1. There’s a glorious flower bloom in DC right now: The azaleas at the National Aboretum are peaking, and I highly recommend going to see them. Not only is it a beautiful showcase of the many varieties of the flower that grow there, it’s fun to hike the trails around Mount Hamilton, where the collection in located. Get a glimpse of it here (and a past bloom here). Of course, the rest of the Aboretum is always great to explore. A few features kids will especially love: The Washington Youth Garden, the Asian Collection with its “secret” path leading down to the Anacostia River, the stream in Fern Valley where it’s fun to look for frogs, the gazebo in the Conifer collection, and the fountain full of koi fish by the Visitors Center. Read more about the Arboretum here, here, and here.
2. See a movie under the stars! Several area outdoor film series are starting up very soon: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor (May 1), CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park (May 7), Drive-In at Union Market (May 9), Rosslyn Cinema at Central Place Plaza (May 15), Cinematery at Congressional Cemetery (May 23), and even more will be launching for the summer. More details about all of them will be in the annual Summer Guide coming soon. In the meantime, see what’s playing and make plans for the May movies — some of them require tickets.
3. A new hands-on creative studio and mini retail shop recently opened at Westbard Square in Bethesda. District Dabble Lab offers everything from craft sessions, camps, and parties for children to workshops for all ages to open studio time for kids, tweens, and adults. Plus, they have a boutique stocked with DIY kits and local maker-made goods.
4. I recently shared this lululemon bag rec… and just found a good budget version of it.
5. Elmo drops a diss track…lol.
