The Tidal District

There's no hustle and bustle to the winter holidays in Washington, DC. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years drain people from the city to return to their "homes". It is the same with late summer. The heat and recess of August drive people to the shores or to cooler climes. On these odd ends of the year, the District becomes quiet. Restaurants are subdued. Stores are manageable. The streets are calm. The city runs because it must, but it is free of urban busyness. It becomes a village. And this is sublime. Those of us who stay behind—or, actually, who consider this home—find it to be the best of times. The planning that accompanies city-life—having to think about reservations or parking or traffic—isn't a concern. Whims can be fed. The District's tidal ebb is to be savored. Soon staffers and tourists, students and more will flood us to a city once again.