Area Information

For avid followers of the Curbed Cup, it might have come off as a surprise when Petworth was crowned the best neighborhood in the city in 2015. One thing is for sure, however—the uninitiated will definitely fall in love with Petworth’s residential charms, from neighborhood joints to interesting characters that make life in this enclave a little more colorful.

Where you’ll find calm and diversity in the city

Washington D.C. is a bustling urban metropolis, and calm oases may be hard to come by especially for the newbies. This is where Petworth comes in. Still located within the city, the neighborhood is known for its slow-paced, calm atmosphere and friendly community. It’s a place where you can make lifelong friends out of your neighbors, which is composed of a diverse mix of people from different walks of life.

Full of interesting surprises

Unbeknownst to many, Petworth has its own fair share of stories that will definitely pique your interest. For one, President Lincoln used to vacation and relax at Lincoln’s Cottage. The church that currently stands at the corner of 8th and Shepherd was actually once a synagogue. Petworth is also home to attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the Rock Creek Cemetery, which dates back to the early 18th century.

Petworth’s “porch culture”

A family-friendly neighborhood, Petworth is the kind of place where you’ll want to spend some time in your front porch. It’s up to you to decide what you’ll do, of course. Greet people walking down the street, play your favorite instrument, or just enjoy a nice glass of your preferred drink. It’s a great place to settle down and raise your kids.

There is still so much more to know about Petworth. Read our area guide for more information, or get in touch with us today to explore the neighborhood.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Community Updates, DC Neighborhoods by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on Everything you should know about Petworth

For most people, Kalorama Triangle is just another D.C. neighborhood oozing with old colonial charm. Well-manicured gardens look immaculate, and the trimmed gardens and marble fountains lend this sophisticated enclave another layer of elegance.

For locals, however, Kalorama Triangle means so much more. It’s a community full of character, history — a neighborhood you definitely don’t want to miss.

A trip down memory lane
An established neighborhood, Kalorama Triangle began spreading its roots in the late 19th century. Then, the community was already being populated with dignified buildings. Real estate during the early days of Kalorama Triangle was a lively mix of modest apartments and grand residences.

Plans for urban development took shape in the late 1880s, but these plans did not materialize until ten years later. Kalorama Triangle slowly shed its rural character in favor of more cosmopolitan tastes. Streetcar lines were established, existing roads redesigned, and construction of several infrastructures bloomed until the turn of the century.

As Kalorama Triangle became more urbane, the housing stock in the neighborhood expanded. Rowhouses and apartment buildings popped up for the middle-class market. Meanwhile, high society retreated to their grand mansions in Sheridan-Kalorama, known that time as the wealthiest neighborhood in all of Washington, D.C.

Kalorama Triangle’s most popular residents
For such an esteemed neighborhood, it’s no surprise Kalorama Triangle served (and still serves) as the home of a number of luminaries and people who made a mark on American history. Some of Kalorama Triangle’s most popular residents since its early days include

• Jeanette Rankin, the first woman to be elected to Congress
• Samuel W. Woodward and Alvin M. Lothrop, co-founders of the Woodward & Lothrop department store
• George Truesdell, engineer and developer
• Thomas Fuller, architect

Today, Kalorama Triangle continues to attract some of the best and the brightest in the country.

Kalorama Triangle and the 21st century
Today, Kalorama Triangle is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Aside from its affluence, history, and architectural variety, one thing that makes Kalorama Triangle a dynamic and urban neighborhood are its people.

Looking for more iconic places in the capital? Read about the historic Union Market historic district here.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, DC Neighborhoods by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on A closer look at the Kalorama Triangle Historic District

Washington, D.C.’s real estate landscape is always evolving. New developments and renovation projects are constantly being drawn up somewhere in the city. Here are some of the latest in Petworth, Shaw, Mount Pleasant, and Chevy Chase.

Petworth

1. The Montage South – A condo project currently under construction, The Montage South will feature 20 units built under D.C.’s green compliance code. Features include elevators and a green rooftop terrace.
2. Fahrenheit – Featuring 31 apartments for rent, Fahrenheit also has approximately 32,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space. Building amenities include bike storage, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

Shaw

1. 7th Flats – A mixed-use development, 7th Flats will feature approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of office space, 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and 205 residential apartments. Building amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a multimedia lounge.
2. 1512 6th St NW – A planned residential project by Sean Joiner and Matthew Grace. The development will consist of 12 shipping containers transformed into two-bedroom condos sitting atop a concrete foundation.
3. Northern Liberties – Currently under construction, the Northern Liberties project will transform the 40-bed halfway house into an 8-unit residence by Lock7 Development.

Mount Pleasant

1. Mont Plaisant – A renovated residential project, Mont Plaisant is a four-unit boutique condo housed in a building over a hundred years old. The units feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and private outdoor spaces, among others.

Chevy Chase

1. The Collection – The Collection consists of 8 two-bedroom condo units housed in two separate four-story buildings. The project is currently under construction.
2. Fifty Three Thirty Three – A 263-unit apartment project by Calvin Cafritz Enterprises, Fifty Three Thirty Three (5333) also features a community room, a dog-walking area, and a fitness center, among others.

For more information about Washington, D.C. neighborhoods, check out this page.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, DC Neighborhoods by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on New developments in Petworth, Shaw, Mount Pleasant, Chevy Chase

It’s no surprise that the nation’s capital is a treasure trove of historic homes and gardens. Take a day off to know more about Washington, D.C.’s history by visiting these gems that are off the beaten track.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave NW

The home of collector and philanthropist Marjorie Weather Post is a must for any historic home tour. Hillwood is expansive, home to approximately 13 acres of lush botanical gardens. A tour through the grounds will acquaint you with Post’s love for French and Russian culture, golf, and her pet dogs.

Keep your eye out for: Post’s two Faberge Imperial eggs, the crowning glory of her collection of Russian imperial art. The Russian dacha (country house) is another testament to her fascination with Russian culture.

Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd St NW

Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is home to what is considered the most serene gardens in the capital. Landscape architect Beatrix Farrand was the creative mind behind the garden, which gives the impression of country life. With the gardens’ wildflowers, ancient trees, and deep pools, Farrand succeeded.

Keep your eye out for: Dumbarton Oak’s massive collection of Byzantine artifacts. The 53-acre property is a Harvard-run research institute. It is also revered as one of the best places for Byzantine studies in the world.

Heurich House Museum
1307 New Hampshire Ave NW

The Gilded Age mansion of Christian Heurich (a.k.a D.C.’s greatest beer brewer) in Dupont Circle is known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, and with good reason. One of the best-preserved Gilded Age mansions in the capital, Heurich House’s tours and events revolve around beer, the original master of the home’s greatest legacy.

Keep your eye out for: Oktoberfest, which the Heurich House usually celebrate every September. More than just a celebration of the Heurichs’ German heritage, Oktoberfest is the best event to sample great local beer and authentic German fare.

You can find out more about Washington, D.C.’s best historic homes and gardens by checking out this link. Happy touring!

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on DC’s Historic Homes and Gardens

Washington D.C. is a great place to raise a family, but some neighborhoods in the capital are just better than others. Let’s get to know the cream of the crop of D.C.’s family-friendly communities.

1. Georgetown

The oldest neighborhood in D.C. (it was founded in the mid-18th century), Georgetown is an established neighborhood known for its distinctive 18th century architecture.

For such a relatively compact area, Georgetown is packed with over 500 stores that cater to a variety of needs and services. Great education is also located nearby, and you’ll be pleased to learn that the neighborhood has community partnerships with George Washington University and Georgetown University.

2. Glover Park

Due to its tight-knit community and support system, Glover Park is well-known to be a very family-friendly community. Aside from being the home of a topnotch school (Stoddert Elementary), Glover Park is also home to a collection of community gardens, softball fields, and more. Last but not the least, Georgetown is located right around the corner.

3. DuPont Circle

Home to a relatively young and well-educated community, DuPont Circle is another family-friendly neighborhood you should check out. Amidst its expensive townhomes are more affordable real estate options, walkable streets, and a growing art and food scene. You’ll need to check the schools, however, if they can accommodate your child once you move to the neighborhood.

4. Chevy Chase

D.C.’s Chevy Chase, one of the first “streetcar suburbs,” is one of the cleanest and safest neighborhoods in the capital. Lafayette Elementary, a highly rated school, is located in the area, and working parents will find the public transportation commendable.

5. Friendship Heights

It’s not hard to make a friend at Friendship Heights, a family-friendly neighborhood lined with spacious apartments and upscale retail boutiques. Aside from the great commute, Friendship Heights boasts well-maintained and walkable streets and access to the efficient train system. Janney Elementary is located in close proximity to Friendship Heights, and you can easily walk your kids to school.

Learn more about D.C.’s wonderful neighborhoods by checking out our comprehensive area guides.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Community Updates, DC Neighborhoods by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on The best of D.C.’s family-friendly neighborhoods

From upscale fashion boutiques to indie storefronts, Washington, D.C.’s neighborhoods are filled to the brim with endless shopping opportunities. Here’s your definitive guide to the capital’s best shopping districts.

Georgetown
One place where you can find just about anything is Georgetown. Long established as a shopping hub, you can find trendy brands like Tory Burch and rag & bone in the area.

Consignment stores, like Ella Rue and Second Time Around, are also prevalent in Georgetown is you prefer casual shopping. National retailers, of course, can’t be absent in the district’s shopping scene.

Last but not the least, Georgetown has its fair collection of eccentric boutiques where you can check out (and purchase) antiques and other specialty finds. Most of these establishments are found in Book Hill, just along Wisconsin Avenue.

Downtown DC
Tourists and locals flock to Downtown for a bevy of shopping options. The latest among these is CityCenterDC, a sprawling 10-acre shopping center complete with restaurants and cafes. High-end retailers like Hermes, Dior, Kate Space, Burberry, and Paul Stuart have set up shop, making it a destination for fashionistas.

Chinatown is also a great place to score unique finds. This historic neighborhood has welcomed waves of development recently, and new, trendy stores like Loft and Urban Outfitters have popped up.

Meanwhile, F Street is home to national retailers like Banana Republic, Anne Taylor, H&M, Zara, J.Crew, and Anthropologie. F Street is also where you can find Macy’s, one of the largest department store chains in the country.

U Street/14th Street
For antique houseware, modern home décor, edgy clothing, and even some alcohol, head to U Street. Some say this is where the hipsters go, but we just think it’s a very cool place to be.

Furniture stores like GoodWood, Rom & Board, Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot may be where you’ll find your holy grails of home décor. Shops like Junction and Lettie Good offer trendy clothing. For a fine bottle of wine, Cork & Fork is the place to be. Meanwhile, Batch 13 is where you will get some of the best American whiskey in the capital.

Check our blog once in a while for the latest in shopping in Washington, D.C.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Shopping, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on Washington DC Shopping Guide

Washington D.C. has places where you can shop, be entertained, and eat to your heart’s content. For this version of “The Bests,” we bring you to the capital’s drinking joints. From old school watering holes to stylish cocktail lounges, we bring you the 7 best bars in D.C.

A&D
1314 9th St NW

Hailed as one of the best neighborhood bars in D.C., A&D offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails and elevated pub grub – all of which you can enjoy thanks to the bar’s friendly staff and the laidback atmosphere. One of the best things about A&D, however, is that most of their cocktails are crafted using the best local spirits available, such as Catoctin Creek rye and Green Hat Gin.

Brookland’s Finest Bar and Kitchen
3126 12th St NE

Most bars aren’t considered family-friendly, but Brookland’s Finest is an exception. Serving classic American comfort food and stiff cocktails, this bar and kitchen in the Northeast part of the capital hits all the right spots, regardless of your age group. Think of it this way – you can get hammered heer, and get food after to beat the hangover. Convenient!

All Souls Bar
725 T St NW

Located in Shaw, All Souls Bar is the watering hole you need to visit if you’re after a no-nonsense style of drinking. The place is moderately decorated, the cocktail prices low, and the Negroni the best in the city. It’s unapologetically straightforward, without gimmicks, just great drinks. No wonder this place is frequently packed.

Brixton
901 U St NW

Reminiscent of a British restaurant and pub, Brixton serves delicious menu offerings that transcend continental divides and different cultures. Come up the second floor and be transported into a very British-style bar, complete with dark wood paneling and leather stools. Aside from the atmosphere, college kids love its draft beer.

The Argonaut
1433 H St NE

Aside from its name, The Argonaut is easily remembered thanks to its New American coastal dishes and ship-inspired décor. People flock to the bar for its themed nights and its selection of 12 draft beers ready on tap. Its location is rather unfriendly if you regularly take the Metro, but it’s also one of the reasons why it’s less packed than other bars in the area.

Boundary Stone
116 Rhode Island Ave NW

Hidden in Shaw, this Irish-style neighborhood pub comes complete with vintage furnishings and satisfying late-night bar grub. The real star, however, is Boundary Stone’s impressive whiskey selection. Because of this, the bar has amassed a loyal fan base. For this, we can ensure its continued existence despite the number of bars that have popped up along the strip. Nothing beats a classic.

Bluejacket
300 Tingey St SE

We’ve saved the best for last. The home of some of the best craft beer in the city, Bluejacket is housed in an old factory. Take your pick among its selection of drafts and cask ales. Partner it with something from Bluejacket’s upscale comfort food. The stainless steel, the rustic warm wood, and the brewery equipment present throughout the establishment elevates the Bluejacket experience to another level.

For the best new food in the metro area, check out this link.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Dining, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on 7 Best Bars in DC

Washington, D.C. is blessed with beautiful public spaces. Today, take a walk and explore three of the best parks in the capital.

Potomac Parks

Divided by the iconic Potomac River, the Potomac Parks are divided into two parts: East and West. Together, the parks encompass approximately 395 acres.

East Potomac Park
Located southwest of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Channel, East Potomac Park is frequented by a bevy of locals. East Potomac Park’s well-maintained paths are a favorite among cyclists, runners, and inline skaters.

East Potomac Park is home to a number of popular D.C. attractions. Within the expansive park, you’ll find the following:

• East Potomac Park Golf Course
• East Potomac Pool
• Athletic fields and sports courts (for American football, baseball, softball, rugby, and soccer).

West Potomac Park
West Potomac Park is a designated national park located near the Washington Monument and the National Mall. The park, which encompasses approximately 395 acres, is the site of many national memorials and recreation fields.

Here are some of the key sites you’ll find within the West Potomac Park:

• Vietnam War Veterans Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• FDR Memorial
• Constitution Gardens
• The Tidal Basin

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Also known as the C&O Canal or the Grand Old Ditch, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a national park that starts at Georgetown and ends in Cumberland, Maryland.

The C&O Canal is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and history. Seasonal public boat rides are offered to take visitors down the canal, which once transported coal from the Allegheny Mountains downstream. Other activities at C&O Canal include hiking, biking, and camping. For more information, click here.

Rock Creek Park

Encompassing over 2000 acres, Rock Creek Park is a protected landscape/seascape and a registered historic district. Aside from flourishing nature, you will find a well-preserved collection of buildings — perfect examples of NPS Rustic, Late Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Revival, and Early Republic architecture.

Aside from outdoor recreation and history, visitors flock to Rock Creek Park to observe and learn more about the night sky. You can find the high-tech Rock Creek Park Planetarium within the grounds.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, DC Neighborhoods, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on Spotlight on DC’s historic parks: Potomac Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Rock Creek Park

One might say it is both a blessing and curse to live in a city that’s home to a thriving and equally exciting culinary scene. Planning a lunch or dinner date in the Metro D.C. area can get confusing — we have so many choices on where to take our friends, family, or significant other to enjoy some good grub!

Thankfully, here’s a list to help guide you to all the hotspots where DC foodies are gathering. Enjoy and bon appétit!

1. All Purpose

All Purpose is the premier destination right now for artisanal pizzas, wine, and antipasti — all served in a trendy and rustic space. You can find this Italian-American joint at 1250 9th St NW.

2. Alta Strada

Another Italian destination, this one found in 465 K St NW, Alta Strada is known to serve up an array of pizza and pastas created by Michael Schlow of The Riggsby and Tico fame. For drinks, head to Conosci, which is located next door.

3. Whaley’s

If you’re in the mood for classic seafood and cocktails, the best place to be right now is Whaley’s at 301 Water St SE Suite 115. Absolutely scrumptious, this establishment is also a certified sustainable raw bar.

4. Ashlar Restaurant and Bar

Located in Alexandria, VA, Ashlar serves up regional American cuisine in a fancy, upscale setting. You’ll love the interiors as much as you’ll love the menu, which consists of shared plates and steaks.

5. The BBQ Joint

For good old comfort food, head to 2005 14th St NW and sample Andrew Evans’ ribs and barbecue. Aside from this classic staple, foodies are also flocking to The BBQ Joint for its late night frito pie window.

6. Buttercream Bakeshop

For your sweeth tooth, Buttercream Bakeshop will satisfy all your cravings. Helmed by pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream is home to beloved baked goods and celebration cakes.

7. Pineapple and Pearls

Located at 715 8th St SE, Pineapple and Pearls is the current favorite among foodies for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. You can expect great things from this restaurant.

8. Espita Mezcaleria

Fancy some mezcal cuisine in Washington, D.C.? Head over to Espita Mezcaleria at 1250 9th St NW. Aside from its fantastic menu, the restaurant’s bright decor entices diners to come in.

9. Kyirisan

Asian flavors meet French flair at Kyirisan, located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Shaw, specifically at 1924 8th St NW. Great, original plates have been known to come out of its kitchen.

10. Kapnos Kouzina

Located in Bethesda, foodies flock to Kapnos Kouzina for its flatbreads, spicy fried chicken, meze, souvlaki, and a nice selection of Mediterranean regional wines and cocktails.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out this article by Zagat.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Dining by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on Top 10 new restaurants in the Metro D.C. area

Nowadays, the Union Market Historic District is known throughout the D.C. area as an up-and-coming neighborhood where you can find a collection of mixed residential and retail spaces. In the months to come, more development projects will flow into the neighborhood, making Union Market’s gentrification process complete.

Let’s travel back in time and unravel the origins of the Union Market Historic District, and what makes it truly one of the D.C. area’s local gems.

It all started approximately 145 years ago

Before the Union Market Historic District, there was Centre Market, known as the largest market in Washington D.C. Opened to the public in 1871, Centre Market served as a crossroads due to its location — right between the Capitol Building and the White House, just a stone’s throw away from a railroad station and several streetcar lines. By the turn of the century, Centre Market was the commercial heart of Washington D.C.

Centre Market was torn down in 1931 to give way for the National Archives, but its memory lived on. Many of the businesses once part of the market set up shop in another venue they named Union Terminal Market.

It was the best place to buy meat, fish, dairy, and produce back then. A policy banning the outdoor sale of meats and eggs, however, turned the market upside down. In its place, a new indoor market was built, the building we now know today as the Union Market.

From the 80s up to the present, Union Market has continued to flourish. According to developer EDENS, it’s a place where local businesses thrive, a melting pot full of character and opportunities. Its history, culture, and relevance to Washington D.C.’s history makes it a district to watch out for.

What you can find in Union Market Historic District

• The market itself, open Tuesdays to Sundays.
• No Kings Collective + Lab 1270 – A commune for artists; regularly hosts flash art exhibitions and the like to provide an artistic space for local artists and city organizations.
• Restaurants like Dolcezza, Cotton & Reed, Masseria, and Tap + Garden.
• Maurice Electrical Work Space – Planned for both residential, retail, and office uses.
• Angelika Pop-Up – A multi-screen cinema where you can enjoy specialty film programming and events.
• Dock 5 – A warehouse with over 12,000 square feet of event space located right above Union Market.

For more details about Union Market Historic District, check out its official website: http://unionmarketdc.com.

Share

Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
Comments Off on Spotlight on the Union Market Historic District