Washington or DMV

The DMV area around the capital of the United States of America has a lot to offer!

How to get around
First of all, there are three major airports: the national Ronald Reagan (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, the international Washington Dulles (DIA) in D.C. and the international Thurgood Marshall (ICM) in Baltimore. Rental offices have cars available for quite modest prices but as a European I sometimes struggle finding the correct line on a highway so I mostly use Uber. If you prefer public transportation, you can pay cash in buses but need a metro card for faster options.

Food
While in or around Washington, D.C. you find an enormous selection of international food! From Arepas (ArepaZone, various branches) to Shakshuka (at Tarbouch in Arlington), from Ajvar (at Ambar in Arlington) to excellent Spanish cuisine (at Jaleo in DC), make sure to dive into a new world of tastes every day. DON’T LEAVE the area without having a brunch at Ambar in Arlington which comes with exquisite Balkan food, special drinks and delicious surprises. Thank me later 😉

Activities
As there are uncountable things to do in and around the capital, I have picked one activity per season that I absolutely recommend not to miss:

Spring
Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival around the Tidal Basin between the last week of March and the first week of April. The gifted trees sprout all over the city, above all around the National Mall, Memorial Parks and East Potomac Park. As the trees were given from Japan to the US in 1912, they are a symbol of friendship of the two nations. The Japanese name of the tree and the flowers is Sakura.
Enjoy standing right in the middle of them or take a boat tour to see this picturesque phenomenon from the water. You will feel as enchanted as in a Japanese fairytale.

Summer
Georgetown, D.C.’s picturesque district with cute charismatic houses, exquisite cafés and shops also offers a beautifully created waterfront which is perfect for a walk, picnic or an adventurous activity in the water. Rent a Kayak and enjoy clear views of the Key Bridge, Kennedy Center, and Roosevelt Island. Besides having fun paddling independently through the water, you can also book a guided tour and SUP lessons. Bring your sunscreen and enjoy a sunny afternoon followed by a delicious dinner or even a movie during the seasonal Movie Nights in The Georgetown Waterfront Park on Fridays (more information: https://www.georgetowndc.com)

Autumn
Visit the United States Botanic Garden in walking distance from the Capitol. Their exhibitions change so every visit shows something new and unique. Each of the different areas is impressive. Enjoy walking through exotic orchids, passing ponds and fountains and finding plants you have never seen or even heard of before. Beautiful parks and gardens like the rose garden are attached to the indoor gardens and hold an astonishing variety of flora and fauna.

Winter
Make sure to bring your gloves and scarves to the Tysons Corner Center Ice Rink in McLean where you can enjoy not only ice-skating but also a great atmosphere, delightful music, a lovely decorated tree and international food options around it. Admission is $10 and equipment can be rented on sight, including kid walkers (more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53AVauyUK-c)
The ice rink is not only a great activity for the whole family but also fun for couples and friends who like to enjoy some amusing outdoor action. If you stay late, you can warm up under the gas fire pits, grab a hot drink and eat at the Libanese restaurant next to the rink after the skate.