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City Cast DC

Find the best that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Madeline Weinfield

Cherry blossom peak bloom may be behind us, but D.C.’s most colorful season is just getting started. The city is filled with flowering trees and bushes that get overlooked thanks to the spotlight-stealing cherries. Here are the other best blooms to look out for.

Marjorie Merriweather Post – cereal heiress and mid-century D.C. hostess extraordinaire – is known today for her palatial Forest Hills home and her lifelong love affair with orchids. The vast grounds contain over 1,200 different species of orchids. March was “Orchid Month” but you can find varieties blooming year-round, including in Post’s greenhouse. Staff at the visitors center will even loan you a picnic blanket and map if you ask nicely.

, it’s well worth a trip to these gardens at the far edges of the D.C. diamond. Go in late July when the blooms are at their peak, but don’t wear your best shoes, since it 

a marsh after all. Besides the blooms, don’t miss the marsh boardwalk at the far back corner of the park. The natural wetland is home to over 250 species of birds.

 are an instant serotonin boost and essential part of D.C. spring. The estate was once owned by Mildred Dumbarton (a laxative heiress) but is now open for all. The grounds feature incredible flowering plum trees, an orangery, and voluminous forsythia bushes. For me, the highlight is the hanging Wisteria that blooms in April at the pebble garden. Get tickets ahead of time as service there is spotty. Food and drinks aren’t allowed, so finish your coffee beforehand.

The Arboretum’s 446 acres are full of flowering trees. Come for the magnolias (mid-March to June), dogwoods (mid April to early June), and the crab apple trees (early April to May). But the most magical time (IMHO) is when the azaleas bloom in April, covering the hills with swaths of red and pink. The Arboretum’s 

Situated between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue, this garden is flanked by rows of old magnolia trees, especially around the Moongate Garden. It's the perfect spot to get away from the National Mall crowds and steal some photo ops away from tourists. For something more local, try Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, which has rows and rows of magnolias lining its paths.

DC Blooms Better Than the Cherry Blossoms

Find the best of everything that DC has to offer.

DC’s Best

DC's Best

If you know us, you know we love nothing more than discovering D.C.’s lesser-known gems. These podcast episodes dig into D.C.’s most underrated spots that fly under the radar, from cafes to happy hours.

Underrated Dates in DC — For $15 Or Less

Everything is expensive! But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find love on the cheap. Jade Womack, also known as 

, tells us her best D.C. date spots for $15 or less. Because, let’s be real, we’ve all been on enough $fancy$ cocktail dates.

We’re starting a series about dating in D.C. off the apps — 

check out the first installment on speed dating

Raman Santra, creator of the viral account 

D.C. bars — and lucky for us, he doesn’t gatekeep. He talked with us about D.C.’s best bars that don’t get enough hype, from dives to speakeasies.

, is on a mission to visit every single cafe in D.C. Like seriously, she estimates she tried over 

 last year. She’s on the pod to talk about her absolute favorites so far.

. Perfect for curling up in this dreary weather.

The Best (and Most Underrated) Happy Hours in DC

D.C. is the land of happy hours, but many of them aren’t as “happy” as they used to be. Ann Limpert, food editor for the Washingtonian, is here with some 

great D.C. bar deals where you can knock back a few (responsibly, of course 👀).

Sunday brunch doesn't have to mean powdered eggs and watered down mimosas. These brunches might be a little off the beaten path, but your friend group will thank you. Cornelia Poku of 

 shares her pick of D.C.’s best brunches.

You might not think of D.C. as a city with a thriving literary scene, but we’re pumping out great authors like nobody's business. Local writer 

 tells us all the best book and poetry recommendations from local authors you’ve never heard of.

, author of “Best Offer Wins,” a juicy D.C. real-estate thriller. It may even become a Hulu series starring Greta Lee!

Podcast Playlist: Underrated DC Gems

 — Harper’s Bazaar said so, and I agree. As a current singleton and life-long yearner (I blame one too many Wuthering Heights read-throughs as a kid) it’s my time to shine.

This Valentines Day, if you’re going to ache, pine, or stare into the abyss wondering what could’ve been, you might as well do it right. Here are a few tried-and-true spots I recommend to indulge in romantic self-delusion and whimsy.

A window seat and headphones hate to see me coming (a girl who hasn’t gotten over anything, 

). I could sit there all day listening to Mazzy Star and daydreaming. Especially the moment when the train comes out of the tunnel and goes over the Potomac? C’mon!

You’ll be in good company here amongst the works of OG yearner Shakespeare. Settle in the 

 cafe and write a sonnet to your crush (my mailbox is open 😉), or walk around the neighborhood and yearn after the townhomes.

Order a sexy-looking old fashioned that you don’t really want. Bring a book you won’t read. Yearn about that one situationship from 2019, then quickly realize you got off easy when the couple next to you starts fighting.

There’s a specific kind of yearning that only happens on the bus. Lock eyes with a stranger for half a second and imagine an entire life together before the light turns green, you realize it’s kinda creepy, and the moment dies forever.

During the day? A tourist's nightmare. At sunrise? A daydreamer’s paradise. Yearn in an “I could move to another country” way. You’ll leave convinced you’re meant for more, even if “more” is just moving out of your English basement.

Oh the yearning I have done while leaning on these romantic stones! Stare at the Potomac and yearn for days filled with long hikes, no screens, and a sunny nap (or two).

Best Places To Yearn In DC

Baby, it’s cold outside — but don’t let that stop the adventures! To beat the winter blues, we talked with City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner about 

the best trips you can take this winter on a budget

Just a short hop from D.C., Harpers Ferry offers a great way to enjoy the slopes and other winter sports this season. Check out 

, a popular place in West Virginia that just debuted a snowtubing option. Lift tickets are $39. On weekends, check out their disco-themed tubing for a fun twist. Train access from Harpers Ferry station is $15.

Listen: nobody’s saying our mountains have anything on Colorado’s, but there is actually great skiing to be had around here, especially if you love a good deal. Head three hours northwest to 

, Maryland’s only ski resort, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary with “platinum deals.” From $19.55 ski lift tickets, $70 beginner ski or snowboard packages, plus hotel stays around $169 per night, there are tons of ways to have fun and save money.

New York City may be cold this time of year — but it’s also a cold hard bargain. 

, book 25% of hotel stays in the city that never sleeps, including stays at several big hotel chains like the Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and more. While you’re in town, grab two-for-one ticket deals during 

, and book a reservation at one of New York City’s incredible restaurants during 

, both taking place from Jan. 20 to Feb. 12.

➕ More Winter Getaways Under $150

City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner shares the best trips you can take this winter on a budget.

The Best Winter Trips from Washington, DC Under $150

The Best Winter Trips Under $150

City Cast DC staff

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — their knack for spotting what matters proved them to be a reliable voice for 2025’s biggest local stories. Now, we’re turning to them to forecast what’s in store for 2026. From political shifts to data centers, their perspectives offer a candid preview of the issues and surprises that could shape our hometowns.

Curious what’s around the corner? Catch their unique insights on 

, where all 13 hosts predicted this year’s biggest stories. Here’s a preview of that conversation:

Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York has energized Democratic Socialists across the U.S. 

 with the election of Katie Wilson, but it’s yet to be seen if she has the same star power or sway inside City Hall.

City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu says the linchpin of Wilson’s election is likely to come with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, as advocates for the city’s unhoused population watch whether Wilson will sweep encampments as previous mayors have.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what she decides there, because there's going to be tension between what people elected her for and what action she’s actually able to take,” Hu says.

Many City Cast cities are seeing a surge in data center development. “It’s going to be a doozy” of a conversation in 2026, as our CEO David Plotz pointed out.

In Madison, the mayor and much of the City Council last year proposed a 

one-year moratorium on zoning certificates

 for new data centers while they try to better understand how data centers could impact the electric grid and energy bills. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin says Madisonians are “up in arms.”

“Folks are concerned that this might be a bubble, that this could be another dot-com bubble where Silicon Valley folks rush in, move to scale, and then they’re like, let’s abandon ship,” Martin says.

But aren’t data centers great for the economy? Plotz 

, suggesting that data centers contributed to the tech economy in Washington, D.C. Well, that got the group fired up.

“We’re also talking about doing it in really beautiful green spaces that we don’t want to be cluttered with this kind of nonsense,” says City Cast Pittsburgh host, Megan Harris.

And the conversation didn’t end there. From an affordability crisis to massive infrastructure changes, here’s what each of our hosts predicted for this year’s biggest news.

 gives Democrats a safe congressional seat — and candidates are chomping at the bit to announce their bids. But now that they don’t have to court Republican voters, Salt Lake is wondering: Could Democrats explore Mamdani-level progressivism?

. There’s a housing crisis, a stagnant population, and a nearly 50-year-old reputation for economic gloom they can’t seem to outrun. Tax increases may help, but Pittsburgh’s got to figure out how to attract more people if the city ever wants to really evolve.

? With rising homelessness, controversial city spending, and Austin voters overwhelmingly rejecting Prop Q, which would have raised property taxes, Austinites will be focused on what the city is spending on and why it’s not being spent more equitably.

. With real estate investment lagging, downtown Portland will likely see an increase in unique, temporary, and creative storefronts as property managers and the city will shift toward a “punk rock mall” model.

, which could open the door to a competitive primary and potentially transform a new generation of Democratic leadership.

The Twin Cities, a longtime hub for legal immigration, is facing rising tension as 

ICE continues to target the Somali community

. One Republican state representative has already spoken out against Trump’s rhetoric, but there are also voices supporting the president’s language. Which way will things shift in 2026?

Elon Musk’s The Boring Company is building twin 9.5-mile 

 between downtown Nashville and the airport, with future extensions proposed. Is this the right move for Nashvillians? In 2026, locals will continue to question safety, oversight, and a lack of geological testing, especially considering the city’s limestone terrain is vulnerable to sinkholes.

Denver wants to help build new stadiums for the Broncos

 and its first National Women's Soccer League team, sparking debates over public funding, community benefits, and transparency. Pushback includes concerns about backroom deals and threats from NWSL owners to leave if demands aren’t met. The teams are promising huge economic impacts for the whole city. We expect Denver to look very different in the years to come.

 is uncertain amid mass firings, agencies possibly relocating, and a Supreme Court case threatening civil service rules. The city’s economy, housing market, and politics all hinge on whether the federal workforce remains.

 in our lifetime. Driven by increased marketing efforts and major events, including an NCAA tournament, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup, and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, Philly is determined to expose the world to the city.

Nevada’s new crime bill, which goes into effect this year, will allow judges to “order out” anyone with a criminal charge from the 

. What are the implications for the city’s tourist corridor when individual rights are sacrificed for the goal of encouraging tourism? And how could similar bills affect tourism nationwide?

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host. So we’re turning to all 13 of our hosts, including Washington, D.C.’s Michael Schaffer, who are sharing the biggest stories shaping their hometowns in 2026. 

2026 Predictions for DC and Across the City Cast Network

2026's Biggest National Stories, According to City Cast's Hosts

New Year’s events in D.C. can get out-of-hand expensive, and on top of that, they’re often underwhelming. There’s 

 worse than being out and wishing you were back home on your couch. Here is our list of NYE celebrations — for every type of person and budget — that are actually worth staying up for.

Seriously, there’s no shame in picking something more your speed, grandpa 😉 I’ll be right there with ya. Metrobar is hosting a 

 party from 4 - 7:30 p.m. with campfires and hot toddies. Or head to The Yards for “

” with train rides, carnival games, and a balloon drop at noon. If you fancy a performance, hit up 

 concert (9:30 p.m.) at the Anthem (supported by D.C.’s Bartees Strange) or catch the early showing of DC Improv’s 

 at Number Nine, the most sapphic NYE party in the city, complete with tarot readings and live DJ. Not to be confused with the 

, which is always a blast (and free!). Or head to Spark Social, which is 

For When You’re Cashing In That Bonus ($100+)

It is easy to spend upwards of $100 on an NYE event in D.C. Some parties that are 

 with an open bar, light bites, flowing champagne, and disco bangers. The 

 with a full dinner are also at the top of my list.

There’s no need to spend an arm and a leg to have a great time. 

Black Cat’s annual New Year's Swing Ball

 is the perfect start to the year with a big band, conga lines, games, comedians, and more. For dancing, 

 with DJ’s and shots on the house. Or, bring the squad to the 

 with a complementary glass of bubbly, bites, and a dome projection show.

You won’t get all the open bars and free canapés, but there are plenty of free options to choose from. Dance the night away at 

 with no cover and a free midnight toast. And 

 will have free music and dance performances down King Street with a fireworks display at midnight. Lastly, it might not be a party, but this 

 and champagne toast would be delightful.

Whatever you do, be safe, and I hope you have a great time ringing in the new year!

More New Year’s Eve Events

2026 New Year's Eve Parties For Every Budget and Bedtime

Julia Karron

The snow is falling, the frigid temperatures have hit, and you know what that means: It’s time for me — Julia Karron, the City Cast team’s resident rink rat — to spread the word about my favorite activity. If you’re willing to dole out roughly $20 for ice time plus skate rentals, then please listen up. As someone who has salted on about every rink the DMV has to offer, I’ve put together my top picks for where to lace up.

Remember when the Capitals won the Stanley Cup and 

 This is your chance to live out your Caps NHL fantasy in real life. 

, weather permitting, until March, and if you want to book it privately for a few friends or a whole hockey team, you can.

If you’re feeling a little more fancy, 

. Based near the Transit Pier right near the Anthem, you can grab a quick skate before a dinner and a show. Plus, checking out the nearby boats and monuments while skating is pretty neat too. This rink closes February 22nd, so get those strides in.

 and never disappoints. This year they’re offering “learn to skate” lessons on Saturday mornings through Washington Elite Skating School. If you’re a novice but serious about getting on the ice, this might be for you. Bonus: You’re a five minute walk from 

, a great spot to grab a sweet or savory treat and a good coffee.

. They’ve created a cute figure eight around trees and sculptures so you can add a little more pizzazz instead of just going in a circle. Take your friends who want a little more adventure or are more advanced skaters.

 has also been around for years and offers not only great skating, but solid food options nearby as well. Skating followed by Bob’s Shanghai 66? Sign me up!

Where To Ice Skate In the DMV This Winter

The Festival of Lights is upon us! Here are some of our favorite places around the DMV commemorating this eight-day Jewish holiday with delicious goods and festive activities.

 is a favorite of our Senior Producer Julia Karron, and is known for their excellent baked goods. Head here to pick up babka, challah, latkes, and sufganiyot from Dec. 17 to 22. Can’t wait? Start a 

Located across from the National Zoo, this 

 is selling its famous black-and-white cookies and jumbo cake pops with a menorah design. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and you can order items as singles or in a gift box.

 is serving up sufgani-shots (yes, you read that right, jelly doughnuts in shot form), latkes with either sour cream or apple sauce, and Manischewitz. They light the Hanukiyah menorah at 7 p.m. every night through Hanukkah. Plus, they’ll be serving Chinese food and a movie Dec. 24-25.

 end after eight days?! Keep the festivities going at 

 on Dec. 24 with dancing, drink specials, and “heavy snacks” which of course means lots of bagels!

Fried & Festive: A Chanukah Party (Chinatown, DC)

 of the fifth night of Chanukah. Wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater, debate over team sour cream v. team apple sauce, and enjoy latkes, doughnuts, drinks, and a dreidel competition. Admission is $18.

Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken (Downtown DC & Shirlington, VA)

 with four jelly doughnuts, three Hanukkah cookies with vanilla glaze, shortbread crumble, and royal icing, and three vanilla doughnuts. Pickup and delivery is available at both locations, but you need to order by 2 p.m. to be ready for the next day.

, known for blending Jewish, Mediterranean, and American influences, is serving a Hanukkah menu that includes spicy lamb meatballs, baked feta tartlets with smoked salmon, and of course, bourekas with smoked brisket.

Call Your Mother Deli (Various Locations)

 is serving all the holiday classics at its many locations across the DMV. New “winter-y” additions include the Rose Court with strawberry swirl cream cheese and Nutella on a pretzel bagel, a raspberry-guava jelly doughnut that’s a twist on the traditional sufganiyot, a smoked salmon and deluxe latke platter, and more.

Here is a roundup of places around the DMV commemorating this eight-day Jewish holiday with delicious goods and festive activities.

Best Hanukkah Treats and Specials in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Best Hanukkah Treats and Specials Across the DMV

POV: You’re sipping (maybe boozy) hot cocoa, perusing local art, chatting with neighbors, and thinking about the brown butter cookies you have in the oven. C’mon! Doesn't get better than that. Here are the best D.C. holiday markets to find great gifts, and, more importantly, to set your perfect winter ~vibe~

This is my favorite of the two largest D.C. holiday markets — Downtown and Dupont — mostly because they have 

Del Ray Artisans’ Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market

seriously talented local artists and makers

. I got my favorite coffee mug here last year and plan on returning for a whole set. From print makers to ceramicists, there is something for every taste and price point here.

This one costs $5 to enter but it means significantly less crowds. Plus, you get to 

 including vintage clothing, home goods, crafts, art prints, permanent jewelry, and tarot, all while listening to a live DJ.

 with neighbors — the sun is coming back! Come hungry and grab some Yalda and Persian inspired treats from local chefs. Then get custom permanent jewelry welded on site, or opt for a less permanent accessory.

Wonderland has never hosted an event that wasn’t a banger. 

, winter decor, locally made gifts, festive art, and some good neighborly conversation. Plus, enter the raffle to support the D.C. Abortion Fund.

Gather around the warm around the fire pits 

, drink cocoa and cider, and soak in some holiday cheer. Listen to local tunes, browse gifts and partake in activities like ornament painting and holiday coloring.

 brings together dozens of local creatives and includes interactive workshops, meet & greets, spoken word fests, Santa portraits, a Kwanzaa demonstration, and more!

My favorite place to get handcrafted goodies and delicious treats, 

 annual holiday market is small but mighty. The vendors are primarily fine arts, including one of my favorite block print artists. (

 (the holidays really sneak up on you!). This year, it’s part of a larger monthlong community celebration — It’s a Wonderful Ward — with a holiday train, clothing swap, and giving tree.

There will be a parade, live music, a holiday themed fashion show for the dogs, a friendly competition between local area bakeries for best D.C. cookie, workshops, food trucks, and more at 

The 10 Best Holiday Markets In DC

This holiday season, shop for gifts Washingtonians 

 want (no, we don’t want another Washington Monument ornament, thank you so much). All these gifts are locally made or designed and will please even the pickiest gift getters!

Bound to be spotted at D.C. holiday parties everywhere this year, Metro outdid themselves with this 

. The “Metro Sleighs” written on it is just the cherry on top. Perfect for your punny uncle, secret santa, or Metro crush. (Price: $50)

 preserved on gravestones. Author Rosie Grant began the project during her internship at the Congressional Cemetery and several of the recipes come from there. (Price: $21)

Other’s Coffee Roasters Choice Subscription

 out there in my opinion. Gift your coffee snob friend a few months of locally roasted coffee from this great community cafe. Maybe add in one of 

 curated by Capitol Hill Books. Tell them the recipient's favorite genres and a budget, and they will handpick and ship a pile of books from their stacks. (Price Varies)

The perfect present for your “chronically online” friend (me). 