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City Cast DC

It’s leaf peeping season! While Shenandoah might be the gold standard, there are plenty of Metro-accessible spots to see the colors, all without a car.

This picturesque town is a short train ride from D.C. and is surrounded by a national park. It not only has great fall colors, but the historic town center has ghost tours, B&B’s, and great bites. Hike up the short path to 

 Take Amtrak! The trip takes an hour and costs about $15. The Harper’s Ferry station is  an easy five-minute walk from restaurants and hikes.

Alexandria has some of the biggest trees in the country. Fort Ward Park alone has six “state champions”, a.k.a. the biggest tree of their species in Virginia. Plus, the eateries along the water and reliably over-the-top Halloween decorations make for a perfect fall excursion.

Take the yellow line to King Street station and walk towards the water. Alternatively, take the water taxi from the Wharf to Alexandria.

In the fall, this seven-mile trail is like passing through a red and golden tunnel. You can spend a day walking or biking along the Potomac, then stop in Georgetown for a nice lunch.

Take the circulator into Georgetown to start at the trail’s south end, or take the red line to Bethesda and walk five minutes to the north end.

This park is home to tidal freshwater wetlands, wildflower meadows, and tidal swamp forests. While it might not be the classic red maples, it still makes for a stunning outdoor adventure.

The H Street Streetcar or the X1, X2, and X3 buses will all drop you off about half a mile from the entrance. Stadium-Armory Station and Minnesota Ave Station are both 25-minute walks away.

Need some more ideas? Find more spots on yesterday’s podcast.

Let’s go leaf peeping!

How to Leaf Peep Without a Car

Urban Almanac

Paola Velez is an award-winning, D.C.-based pastry chef who you may recognize from shows like “Selena + Chef” and “What Am I Eating” with Zooey Deschanel. We chatted with her about her favorite local restaurants and how she’s celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Velez moved to D.C. six years ago, working in the kitchens at Iron Gate, Milk Bar, Kith/Kin, and Maydan. The pastry chef describes her style as “whimsical, playful Americana foods - bursting with sazon and Latino flavors.” She’s working on 

But for Velez, food is about more than just eating. It’s about creating a third space for people to relax and connect, especially in D.C. “The thing that makes D.C.’s Hispanic culinary scene so beautiful is the love and support we all have for one another. We are continuously learning and growing our community.”

Lutece and Anju are Velez’s favorite spots in the District right now, both helmed by Latino chefs: Lutece with Chef Isabel and Anju with Chef Angel. “Both restaurants are unique in flavor and execution,” said Velez, adding that “maybe the upcoming Pascual will join this duo!”

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With Food

Velez encourages people to think outside the box. Support can be monetary, but it’s also about following, sharing, and visiting your favorite local eateries and businesses. “Most importantly, don't just support Latino businesses in D.C. during Hispanic Heritage Month — support them year-round. I promise, you won't be disappointed with a little sazon in your life!”

Velez’s new Urban Outfitters clothing line

, designed to honor the undocumented workforce in the restaurant industry. The embroidery proclaims "te quiero mucho," or “I love you a lot” in Spanish.

Paula Velez is an award-winning, D.C.-based pastry chef who you may recognize from shows like “Selena + Chef” and “What Am I Eating” with Zooey Deschanel. We chatted with her about her favorite local restaurants and how she’s celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Chef Profile: Paola Velez

Food & Drink

With hundreds of wineries in the DMV, how’s one to choose? We hit up Dave McIntyre, the Washington Post’s wine columnist (yes, that’s a real job), to find out the best places to go and the right wines to get (completely for 

For a red wine, McIntyre suggests the Cabernet Franc, a variety that a lot of Virginia and Maryland wineries specialize in, because it thrives in the Mid-Atlantic climate.

For white wine, Petite Mansen is very popular right now. It’s a tropical, fruity wine that can be bone dry or sweet depending on how it’s processed. Plus, it’s pretty much only found in the DMV. Albarino and Sauvignon Blanc are also standouts among local wineries.

Now that you know what to get, here’s where to get it.

One of McIntyre’s favorites, this winery has a large variety to choose from. He particularly recommends their Petit Manseng and Cabernet Franc.

This father-daughter winery is a little farther afield but worth the trip. It specializes in small lot wines with a distinct French influence and process, including whole berry fermentation for reds and sur lie aging for whites.

With one of the most beautiful facilities and views in Virginia, this vineyard also has a great farm-to-table restaurant.

This winery is only a 40-minute drive from D.C. and has bar takeovers every Friday by another local winery, so you can get two-in-one.

This gorgeous outdoor winery is only 30 minutes from D.C. and 22-acres large. They currently grow six red and six white varieties.

An older winery famous for sweet, fruity wines. But McIntyre says they are also experimenting with some dry wines, including one he loves with Saperavi grapes. “They're one of very few people in the mid-Atlantic growing that,” he noted.

With a $33 wine tasting and regular live music and food trucks, this is one of Maryland's most popular vineyards. Beware the crowds on weekends.

Close to Annapolis, this winery makes the perfect day trip. McIntyre recommends their Sauvignon Blanc.

They make their own wines from grapes that are shipped in. You can do a formal tasting or go for just a glass. They also have a full restaurant.

Although they don’t make wine, they specialize in stocking Virginia bottles, and it’s a great way to try out local wines without leaving the city.

This pizza place regularly hosts natural local wine tastings, bringing in wineries from across the region. They even have a wine club.

Want more wine tips? McIntyre will be on our podcast tomorrow.

Subscribe so you don’t miss it

The Best Wineries In the DMV

DC's Best

Is that a nip in the air? Or do D.C. summers just make 70 degrees feel like fall? Regardless, it’s fall fair season! Whether you’re a medieval freak (me), a basic autumnal babe (me), or a sicko that likes to be scared senseless (me), there’s something for everyone.

All the big fall fairs are a ways out of D.C., so which ones are actually worth the effort? 

 One of the country’s largest ren fests, it’s basically impossible to not have a great time. Turkey legs, jousting, singalongs, and sexy pirates, what's not to like?

 This fair on Oct. 21 & 22 is full of 18th-century activities and demonstrations like candle making, horseshoeing, and wheat treading (?).

 Embrace Christian girl autumn and pull up to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch in your best scarf and leather boots. Stay for the kettle corn, tractor pull, and other family-friendly activities.

 Home of Maryland’s biggest corn maze, this festival also has hay rides, zip lines, petting zoos, and fresh apple cider donuts.

Similar but even larger than the last two, this festival has a “foamhenge”, a goat village, a treetop slide, AND a volcano slide (because you need both).

), Markoff’s is the most elaborate Halloween production you’ll ever see, with hundreds of costumed actors, a whole haunted village, bonfires, and 

 Slightly smaller in scale but no less scary, this haunted forest has two different walks, along with games like ax throwing and hammer smashes to get your adrenaline going.

🎧 More fair tips

Is that a nip in the air? Or do D.C. summers just make 70 degrees feel like fall? Regardless, it’s fall fair season! But which ones are actually worth the effort? We asked an expert.

What Fall Fairs are Worth the Trip?

DC, Explained

Navy Yard is the wild west of day drinking, pre-gaming, and general rollicking. But if you want something beyond Mission brunch (which I sincerely hope you do), here are some suggestions.

You can’t beat the halva honey latte or espresso tonic at 

 which recently reopened on 4th Street SE. The Palestinian café also serves unique non-coffee drinks, traditional pastries, and light breakfast sandwiches. If you’re looking for a breakfast bagel with your coffee, try the stellar $6 sammie at 

 or scallion pancake breakfast sandwich at 

If you can plan ahead, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at 

. The Michelin-star restaurant blends French techniques with Middle Eastern flavors. Down the block, 

 offers a stellar brunch with internationally-inspired dishes. For something less formal, head to 

 for the best deli sandwich of your life or 

Go to a ball game, obviously. But you could also head to the 

, free for D.C. residents, to take in some modern art. Or go to the 

. Stroll down the waterfront park and cool off in the fountains. Take a trapeze class at the 

 and creates an intimate but casual space with the best cocktails in the neighborhood. 

 — an enormous waterfront beach club — opened this week with bungalows, cornhole, hookah, and tropical drinks. And if you’re looking for beer, 

Navy Yard is the wild west of day drinking, pre-gaming, and general rollicking. But if you want something beyond Mission brunch (which I sincerely hope you do), here are some suggestions. 

Get To Know Navy Yard

Neighborhood Guides

 on how WMATA should redevelop the two-acre site around the Brookland-CUA station. The goal is to increase ridership by adding more housing and retail to the area. Tristan Navera from Washington Business Journal 

The redevelopment is part of a 10-year strategic plan passed earlier this year that emphasizes more development in underused areas around stations. Metro says the Brookland station renovation could support almost 500,000 square feet of new construction, generating 320,000 more trips per year.

Right now, a parking lot and bus turnaround surround the station. While it sees a fair amount of traffic, the land could be more efficiently used in a fairly congested urban area.

WMATA is considering adding around 400 apartments with possible retail on the first floor. But it’s still up for debate. At the public hearing last week, people said they want grocery stores, bike lanes, affordable housing, and more.

“I think the best outcome will be if everybody compromises a little, and this site changes into something respectful of the neighborhood. But it’s gonna be a struggle,” said Navera. Get your voice in the mix and 

🎧 But first, get more details

Tomorrow is your last chance to weigh in on how WMATA should redevelop the two-acre site around the Brookland-CUA station. The goal is to increase ridership by adding more housing and retail to the area. 

Brookland Metro Is Getting an Upgrade

Local Civics

In December, all three pandas at the National Zoo are flying back to China. But before they do, the zoo is hosting one last farewell party — 

The family-friendly event is nine days long and will include live music, panda-themed food, crafts, and a “panda film fest” with movies like "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Miracle Panda.” Make sure not to miss the pandas’ ice cake breakfast this Saturday at 9 a.m.!

Pandas first arrived at the National Zoo in 1972 as a diplomatic gesture during the Nixon era. They’ve since become D.C.’s biggest celebrities. Unfortunately, the original pandas passed away with no living cubs.

In 2000, the zoo’s current pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian were brought to D.C., but this time, they were on loan. They had four cubs, all of which were returned to China, except for little Xiao Qi Ji. As per the original loan agreement, the pandas must now return to China for their luxurious retirement at the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

The zoo has said that it’s been “working with our Chinese partners to develop a new giant panda program,” so there’s hope. In the meantime, we can still bask in the cuteness of the zoo’s newest babies, including 

In December, all three pandas at the National Zoo are flying back to China. But before they do, the zoo is hosting one last farewell party — Panda Palooza – starting this weekend.

Why the Pandas Are Leaving DC

I hopped on the phone with developer Jonathon Quince to 

learn more about Kite House, a new condo building in Takoma, D.C.

 Kite House is situated on the original site of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center that is now within The Parks community.

How does The Parks community pay tribute to Walter Reed’s history?

“Honoring the history of the site was probably our core design philosophy. It drove every decision that we made before we even commenced designing any of the buildings that were on site. This philosophy extends through to the use of open space to maintain the views of the historic buildings that we’re honoring as the landmarks that they are in the city.”

What are some of the benefits to living in The Parks community?

“The campus is unique in D.C. The Great Lawn, in particular, is a historic element that has survived from the original hospital, and we have really lent that as our event space. There’s year-round programming, including concerts, theatrical performances and holiday celebrations, and smaller-scale events like our complimentary yoga classes offered spring through the fall. We’re only half a mile from Takoma and the Takoma Metro station and the fantastic downtown that is Takoma.

“We have a bunch of really exciting restaurants coming to the campus. I particularly love ramen. I’m very excited for when Junior opens. Then, of course, nothing beats the convenience of having a Whole Foods at your front door.”

Aside from the cool neighborhood, why should City Cast DC listeners choose to buy at Kite House?

“All the residences have particular sophisticated finishes. We have herringbone backsplashes, Bosch appliances, wide-plan flooring. The design element I particularly enjoy is the abundance of natural light. Within the residences we have lofty 6-foot windows, and then most of the residences have either a private terrace or a private balcony.

“Within the building, there's a hospitality-inspired lobby with a separate coworking space. There's a premium fitness studio with a separate yoga and meditation room. There's a club room that's outfitted with some soft seating, cafe tables, library. That club room actually opens up onto our outdoor entertaining terrace, which has its own dining area, grill stations, lounge seating, and a great location for hosting an outdoor party.”

Start here to learn more about Kite House

🎧 And why he's so proud of the garage

Developer Jonathon Quince discusses Kite House, a new condo building in Takoma, D.C. Kite House is situated on the original site of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center that is now within The Parks community.

DC Developer Takes Us Inside Kite House at The Parks

A DC Developer Takes Us Inside Kite House at The Parks

3 Questions With

 is Shaw’s hottest new pop-up, serving up spectacular, Palestinian-inspired breakfasts by chef Marcelle Afram and baker Jill Nguyen (of Capitol Jill Baking). Check it out before it’s gone!

The pop-up is open 8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through Sept. 29. It runs out of the kitchen at Right Proper in Shaw and is available for pick-up and delivery.

The small menu packs a punch with traditional baked goods, hearty egg dishes, and unique drinks. Afram says his three must-try dishes are:

 – a seared halal beef Arabic-style mortadella is pressed in pita with American cheese, soft-boiled eggs, olive spread, and sumac caramelized onions. “There’s no better item on the menu that showcases my upbringing as a Palestinian American,” says Afram.

a sourdough sesame “not-a-bagel” by Jill Nguyen, served with fresh tomatoes in a herb-y marinade and a side of olive oil & za’atar.

 – pinched pancakes stuffed with house-made ricotta and rose water, topped with berries and orange blossom syrup.

Afram is working on more pop-ups and neighborhood drops with more breakfast-focused items. “Wanting to do a breakfast pop-up was always on the backburner. After a successful dinner pop-up in March, I really got the itch to bring my breakfast menu idea to life,” said Afram. He also hopes to bring both the Shababi Diner and his other concept, Shababi Chicken, to a brick-and-mortar in the near future.

Where else can I find Palestinian food in D.C.? 

The city has seen a surge of Palestinian food concepts in the last few years. Afram shared a few of his other favorites: 

“Jinan Deena has a great concept called Bayti by Jinan. Z&Z is a must; their manoushe is incredible. Of course, Michael Rafidi is painting this town with Palestinian flavors. The success of Albi and Yellow is so meaningful for the community. And one can’t talk about local Palestinian cuisine without shouting out Mama Ayesha’s, who has been proudly serving Palestinian food in Adams Morgan since the 1960’s."

Shababi is Shaw’s hottest new pop-up, serving up spectacular, Palestinian-inspired breakfasts by chef Marcelle Afram and baker Jill Nguyen (of Capitol Jill Baking). Check it out before it’s gone!

Shababi Pop-Up Brings Palestinian Diner Food to DC

The magical horses that live in the National Mall’s carousel will be getting repairs in November as the carousel is 

temporarily closed for renovations through July 4, 2026

. The carousel will be shipped to Ohio for electrical, safety, and aesthetic updates. Expect to see it back in D.C. in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The carousel in front of the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building has provided more than just joy and delight for carousel enthusiasts — it also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Built in 1947, the carousel was first located in Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Baltimore. During the Civil Rights Movement, the amusement park was a site of nonviolent protest for desegregation activists. On Aug. 28, 1963, as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place 40 miles away, the amusement park owners 

decided to end the park’s white-only policy.

the first Black child to ride at the park that day

. Two white children rode horses on her other side, a symbol of the unity that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of during his “I Have a Dream” speech that same day. You can identify the horse that Sharon rode by a brass plate attached to the saddle.

In 1981, the carousel was relocated to its current location on the National Mall. A family owned and operated it until the Smithsonian purchased it in December 2022.

The carousel in front of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. has provided more than just joy and delight for carousel enthusiasts — it also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The History of the Carousel on the Mall

DC History

 The month celebrating the experiences, cultures, and contributions of the Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the U.S. began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.

a significant period in the region’s liberation from its European colonizers

, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.

Here are some ways you can celebrate this month:

 on Sept. 23 and 24. The District’s hallmark annual event takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue and features a parade, food vendors, a beauty pageant, and live music, including a musical performance by (Selena’s brother!) A.B. Quintanilla III of the Cumbia Kings.

on Oct. 10. This party and panel discussion at El Rey DC explores the experiences of people growing up LGBTQ+.

 on Sept. 20. This six-course dinner at Inca Social in Arlington will have your taste buds traveling through the delicious flavors of the region.

 on Sept. 21. Head to El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan (

) for a pupusa-making class and rum tasting.

This contemporary marketplace near Union Market features merchants from across the diaspora. 

Discover Latin American wines at their stores in Shaw, La Cosecha Market, and the Mosaic District in Fairfax.

Check out this list of more events around the DMV.

Check out the events, eateries, and shops to support and celebrate the Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the nation's capital.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in D.C.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV

And we’re not complaining. Not only do they force you to stay well-read, they’re also a way to build community outside the workplace. But with clubs on everything from cooking to labor politics to Gilmore Girls, how do you possibly choose?!

Consider Why You Want To Join a Book Club:

Is it to learn more about D.C. history? To make new friends? Is it to have philosophical discussions? To get through the classics? This will help narrow down your search.

Most of D.C.’s independent bookstores have public book clubs. Here are a few places to start:

 (Eastern Market) – A queer-owned and focused bookstore, so they have a lot of clubs centered around the LGBTQ community.

 (Park View) – A Black-owned bookstore with book clubs focusing on the African American experience.

 (Adams Morgan) – They have loads, but their most popular is the meet-cute book club.

 (Varies) – Dozens of clubs on everything from travel to local Black history to “intimidating” books.

 (Mt. Pleasant) – This bookstore hosts cookbook clubs, where everyone brings something they made from that month’s cookbook.

You won’t know if it’s a good fit until you go! To make it a little less intimidating, try going with a friend or to a bookstore you already love.

with local book club expert Serena Zets about her favorite book clubs and even how to start your own! Here are some standouts she mentioned:

 (Solid State Books) - Knit and talk about what you're reading.

 (West End Library): Work your way through gargantuan classics.

 (East City Bookshop): Read a selection of the 339 books Rory is filmed reading in “Gilmore Girls.”

Listen for more!

D.C. is obsessed with book clubs (like obsessed). But with clubs on everything from cooking to labor politics to Gilmore Girls, how do you possibly choose?!

How To Find Your Perfect DC Book Club

D.C.’s got some of the big changes coming to local transit this fall. Here are the big four you need to know about:

 and letters to the system’s color-coded line names. But it’s starting with a smaller change: directional indicators like “West towards Virginia” on digital maps in stations to make navigation easier.

Metro is also rolling out all door bus boarding this fall (with new fare boxes at the back door too) to speed up the boarding and decrease delays. It is also replacing the decades-old fare boxes with ones that process SmarTrip taps faster.

All D.C. buses will now be equipped with dash cameras to catch and fine drivers blocking bus lanes or stops. Metro says blocked bus lanes are slowing buses down to an average of 9.8 mph. This change should improve service.

You’ve probably seen the 5-foot-tall, saloon door-style fare gates being put up in some Metro stations. Metro claims they have cut down fare evasion by more than 70%. They soon plan to soon have the beefed-up gates at all 98 stations.

Want more details? We covered these changes and more on our podcast. 

4 Metro Updates You Need To Know

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

 was built in 1898 as a U.S. home of Franciscans who have historically cared for the shrines in current-day Israel and Palestine. The result is a stunning church and gardens filled with historic replicas right in the middle of D.C.

The monastery is an 18-minute walk from the Brookland Metro stop, or a five-minute walk from G8 and 80 bus stops. There is also ample parking. The church is open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the surrounding gardens open until 4:45 p.m.

The immense ceilings, stained-glass, and ornate carvings inside this church are a must-see. Mass is open to the public every Sunday at 11 a.m. I also recommend taking the free tour which allows you to see the web of catacombs and crypts underneath!

Beside the church is a sprawling garden that holds replicas of numerous altars, chapels, and grottos from the Old World. Meant to serve as a place of pilgrimage for those who could not go overseas, visitors can complete a veritable world tour of Roman and Middle Eastern religious shrines in a few hours.  There is also a vegetable garden and apiaries behind the monastery.

After taking your pilgrimage, you’ll probably be hungry. If you walk a few minutes west towards the Brookland Metro, you will find 

, a small taco shop with great guac and margaritas. Just a few blocks south of that is the dive bar/diner 

, perfect for burgers or breakfast sandwiches, and 

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America was built in 1898 as a U.S. home of Franciscans. The result is a stunning church and gardens filled with historic replicas right in the middle of D.C.

Your Guide to DC's Franciscan Monastery

Get up to date with who and what is coming to the D.C. food scene this fall!

Listen To Our Podcast