This is my first autumn at our DC B&B and my first autumn in Washington DC. Autumn is one of my favorite times of year, because right before the frost sets in, there’s a spark of warmth around the people, places, and things to do in Washington D.C.
Pumpkin Spiced Lattes might be basic, but they come from a place I completely admire. Humans are really in-tune with their senses, and we’re good at associating a certain smell, a certain color, a certain feeling with something more abstract. When I think of autumn, I smell crisp air and spices, I taste warm, apple cider donuts, and I picture pumpkins and gourds and people wearing sweaters. I even think about getting a pumpkin spiced latte. And the reason is because these sensory anomalies remind us to appreciate and differentiate our changing environment.
Prior to now, I spent my whole life in the Midwest, and moving here, I was worried that some of the feelings I associate with autumn and enjoy so much would be lost–it would be autumn, but it wouldn’t be the same, and that would make me miss my old home. But instead I found I love autumn in Washington DC just as much. I love going to Firehook bakery, where it smells like coffee and honeycrisp apple pie. I love walking past the row houses and embassies and seeing carved pumpkins on the doorsteps. I love that I can feel the cool air, not cool enough so that I can see my breath.. but almost, and comfortably wear my favorite, gray sweater to keep me warm.
The leaves are turning fiery colors here in DC, and I can’t wait to see the old Capitol Columns against a backdrop of orange, yellows, and reds. Or get a breath of fresh air along the Rock Creek trails, the paths a carpet of fallen leaves. Halloween has past, but Thanksgiving is still ahead, and for the first time, I’ll be able to say I’m grateful for autumn in Washington DC.
~Innkeeper Natalie
