If you live anywhere near the Washington, D.C. area, you know getting outdoors in the summer can be a challenge with the heat. When fall arrives, all of that changes. The fruits of the season come in the form of festivals, foliage tours, hiking, camping, and much more. Take advantage of this prime window of time and experience all of the delights the D.C. area has to offer. Here are our favorite fall activities to do in the area!
It goes without saying that Washington D.C. is an international hub, which affords it certain benefits. For example, there are few Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich that are as authentically awesome as the Snallygaster festival in D.C. According to the official website, “Festival goers can expect an unbelievable array of no fewer than 350 small batch, highly sought-after brews on draft from the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two states of live music.” Sign us up.
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Before drinking at Snallygaster, eat everything in sight at the annual Taste of Georgetown festival, held at the end of September. Held for more than 25 years, the festival is a foodie’s dream event. Restaurants from all over the dining spectrum participate, serving up stellar dishes.
Almost anywhere you look in D.C. you’ll find fantastic photography options, but there’s something special about snapping photos of the fall foliage surrounding the National Mall. Take advantage of the gorgeous D.C. architecture and interesting angles presented by the Reflection Pool to set your photos apart.
Located a stone’s throw from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Gravelly Point Park in Arlington, Virginia presents a perfect opportunity to cuddle up with a blanket, some fresh fall fruits, and a deli sandwich from Earl Sandwiches while watching planes fly overhead. There are few better spots to enjoy the nice fall breeze in an open field and simply appreciate the changing season.
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The Washingtonian magazine credited Dupont Circle Market with “teaching Washingtonians to love their fruits and vegetables.” The accolades for the market go on and on, with over 50 farms offering their wares at the peak of the season. Stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables from local providers every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s ancestral home, is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from D.C. and offers informative exhibits as well as endless outdoor opportunities. Curl up with a good book on George Washington’s porch, explore the grounds, or take a stroll over to the distillery to learn more about how Washington might have lived.
Close to D.C. proper, Cherry Hill RV Park has been in business since 1921. One recent reviewer had this to say: “Location, location. Best public transportation ever! Clean restrooms along with excellent cafe and pools! They really understand today’s RV people, just sayin.” Consider lodging at this fantastic place while checking out the metropolitan area.
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The Wayside Farm corn maze opens in mid-September and remains open through early November. The maze sits on 10 acres and the maze invites visitors to “use your sleuth skills to navigate your way through our Pokemon-themed maze.” The farm also offers a pumpkin patch, pig races, goat walk, and more.
Butler’s Orchard is a Germantown, Maryland and D.C. favorite. It’s well worth the 45-minute drive from the center of D.C. to pick your own giant pumpkins. Consider adding a hayride or bonfire package, which (at additional costs) could include roasting sticks, a s’mores kit, a hot dog package, and more, to make the excursion even more memorable!
With the summer heat and muggy weather behind us, it’s the perfect time to explore the city streets of Washington D.C. To help get in the mood, stop by Amy’s Gourmet Candy Apple retail store on Washington Avenue to select any number of mouth-watering apples before heading over to Embassy Row. Take in the sights and sounds of all the different people of the world, concentrated in D.C. We suggest you take a tour to further enrich your experience in this monumental area. Check out the Embassy Row tour by Washington Walks where an enlightening experience awaits you!
