Wintry Times in North Woodside

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 / Anna White

Wow, what wintry weather we’ve been having! Quite a doozy of a snow/sleet storm on January 25 + nine days straight of subfreezing temperatures = mountains of frozen rock hard “snowcrete.” Digging out has certainly been much more challenging than usual. When the county needs to abandon snow plows and bring out the Bobcats to clean the streets and school is closed for over a week, you know it’s serious!

Kudos to all who toiled and labored and nearly broke their backs to clear neighborhood sidewalks. (And if you notice an area that still needs clearing and are able, please help with further ice removal. Many shovelers make light work!)

While stuck at home, some spent this unexpectedly lengthy winter “staycation” discovering the many wintry “humble wonders” to be found right here in the neighborhood, documenting snowy scenes, and creating some unique forms of snow art.

Yes, one needn’t travel far to enjoy the wintry pleasures of sliding down the “Black Diamond” of Grace Church and “Aspen Slopes” of Woodlin, climbing the “Mt Everest” of Luzerne/Glen Ross, and spotting the “polar bear” of Stratton. And many an igloo abound for those looking for some icy lodging.

Check out some more wintry scenes captured by neighbors:

And stay tuned for the 2025 North Woodside Snow Art Awards!

In the meantime, how about going on a Snow Art Scavenger Hunt? How many cool creations can you spot? More specifically, how many igloos, snow people, and unique snow sculptures can you find? And can you locate the “Snow Henge” of North Woodside?

Wander Under Weeping Cherry

March 27, 2023May 26, 2023 / Anna White

As noted recently by a neighbor on the NWCA listserv…

The fabulous, giant, weeping cherry on 2nd Ave.* is in full bloom…. do take time to wander under it…

Want to behold cherry blossoms, but not up for the crowds and traffic around Washington, DC’s tidal basin? Take a stroll under this magnificent tree!

* Between Grace Church Rd. and 16th St.

No doubt a small sapling many a decade ago, the canopy of this weeping cherry now reaches high into the sky, spilling a swaying “bloomfall” of light pink blossoms over 2nd Ave. What young trees planted in North Woodside now will one day grow to great heights and beauty, and grace the path of future generations of neighbors?

If interested in planting a tree in the right of way in front of your house or on your property, contact the NWCA Tree Committee.

Staycationer’s Guide to North Woodside

July 20, 2022 / Anna White

**Sights to See: Natural Wonders**, e.g. “The Niagara of North Woodside,” viewable whenever the sky really unleashes.

Want to know where some famous people grew up? Which house still has an old horse hitch and well in back? Where the hidden stream flows? Where to find some delicious guava, mango, or soursop ice cream on a hot and sultry day?

Discover the humble wonders of our very own neighborhood in The Staycationer’s Guide to North Woodside. Written and organized like a tourist guide book—Sights to See (Natural Wonders, Historical Sites, Botanical Gardens), Things to Do, Where to Eat, and How to Get Around—the guide’s 27 pages contain almost 60 things* to see and do around the neighborhood—something for all ages and staycation inclinations!

**How to Get Around: By bike!** Need a tune up? Contact Freewheeling Bike Tune-Ups, a free service of North Woodside resident Manuel Vera.

The guide was a fun little summer pandemic project a couple years ago for North Woodside resident Anna White. This summer it may be of particular interest to any new neighbors wishing to get to know their new home better, anyone who’s had their vacation plans scuttled by airline cancellations or Covid, and parents and caregivers of young children looking for ideas for simple, fun, and creative activities to pass away downtime.

North Woodside residents and NWCA members who are subscribed to the neighborhood listserv can access the guide in the listserv’s online file section (Click on the “Fun” folder). A digital or hard copy can also be requested by sending an email to the NWCA Communications Coordinator.

**Enjoy the Local Art Scene:** Check out the painted stones around the neighborhood!

Thanks again to all the neighbors who provided information for the guide! If after skimming through it you’d like to suggest additional North Woodside-related history, places, things, or activities to include in an updated version, please do!

For a few more things to do and see listed in The Staycationer’s Guide to North Woodside, see below.

* Note: A few listings in the guide are now out-of-date. Likewise, there are a number of brand new neighborhood sights to see and things to do that are not listed and may be included in a future revised version.