What To Do and Where To Go This Spring

With spring peeking around the corner, we’re getting ready to break out of our wintertime hibernation and hit the town. As cities start to rev up their social and cultural calendars with a packed roster of events, we’ve rounded up some major happenings taking place this month and in the future. Here’s what to do and where to go this spring season.

Philadelphia

From March 4-12, the Philadelphia Flower Show brings its blooms to town. This year’s theme, “The Garden Electric,” promises to provide a spark of joy to visitors as they view the lush floral and garden displays by top floral, garden, and landscape designers. The event is being held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which is located just a few blocks from our Club Quarters hotel in Rittenhouse Square, making it the perfect spot to stay for the show.

Washington, D.C.

Speaking of flowers, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, kicks off March 20 and runs until April 14. The annual event features a range of events and activities including Petalpalooza, a free daylong celebration with multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, and more, along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped off with a choreographed fireworks show. Our Club Quarters property in D.C. can serve as a good jumping point for checking out all of the festivities, plus it’s close to the Tidal Basin, which is a popular area for peeping the pretty cherry blossoms.

Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a sight to see. It’s when the city’s Irish taverns are packed with revelers, the Chicago River turns emerald green (which happens on March 11 this year), and everyone seems to be wearing a kilt. Also, on March 11, the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade—one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country—will travel down Columbus Drive. Expect colorful floats, Irish step dancers, marching bands, and bagpipers during the three-hour celebration. And don’t forget to grab some corned beef and cabbage and a green beer at one of the many eateries around the city. Located along the Chicago Riverwalk, this Club Quarters hotel provides a prime spot for participating in all of the jolly green fun.

Houston

Attention sports fans! This year’s NCAA men’s Final Four will be played in Houston, with games taking place from March 31 through April 3. Tailgates are set to be held before the games at NRG Stadium and will include team pep rallies, musical performances, basketball-themed games, plus food and beverages. Fan Fest, a weekend-long immersive experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will feature celeb and athlete appearances, autograph signings, interactive games, and more. And even if you’re not a big b-ball lover, the event brings with it other fun stuff like a three-day music fest at Discovery Green, across from the convention center, which is conveniently located near our downtown Club Quarters hotel.

Boston

While you could head to Boston to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or catch the Red Sox’s opening day (March 30), late March also welcomes whale watching season. Book a cruise that takes you through Boston Harbor and out to Stellwagen Bank, a protected marine area 25 miles east of the city. Marine biologists and naturalists serve as guides to help you spot the whale and dolphin breeds, just off the coast of Boston. These excursions depart from the wharf, which is just a short distance from our Club Quarters hotel near Faneuil Hall.

New York City

New York City hosts its fair share of springtime events in March including the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden and the Macy’s Flower Show, but perhaps one of the most anticipated happenings is the revival of Broadway show, “Sweeney Todd,” starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. Opening on March 26 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the retelling of Stephen Sondheim’s 1979 Tony-winning musical once again centers on the titular barber who seeks revenge on a corrupt judge and turns to murder with help from accomplice and pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett. The theater is located on 46th Street, just off 7th Avenue, which is a short walk from our Club Quarters hotel in Times Square.