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

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Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide

***Please note that this Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of October 12, 2025.***

If you’re anything like me, then you LOVE Christmas! Living in the Washington, DC area, I have come to see there is SO much to do when it comes to celebrating Christmas in Washington, DC. Hence, since last Christmas 2024, I have been plotting my Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide which I am SOOOO excited to share with YOU today! Now, let’s get into the holiday spirit!!

*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.*

Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide

Planning an overnight stay for your Christmas in Washington, DC visit?!?! There are several incredible hotels as well as guided tours, experiences, and activities to choose from!

 

Please note that this travel guide not only highlights incredible activities, festivals, and things to do in the heart of Washington, DC but also highlights Christmas-themed activities in the DMV region, including Northern Virginia and Maryland. Some of these activities will require a car to get to as they are outside of the city.

This Christmas in Washington, DC Travel Guide will be organized into the following sections:

  • Christmas Trees
  • Performances
  • Holiday Markets, Festivals & Light Displays
  • Pop-Up Bars

Christmas Trees:

Washington, DC has so many magnificent Christmas trees to enjoy! Whether it be the National Christmas Tree, in a historic hotel, or outside the United States Capitol, truly the nation’s Capitol has so many unique Christmas trees to enjoy – many of which are free to see!

I have outlined a list of some of my favorite Christmas trees that I have visited from years’ past and some high bucket list Christmas trees that I hope to visit soon:

  • National Christmas Tree (15th St NW &, E St NW)
  • United States Capitol also known as “The People’s Tree” (The West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, East end of the National Mall)
  • Library of Congress (101 Independence Ave SE) ***it is worth noting that free timed-entry passes must be reserved in advance to visit
  • The Willard Intercontinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW)
  • Riggs Washington DC (900 F St NW)
  • City Center DC (825 10th St NW)
  • Washington Harbour ( 3000-3050 K St NW)
  • The Wharf (645 Wharf St SW)
  • Canadian Embassy Rotunda (501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
  • The St. Regis Washington, DC (923 16th St NW)

Performances:

Holiday Markets, Festivals & Light Displays:

  • Downtown DC Holiday Market: Bringing local Washington, DC area businesses together, the Downtown DC Holiday Market is an opportunity to transport yourself into a Christmas wonderland. There are several opportunities to browse, shop, and support local businesses alongside several fun photo opportunities, too! This year’s Downtown DC Holiday Market will be held November 21-December 23, 2025. See here for a list of vendors and more information here.
  • Enjoy the Nutcrackers and dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill: Old Ebbitt Grill is a notable restaurant in the nation’s capital: being Washington, DC’s Oldest Saloon with its establishment in 1856. Old Ebbitt Grill offers all-American fare, oysters, crab, and cocktails which I share a bit more about in my restaurant guide. During the holiday season, the popular Washington, DC restaurant gets into the Christmas spirit as giant Nutcrackers greet visitors and those passing by starting in late November. It is also worth noting that partner restaurants such as Clyde’s in Georgetown also have the same Nutcrackers.
  • Season’s Greenings Exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden: An annual poinsettia display at the United States Botanic Garden, the Season’s Greenings Exhibit brings Washington, DC to life in the most holly jolly way! The exhibit is free for all and no ticketed entry is required to visit. Season’s Greenings will be on display November 27, 2025-January 4, 2026 with it open late on the following evenings: December 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and January 1. Check out more information on Season’s Greenings here.
  • National Park’s Winter Wonderfest: Just announced this September, a variety of family-friendly activities will take place on the District Diamond. Activities range from a 100+ tubing slide, Northern Lights Experience, train ride, Putt Putt experience, and a 21+ Speakeasy bar. Winter Wonderfest opens November 28, 2025 and is open mostly on weekends. Plan your visit here.
  • Get in the holiday spirit and learn a bit of American history at the Daughters of the American Revolution Holiday Open House: Take in all of the holiday decorations and enjoy perusing the museums and library with options for photos with Santa in the evening on December 10, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. This event is free to attend and open to the public. Plan your visit here.
  • National Zoo’s Zoolights: A fun illuminated display at the National Zoo, Zoolights transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland! It is worth noting that no zoo animals are on display as a part of Zoolights and visitors who want to see zoo animals should come back during the day to see them. If you’re interested in seeing the giant pandas, then look no further than my guide to plan your visit accordingly. Zoolights will be happening from November 21, 2025-January 3, 2026. Plan your visit here.
  • Caroling, high tea, and a Gingerbread display at The Willard Intercontinental Hotel: The historic hotel just steps away from the White House transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland in late November. From December 1-23, complimentary nightly caroling performances from local singers light up the hotel’s lobby which has a gorgeous Christmas tree, pop-up Veuve Cliquot champagne bar, and a Gingerbread display nearby to admire. Guests whether staying at the hotel or not can also enjoy high tea at Peacock Alley or grab a cocktail at the hotel’s Round Robin Bar. Check out the latest updates on Christmas at The Willard here.
  • Indulge in Some Holiday Shopping and Walk into a Hallmark Christmas Home at The Old Lucketts Store Holiday House: Located just outside of Leesburg, Virginia about an hour outside of Washington, DC the Old Lucketts Store – an antique shop – has a Holiday House on its grounds that opens its doors to the public once a year. The Holiday House is literally out of a Hallmark movie come to life. Each year, the Holiday House is decorated uniquely to honor the year and offers several opportunities to purchase holiday goods while admiring every corner. There are also hot cider and shopping opportunities at the storefront adjacent. It is worth noting that the Lucketts Holiday House is a ticketed event. To give you a preview of what to expect, I outline more about my visit in 2024 here and you can plan your visit for this year’s Holiday House here.
  • Enjoy a Holiday Boat Show and/or a Scottish Parade: Every year, The Wharf in Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria in Virginia each host their own Holiday Boat Shows. The Wharf’s Holiday Boat Parade and Party will be on December 6, 2025. Old Town Alexandria will host their 25th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 6, 2025 in the evening. However, if you plan to spend the day in Old Town Alexandria on December 6, then be sure to check out the 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade from 11am-1pm. 
  • Take in Christmas Decorations in a Hallmark-like setting in one of Virginia’s or Maryland’s nearby towns: Just outside of Washington, DC are some charming towns that provide those Hallmark-like vibes! Old Town Alexandria is Metro-accessible on the Blue and Yellow Lines and will be hosting a Scottish Christmas Walk and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 6. Be sure to check out my Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide if you plan on visiting and stroll the cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row. If you’re willing to drive, then be sure to check out Annapolis, Maryland; Middleburg, Virginia; Occoquan, Virginia; Leesburg, Virginia; Warrenton, Virginia; or Manassas, Virginia.
  • Christmas displays & ICE! at Gaylord National Harbor: Just across the Potomac River at Oxon Hill, Maryland’s National Harbor, the Gaylord National Harbor hotel hosts its annual ICE! display. This year’s theme is The Polar Express! Alongside the magical ICE! Christmas displays, the Gaylord National Harbor also has a variety of fun Christmas displays and activities. Read more in my guide here.
  • Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: An elegant garden trail filled with the magic of sparkling lights, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights up in the Christmas spirit. Guests can be one with nature while getting in the Christmas spirit. There are also opportunities to sip on a cozy hot beverage or butter beer to get into the Christmas spirit. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’s Winter Walk of Lights will be open November 7, 2025-January 4, 2026. Check out the latest updates on Winter Walk of  Lights here.
  • Drive by popular tacky Christmas light displays in the suburbs: One of the best parts of the Christmas season is getting in the spirit! An excellent, low-cost way to do just that is to drive by popular tacky Christmas light displays in the suburbs. Specifically in Fairfax County, this guide walks you through some of the many tacky Christmas light displays to enjoy from the comfort of your car! To enjoy a holiday lights festival and holiday village, be sure to check out the ticketed Bull Run Festival of Lights in Centreville, Virginia.
  • Transport yourself back in time to George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Learn more about holiday traditions at Mount Vernon – George Washington’s Estate – and enjoy candlelight tours in the evening on most weekend nights throughout the holiday season, including meeting special guest Aladdin the Camel. Mount Vernon by Candlelight will beNovember 28-29, 2025 and December 12-13, 19, 22-23, 2025 and Christmas Illuminations will be December 20-21, 2025. Plan your Christmas visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon here.
  • Go Ice Skating: There are several neat places to go Ice Skating in Washington, DC! Spots to go Ice Skating include: Washington Harbour overlooking the Georgetown Waterfront, The Wharf, the National Gallery of Art Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden, Downtown DC Holiday Skate Spectacular at The National Building Museum, Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing, and Reston Town Center. Most spots will open for ice skating in November 2025 and will last throughout the Winter usually until early March 2026. However, it is recommended to check out website for the most up-to-date information.

Pop-Up Bars:

Wrap-Up:

As a local Washingtonian, I am less inclined to travel anywhere else besides my own backyard during the holiday season. There is so much to see, do, and enjoy when it comes to Christmas in Washington, DC. Indeed, Christmas in Washington, DC is like no other!

XOXO – Katie <3

 

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Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Guide

***Please note that this Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

Currently, over on Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), a brand-new exhibit aka the Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream is ALLL the buzz right now! As somebody who is proud to call the Washington, DC area her home and LOVES checking out all of the fun and new things to do in my own city, I *had* to see what the hype was all about. Since I know many of y’all are planning your experience at the Milken Center as well, I figured I would share my experiences in this guide.

*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.*

Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream Guide

Looking for lodging and/or additional things to do in Washington, DC?! don’t fear! There are plenty of unique activities, tours, and experiences to choose from.

 

Getting There:

The Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream is located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC with close proximity to the White House, the U.S. Treasury Building, and offers incredible views of the Washington Monument. There is no onsite parking, however, there are nearby parking garages (I use Park Whiz to reserve!) if you choose to drive into the city. However, I prefer to use public transit/the subway which is known as Metro in Washington, DC. It is a quick and easy walk from the following Metro stations:

  • McPherson Square – access to the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines: 5 minutes
  • Metro Center – access to the Blue, Orange, Red, and Silver lines: 10 minutes
  • Gallery Place – access to the Green, Red, and Yellow lines: 17 minutes

In addition to the White House and a handful of Metro stations, this museum is in close proximity to the notable Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington, DC’s Oldest Saloon, which I share my experience dining at here.

Admission:

One of the most AMAZING things about the Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream is that admission is free for all visitors to explore all exhibits except for the Holodeck Experience. However, it is worth noting that to ensure you have a slot to visit especially from out of town that you should reserve your tickets in advance. For the Holodeck Experience, admission costs $15/person and must be reserved in advance. Tickets for both general admission and the Holodeck Experience can be reserved here.

It is worth noting that this review will focus on both the exhibitions via general admission and the Holodeck Experience.

About Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream:

The Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream is a cultural institution focused on inspiring and empowering pathways for everyone to find opportunity and achieve their dreams. Focusing on four pillars: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Health and Medical Research, Education and the Educator, and Access to Capital and Financial Empowerment. Through the center’s research and regular public programs and exhibitions, the goal of the Milken Center is to explore and empower everyone to see and achieve the possibilities ahead. One of the notable initiatives that the center has been focusing on and showcases within its exhibits and notably highlighted throughout the Holodeck Experience is the American Dream Video Project, where 10,000+ stories of the American Dream are shared to inspire us all. Read more about the Milken Center here.

Highlights of the exhibition include:

  • The Tree of Generations
  • The Word Cloud
  • Hologram Ambassadors
  • The Holodeck Experience

Read more and check out the latest exhibitions here.

My Experience:

I am going to split my experience at the Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream into two sections: General Admission + Exhibitions and The Holodeck Experience.

However, it is worth mentioning that the architecture of the center is stunning and worth several photos and admiration!!

General Admission + Exhibitions:

Upon entering the Milken Center, I was greeted by the most friendly staff who ensured that all visitors had a good experience and knew where to go and what to see based on their personal interests. Since I had booked the Holodeck Experience in addition to the exhibits within a General Admission ticket, the staff also let me know where to go and when to arrive for that experience, which was super helpful! Next up was exploring the 5 floors of amazing exhibitions to visit. As previously mentioned, the Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream focuses on four pillars: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Health and Medical Research, Education and the Educator, and Access to Capital and Financial Empowerment. Each of these four pillars are focused on within their own exhibits throughout the museum and shared some of the 10,000+ stories of the American dream within them. There were also several statistics shared that pertains to each of the four pillars throughout their respective exhibits. Throughout the exhibits, there were extremely interactive experiences, making it such a kid-friendly and accessible experience for all! At the same time, each exhibit highlighted a diverse range of stories, whether it be those who started their own business, found a fulfilling career in corporate, as a teacher, in healthcare, or something else, or empowered others to discover and achieve their own American dream. The common denominator of it all: there is opportunity and possibility at every corner for everyone!

There is also a gorgeous onsite cafe at the Milken Center! Decked out in all-things floral and tropical, I admired this beautiful cafe that I saw from the stairwell and throughout the museums due to the several windows that showed it off. Although I did not dine there during my visit, I did snap a photo in front of this bright and bubbly oasis in the nation’s capital.

The Holodeck Experience:

The Holodeck Experience is an interactive and immersive experience into the story machine. In addition to some fun interactions, visitors get to sit back and get up close and learn from some incredible Americans who achieved their American Dream and shared their inspiring stories filled with perseverance, grit, and a lot of hard work. If the exhibits weren’t enough to leave me feeling just a huge wave of confidence and gratitude and those feel-good feels, then the Holodeck Experience truly topped that all off! Trust me, it is worth it!!

It is worth noting that visitors must reserve their General Admission ticket before reserving their Holodeck Experience ticket which can be done at the same time and scanned with the same QR code. The Holodeck Experience lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and no photos/videos are allowed throughout it.

Wrap-Up:

As I stepped foot back onto the streets of Washington, DC, I felt a HUGE wave of empowerment and hope fly over me. Truly, I felt extremely inspired and empowered throughout my entire time strolling throughout the exhibits and taking part in the Holodeck Experience. It is a beautiful thing to know that the Milken Center strives to bring to the forefront that everyone has the opportunity and possibility, no matter who they are or their background, to make their dreams come true. Whether it be learning someone’s story as a teacher inspiring an astronaut to take off into outer space, or somebody born into poverty who started their own successful business, anything is possible and the Milken Center For Advancing The American Dream reminded me of that. At the same time, I hope that if you choose to visit that it reminds you that your dreams can come true, too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Tea Around Town in Washington, DC Review

Ever since Tea Around Town made its Washington, DC debut, I have been wanting to experience it myself. To end this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, my friend Briana invited me and some of our friends out to celebrate her Birthday in style via Tea Around Town. Today, I am going to be sharing my authentic Tea Around in Washington, DC review. I will note that this post is not sponsored and is fully me and my friends’ opinions from our experience. Nevertheless, we had a FABULOUS time at Tea Around Town in Washington, DC!

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.

*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.*

Tea Around Town in Washington, DC Review

About Tea Around Town:

You’ve probably seen others sharing their own Tea Around Town experiences over on social media and may be wondering … what exactly is it?! Tea Around Town is a 90-minute unique sightseeing and high tea experience where guests get to enjoy a high tea while on a double decker bus sightseeing around town. The double decker bus is decked out in all-things PINK for a lovely high tea. All guests are given complimentary water and high tea treats, from sweets to savory, and samples of four different teas all while listening to lovely music and being given a guided bus tour of the city that they are in. Every guest gets to take home an adorable souvenir tumbler to commemorate the occasion!

Currently, Tea Around Town is offering high teas and tours in the following cities:

  • Washington, DC
  • New York City
  • Houston
  • Dallas
  • Atlanta
  • Philadelphia

Tea Around Town also has two different fares for guests to choose from:

  • Petite – offering a private table, high tea, 360 degrees sky deck seating, and a souvenir tumbler
  • Luxe – in addition to all of the Petite fare offerings, the Luxe fare offers an enhanced menu including lobster rolls and caviar, a delightful mocktail, and priority boarding

See more about Tea Around Town & book your experience here.

My Experience:

Now that you know a bit more about Tea Around Town, it’s time for my Tea Around Town in Washington, DC review! As previously mentioned, this post is not sponsored and contains my own honest and authentic opinions as well as if I would do this experience again.

It is important to note that all Tea Around Town guests must be approximately 15 minutes early for prompt boarding and tour takeoff. Each of us arrived promptly for boarding and were excitedly greeted by the ultra-kind Tea Around Town staff on-board. In terms of accessibility as we were on the top level of the double decker bus, the staff kindly assisted each of us as we entered and departed to make it a as seamless as possible process. When it comes to seating, there were 6 of us celebrating Briana’s birthday for our lovely high tea experience and tour and we were seated on the same row with a table for four and a table for two with an aisle separating us. The seating arrangements made our experience perfect for interacting with one another and truly getting to celebrate Briana and catch up. Overall, the boarding process was lovely and ultra-accommodating!

Once our bus took off to show off Washington, DC to us, our high tea began! Upon arrival all of our high tea eats (one three tier platter per group of two!), souvenir cup, and complimentary water and mocktails were waiting for us. Our high tea eats were covered in clear wrap, which was honestly a bit of a tedious and annoying process to unwrap. Honestly, it’s something I wished that our staff would have helped us with. Throughout our high tea experience, we were given pours of four unique teas – which honestly I don’t remember what they were – but they were lovely to taste. As for the high tea eats, I wasn’t the biggest fan of how they tasted and neither did those in my party. They felt like pre-packaged airline food and nothing really special and exciting. I honestly didn’t eat a ton and was glad that I had brunch beforehand. When it came to the teas, I felt a bit rushed when the staff came back for more pours of the four teas. I wanted to truly savor the teas that I was given, and I felt a bit rushed. When the staff came around for the next tea, we were sometimes still working on the previous tea. Given the cost of the experience ($100+ with tax and fees) I would have liked to enjoy better food for our high tea experience.

Throughout our tour, we were able to simply chat and enjoy a high tea with those that we came with. We went all around Washington, DC from the Capitol to the Jefferson Memorial to everything in between. Each city has its own unique route and routes can change given city events. One of the things that my group and I struggled with was hearing the guided tour portion of our Tea Around Town experience. There was a lovely guide sharing all of the tea on Washington, DC’s sights to see, however, we continuously struggled amongst the ongoing music and talking to really hear what was being said. Thus, if you’re looking to enjoy a nice sightseeing tour of the city in which you’re doing Tea Around Town in, I would not recommend this vendor for that. Rather, Tea Around Town is more for the high tea experience on a sightseeing bus with a limited guided experience.

One of the highlights that we all experienced on our Tea Around Town experience was the enthusiasm from the lovely staff. The people truly made our experience special and they were so hospitable the entire time and lovely to talk to! While on board, the staff sang “Happy Birthday” to Briana and our fellow Tea Around Town guests celebrating their birthdays which was SOOO special. And, one of the fellow guests on board out of the kindness of her heart used her mega singing talent to beautifully serenade Briana for her birthday. The personal touches and the people we met throughout our experience were LOVELY!

Would I Do Tea Around Town again?!

No.

Overall, Tea Around Town in Washington, DC was a nice one-time experience. It was a great venue for celebrating Briana’s birthday and to truly allow her to feel special on her special day. And while the people and entertainment were great while on board, the lack of a guided tour, the rushed pouring of teas, and the not-so delicious high tea eats make Tea Around Town something that I would do only once. Personally, I feel that this is a great experience to do once if you really want to, especially if it’s for a fun celebratory experience such as a birthday, Bachelorette, etc. It’s fun to dress up and be with those that you love! However, I would not recommend Tea Around Town if you’re looking for a high tea experience or a sightseeing bus tour of a new-to-you city – I would go elsewhere either way especially for the cost. Honestly, at the end of the day, I feel you go on Tea Around Town for the hype of it and for the vibes and less for the food and high tea experience. It’s a great time to connect and celebrate with others once but not twice.

Wrap-Up:

I loved experiencing Tea Around Town in Washington, DC as a special celebration for Briana and those that we all love. I am so grateful that I got to experience Tea Around Town for myself. Overall, if you want to give Tea Around Town a try, I say do so!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Visiting the Washington National Zoo’s Giant Pandas Guide

***Please note that this Visiting the National Zoo’s Giant Pandas Guide was written and contains the most up-to-date information as of October 2025. This most will be updated and re-circulated periodically when applicable.***

THE PANDAS ARE BAAAACCKKK!!!! At Washington, DC’s National Zoo over the decades, seeing the giant pandas have become a popular attraction to visitors from all across the world. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I shared that I recently went to meet and welcome the new-to-Washington, DC National Zoo giant panda duo: Bao Li and Qing Bao. While it was such an exciting experience to meet Washington, DC’s newest panda residents, it was also quite a memorable experience, too. This blog post is going to focus on guiding YOU through your own experience to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao! Check out this guide on visiting the National Zoo’s giant pandas.

Visiting the Washington National Zoo’s Pandas Guide

Since Bao Li and Qing Bao made their grand entrances in the nation’s capital, I have been fortunate enough to visit them not once but twice. The first time, I went solo in February 2025 during their first few weeks in Washington, DC and with my college best friends Hannah and Alanna when they came to visit in late March 2025 during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Please note that my guide is based off of both of my experiences visiting the giant pandas at the National Zoo.

About + History of the National Zoo’s Pandas:

The National Zoo has been gifted a duo of giant pandas since February 1972 when former President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon visited China. On their Presidential visit to China (which was a historical visit and moment in itself), First Lady Pat Nixon fondly described the pandas to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. In response to Mrs. Nixon, Premier Zhou Enlai gifted a duo of pandas to the United States for all to see and meet at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. And, on April 16, 1972, a notable giant panda day in history went down as the first-ever giant pandas duo Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling were introduced at the National Zoo. To this very day, the giant pandas at the National Zoo, while they bring so much love and joy to us all, are a symbolic reminder of the friendship between the United States and China.

Ways To Give Back:

If you LOVE pandas, then there are several ways to support them whether it be at the National Zoo or beyond. One of the best ways to support the National Zoo’s giant pandas, whether you visit or not, is to give back. There are a variety of ways to do so, including becoming a National Zoo member to support conservation efforts, Shop panda merch online, Give to a conservation fund, or visit the giant pandas at the National Zoo (a free way to show your support!). For more information on all of the ways to give back to support pandas, then look no further than here.

In addition to monetary support and visiting the pandas, the National Zoo also hosts various events throughout the year. Although no zoo animals are on display, every holiday season the National Zoo hosts its annual ZooLights where all proceeds from ticket purchases go towards animal conservation efforts. There are also other several events in addition to ZooLights that the National Zoo hosts where you can support conservation efforts throughout the year.

Getting There:

Street Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue, Northwest

The National Zoo has a unique location in Washington, DC! It is located in the Woodley Park neighborhood just a few blocks away from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station on the Red Line. From major Metro stations such as Metro Center and Gallery Place, visitors can transfer to and from other Metro lines to the Red Line and take the Red Line train from Metro Center/Gallery Place towards Shady Grove. It is also worth noting that the National Zoo does have parking onsite at an additional cost for a flat rate of $30/vehicle. See more information on getting there here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/parking-directions

Admission:

The giant pandas have been at the National Zoo and loved by so many people since 1972. The Washington National Zoo is apart of the Smithsonian Institution – research institution and group of museums and institutions many of which are in Washington, DC lining the National Mall – meaning that it is FREE for all guests to visit. One thing to note about the National Zoo is that all visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass online in advance upon entering. All visitors will have to go through a security checkpoint and show their tickets upon entry. Click here to reserve a free entry pass by date.

My Experience:

Overall, getting to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao was a MAJOR treat (!!!!). The signage at the National Zoo to go meet the giant pandas is pretty well-marked and leads you amongst the crowds to go and welcome them. However, I will note that since many people are coming to see the pandas to be prepared for heavy crowds and some stand-still moments while waiting to see them. According to the signage at the National Zoo, giant pandas eat approximately 16 hours a day, which means that they will potentially be chilling inside adorably chomping on some bamboo. The giant pandas were, in fact, chomping on some bamboo when I went to see them. Hence, Bao Li and Qing Bao were in the indoors section eating, making it a bit confusing to go and see them. The indoors section of the giant pandas section is crowd controlled and it takes some walking to get there. Being fully transparent that there weren’t a bit of staff there to guide us, which made all of us in the crowd initially a bit confused. However, once I realized that I had made it to where the pandas were, my utter confusion went away and getting to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao was SOOO worth it all!!

Tips:

  • The last admittance into the National Zoo is 3pm in the Winter season and to see the giant pandas will be a bit earlier. The gates of the National Zoo’s entryways WILL close at 3pm during the Winter hours. Plan to arrive by 1-2pm at the latest. Be sure to look up the National Zoo’s hours and plan accordingly as they do vary per season.
  • Arrive as early as possible, as the crowds do get bigger the closer you get to 3pm. I left the National Zoo around 2pm and there was a big crowd of people and a line at the entryway. At that time, the National Zoo had also reached their capacity for the day of allowing visitors to come in if they did not reserve a timed-entry pass upon arrival. Those guests were turned away.
  • It may be confusing when it comes to where the pandas are at the time that you visit. Sometimes, the pandas are outside and sometimes they are inside. It can get rather confusing, but be patient and follow the crowds no matter how overwhelming they may get.
  • Be sure to reserve that free entry pass in advance! Chances are if you arrive early enough, you may be able to still reserve that entry pass at the security checkpoint, however, you may not be able to. It is worth noting that free entry passes are available all throughout the day of the date that you select it for.
  • Be ready for crowds and simply follow them to get to see the giant pandas. Yes, *even* if it is crowded and confusing and agonizing, you’ll get there. Don’t worry and wait it out!
  • To avoid the crowds, it is suggested to go in the morning on a weekend when doors open or on a weekday especially in the off-season. It is worth noting that Peak travel season such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Summer will bring in more crowds.

And, last but not least, be sure to check out the ADORABLE … Panda Cam! The Panda Cam is live daily from 7am-7pm and a pre-recorded version will be shared the 12 hours in between. Check it out here!

Wrap-Up:

The giant pandas at Washington, DC’s National Zoo are the only place where visitors can see giant pandas for free. That all makes visiting the National Zoo’s giant pandas such a privilege! Truly, the giant pandas bring me and the world so much joy and have a beautiful meaning behind them: friendship despite our differences in this ever-evolving world.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My 23rd Birthday Weekend Recap!

There is a point where you feel a full jackpot of luck when your Birthday lands on a Saturday or Sunday!! In my case, my 23rd Birthday landed on a Sunday. After having been in school and celebrated the majority of my Birthdays while attending school, it was oh so special to be able to have a Birthday Weekend on my actual Birthday – haha!

All across my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!) over this past week, I have been sharing ALLL the fun tea on my Birthday weekend. This past weekend, I celebrated my 23rd Birthday! It ended up being one of the BEST weekends I could’ve asked for – my college best friends Alanna and Hannah flew up from Raleigh, North Carolina for the weekend and my college best friend Shivani who goes to graduate school in the Washington, DC area joined us in on some of the fun. We also enjoyed some time with my Mom, Papa, Step Dad, and brother. Not to mention, I took the Monday afterwards off of work, too, which was great for my mental health and self care.

Alanna and Hannah both arrived by Saturday morning. It is Birthday tradition for me to order Georgetown Cupcake – my favorite bakery EVER – for a Birthday dozen of cupcakes to share with friends. Fun fact: this Birthday tradition of mine started when I started going off to college in North Carolina hours away from my family and wanted a cake to enjoy with friends, however, I prefer cupcakes to cake and ALWAYS have. So, since I now live in the Washington, DC area, why not go to the actual original Georgetown Cupcake storefront ON my Birthday weekend?! I planned a preorder at the Georgetown Cupcake storefront with a 2pm pickup. So, Alanna, Hannah, and I headed out to Georgetown via Metro in the early afternoon. We, then, walked around Georgetown before enjoying the all-inclusive Georgetown Cupcake experience of waiting in the long line outside of the storefront before grabbing out cupcakes to go. We ended up deciding to wait in line, as Hannah and Alanna wanted to walk into the storefront with me. Currently as of April 30, 2022, Georgetown Cupcake only allows two parties in at once within their storefront, due to COVID-19. Tip of the trade though: one can skip the line to pickup a cupcake preorder at their given pickup time at Georgetown Cupcake!!

After picking up my Birthday cupcakes and checking out the Georgetown Cupcake storefront, Hannah, Alanna, and I checked out the brand-new Scout Flagship store, located right across the brand’s headquarters along a gorgeous cobblestone street. The store was drop dead gorgeous – filled with so many gorgeous Scout Bags and even jewelry designed by the brand’s founder, too. While in the Scout Flagship store, we got to meet the brand’s photographer who happened to be at the store then! She showed us the studio (which during the weekdays can sometimes be in use for content shoots!!!!) that was in the window looking out just behind the storefront. The Scout Flagship store is definitely a must-see for any preppy fashion lover and most definitely on my bucket list to go see again and more specifically during the week to hopefully catch a photoshoot within the studio!

Shivani met me, Hannah, and Alanna at the Scout Flagship store. We, then, checked out a pizza shop on M Street – one of the major streets filled with shops and restaurants in Georgetown. Each of us went to Meredith College and we each shared some of our many special memories there, too. After lunch, we went off to the Georgetown Waterfront Park to *finally* indulge in some Georgetown Cupcakes !!!! and admire the waterfront views overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, DC. We, then, checked out the opening of Washington, DC’s VERY OWN Bitty & Beau’s franchise – a coffee shop that is pivoting the way to hiring primarily those with disabilities of all kinds and making jobs more accessible for EVERYONE – to say hi to my family friends who own the franchise, including 2017 CNN Hero of the Year Amy Wright (Hannah, Alanna, and I went to college with our friend and her daughter Lillie!!).

After a nice afternoon in Georgetown, Alanna, Hannah, and I parted our ways with Shivani and then headed to a local Mexican restaurant for some Margarita’s and Pina Colada’s. But, once we got home, when were in for a treat: WE HAD BEEN FLOCKED!!!! My Mom had treated me to being flocked for my Birthday. Yes, you heard me right – my Mom ordered a BUNCH of plastic flamingoes to be put in my front yard for my Birthday. It was literally a DREAM come true and an amazing way to kick off my Birthday!

As for my actual Birthday, Sunday, Hannah, Alanna, and I decided to stay close to home and visit the nearby town of Occoquan, Virginia. I consistently visit Occoquan, Virginia – a town located about 30 minutes South of Washington, DC (and just a few minutes from my house) that holds a lot of historic charm, including some history involving the Suffragettes in the early 1900’s and a historic flood that burdened the town in the first half of the 20th century. It is a stunning town that has maintained its historic, Virginian charm over the years AND only plays homage to small, local businesses (besides the post office!!). We grabbed brunch at a local restaurant looking over the water at a Tiki Bar – gotta live it up am I right?!?! – and then went to a local consignment shop in town. Then, we admired the waterfront along the Occoquan River (an offshoot of the well-known Potomac River) before our time getting cut short due to the rain. So, in perfect Katie fashion, we went to Starbucks where I got my free Birthday drink!

After my Birthday brunch, we headed for dinner with my Mom, Step Dad, brother Will, and Papa before Hannah headed back home and Alanna and I had a lazy Monday the day after. My Birthday was truly a special weekend for me and my best friends Alanna and Hannah who took the time to come up and make my weekend oh so special. I am truly grateful for our friendships that have lasted since my early college years. Soon enough, we’ll all be back in Raleigh, North Carolina to celebrate Hannah’s Meredith College graduation !!!! in just a few short weeks. But, until then, I will be reminiscing over my amazing Birthday weekend!

XOXO – Katie <3

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When The Sistine Chapel Came to the Washington, DC Area!

Flashback to July 4, 2018. It is a hot and humid day in Rome, Italy. I am wearing a long sleeve white top, tassel earrings, and pink capri pants with lobsters printed on them (courtesy of Crown & Ivy sold at Belk!). The subway is crammed to the max like none of us have ever seen before in our lives. I clutch my then-brand-new pink Italian leather crossbody to my chest. I am walking with my classmates and professors on our group outing to The Vatican (which is a WHOLE other country!!). We, then, get to The Vatican. We get to our tour and, low and behold, it is just as crammed and hot and sweaty and humid as the subway was in Rome. Every single tourist and their sister and brother and Aunt and Uncle times 200 is there. While I feel extremely blessed to have seen The Vatican and the iconic paintings within the Sistine Chapel, I felt miserable and disappointed at the hot and humid environment packed to the rim full of people. So, when I heard that an interactive exhibit of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings was coming to the Tysons Corner Center Mall in Tysons, Virginia, I knew I needed to book a ticket pronto!

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit was held at Tysons Corner Center located in Tysons, Virginia – a Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, DC notorious for its booming business district and malls (one of which is Tysons Corner Center where it was held!). I happened to find the tickets on Facebook via an advertisement which is typical for me to find EVERYTHING nowadays – haha! – and then went into the Fever app (the same app where one can purchase tickets to an interactive Vincent Van Gogh exhibit, Claude Monet exhibit, or iconic Netflix’s Bridgeton Ball in their own respective cities across the United States) to order my solo ticket. Then, my adventure awaited.

Although this Sistine Chapel exhibit isn’t still on display at the Tysons Corner Center at this exact moment that I am writing this blog post, it still felt like a dream come true. I personally didn’t stay for long, as I have seen many of these works of art either in real life or very similar works of art when I studied abroad in Tuscany, Italy and London, England and traveled to Paris, France to see ALLLL of the extraordinary works of art including the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre. But, it was still super amazing to see the several works of art that I had barely gotten to enjoy while visiting The Vatican amongst the sweltering heat and crowds. While at Tysons Corner Center, I got to view every single painting that I saw at a distance within a sea of people up close. It was a pretty amazing experience if you ask me.

Having studied abroad in Italy, it was so nice to see a touch of Italy here in the United States and especially in my hometown of Washington, DC.

XOXO – Katie <3

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I Went to The Bachelor Live in Washington, DC!

If you know me, then you know I am a major major fan of ABC’s The Bachelor franchise. The Bachelor franchise presents shows related to The Bachelor, including its spinoffs The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise that each air on ABC each year. My Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!) also double as a The Bachelor franchise superfine account in my Instagram Stories on occasion – haha! So, you can most definitely say I am a HUGE The Bachelor Franchise fan!!! Needless to say, when I saw that The Bachelor Live sponsored by Kendra Scott was going on tour with former The Bachelorette lead Becca Kufrin and a rotation of Bachelor leads (Justin Glaze from Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette being The Bachelor lead for the Washington, DC show) and coming to Washington, DC’s Warner Theatre, I KNEW I needed to attend!

*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.*

I was scrolling on Facebook on one magnificent day which is VERY typical for me – LOL! – and happened to see that The Bachelor Live tickets were being sold. So, I went onto the website and happened to find a ticket for under $60 in the center of the Orchestra section at the end of an aisle. I also bought a VIP Lounge add-on to avoid the LOOONGGG bar lines for $30 and of course ticket insurance. I posted about it on my Instagram Stories, intending to go solo, and to my surprise my coworker and friend Katherine booked the seat right next to mine so away we went!

The Bachelor Live was such a blast! Essentially, this show is a mini accelerated season of The Bachelor with roses and ALL with contestants being women from the crowd who also purchased tickets themselves. Very entertaining is an understatement of describing the night. There was a lot of photo opportunities, fun merchandise, and LOTS of entertainment all throughout the night. Not to mention, the fact that I got to see former The Bachelorette Becca Kufrin host it all live with a surprise cameo from her boyfriend and Bachelor Nation alum Thomas who surprised her with a sweet Birthday treat (it was her Birthday the night we went, too!!). All in all, very romantic, entertaining, and a blast!

I wore my floral one-shoulder ruffled dress that I got on clearance while in college from Altar’d State. I, then, paired it with my black sparkly Kate Spade crossbody, black Kendra Scott dangling drop earrings, black with gold chain Kendra Scott necklace, and my black rock stud Valentino Rock Stud dupe flats from the Mix No6 brand sold at DSW (however, I got these for $1 at the Philly Aids Thrift Shop when in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this past September). Since The Bachelor Live was sponsored by Kendra Scott, I HAD to wear my favorite Kendra Scott jewelry pieces! Last but not least, I pulled off a classic Taylor Swift and did a cat eyeliner look and paired it with red lipstick. Needless to say, my outfit was ALL from my closet and I didn’t shop for any of it before the performance.

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Now, I am very very very excited to be able to hopefully go to The Bachelor Live again next year. But, in the meantime, I will link some pieces from my outfit for your shopping pleasure!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My First Washington DC National Cherry Blossom Festival as a Local

If you live in Washington, DC or perhaps the United States, then you know that late March-late April is the 3 week long National Cherry Blossom in the nation’s capital. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!), I have been sharing ALLL the cherry blossom content on my page, whether it be in my Northern Virginia neighborhood or in Washington, DC on my several weekend day trips there. This year (2022), the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 22-April 17 (website linked here), and I am going to share my experiences with my best friend Shivani at this almost-month long festival so far (hence why this is Part 1 of 2!) in this post!

Part 1 – The Opening Ceremony at Warner Theatre

Every year, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony, which this year was held at the historic and drop dead gorgeous Warner Theatre. Shivani and I arrived at Warner Theatre early and *of course* stocked up on ALL of the merchandise that the Cherry Blossom Festival sells each year. This event is FREE and features performers and prominent figures in making the National Cherry Blossom Festival happen from both the United States and Japan. Fun fact: Japan is the home base of the cherry blossom trees, as they were planted by First Lady Helen Taft and prominent Japanese figures, in order to represent and honor the United States’ and Japan’s friendship back in the 1910’s-1920’s. First Lady Helen Taft also founded my favorite-ever museum exhibit – the First Lady Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. We got to see Japanese performers, the United States Ambassador to Japan, a video message from United States First Lady Jill Biden, an Amazon Executive (Amazon is a MAJOR sponsor in the makings of the National Cherry Blossom Festival), and even Washington, DC-based meteorologist Veronica Johnson who was a co-host. It was such a cool and historic experience and very very very special!

Before heading over to Warner Theatre for the National Cherry Blossom Opening Ceremony, Shivani and I met at the National Mall. We walked over to explore the gorgeous cherry blossoms along the National Mall, right by the Washington National Monument. The cherry blossoms were just gorgeous and we were able to get some great photo opportunities in as well. Despite the weather being freezing for this time of year, it was still a pretty great time!

Part 2 – The Tidal Basin

The second part of my National Cherry Blossom Festival Experience was visiting the Tidal Basin aka the BEST place to go to view the cherry blossoms at their peak. In ALL its glory, even on an extremely cloudy and gloomy day, the cherry blossom trees were still quite gorgeous to see. Shivani and I got off at the Smithsonian Metro Station (the closest station to the Tidal Basin), where we walked to the Tidal Basin via passing by the Washington National Monument yet again. The walk to the Tidal Basin from the Washington National Monument is lined with gorgeous cherry blossom trees and is a scenic route in its self with many many many photo opportunities. Once we reached the Tidal Basin, we lucked out to be able to get a spot to enjoy the scenery without crowds interrupting our photos (a normalcy during this time of year at the Tidal Basin!!). People were leaving the Tidal Basin for lunch when we arrived, which made our time there a bit less crowded yet still crowded. BUT, it did sleet and rain quite a bit on and off but luckily we didn’t get too pampered by it as it was on and off. I always like to say that it’s all about the journey and not the destination and that rings true to Shivani and I’s memories made at the Tidal Basin!

I am in love with Washington, DC in full bloom. There’s so much free things to do, even when it’s crowded with tourists and locals alike. I am oh so blessed to be able to live in the nation’s capital and enjoy this extraordinary city too AND with my best friend Shivani! In the meantime, I will be admiring the cherry blossoms locally until I go back into Washington, DC for the Hello Kitty Truck’s visit to the Tidal Basin in just a short week.

XOXO – Katie <3

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The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit that Empowers Women

If you follow me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), then you know that I am a newly proud Woman in STEM. Being a Woman in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is all about empowering younger women to be the BEST versions of themselves – it’s about teaching younger girls to explore their passions within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, rather than shy away from them simply because of their gender. It’s ALL about going after a dream and goals that empower us to be a minority within a field that has a male majority, whether that mean being the only woman within a science/technology/engineering/mathematics class, or the only woman in a meeting of all men at work. That being said, women in STEM make up under 30% of the STEM workforce to this day. So, when I heard that the #IfThenSheCan exhibit was coming to Washington, DC’s Smithsonian, I KNEW I had to visit!

The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit (learn more about it here!) is here to change that by showcasing 3-D printed statues 120 real-life women in the STEM industry, honoring their accomplishments within the industry as they pave the way for other women and younger girls to do the same themselves someday, too. The #IfThenSheCan Exhibit was on display at Washington, DC’s Smithsonian from March 5-27, 2022. One of the interesting insights that the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit’s website brings up is that the majority of statues around the United States’ major cities are of men. Indeed, the majority of statues are of men around the world, too. Us women are just starting to make our way in this world in ways that are beyond the household, including within STEM fields, executive leadership, and politics.

I happened to visit the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit twice – once with my good friend Shivani who is also a fellow Women in STEM and a second time with my coworker Katherine whose another fellow Woman in STEM and Shivani. The first time around, Shivani and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon at the Smithsonian Gardens, where a good portion of the 120 statues were placed around the Smithsonian. Before Shivani arrived, I ended up talking to a fellow Woman in STEM who worked with all men about the empowerment of being a women in STEM. Both of us agreed that there needs to be more representation of women of color, women apart of the LGBTQ+ community, women of all abilities, and those who are gender non-binary. Once Shivani arrived, we went inside the Smithsonian Castle and into the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, which had many of the statues placed around the museum’s exhibits. The coolest part of the statues within the Museum of Natural History was that the statues were coordinated to the women’s specialties throughout the exhibits! For example, a woman who works in oceanography would be placed somewhere within the oceanography exhibits. The same concept went for archaeologists and biologists. And, the second time around, Katherine, Shivani, and I all admired the Smithsonian Gardens’ #IfThenSheCan Exhibit statues before heading to the Cherry Blossoms along the Washington Monument. Cool stuff all around!!

As a woman, it is extremely empowering to be able to succeed in a STEM field. I have been able to meet several women who are also in STEM fields, simply through viewing the #IfThenSheCan Exhibit. It is beyond extraordinary to see and learn and grow and blossom into this magnificent network of fellow Women in STEM. Here’s to strong women: may we raise them, may we empower them, and may we be them. Nevertheless, may we be the women that encourage another woman to pursue a career in STEM, too. Cheers!

XOXO – Katie <3

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