Girl Who Travels

Travel Date: December 2025

This year, my partner and I spent the Christmas holiday in Washington, D.C. With the winter chill settling in, we went in search of a sanctuary and found it at the United States Botanical Garden. It was the perfect choice; stepping inside felt like leaving the cold, wet, and gray streets behind for a world of vibrant life.

Seeing the flowers in all their splendor—a sea of brilliant blooms and majestic colors—offered a breathtaking contrast to the winter landscape outside. A highlight of the visit was the whimsical dinosaur exhibit, complete with a garden railway that wound its way through the prehistoric display. It was a delightful, unexpected fusion of natural history and holiday cheer.

This yellow bloom was the perfect antidote to the “winter blues.” Its symmetry is so satisfying, and the way it pops against the deep, serrated green leaves makes it look like it’s glowing. It’s the kind of simple, bright perfection that makes you want to lean in and appreciate the tiny details you’d normally walk right past.

I was drawn to the architectural precision of these blooms. The vibrant, neon-pink stems and the delicate, bead-like buds feel almost otherworldly. Amidst the winter landscape, these felt like a defiant celebration of color, standing out as a reminder of the exotic beauty that thrives when protected from the elements.

Stepping into this space felt like an immediate deep breath. The sound of the water cascading down those stone tiers completely drowned out the noise of people bustling around me. Looking at the layers of lush green fronds and the way the light filters through the glass ceiling, it was easy to forget that it was a cold, gray December day just a few feet away.

There is something inherently nostalgic about a miniature railway, but seeing this Union Pacific engine navigate a landscape of moss and ferns—all under the shadow of a massive “ancient” stump—felt like a playful bridge between eras. It reminded me that even in a place of serious conservation, there’s always room for a little holiday whimsy.