DC Winter Event Roundup

Whether you’re just visiting, new to the area, or a true Washingtonian, winter in the District is such a magical time. Here’s our roundup of the must-dos during the winter season in DC. How many can you check off this winter!

Use the bingo card to share your adventures with us with the hashtag #BlueFernTravelBingo.

1. Enjoy Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week

• Or should we say Restaurant Weeks? The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has extended Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week for 2 weeks starting January 25 through February 7, 2020. Experience cuisines from around the world that truly show how diverse and delicious DC is. Menus are priced $22 for lunch and brunch items and $35 or $55 for dinner items, you can enjoy as much as you’d like. Check out the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington for participating restaurants and menus!

2. Celebrate Inauguration Day (Jan 20)

• Though this year’s inauguration will be virtually focused, celebrate like a true local and toast to the new President of the United States, Joe Biden and the first female and first woman of color Vice President, Kamala Harris. Be a real Washingtonian and order some brunch, turn on CNN and watch history happen!

3. Enjoy the snow!

• Pack your sled and race down the hills surrounding The Capitol, Book Hill in Georgetown or the Masonic Temple in Alexandria, Va. A long time tradition for locals to enjoy the off-season without so many crowds and let your inner kid run wild.
• Snow ball fight with Washington DC Snowball Fight Association Yes. We have our own official snowball fight association. Follow Washington DC Snowball Fight Association’s social media pages to stay up to date on where the next battle will commence.

4. Ring in The Chinese Lunar New Year (February 12)

• Chinese Lunar New Year occurs on February 12, 2021 marking the beginning of the year of the Ox.
• Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s virtual celebration on Feb 13th, in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, the Freer Gallery and Sackler Gallery, it’s sure to be amazing!
• Or Support local restaurants like local favorite Panda Gourmet (not that Panda Gourmet), located inside the Days Inn on New York Ave NE.

5. Celebrate African American History month (February)

• Support local black owned business for African American History month! Of course, we should do this year-round, but February is a great time to explore a new spot! Need some inspiration? We’ll be highlighting some of our own favorites so be sure to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know!
• Explore! There’s a reason why DC is called Chocolate City! Get out and explore some of our most famous residents and visitors:
• The Father of African American history, Carter G. Woodson lived on 1538 9th St NW and although the historic site is closed for the time being, you take in his memorial on Rhode Island Ave.
• A champion for women’s rights and civil rights, Mary McLeod Bethune’s home in Logan Circle is unfortunately closed at the moment, but there is also a memorial to her in Lincoln Park. Built in 1974, this is the first statue to honor an African American AND a woman in the district!
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has made a huge impact on our country’s history and on The National Mall, but did you realize how much he was connected to the local community? Check out our DC History Download – Walking in MLK’s Footsteps video tour to see some of MLK’s ties to our historic U Street neighborhood.

6. Celebrate Women’s History month (March)

• Should come as no surprise, we’re into tours! Check out A Tour of Her Own in March for tours centered on elevating women through sharing their history!
• Support women in the arts by checking out the National Museum of Women in the Arts, or murals by Miss Chelove! They’re all over the district, making our city beautiful!
• Support local women owned business throughout the month (and year round). As a woman owned business, Blue Fern Travel knows how important it is to highlight other amazing women entrepreneurs. Check back for our own list of can’t miss women owned restaurants!

7. Take in the sites and bites during National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20- April 11)

• Setting that way-too-early alarm will be worth it, we promise. Catch the sunrise around the tidal basin and take in the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms before the crowds wake up.
• And early morning also means you can hit more stops on our National Cherry Blossom Festival Flavor Pass– good for the duration of the month- the flavor pass gets you specials and discounts at some of our favorite spots all over the city!
• We’ll also be back to our in-person tours in March so make sure to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know!

8. Explore a new neighborhood

• Enjoy the usually mild DC winter and explore your own neighborhood or a new one!
• If you need a little help, our Fork Tours are still operating for private bookings so we can be as safe as possible. Bring your pod together and let us share the history and food of DC’s iconic places.

9. Celebrate from afar and support local DC businesses with a virtual event

• Not physically in DC? Many businesses we love have pivoted to virtual classes!
• Take a watercolor class with Painted Palettes, join a yoga session with Yoga District, hire your favorite DC drag queens or let us plan a food and drink virtual experience for you! We can handle all the planning of your next birthday, bachelorette, family, or work party and we’ll let you take all the credit.

We hope this inspires you to explore, discover and stay curious. Just because the weather is cold (and there’s a pandemic), there are still great, DC-style ways to make your winter amazing!

Play along with our #bluefernbingo card below to tell us what you’re up to! And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to learn more about seasonal events and culture in and around the district.