April 2023

Cherry Blossom Cheers: A One-Day Adventure in the DMV

What started as a simple celebration of a friend’s birthday turned into an unexpected dive into an annual festival! During cherry blossom season, communities in the DMV area transform their neighborhoods with sakura designs, host lively events, and set up pop-up markets. Although I was only there for a day, I managed to catch some stunning performances, shop unique booths, and enjoy the beautiful decorations all along the National Harbor.

Where I Stayed

Since this was a quick day trip, I didn’t book a stay in the area. But with so many festivals and activities going on around National Harbor and the DMV during cherry blossom season, it could be a fun opportunity to stay at one of the nearby hotels. (Next time, I might just make a whole weekend out of it!)

What I Wore

For this early spring festival, I dressed in light layers. Cherry blossom season can be unpredictable with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons, so I’d recommend a light jacket or sweater. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, especially if you plan to explore the shops and food booths like I did!

Since we were going to dinner I also packed a LBD (little black dress) and heels. We ended up changing at a Wawas after exploring the festival and then heading to dinner.

Must-See Spots

The highlight of the day was definitely the Sakura Sunday event at National Harbor. We arrived just in time to catch an energetic drum performance that set the tone for the festival. Booths lined the harbor, selling all sorts of unique food and merchandise, and we took time to wander through the local shops as well.

I especially loved Sticky Situation, a honey shop with flavored honeys in every variety you could imagine. And, of course, we stopped at a local candy shop to grab some saltwater taffy, which has become a tradition for me whenever I visit harbor areas!

Food Highlights

Our cherry blossom adventure turned into a foodie adventure when we went to Nazca y Pisco for my friend’s birthday dinner. This Peruvian restaurant was a delicious surprise, especially with the tasting menu, which allowed us to try multiple dishes. My favorites were the causa crocante and the tostones sampler, which were so flavorful and unique! For my main, I had Lomo Saltado—a wok-seared tenderloin served with jasmine rice and fries, seasoned perfectly with soy and oyster sauce, onions, and tomato petals. We finished the evening with a classic tres leches cake, the perfect sweet ending to an adventurous meal.

Travel Tips

• Arrive Early: Sakura Sunday events and cherry blossom festivals get crowded quickly, so plan to arrive early to get the best view of the performances and decorations.
• Plan for Layers: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so dress in light layers for comfort throughout the day.
• Bring a Reusable Tote: With so many unique shops and pop-up booths, you’ll want a bag to carry your finds. The local honey and taffy shops alone are worth stopping by!
• Embrace the Unexpected: The best part of this day was how unplanned it all felt. Sometimes just showing up to explore can lead to the best surprises and make the day feel like an adventure.

Final Thoughts

This quick, spontaneous trip was a perfect way to break up the work week and see a new side of the DMV area. It was the first of many “Rest of the Time Warriors” day trips, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

To see more highlights from the trip, check out the video below.