In Town

DC’s long-running High Heel Race takes to the streets on Oct. 25 and Lyle is getting in on the fun this year with drag race-themed festivities. From a Sole Pop Up Spa (foot massages included!) pre-race to a Midnight Breakfast post-finish line (plus a drag brunch on Sunday, Oct. 23, featuring one of Lyle’s servers-turned-queen, the perfectly named Miss Leggs Benedict), the boutique hotel is ensuring the High Heel Race weekend will be even better than Halloween.

Cakes by CUT, the beloved pastry program at CUT DC featuring celebratory creations, made its long-awaited return this fall. With Executive Pastry Chef Ligia Barros now at the helm, the stunning cakes can be ordered for birthdays, anniversaries or simply to celebrate a Tuesday (our favorite reason). Cake base options include red velvet cake; devil’s chocolate cake; Tahitian vanilla and raspberry cake; and a French entremet in a Virginia peanut marjolaine––comprised of 10 layers of dark chocolate ganache, peanut butter cream, vanilla chantilly, cocoa glaze, caramelized peanuts and dacquoise cake. Orders can be placed here.

If you happened to be at CityCenterDC this summer and saw a white horse strolling past the luxury boutiques, never fear–it wasn’t on the run from the National Zoo. It was there to film a commercial for the retail destination. In conjunction with Design Army, CityCenterDC released its latest creative campaign this fall as shoppers clamor to return to in-person shopping. Featuring an array of stylized looks and dreamy vignettes (including the aforementioned white stallion), “Celebrating YOU” focuses on feting yourself through fashion. Shoppers will see the campaign come to life with its signature orange streamers overhead in Palmer Alley and, of course, by browsing the same boutiques featured in the print and video ads. See the cute and quirky ad here.

It may be getting a touch too cold to frolic in a garden, so Tysons Galleria is bringing the floral fun inside. In honor of autumn, the shopping destination has unveiled a fall-inspired indoor garden, featuring faux florals in seasonal hues. Dubbed, The Serenity Garden, as patrons shop their favorite stores and dine at cozy restaurants in the coming months, they will be greeted by a public lounge-turned-secret garden filled with a cascade of colors and floral creations. It’s the perfect antidote to sweater weather. On Saturdays in October, from 2-4 p.m., patrons can also enjoy music in the garden.

The National Portrait Gallery unveils its 2022 Honorees for its annual Portrait of a Nation series. The prestigious exhibit, opening Nov. 10, recognizes individuals who have made a transformative change in their respective fields. This year’s honorees include José Andrés, Clive Davis, Ava DuVernay, Marian Wright Edelman, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. View the portraits and then head over for brunch at Cafe Riggs, where a new tableside Champagne Cart elevates the celebratory feeling.