When I lived in Maryland, we came to this park often just to walk. We no longer live in Maryland…read morebut when I come back to visit, I still come to this park to walk and just enjoy the scenic walk and be outdoors. There is a house on the backside of the path that decorates for Halloween so it makes it a lot of fun for the kids on the path.

My daughter (10) and I came to this park for the first time. There was a good amount of parking. It…read morewas a beautifully summer day in the 90s and the great thing about this park is that there is lots of shade. There was a large picnic space as you enter the park area along with an area with play structures to the right for the little ones. The lake is the centerpiece of the park and the trail goes around it. There were a good number of benches and sitting areas where you could sit and enjoy the view. There were a number of people biking on the trail. The trail was a loop and it was enough distance to get some exercise but not too long that you will get worn out. Everything was green and there were lots of beautiful views. I definitely can see myself coming back here with the entire family.

Seems a chill, quiet park. Plenty of parking. Gazebos present for hosting cookouts, etc. Check it…read moreout!

University Hills Park is a neighborhood park in Hyattsville, Maryland. Here's why it's worth a…read morevisit: 1) Space: It's a large park with trails, including one that goes around a small pond full of ducks, turtles and beavers. There are two playgrounds and picnic areas. 2) Parking: You can always find a space in the lot. However, note that no parking spots are in the shade so plan accordingly. 3) Free mulch: They have an area with free mulch for Hyattsville residents. Bring your own shovel, bags and truck and have at it!

Hyatt Park is a small, yet mighty park in Hyattsville's Queens Chapel Manor neighborhood. The park…read moreitself has a community garden, picnic tables with lights hanging from the trees, and a large playground with slides, swings, etc. There's an area to get some shade. Across the street is Bestway Supermarket.

It's in a sketchy area with no public parking (only street parking). The entrance was confusing…read more I had high hopes for this place and for the longest time wanting to visit, but it was just one giant swamp. Very buggy but that's par for the course! The paths aren't clearly marked so you end up wandering aimlessly. There are sunken spots and areas where you can't tell if the ground is stable. There were random groups of people chanting right when we entered. The boardwalk toward the far end goes nowhere and there's nothing memorable or worth the walk to see. We saw a few lotus flowers and many lilies and a great blue heron made my day! Apart from that, a flop! I would probably never come back.

Amazing trails, gorgeous giant lotus blossoms, bullfrogs, birds, dragonflies... oh my! This park is…read morea hidden gem right within DC limits and an absolute dream for photographers. It's peaceful and beautifully maintained by the National Park Service, with benches tucked along the trails so you can pause and take it all in. Whether you're there for the wildlife, the lotus and lily ponds, or just a quiet nature walk, it's worth the trip. A rare blend of serenity and stunning photo opportunities in the heart of the city.

Dear reader, It is…read moreonly fair that I report the National Arboretum remains one of the coolest places in DC. It is massive, gorgeous, and the kind of place that makes you feel like you have briefly escaped the city without actually going very far. There is so much space to walk, relax, and just be outside for a while, and it never really feels crowded. Every time you turn a corner there is something new to look at, which makes the whole place feel like a very peaceful little adventure. The bonsai museum is easily one of the crown jewels. It kind of blows my mind every time that there are so many bonsai there, and some of them are up to or over 400 years old, including the famous Yamaki Pine. It is one of those places that really makes you slow down and pay attention because the amount of care, history, and detail in everything is just incredible. A very quiet flex, if you will. I also love that the Arboretum is not just about plants, although those alone would be enough. We saw bald eagles, there are beavers on the grounds, and it always feels like some kind of wildlife cameo could happen at any moment. Between the trees and plants from all over the country and the world, the Capitol Columns, the bonsai, the gardens, and all the open space, there is so much to take in without it ever feeling overwhelming. Dogs are welcome too, which feels very civilized, though they cannot go into the bonsai museum. Overall, this place is just such a gem. Beautiful, relaxing, and full of little surprises. I will absolutely keep going back, and frankly, I think society should too.

According to their website, this is a collections-based research facility and public garden of the…read moreUS Dept of Agriculture. The Arboretum is home to the world's first museum dedicated to the art of bonsai, and that's where we started. These bonsai trees are between 30 to 100-200 years old. There is one that is 400! This section alone is impressive. We also walked over to the columns that were once a part of the State Capitol building. With 451 acres the collections are based on categories which is nice. You want to look at conifers all day? Go right ahead. Azaleas and magnolias? Knock yourself out. Pick your spot. Don't feel like you can see everything AND enjoy it in one day...because you can't. Pick 1-3 things and enjoy the day. Stop by the the visitor center for a map and events for the day. Today there were Ikebana classes. Do a restroom call with the gang there before you venture out. There are portables throughout if you need to go. Read the website for areas that are wheelchair accessible or you could drive through to assess your beginning and endpoints.

Great for nature walks whenever I need to relax my thoughts I take a nice 5 mile stroll around Lake…read moreArtemesia to clear my mind!

My thankful Thursday goes to Lake Artemisia. This place is beautiful. When they say some of the…read morebest things in life are free! I agree. The loop is roughly 2.4 miles, it's paved and clean; I've never seen litter or trash lying around. The lake was also home to a historical African American community called Lakeland established in 1890. Walking the park you'll see a few plaques and markers with brief history. Many years ago the citizens of this segregated society, developed their own institutions and cultural traditions, including the area's only high school for African Americans, built in 1928. There is a Lakeland Community Heritage Project that was created to preserve its history and the stories of its people through photographic archives and now the Lakeland College Park Community Center. Thankful that this is a peaceful place to run, walk, ride my bike, or simply sit and reflect. Greenery unique to the area is the mimosa trees that bloom in the summer and the giant reed grass surrounding the lake. Parks & Planning along with other organizations also hosts activities like birdwatching and community walks . In addition to this, there is a small playground and ergonomic gym. Lovely in every season and rich in American history, Lake Artemisia is the beating heart to lots of people in the Greenbelt community. Let's love, honor, and cherish Her for generations to come! #ThankfulThursdays

Meridian Hill Park is so underrated, far enough away from downtown that tourists either don't know…read moreabout it or is too far for them to get to it (not really a close by Metro stop). I held a birthday party here years ago. I have visited this spot dozens of times when I lived in DC and yesterday I visited again to see the flowing fountains! Definitely much more vibrant, clean, lively, and energetic now. People biking, walking, reading, napping, hammocking, and just hanging out. Great spot to meet with friends, plenty of sunny and shaded spots, with clean bathrooms up on the northeast side near Euclid St. If you have an opportunity to visit, visit!

Following many years of dilapidation, the fountain at Meridian Hill is finally working again. The…read morespace was hopping when I visited, and it's no surprise. A couple of individual stall bathrooms are working on the top level. Most people though, were sitting in the lower domain and enjoying the views.

Didn't know this actually had a name. Who knew! Skip the banter, the answer is YES! VISIT! Everyone…read moredoes! It's a staple landmark in DC! Story Time! I came to the Georgetown Waterfront in my Season of YES, which apparently includes saying yes to waterfront views, questionable boat dynamics, and accidental raccoon contour. My friend wanted to show me all things water for a memorable Holiday weekend, so Georgetown Waterfront was the obvious meet‑up, because this girl was NOT driving to Potomac, MD. Boats, docks... I was getting the full tour of our brown waters of the DMV. And honestly, this area is perfect: lively, scenic, and full of characters to watch. The park area has no tie‑ups, so if you want to have a picnic off your boat, the park grassy area is a short walk away. I grew up in DC and if you did too, you already know the rule: You do NOT get in the Potomac. We were raised on stories about what's in that water; dead bodies, secrets, evidence, probably a missing chapter of DC history. And no, it's not saltwater. It's Potomac, MD water: a very specific shade of brown that politely tells you to mind your business. Fast forward 25 years... Potomac still looks brown, still looks suspicious, still looks like it has a backstory it refuses to share. But here I am, floating on top of it like I'm not fully aware of its reputation. Now let's talk about the people‑watching, because THAT is the real attraction when you come to the Georgetown Waterfront. You've got the oldies but goodies, seasoned gentlemen with boats, confidence, and clearly the budget to sponsor a whole afternoon. And then you've got the young women they're "hosting," who look like they were born after the iPhone. The dynamic is... noticeable. The math is mathing. If I feel out of place with someone who is 16 years older, I can only imagine how these college girls felt. But let me give it to these girls, they laughed at the jokes and listened to stories from these men's "good ole college days"... 45 years ago. It made for GREAT entertainment. I found myself staring like, "Should I ask their ages or just assume this is a mentorship program?" I chose silence. Once a woman can be your daughter... I don't know. It's a little off‑putting. But here I am, on a boat, sharing space with someone's grandpa and someone's young college daughter. Seasoned men taking younger women out is a thing, and here I am watching the circle of life. Very interesting. I realize in this moment older men just want companionship and they will treat women to dinner and fun for the exchange. Eeeek. At one point I caught my reflection and realized the "charcoal contour" on my face. I looked like I'd done a charcoal face mask and forgot to rinse, nope, just hair dye from a hopeful silver fox. Not sure why men do this to stop the aging. Grey is in! Stop putting in dye on your beards gentlemen! It's not cool. Suddenly the college girls' side‑eyes made sense. They were trying to figure out if I was okay or if I'd just escaped from a fight. Nope ladies, it was beard paint all over my face calling me out, like, "Let's give you more attention and Racoon Eyes." Overall, the Georgetown Waterfront is beautiful, entertaining, and full of life. Great views, great energy, and always something to look at, even when you're trying not to. Best place to come, relax, picnic, tie up (if you have a boat), and enjoy the restaurants all along the water. Tip: Use the DC Wharf or National Harbor for gassing up! Georgetown lets you tie up without a fee, chaos in the best way.

Georgetown Waterfront Park is a beautiful park along the Potomac River in the heart of Georgetown…read more It stretches along the banks of the Potomac River on K Street from 31st Street NW to the Key Bridge. It is adjacent to the restaurant district, Washington Harbor, and Lowes movie theater. There are beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains, greenspace, and pavilions throughout. The park has long walkways for cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. Over the years, street parking has reduced as the city has prioritized bike lanes, however, there is ample paid underground parking. Street parking is easier to come by during early morning hours and late evenings. On weekends, driving and parking a long K Street is difficult due to pedestrian traffic, so be careful. The views across the river are beautiful as you can see the Rosslyn, VA skyline, Washington D.C. Mall, The Watergate Hotel, and Key Bridge. During warm months, boaters, kayakers, and competitive sports teams use the Potomac River as their recreational space. CONS: Parking - sometimes it can feel like a disappointment not being able to park on the street. The garages don't have the best ingress and egress and seem inconveniently situated. For such a large park, the limited street parking is a concern. At one point the street parking was ample, but the reconfiguration and reduction of street parking to construct bike lanes hasn't seemed like the best use of street space considering cyclists also ride on the mixed-used paths. Rats - at night, the rats run rampant. Trashcans often overflow onto the ground, making an ideal environment for rats to thrive. Narrow sidewalks - sidewalks along K Street are unbelievably narrow. Leading up to Washington Harbor, the mixed-use pathways are incredibly narrow. It wouldn't be an issue if the paths were for walking only, but they also accommodate cyclist, runners, and skaters. Not to mention groups, strollers, and people often casually strolling. Overall, a great space for strolling and leisure.