As the weather grows warmer more of us are beginning to venture out of our homes and out on to H Street. Here’s a little guide to some of the offerings you’ll find on H Street this April.

Seasonal Offerings and Spots to Check Out
A fresh bouquet of flowers from Nouveau Fleur (500 H St. NE, 202-543-8616) can brighten up any dinner table and help get people into the gardening spirit. For those interested in cultivating their green thumbs, the florist also offers a number of classes. This year they plan to offer a gardening class for children, as well as courses on composting, gardening in unusual containers, growing herbs, creating a garden room, and gardening in small spaces.

Maybe it’s partly the wrap-around windows, but George’s Place (1001 H St. NE 202-397-4113) always has my favorite window displays on all of the H Street corridor. I wandered over the other day hoping to catch a peek at the spring display, but was told that it wouldn’t be up for another week. I did, however, get to take a look at some of the very cool hats they sell. George’s Place has operated on H Street for 41 years, and the shop (which is larger than it appears from the outside) is certainly worth a visit.

For those seeking out Easter activities, you’ll not want to miss Spoiled and Rotten Children’s Boutique’s (2nd floor of 1204 H St. NE, 202-398-5437) Children’s Easter Party. The event includes not only the typical egg hunt, but also spa services, arts and crafts, and a mini-fashion show with pint-sized guests as models. Tickets are $20 per child (adults get in free) and can be obtained by registering at www.spoiledrottenboutiqueandspa.com or by calling 202-398-543 (reservations are required). To accommodate a larger crowd this event will be held down the street at Twelve (1123 H St. NE 202- 398-2655). The event is Sunday April 12, from 1-5pm. The egg hunt begins at 3pm.

Whether you want musical theater, a straight up play, comedy, an open mike night, or dancing, the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) offers something to fit the bill in April. Of particular interest is Capital City Symphony’s Swing into Spring fundraiser. Tickets are $45 dollars through April 19, after that the price rises to $55. The event features Doug Bowles and his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra. Buy tickets online at http://capitalcitysymphony.tix.com, or from the Atlas box office (202-399-7993).

This spring the H Street Playhouse (1365 H St. NE, 202-396-2125) offers the award winning “The Bread of Winter.” The work tells the story of Libby, who lives in a sunless world encircled by an evil angel and other grim realities. This production contains nudity, and adult themes. It runs from April 6 - May 9.

For the younger set (or those young at heart), the Playhouse offers Jon Spelman and Friends Story Hour, a family friendly Saturday morning storytelling event. Story Hour is offered April 18, with Charlotte Blake Alston spinning the yarn. Call 1-866-811-4111 for tickets, or reserve online through the Theater Alliance website http://www.theateralliance.com.

If you’ve never stopped by Smokey’s (1338 H St. NE, 202-396-2377) for a trim, I’ll forgive you for not knowing that the barbershop also sells penny candy (though perhaps not truly for a penny). Walking through the doors of the shop and seeing the bins of Bit-O-Honeys and Now & Laters can be a bit of a blast from the past for many of us. Completing the time warp effect is the selection of old school CDs and tapes.

Warmer weather has been known to stir in some of us a craving for ice cream. If you are so afflicted, a visit to Sweets and Treats (1360 H St. NE 202- 291-7877) may offer a cure. They boast a variety of flavors, as well as house made baked goods.

Start the Day off Right
Those on the west end of H Street (or any end, for that matter) might want to make Sidamo Coffee and Tea (417 H St. NE, 202-548-0081) their first stop of the morning. This tiny Ethiopian gem serves up pastries, and classic egg sandwiches for breakfast. For lunch they offer homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. If the tasty food, extensive tea selection, and coffee beans roasted in-house aren’t enough to bring you in, the friendly service and free WiFi should do the trick. The WiFi extends out onto the invitingly landscaped back patio (which even has outdoor plugs for your laptop).

For those times you crave pan-Asian cuisine, but your companion wants just a basic brunch, Sticky Rice (1224 H St. NE 202- 397-7655) is a convenient option. The funky eatery serves brunch / lunch from 11:30 to 3pm both Saturdays, and Sundays. They also offer lunch every weekday from 11:30 to 5pm.

Dinner and Drinks
If you haven’t stopped by Pap and Petey’s (417 H St. NE 202- 546-5299) since the renovation, you’ll want to do so soon. Gone is the blue that never really fit the outside of that building. It’s been replaced by a warm brown. The trend continues inside, where you’ll find vastly improved seating options, a retooled menu, and fours beers on tap. Look for a summer opening for the upstairs, which has huge windows that afford a great view of the street below.

April showers bring spring menus. Napa 1015 (1015 H St. NE, 202-396-6272) boasts an impressive spring menu featuring dishes such as Sautéed Rainbow Trout with Chorizo Corn Stuffing, Grilled Red Potatoes and Chipotle Beurre Blanc, and Pepper Crusted Tuna with Sautéed Spinach Herbs, & Eggplant. ($20 and $23 respectively). Of course, with the local theaters fully abuzz with shows and events, Napa continues to offer
a three course pre-theater menu for $30.

Warmer spring days also mean that the Argonaut’s (1433 H St. NE, 202-397-1416) patio will see more open days. Located at the far east end of the H Street Corridor (looking out onto the future sight of the Starburst Plaza) the neighborhood restaurant and tavern boasts what is currently the largest patio on the corridor. Daily happy hour specials on draft beers ensure that your pocket book, as well as your thirst, will be satisfied. On Saturday afternoons bring along your (leashed) four-legged friend for doggie happy hour on the patio.

Eating In
Taylor (1116 H St. NE, 202-684-7001) provides the cure for those late night munchies. The popular Italian sandwich shop and deli now stays open and delivers until 3:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Try the house roasted turkey, or the much talked about risotto balls.

In addition to the sandwiches, wraps and soups ANM Deli and Convenience has always offered, they now also feature a short menu of Ethiopian dishes (carryout only). ANM is a perfect place for a quick breakfast or lunch run.

Looking to grab a quick bite after a neighborhood clean up? It’s hard to beat Tony’s (1401 H St. NE, 202-397-7750) if your craving is of the greasy spoon variety. Tony’s offers a wide selection of package deals, and a la carte items that are sure to satisfy any diner food needs. They are closed on Sundays. Carryout only.

For more on what’s abuzz on and around H Street you can my blog http://frozentropics.blogspot.com. You can send me tips, or questions at inked78@hotmail.com.