Art in Bloom
Weekend of Culture in Washington, DC

April 5/6-8th, 2018

More than just the seat of our national government, DC is a hip and vibrant city, chock full of world-renowned cultural institutions, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, considered to be the nation’s greatest springtime celebration, presents a great excuse to get away from NYC and experience the art and magic of our nation's capital.

On this 2 or 3 night trip, we will be staying in the heart of the city at the hip POD DC Hotel  and experiencing the best the city has to offer in the way of art, architecture, theater, food — and of course — flowers!

Whether you have been to DC a hundred times or are seeing it for the first time, there will be plenty for you to discover. All while surrounded by a tribe of fellow artful women ready to explore this beautiful city, together. 

You have the choice of staying for 2 or 3 nights, depending on what your schedule allows. Find out more about our accommodation at the POD DC Hotel here.

Please review the tentative schedule below and fill out the application form here to make sure the group and trip are a good fit for your before booking. Please email me at alex@womenofculture.org with any questions.

Tentative Schedule:
(all items with a star are included in trip price)

Thursday April 5th (for 3 night participants)
Depart NYC Penn Station at 9:35 am -> arrive DC Union Station at 1:15pm
2pm: Lunch
3:30-5pm: Guided Tour at the National Portrait Gallery (+viewing of the new Obama portraits) 
5:30-8pm: Art after 5 at the Phillips Museum*
8:30pm: Dinner in Dupont Circle

Friday April 6th
9am: Breakfast in hotel
10:30-12:30pm: Guided Tour at Hillwood House & Garden*
1pm: Lunch at Hillwood House

(2 nights participants depart NYC at 1:09 pm -> arrive DC at 4:34pm OR depart NYC at 6:45pm -> arrive DC at 10pm)

2:30-5:30pm: Open time to explore Dumbarton Oaks and/or Georgetown
6pm: All meet at Dinner
8pm: The Winter's Tale at the Folger Shakespeare Library*

Saturday April 7th
9am: Breakfast in hotel
10:30am-noon: Blossoms & Monuments walk with DC Design Tours*
12:30pm: Lunch
2-4pm: Open time to continue exploring the Mall, US Botanical Gardens, the National Gallery East, the Renwick, Hirschhorn, Freer, the Hirshhorn, etc.
4:30-6:30pm: Petalpalooza
7-10pm: Optional fireworks boat cruise with DC Sail (additional $75 per person to be paid on-site)
OR Dinner at Del Mar DC for those not going on cruise

Sunday April 8th
9am: Breakfast in hotel
10:30am-12:30pm: National Gallery West (Public tour at at 11:30am)
1pm: Lunch in the Garden Cafe
Depart DC at 3:20pm -> arrive NYC at 6:46pm

Schedule is subject to change at the leader's discretion and also according to the weather. Activities are not required, but if you have any issues with the schedule, please kindly inform the leader in private in advance.

Tickets & Cost

This amazing experience is only open to 10 women, and you must fill out the short questionnaire here to make sure the group and trip are a good fit before booking.

Full trip cost includes travel with the group on Amtrak, stay in a bunk pod at the POD DC Hotel (double occupancy — please make any roommate requests when booking) and the following activities:

For 2 night Attendees: seat in the Orchestra with the group for The Winter's Tale on Friday night and guided tour with DC Design Tours on Saturday morning

For 3 night Attendees: The above plus Phillips After 5 on Thursday and the guided tour at the Hillwood House on Friday.

All other activities on the schedule are free, aside from the optional boat cruise and meals.

2 Days Only
(Departing April 6th at 1:09pm or 6:45pm -> Returning April 8th at 6:45pm)
MEMBERS: $650 all included ($350 without transport)
NON-MEMBERS: $750 all included ($450 without transport)

Full Trip 3 Day Trip
(Departing April 5th at 9:35am -> Returning April 8th at 7:45pm)
MEMBERS: $800 all included ($500 without transport)
NON-MEMBERS:  $900 all included ($600 without transport)
 

Please note that all payments are FINAL and non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to someone else but substitute must be approved by trip leader. Please fill out the questionnaire here to before booking.

FAQ's

1. Can I arrange my own travel?

Yes, you can choose the option to book without transport, but the full trip cost is inclusive of travel with the group on Amtrak.

2. What is NOT included in the cost of the trip?

All meals and travel once we are in DC are separate and must be paid individually. Restaurant details will be announced closer to the date of the trip, but you should estimate approximately $100+ per day to spend on food and travel in DC.

3. Is it possible to have my own room?

Please email me at alex@womenofculture.org if you would like information about single a occupancy room; the cost is significantly higher.