In March, two of my friends and I went to DC to visit the Cherry Blossoms. Despite me living in Maryland since 2017, I actually have never been. It was actually more recently where I started exploring Maryland on my own or with friends. Before that, I was in full-time Graduate School, Internship and Working at a minimum part-time, sometimes full-time along side all of that. How? I don’t know. I keep getting that question, but I don’t really have an answer. I always said that I was just gritting my teeth and reminding myself “this is temporary.” But anywhoo.
The metro was pretty easier and we visited an art gallery, specific to the cherry blossoms on the way there. We decided to eat lunch first at a restaurant called “Seven Reasons.” According to their Instagram, they have been awarded:
Best New Restaurant in America – Esquire, 2019
DC’s Best Restaurant – Washington Post, 2019
Most Important Restaurants of the Decade – Esquire, 2019
And to clarify, they’re not always Cherry Blossom- themed but during the DC blossoms, some restaurants will participate, changing decor, some adding items to their menu I believe. Personally, I thought the atmosphere was super cute but the food was mediocre. Apparently I’m wrong according those awards LOL but just my opinion. I thought the had small servings in relation to the prices.
But I don’t know- maybe that’s just me! None of us were that hungry, but we all got gelato later that hit the spot. At the end, you paid via a QR code and I spoke about this in another post I’ve done, (All you can eat Sushi) and I think there are definitely pros to this, but also cons if people have difficulty with this, due to not growing up around phones, not having a smart phone or internet connections. I also wonder implications because I feel like you can just walk out without paying? (NOT a recommendation, but just a question based on common sense??) In this particular place, my service was not working well (I have Mint) and so it took a long time to load for me to be able to pay. (Like 10+ minutes) which I admit it not long in the grand scheme of things, but it is when you’re trying to get your phone to load so you can pay. All in all, I would rate this restaurant maybe a 6-7 out of 10. Perhaps I’ll give it another chance if I’m in the area again- maybe just an off day or I got the wrong food… The wine was good though!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenreasonsdc/
Location: 931 H St NW, Washington D.C, 20001
So next, we walked to the Cherry Blossom Festival and I actually didn’t know it was also the kite festival on this day! It was really an incredible sight and we got to see so many different kites. I haven’t flown a kite in so long- and honestly forgot they existed! Ahh.. that’s embarrassing to admit.
A collection of beautiful kites being flown near the Washington Monument.
As you may be able to imagine, since the Cherry Blossoms and the Kit Festival were both on the same day, there were HEAVY crowds both in DC and on the Metro. As incredible as it was, do I recommend going then? I think unless you really want to see the Kite Festival (which was incredible), I would stay away from DC when both events are happening, especially if you’re claustrophobic or wanting a higher likelihood for good pictures (with less people in the background).
While I will speak about the cherry blossoms a little bit later in this post, the Kite Festival is deeply ingrained in the history of the Cherry Blossoms.
In 1912, Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to DC as an olive branch, a sign for friendship.
The Kite festival was added to further celebrate the Japanese culture and kite-flying traditions. Now, you may see families, couples or even professional kite fliers at this festival.
There are workshops on kite-making and collaboration with Japanese artists to enhance the authentic cultural performances to the event. What started out as something to honor the Japanese Tradition has turned into teaching newer generations how to carry it on.
When we got to the Cherry Blossoms, we definitely weren’t expecting them to be so white, so that’s something to keep in mind.
The majority of the trees weren’t pink at all- but more white. I can’t really find much on the internet about why- the biggest thing that’s said is that it’s the variety of tree. I know with hydrangeas, depending on the PH of the soil, they can be different colors (pink, purple, blue) but I don’t think the same goes for cherry blossoms.
We did find one more pink-colored one (above), but like I said- the majority of them were that more white color, depicted below.
I always say that expectations matter- so just know this as you go into it. If you expect white, this will meet your expectations and it truly is such a beautiful sight. If you’re expecting pink- you will likely be disappointed.
After taking pictures and enjoying the trees, we went along to exploring the area. (It is rare that we go to DC, simply because it’s a hassle. Parking is pretty horrendous so whenever you go- most people are using public transportation).
We went to Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee to get something sweet and all got Gelato. It was delicious and so refreshing. I mean… yeah of course I recommend it! I’ve never had “bad gelato” and I think if I did- well, I think I’d have bigger problems to think about… (like my personality at that point, ha!)
Website: https://dolcezzagelato.com/gelato/
Address: 904 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
And after that- we traveled to VA to watch a Circus, so I suppose this is the end of my post, here.
What do I recommend in this post?
I think I shared my recommendation here, but to recap-
- I don’t necessarily recommend Seven Seasons, but perhaps I need to give it a second chance.
- I do recommend the kite festival; I thought it was so neat see everything flying in the air like that.
- I do recommend the cherry blossoms, but I would probably adjust your expectation if you’re wanting to see a lot of pink.
- I do recommend Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee and definitely would love to go again!
- I don’t recommend going at such a high-traffic day (kite festival and cherry blossoms) especially with kids or pets unless you’re specifically wanting to see the kites!
Cheers friends and Travelers!
~ Backroad Butterflies ~
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