This year, we get to experience the holidays on two continents: North America and Europe.  We begin the holiday season at home in Washington and we conclude with Christmas in The Netherlands and welcome 2015 in Austria. Today, we took a break from cooking our Thanksgiving meal to give my family a little drive-by tour of the city. We decided to stop by the United States Botanic Garden. 

At the Orchid Room of the US Botanic Garden

I actually made a lunchtime stop at the US Botanic Garden earlier this year and fell in love with this beautiful space. As you enter the Botanic Garden, you are taken to the “jungle” which reminds me of the lush gardens of hotels in Phuket.  As you walk through the garden, you’re transported to Thailand via its orchids at a section solely dedicated to these beautiful flowers to Mexico with the cacti of the World Deserts collection. 

Cacti from the World Deserts Collection

The US Botanic Garden truly comes to life for the holidays. From November 27th until January 4th the Garden is filled with holiday details such a large pine cones intertwined with the permanent vegetation, a large beautiful Christmas tree, and poinsettias everywhere. To add to the holiday spirit, there’s a model train exhibit. Tip: although the Botanic Garden has a free entrance, the entrance to the model train exhibit is separate and during my visit on Thanksgiving day, there was long line. Be prepared to wait a little. There’s no wait for the main conservatory. 



Holiday Details at the US Botanic Garden

In the “Jungle” section of the garden, there’s a replica of the National Mall with the architectural replicas made out of dried plant materials.  The structures were placed in the same order as the national mall, starting with the Lincoln Memorial and concluding at the Capitol. These intricate structures strangely fit perfectly among the lush vegetation of this display. 

Lincoln Memorial Replica at US Botanic Garden 

If you’re in Washington, DC for the holidays or want to spice up your lunch break (like I did). I recommend a stop at the US Botanical Gardens. It’s a beautiful place to warm up while sightseeing or walking around the city. Tip: Entrance is free and the best way to get there by Metro (closest stop is Federal Center). 

The Capitol Replica at US Botanic Garden

US Botanic Garden: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 
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