From luxe staycations to our favorite sips, don’t miss these options for taking in the best of the cherry blossom season around town.
Pixel Bloom: Timeless Butterflies opens at Artechouse on March 11.
Artechouse
Has there ever been an uninspired show at this Southwest DC digital art venue? The hits continue with Pixel Bloom: Timeless Butterflies. This exhibition encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. The show simulates a surreal intertwining of art and virtual reality in the 22-minute adventure with a stunning assortment of butterflies—each released from a winter slumber. It’s an event of renewal, vibrancy and the fodder of countless Instagram posts. March 11-June 11, 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, artechouse.com
CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC’s beloved paper lanterns are back. Suspended above Palmer Alley, 250 light pink lanterns create the perfect Instagrammable moment for spring. (Lanterns rise on March 1 and will be up through Memorial Day.) While visiting, don’t miss the recently opened Chanel boutique, which offers ready-to-wear jewelry and accessories, plus other luxe standouts like Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Dior and Hermès. Afterward, dine at Centrolina, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, DBGB Kitchen and Bar, or Fig & Olive. For dessert, we adore Dolcezza Gelato and Coffee for the best Italian sweet treats in the city. 825 10th St. NW, citycenterdc.com
The gardens at Salamander DC overlook the Tidal Basin.
Salamander DC
Formerly the Mandarin Oriental before DC icon Sheila Johnson recently purchased the property, this urban oasis has arguably the best views of the Tidal Basin in the city—plus its own cherry trees. For the festival season, guests will enjoy a Cherry Blossom Garden Soiree in the tranquil garden, featuring a rosé tasting experience with hotel partner Chateau d’Esclans. Indulge in its signature blossom-inspired afternoon tea overlooking the garden terrace, with culinary delights curated by guest celebrity pastry chef Lasheeda Perry. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 877.401.9818, salamanderdc.com
Cherry confections at CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Rosewood in Georgetown
Rosewood
Rosewood will offer guests a chance to capture the magic of the blossoming petals through a private cherry blossom cruise on the Potomac. Up to six guests can enjoy a two-hour cruise to take in the sights, accompanied by a picnic created by Wolfgang Puck’s CUT DC and a bottle of the chef’s signature sparkling wine. March 20-April 16, 1050 31st St. NW, 202.617.2400, rosewoodhotels.com
The St. Regis
True to the cherry blossom tradition, the property celebrates with a Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea. It’s an exceptional way to relax and enjoy sweet treats and select teas from Dammann Frères. 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, 202.638.2626, marriott.com
The Mayflower Hotel
Go old school and fly a kite with this venerable property on Connecticut Avenue. Guests can reserve a room and receive a custom Mayflower kite and guide to the best spots in town to launch the aircraft during cherry blossom season. March 10-April 19, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202.347.3000, marriott.com
The Pink Tie party (you guessed the dress code) supports the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Pink Tie Party
Blush is a rush, and think pink—that’s the sartorial mindset behind the annual Pink Tie Party, which supports the mission of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Held at the Ronald Reagan Building, the event features Absolutely Dragulous on the cherry blossom runway, along with cocktails, mocktails and incredible food from executive chef Houman Gohary. March 16, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Silver Lyan at the Riggs Hotel
World-renowned mixologists Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) and Masa Urushido, owner of New York City’s Katana Kitten, have created an immersive pop-up experience. Inspired by the Japanese custom of flower viewing known as hanami—coupled with the original 1912 gift of cherry trees from the people of Japan to the United States—the dynamic duo will create sips that will tantalize long after the blooms are gone. Last year’s turnout for this special affair in the bank vault was extraordinary, so make plans early to sip cocktails like the Milk and Cookies (pictured: Roku gin, Buddha’s hand, matcha whey and senbei); and Yuzu Spritz (Roku gin, dry sherry, yuzu, soda and cucumber). March 27-April 1, 900 F St. NW, 202.788.2799, silverlyan.com, riggsdc.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF ARTECHOUSE; COURTESY OF SALAMANDER DC; NICO SCHINCO; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF SILVER LYAN
