and experiences in the nation’s capital in advance, too!

 

This guide will be split into 4 sections: The National Cherry Blossom Festival, About The Cherry Trees, When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom?, and Tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

To celebrate the cherry blossoms blooming in Washington, DC, the city hosts its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival corresponds with the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s story begins in 1912 when Japan gifted the United States 3,000 cherry trees. On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first two trees gifted from Japan on Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin. Since First Lady Taft’s coordination and involvement in the roots of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, United States First Ladies have took part in the festival’s festivities and preservation of the cherry trees. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival includes several signature events, including Opening Ceremony, Petalpalozza, Parade, and Blossom Kite Festival.

The next National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 20-April 12, 2026. See more information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival here.

About The Cherry Trees

The cherry blossoms bloom from the cherry trees. It is important to note that there are not one, but rather ELEVEN varieties of cherry trees here in Washington, DC (and, hence, SOOOO many different types of cherry blossoms to enjoy here in the nation’s capital!). Alongside, the cherry trees, there is also a Magnolia tree variety that blooms into Pink, cherry tree-like blooms during cherry blossom season, which I will share more about in this section, too.

The Cherry Tree Varieties

There are a total of 11 cherry tree varieties in Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin and into the Washington Monument grounds, according to the National Park Service. The majority of the cherry blossom trees in this location are Yoshino Cherry trees (about 70%), which are white, have 3-5 petals, and almond-scented. The second-largest species is the Kwanzan Cherry tree, which is Pink with 30+ petals, making up about 13% of the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees. In addition to the well-known Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees, there are several other species of cherry tree, including the Akebono, Sargent, and Okame.

To learn more about Washington, DC’s cherry tree species, then look no further than these excellent resources from the National Park Service, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and WUSA9.

The Magnolia Tree (not a cherry tree variety but a local favorite!)

Cherry Blossoms are not the only Pink trees that bloom in the Spring in Washington, DC. The Magnolia Tree is another Pink tree that blooms here, too. The Magnolia Tree blooms with large pink and white flowers. Popular locations to view the Magnolia tree in and around Washington, DC include: the Enid A. Haupt Garden (also known apart of the Smithsonian Gardens behind the Smithsonian Castle), Rawlins Park, and the George Mason Memorial.

To learn more about Washington, DC’s Magnolia trees, look no further than this excellent resources from the Smithsonian Gardens.

SO, When Do The Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

ANDDDDD, now for the reason that you’ve probably clicked on this post …. when do the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC?! The answer isn’t a one-size fits all response, due to the local weather conditions that vary each year. However, based on the 2022-2025 peak bloom, typically the last week in March-first week in April is your best shot at catching those cherry blossoms blooming. However, before you go booking your ultimate Washington, DC Cherry Blossom vacation, be sure to check out the 2026 Peak Bloom Forecasts by the Cherry Blossom Watch 2026 website, as it offers the most accurate and in-depth look into when do the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC.

Magnolia Trees: The Magnolia trees tend to bloom a bit earlier than the cherry trees. Typically, they bloom the first-second week of March.

Tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at The Tidal Basin

There are several things that one must keep in mind when visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at peak bloom. And, while visiting the cherry blossoms is typically packed with visitors both from near and far like yourself, truly, it is an experience of a lifetime!

Note: This section will solely focus on visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin as well as around the National Mall (specifically near the Washington Monument). It is worth noting that although not mentioned in this section, there are several other locations across the Washington, DC area to view cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

Below, I have listed out some tips for Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin:

  • Use public transportation to get there! Your nearest stop will be the Smithsonian Metro Station, which is accessible along the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. When taking Metro, it will be PACKED especially if you go on the weekends. Be sure to plan your trip using Metro’s app + website and allow for extra time.
  • The walk from the Smithsonian Metro Station to the Tidal Basin is about 10-15 minutes. The Tidal Basin is behind the Washington Monument which is an excellent place to take photos on your way there (or back!). Walk towards the Washington Monument. Be prepared to walk and follow the crowds to ensure you don’t get lost!
  • Be prepared for crowds, especially on the weekends!
  • When taking photos, don’t be afraid to be assertive, but, above all else, be kind and mindful of other people.
  • If you struggle with seasonal allergies, be prepared and take all the allergy meds beforehand!
  • To avoid the crowds, try visiting the Tidal Basin on a weekday and/or before 8am/at golden hour.

Above all else, be sure to enjoy the moment and HAVE FUN!

Wrap-Up

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of my favorite events of the year! Personally, I feel extremely lucky to live close to the nation’s capital, so that when the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, DC, then I am able to go and see them and enjoy them. Truly, visiting the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Washington, DC is such a privilege to be able to do and a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of us to experience.

XOXO – Katie <3

Friendsgiving 2025 Tablescape

In 2025, I developed a brand-new hobby: tablescaping! I have LOVED sharing my Tablescapes this year for my 26th Birthday Brunch (here), 1st Annual Harvest Dinner Party (here), and Fall Family Dinner Party (here). It has been SO much fun putting together Tablescapes throughout 2025 and especially this Fall 2025, and I am excited to share ALL of the details behind my Friendsgiving 2025 Tablescape.

Every year, I host a Friendsgiving gathering to bring together my friends. I LOVE how Friendsgiving is a wonderful time to come together and feel gratitude for the friendships that we have in our lives. Just like family, I feel that friends are such a vital part of our well-being and our chosen family. I feel SOOO lucky to have so many great friendships in my life, and I find Friendsgiving just one special time that I can spoil my friends! This Friendsgiving 2025, I had a smaller group as I scheduled it closer to Thanksgiving and many of my friends were tied up, however, we had a wonderful time and I enjoyed having a smaller group this time around (although others were missed!).

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

One of the unique things that I did for this year’s Friendsgiving Tablescape is that I used things that I had on-hand. From previous Home Goods runs during likely the August/September time frame, I found some ultra-fun turkey-themed party poppers and turkey-themed slogan napkins. While at home, I used some of my Fall decorations (aka my mini pumpkins which are linked at the end of this post!) and a ceramic turkey that I thrifted earlier this year. For cups and glasses, I used my newly purchased gold accented glasses that I got at the Old Lucketts Store’s Holiday House 2025 (see my experience there in 2025 here and my guide to the Holiday House here). As for linens, I used my Draper James table runner, which is floral and I find it to be PERFECT for the cooler months (!!!) and my satin light blue curtain that I thrifted and repurposed as a tablecloth a few years back. And, for just about every occasion, I use my antique tray that used to be my Grandma’s to display the table’s centerpiece.

Til 2026 for the next Friendsgiving!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

Katie’s Gift Guides 2025!

It’s gift guide season! I am SOOOO excited for my Gift Guides 2025 to officially be live. Personally gift guides are such a highlight for me year after year, and I had so much fun putting them together this year. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I surveyed my followers aka many of YOU on what you’re shopping for this holiday season. At the same time, I decided to mix in some of my own personality into my gift guides as I put them all together. And, hence, my gift guides were born!

This year, my Gift Guides contain gifts for: The Dog Mom, The Chef, The Homebody, The Hostess, The Wine Enthusiast, and The Stocking. And, as always, if you have any gift ideas or need help shopping this holiday season, then please feel free to DM me over on Instagram (@_thepinkchickadee). I am ALWAYS happy to help do the shopping for YOU <3

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

2025 Gift Guides

As previously mentioned, my Gift Guides contain gifts for: The Dog Mom, The Chef, The Homebody, The Hostess, The Wine Enthusiast, and The Stocking.

For The Dog Mom

Sniffany & Co Plush Toy // Chewy Vuitton Paris Plush Toy // Beaded Dalmatian Ornament // Belt Bag // Mini Canvas Doggie Bag Tote // Pink Dog-Sized Blanket // Dogs Mug // Pink Champagne Bottle Plush Toy // Pink & Green Leash // Personalized Collar

For The Chef

Two-Piece Frying Pan Set // Wooden Kitchen Utensils Set // Staffordshire Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers // Pink Dutch Oven // Spoon Holder & Spoon Rest Set // Block Print Apron // Celebrate with Babs Cookbook // White Pot & Pan Set // Chinoiserie Tea Kettle // The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook

For The Homebody

Lip Balm Party Pack // Printed Mug // Floral Blanket // Diffuser Set // Block Print Two-Piece Pajama Set // Reusable Eye Patches // Needlepoint Pillow with Saying // Essential Oil Diffuser // Hydrangea Blanket // Two-Piece Lounge Set // Palm Beach Candle // Scalloped Multi-Wick Candle

For The Hostess

Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bottle // Chinoiserie Tea Towel // Chocolate Set // Hydrangea Cocktail Napkin Set // Staffordshire Dog Cocktail Picks // Personalized Jute Tote // State-Shaped Charcuterie Board // Printed Candle Set

For The Wine Enthusiast

Hampton Water Bottle // Charcuterie Board // Champagne Flutes Set // Glasses Icon Tumbler // Moët Champagne Bottle // Animals Icon Wine Glass Set // Bow Cocktail Picks // Blue & Green Wine Tea Towels // Pink Coquette Tea Towels // Pink Coupe Glasses // Wine Glass Bow Set

For The Stocking

Scrunchies // Clear Initial Pouch // Tarte Shape Tape Concealer // Scalloped Hair Brush // Lip Balm // Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Power Mist // Rose Glass Candle // Personalized Clear Pouch // Personal Fan Trio // Initial Claw Clip // Floral Notebook Trio // Gold Bracelet Set // Striped Tassel Pouch

Happy Holidays my friends!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide

***Please note that this Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) over the past few months, I have shared a bit about my recent brief experiences visiting Raleigh, North Carolina and more specifically enjoying the city’s well-known North Hills Shopping District. I also visited North Hills a lot throughout my college years when I was a student at Meredith College and made several memories during that era of my life. One of my favorite memories at North Hills was shopping at the Lilly Pulitzer store there! North Hills has so many adorable shops and restaurants that those local to Raleigh and visiting can enjoy. This Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide will outline everything you need to know before you go!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide

 

About North Hills in North Carolina:

Originally a strip mall and then constructed into an enclosed mall in the 1960’s known as North Hills Mall, North Hills in North Carolina has transformed over the decades into what it is today. At the time of its construction as an enclosed mall in 1967, North Hills Mall was the only two-story indoor mall between Atlanta and Washington, DC. North Hills transformed into what it is today in 2001 when Kane Reality Corporation bought the mall site, reopening it in 2004 into what it is and continues to evolve into today. Today, North Hills in North Carolina is a well-known multi-faceted district offering opportunities to live, work, and play in the heart of Raleigh’s Midtown. Offerings include Four-Star hotels, restaurants, shops, apartment complexes, and signature events throughout the year. One of the most unique things about North Hills in North Carolina is that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy, whether it be indulging in some luxury shopping at one of the many options such as Chanel or Lilly Pulitzer or grabbing a Starbucks while you stroll and shop or catching a movie and admiring the art displays.

Note: It is also worth noting that North Hills has a strong Code of Conduct and Parents Onsite policies, to ensure the safety of all who live, work, and play there.

Getting There:

Driving: North Hills is located just off of North Carolina’s I-440. Like most of Raleigh, North Carolina, it is easiest to reach North Hills by car – the City of Oaks has several rental car options. There are multiple parking opportunities in front of shops and restaurants. Depending on where you plan to eat, shop, or dine at, I would suggest taking a peak on North Hills’s Interactive Parking Map beforehand to look up parking options, as they differ throughout the shopping district.

Flying/Train: If either flying or taking Amtrak from out of town, Ubers are readily available and accessible around town. If you plan to stay at North Hills, then there are 3 onsite hotels offering several walking opportunities to ALL the shopping, dining, and events offered.

 

North Hills’s main address is: 4321 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVE. RALEIGH, NC 27609

Dining + Shopping Options:

There are several dining and shopping opportunities at North Hills. As I’ve previously mentioned, there is something for everybody when it comes to having a good time in the heart of Midtown Raleigh! Whether it be a Target run, clothing shopping at Lilly Pulitzer, Anthropologie, or Charlotte’s, or wine-ing and dining at Firebirds, Coquette Brasserie, or RH Rooftop, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. That all being said, I have listed a few shops and restaurants that I’ve enjoyed when in North Hills.

Dining at North Hills

Please note that I will be focusing on local and popular dining options, as opposed to bigger chain restaurants and cafes. For the full dining list at North Hills, look no further than here.

Village Tavern – Originally opening its doors at its first location in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Village Tavern prides itself on serving up affordable and delicious Southern fare while being a great place to both work and dine at. If you love Shrimp & Grits, then you must try them!

Restoration Hardware’s RH Rooftop – The popular luxury home furnishings brand’s RH Rooftop has made its way to Raleigh calling North Hills its home! Before you go, be sure to check out my experiences at RH Rooftops across the country here.

Vivace – Having been voted one of the Triangle’s “Top 20 Best Restaurants,” Vivace provides guests with delicious Italian fare in a cozy and chic atmosphere. If you’re a Brussels Sprouts lover like myself, then be sure to order them as an appetizer!

STIR – Having a made-from-scratch menu, STIR focuses on premium cocktails, oysters, and much more. If you’re an oyster-loving gal like me, then you must try them at STIR!

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – A polished-casual restaurant specializing in wood-fired American cuisine, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has it all from steaks to seafood and cocktails. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the wine wall!

Coquette Brasserie – An authentic French Brasserie centered around a spectacular zinc bar. Weekend brunch at Coquette Brasserie is a favorite!

Shopping at North Hills

Please note that I will be focusing on local shopping options, as opposed to bigger chain shops. For the full shopping list at North Hills, look no further than here.

Quail Ridge Books – Founded by Nancy Olson in 1984, Quail Ridge Books is an independent bookstore that carries a curated selection of books and hosts discussion groups, events, and town Hall meetings. The staff at Quail Ridge Books are known for being friendly and helpful!

Pink ChickenPink Chicken is adorable Mommy and Me apparel store carrying a collection of versatile items in block prints and with a vintage flair that will take customers from play dates to barbecues to Saturday dinners on the town.

Paperbuzz – A favorite local shop for 20+ years, Paperbuzz offers a wide array of gifts from formal to eclectic, including wedding invitations. Merchandise is from popular brands including Scout Bags and Weezie Towels.

Lilly Pulitzer – Although a popular resort wear brand nationwide (and beyond!), I firmly believe that every Lilly Pulitzer storefront is different (including their uniquely hand-painted dressing rooms!). The staff at North Hills are always excited to help customers find the best clothing to brighten their daily lives.

Charlotte’sCharlotte’s prides itself on their customers being at the cutting edge of gifts, fashion, and home accessories, whether it be $30 earrings or designer diamond rings.

Wrap-Up:

Whether it be a local shop or restaurant or a nationwide favorite shop or restaurant, North Hills in North Carolina truly has it all when it comes to shopping and dining! On my recent visits to Raleigh, North Carolina, I have really enjoyed getting to shop and dine at North Hills. Indeed, there is SO much to enjoy without even leaving North Hills. Til next time!!

XOXO – Katie <3

The Old Lucketts Store Holiday House 2025

Have you ever dreamt of walking into a real-life Christmas Pinterest board?! Well, I certainly have! Luckily for my Christmas Pinterest dreams, over the past few years, I have made it an annual tradition to step foot into Lucketts Holiday House and fulfill those Pinterest-worthy dreams of mine. It was truly a dream come true to see real-life Christmas magic come to life, especially to kick off the holiday season. Andddd, the Lucketts Holiday House 2025 has been no different!

One of the most unique things about the Old Lucketts Store’s Holiday House is that every year its interiors changes. That being said, visitors to the Lucketts Holiday House get a brand-new experience each year! While I won’t get into all of the details of the Christmas fun at the Lucketts Holiday House in this blog post, luckily for you, I have a Lucketts Holiday House Guide that shares all of the fun Holiday details for you to plan your visit. At the same time, annually, I share my trips to the Lucketts Holiday House. Check out my holiday house experiences in 2024 and 2023. Furthermore, if you plan to visit the Washington, DC area this Christmas season, then don’t forget to check out my travel guide (here). Anyways, there is SO much holiday fun to be had at the Holiday House (and beyond!).

Now, for a virtual tour of the Lucketts Holiday House 2025!

TIL next year, Lucketts Holiday House!

XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore Out Of Office – October 2025

From a vineyard visit to kick off the month to a family dinner party to day trips around the Washington, DC area (and beyond!) and a night out at the ballet and some lounging in between, October 2025 was truly one for the books! I have found in recent years, October to be such a great month filled with sooooo many memories. I like to think that it’s because October is the kick off to Fall. SOOOO many memories were made like in past Octobers this October 2025. And, my outfits were the perfect way to commemorate another great October!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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XOXO – Katie <3

What I Wore To Work – October 2025

From Back to Work in September 2025, October 2025 has been the full fledged kick off of the Fall fashion season for me! I have truly loved getting to style some super fun Fall outfits this past month. Fall/Winter fashion is, indeed, my favorite to style for, too!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Shop it here!

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XOXO – Katie <3

The Life of Katie – October 2025

Whether it be leaf peeping strolls or drives, quality time with loved ones, a handful of day trips, one too many cocktails, or alll of the spooky vibes in between, October 2025 truly had sooooo many special memories! Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I shared a recap of my October fun and continue to share regular peaks into my life and all of the fun to be had into the rest of 2025 and beyond. In the midst of all of the spooky fun, I will also mention that October 2025 was a transformative month for me personally, and while I won’t get into that here, I am very grateful for the lessons I learned and realizations I had. I think it’s important to share that while a lot of what I do share does look like a highlight reel, it is not the reality of anyone’s day-to-day life, including mine. Nevertheless, let’s get into the October 2025 edition of the life of Katie!

The Life of Katie – October 2025

Moving forward with The Life of Katie content, I plan to share it monthly in a more concise format. The posts will be formatted by Week Recaps, Highs/Lows, and On the Blog.

Week Recaps

October 1-7 – I kicked off October 2025 with a happy hour with my Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter via Bingo Night at Problem Child and a vineyard day with my friends Stephanie and Ashley at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery (see my review here!). I independently hung up my decorative plate wall (and created a guide on how to do so independently, too!) after MONTHS of planning it and curating plates for it via thrift store runs and celebrated with some Fall Chili and *of course* wine. My Papa and I celebrated Taylor Swift’s brand-new album The Life of a Showgirl and my vinyl came in the mail (!!!!!). The week ended with me getting some solo time with Rosie girl while Papa went on his annual hunting trip to Chincoteague. Rosie and I enjoyed several Fall walks, and I enjoyed a night of networking with Arlington, Virginia nonprofits at Volunteer Arlington’s Causes & Cocktails and afterwards enjoyed an incredible cocktail and sea bass at Bar Colline in Arlington’s National Landing.

October 8-14 – I enjoyed a solo evening at the ballet seeing the Stuttgart Ballet at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC with happy hour beforehand at Circa. I hosted my family for a family dinner party and put together a Fall tablescape for it (check out my tablescape here!). My family brought over tons of wine with new corks to add to my ongoing wine cork collection! I also channeled my inner Martha Stewart and gave everyone homemade apple jam to take home. I caught up with my good friend James right before he moved to Mexico at my local Starbucks, which was wonderful! I went in-person to my first DAR meeting as an official member. My seasonal allergies got the best of me for the next few days.

October 15-22 – I went on a solo day trip to Colonial Williamsburg (see my guide here) aka preppy + grand millennial heaven (!!!!) and literally fell in love with this place. I will definitely be back! Two days later, Papa and Rosie and I embarked on our annual Fall day trip to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to visit my Great Uncle Mike. After our visit, I fell in love with the Hallmark town vibes of Carlisle’s Historic District and found heaven at the downtown Carlisle Antique Mall. One our way there, we stopped by Catoctin Mountain Orchard for some Fall vibes and jam. Saturday, I took a solo afternoon to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia for an amazing brunch at Vermillion where I got to see the incredible wine room upstairs aka a dream come true (!!!) and then strolled the town to enjoy all of the spooky fun and indulge in some retail therapy. Tuesday, I went on a lovely leaf peeping walk at Lake Mercer with my best friend Haley.

October 23-31 – Papa and Rosie and I went on our annual Pumpkin Patch visit to Burke Nursery and our annual leaf peeping day trip to Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive (see my travel guide here). Saturday, I walked around the neighborhood and admired all of the spooky decorations close to home alongside hosting some friends for a casual happy hour. Sunday, my family and I as well as my best friend Haley set off for the day to Linden, Virginia to hike the Appalachian Trail and do some leaf peeping where my Uncle James volunteers. While on our hike, we got to see the end of the Rappahanock River – HOW COOL! Back at home, I continued to enjoy some Fall walks with Rosie and Haley as well as participating in my company’s annual Fall trivia event throughout the week leading up to Halloween. Halloween Eve, I went with some members of my DAR Chapter on a Booze and Boos Ghost Tour in Old Town Alexandria with Nightly Spirits and had a wonderful and spooky time! And, on actual Halloween, I spent the evening … at the airport due to continuous flight delays flying out to Charlotte to visit my best friends for the weekend. Through it all though, I was grateful to have made it in Charlotte and at Hannah’s house before midnight (and to indulge in a wine tasting Vino Volo at the terminal while waiting for my flight!).

Highs/Lows

Highs

  • All of my day trips and Fall fun around the Washington, DC area (and beyond!) were such a blessing and so memorable.
  • Independently hanging my decorative plate wall was a major accomplishment of mine!
  • My Dad and brother briefly spent the night and visited me at my apartment after going to the Washington Commanders game and it was lovely to get some time with them (even if brief!).
  • On my social media platforms and website, I had my highest performing month as a blogger since I began *cues the confetti*!!!
  • Through it all, I feel extremely grateful to have such a supportive network of loved ones <3

Lows

  • As a new and avid Washington Commanders fan, I feel sad seeing them continuously loss games this year and top players getting injured and having to be on the sidelines a lot, too 🙁
  • The flight delays on the way to Charlotte wasn’t the most fun. Honestly, it was a bit stressful, too.
  • So many people I know are going through a tough time right now including myself, government shutdown related or not. It’s tough to see so many people going through it 🙁

On the Blog

What’s New

Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Guide

The Life of Katie – September 2025

What I Wore Out Of Office – September 2025

What I Wore To Work – September 2025

Hanging a Decorative Plate Wall Guide

My At-Home Two Grans’s Bar Reveal!

Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg Travel Guide

Preppy Fashion Lover Gifts Guide

Fall Family Dinner Party 2025 Tablescape

Lucketts Holiday House Guide

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Travel Guide

What’s Trending

When Is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2025?

Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Guide

18 Pumpkin Patches in Northern Virginia

Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide

Bethany Beach, Delaware Travel Guide

Wrap-Up

October 2025 was truly a transformative month for me as well as a mega blessing filled with so many wonderful memories made. Til next year, October!

XOXO – Katie <3