As the Earth drifts toward a more temperate time of the year, we rejoice in the relent of snow and cold, embracing familiar spring traditions that could only be Northern Virginian in nature. Here are some of our favorites.
1. A run on OBX bumper stickers
Nothing says “I love the beach” and “I’m from the D.C.-metro area” more than these oval endorsements of the Outer Banks.
With a handful of beach destinations within a 10-hour-drive, the Outer Banks remains one of the most popular spring break spots for Northern Virginians. But it poses the question, if you see a car in the Outer Banks without an OBX sticker, does that mean it belongs to someone actually from the Outer Banks?
2. The Tidal Basin invasion (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Lottery numbers are easier to predict than when peak bloom of cherry blossom trees will occur; that’s why the National Cherry Blossom Festival lasts three weeks.
Nevertheless, expect personal-space shattering crowds on the metro coupled with more cameras than the red carpet premiere of a film about vernacular photography. Should you want to embrace the role of tree paparazzo and other fun events, visit cherryblossomfestival.org.
3. The outdoor brunch
Brunch is practically an endurance sport in Northern Virginia, but it’s not until spring that it can be found in its proper setting, outside. April begins that thin thread of time sandwiched between bitter winter and oppressive summer where anything served on a plate or in a glass becomes an endlessly Instagrammed muse.
4. Schizophrenic weather wardrobe
You know it is spring when you begin the morning dressed like a Sherpa, only to watch sleeves and hemlines recede like falling tides by noon.
Ski pants or sundresses? Fur-lined leggings or yoga pants? It’s not quite a nor’easter, but it sure isn’t sweltering, so your only option is to plot your look in layers and prepare to peel them off. —Carten Cordell
(April 2015)
