The U.S. National Arboretum is one of our very favorite spots in DC: it’s basically a giant 450 acre park in the middle of Northeast DC with tree groves, gardens, and walking paths. I included the Arboretum in my mini guide to DC last year and we also did our family photo session with Adam Barnes at the Arboretum back in May. We love to visit the Arboretum in the spring when it feels like everything in the world is in bloom: cherry blossoms, azaleas, peonies, and magnolias. But we realized a few weeks ago that we had never visited the Arboretum in the fall, and we were afraid that we’d miss our chance due to the government shutdown. We made a beeline right after the government reopened, which was just when the foliage was starting to show its fall colors!
Sophie had the BEST time strolling around the Arboretum in her little red car! We mostly stuck to the eastern end of the Arboretum, which includes the dogwood collections and Asian collections. We also found the most beautiful little gazebo in a conifer grove. It was a perfectly peaceful afternoon spot.
The foliage around DC is even more impressive these days, so I’d love to make another trip! DC is so ridiculously pretty right now. I’m going to be so sad when it’s all gone in just a few short weeks.
p.s. If you missed it last year, you can find the rest of my mini guide to DC right here!
Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper
 
 
