Farmer + Flea Markets 

The combination of pleasant weather, seasonal items, and special events make flea markets a perfect destination for spring shopping and exploring. DC features three very popular markets that have all become landmarks in the area. Down on Capitol Hill, since 1873, Eastern Market is a great place for eating, shopping, or just experiencing the livelihood of the District. North of this, Union Market is a perfect place to grab a wide range of mouthwatering meals and desserts, with an inside and outside component to it. Clear your Sundays to go and check out the Georgetown Flea Market that entails a lineup of clothing, jewelry, and art vendors. Neighboring this, Dupont has recently opened its FRESHFARM market for all your cooking needs. These are always nice and easy options with so many good finds. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Originally started to celebrate the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to DC, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that lasts from the end of March to mid-April. Over the span of five weekends there is a wide range of activities in celebrations that include Petapalooza, a day long event that entails live music and a multitude of activities, the DC Kite Festival, the Cherry Blossom parade, and so much more. These events will definitely have more crowding, but for good reason! It is incredibly well done, there’s no shame in being a tourist for the day! If big crowds are not your thing, the festival also ranges to art installations throughout DC that can be enjoyed sporadically. Keep an eye out for cherry blossom wrapped Metro Trains!

Picnics

Everyone in DC is looking for opportunities to get outside, spend time with friends and family, relax, and unwind now that spring has arrived. DC is the ideal location for outings, especially a picnic. The Georgetown Waterfront is a great place to lay a blanket down and enjoy the lovely scenery by the Potomac River with a variety of easily accessible food options. Additionally, a nice hidden gem is the Bishop’s Garden at National Cathedral. It is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the Cathedral, all while being relatively hidden from the more tourist heavy areas. The Bishop’s Lawn has a variety of flowers and notable plants that can be enjoyed with a nice spread. Finally, while Fort Reno can be easily overlooked, don’t take the highest point in DC for granted. The sunset picnic that one can enjoy at Reno is easily one of the most calming and accessible sites.