DC cherry blossoms: Top places to get your fix around Washington
Amy DeLaura
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If you are coming to Washington, D.C., for the cherry blossoms, or even if you’re just a longtime local lover of the area staple’s fleeting beauty, there are so many ways to enjoy the seasonal flower other than walking the Tidal Basin. Many local businesses get in on the cherry blossom spirit with themed menu items and blossoming decorations. Here is a list of local spots to hit up in the Washington area.
Astro Doughnuts
Grab a snack at Astro’s — the takeaway spot is just blocks away from the White House. Every year, they have a super sweet cherry blossom-themed doughnut. The seasonal treat is filled with a tart red cherry jam, topped with a cream cheese glaze, and adorned with cherry blossom branch details with icing. These decadent desserts are extremely rich and will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth, but there’s no word on how long they will last.
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Viceroy hotel
If you are feeling fancy, the Viceroy hotel is hosting a cherry blossom tea time. It is offering an array of seasonally inspired teas, including cherry blossom, sencha, matcha, and genmaicha. At the hotel restaurant, Dovetail, you can expect a Japanese three-course themed menu with choices including noodles with cherry tare, matcha tiramisu with a cherry sauce and white chocolate, and a cherry vanilla cake topped with pistachio gelato. They also have a handful of themed cocktails. All cherry blossom menus are available until April 16.
Ciel Social Club
If you need an Instagram backdrop, the Ciel social club has undergone a floral transformation to match the Tidal Basin blooms. The highlight is the cherry-blossom adorned chandelier, making for a dreamy centerpiece. If you need a drink in hand, the club is also mixing up cherry blossom-themed cocktails and has a limited-time Japanese whiskey list.
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Wilson’s Hardware
Another pretty picture spot is tucked away across the Potomac River at Wilson’s Hardware. Don’t let the name fool you. Located in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, this iconic brunch spot has recently received a million-dollar facelift. Now you can find a garden terrace blooming with faux bv cbbcbb vv blossoms, and inside the bar, there are colorful murals that contrast with the modern industrial architecture. Brunch at Wilson’s can feel like a rave with loud music and a full bar, which tends to attract a younger crowd from the local university and young professionals. But if that’s what you are into, Wilson’s is a staple.
Lost Boy Cider
Staying in Virginia, a quick cold one can be found at Lost Boy Cider, a local microbrewery. Located just outside of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, this is the perfect spot if you don’t want to cross the river to grab a drink. For the month of March, it is pouring a cherry blossom hard cider with notes of cherry and jasmine. Lost Boy Cider chose to set up shop in northern Virginia because the state is the 9th-largest apple-growing state in the country.
Compass Coffee
Need a coffee break? With multiple locations across Virginia and Washington, D.C., Compass Coffee is offering a medium-roast cherry blossom blend. You can either order a cup at the counter or take it to-go in beautifully themed tins. Whole bean and ground versions are available. Labeled as floral, bright, and balanced, this blend of beans sourced from Ethiopia and Guatemala will keep you going during all your cherry blossom activities.
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Artechouse
Speaking of activities, the Artechouse in Washington, D.C., is celebrating spring with an immersive cherry blossom experience called PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies. The virtual world places you in a room surrounded by cherry blossoms, spring blooms, and the butterflies they attract. This indoor art exhibit is also a perfect escape from these leftover cold days in March. Tickets are $25, and the exhibit runs until June 11.