*guest blogger + gt city guide: dc.
Vee has been one of my most beloved blog reads and is so talented with those instruments she calls hands. If you haven’t checked out her blog Creative Blessings you are surely missing out on her creative visual genius. Vee will be the first of many Guest Blogginistas featuring what she/he loves most about their city and I couldn’t be more excited to launch this e-series….If you want to rep your city and would love to see your name in the byline email GT at hello@gettogetha.com….on to the city guide…
Why I love about my town:
I love DC, The District, The “Chocolate City” aka the DMV or more commonly known as the Nation’s Capital because it is truly a melting pot of cultures, sub cultures, history and the political mecca of the U.S. DC also has one of the coolest addresses I know…1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and the greatest chance to learn and observe some of the greatest things the world has to offer for FREE through the Smithsonian.
What I dislike:
I would call this more of a pet peeve but I’m not a fan of the DC metro commuter rule of thumb where in as people who walk up escalators go up the left and non-walkers stand to the right. D.C. commuters are a “little” rude and abrasive so tourists take note of this rule or Washingtonians will for sure let you know loudly and rudely.
Weather:
DC has humidity like no other in the summer; sticky, unbearable, can’t breathe heat..but we’re also lucky enough to experience the four seasons for which I’m grateful.
What my town is known for:
D.C is known for its history (The Smithsonian), its monuments (Washington, Lincoln, The Capital, and of course the White House) and the scholastic institutions (Georgetown, American University, George Washington University.
Must Sees:
Cherry Blossoms: Spring Only
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the District. The entire Tidal Basin is in bloom! We have festivals, parades and other events celebrating the Cherry Blossoms in every spring. The peak time when the blossoms are at their prettiest is a one-two week window if nature cooperates in the Months of March and April.
GoGo Music.
A local hip-hop/dance music hybrid that’s known for its simple post-funk grooves with live heavy percussion and rap. Some well known go-go bands are Chuck Brown aka “The Father of Go-Go” and Rare Essence.
Ben’s Chili Bowl-U Street Corridor
This local landmark was uber popular way before President Obama munched on their famous hot dogs. Ben’s has been serving dogs, fries and burgers to the natives since the 50′s and it shows no sign of slowing down. They stay open until 4AM on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you don’t mind eating with the after club crowds (lines moves fast), check it out…it just adds fun to the madness of U street!
Eastern Market
Another great treat of the city is the Eastern Market and another personal favorite! It is D.C.’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market. It’s open during the week but the market explodes over the weekend. Over 170 vendors come out and set up handmade crafts, jewelry, farmers, fresh flowers, pottery and flea market treasures for the public.
Live Music: The 9:30 Club
A great way to see a favorite band in an intimate setting and a personal favorite of mine. I’ve seen many artists here (The Roots and Raphael Saadiq.) It’s the perfect venue for live music lovers and the ticket prices are affordable.
Food: MatchBox
The perfect place to catch up with friends, have a few drinks and enjoy some really awesome food. Brick Oven Pizza? Need I say more? I love the Capital Hill location the best and the neighborhood is so cozy. Get the 3.6.9 Mini Burgers or the Bistro Burger. Yum.
Shopping: GeorgeTown
Another great thing about DC is its variety of shopping stores both brand, boutiques, and local Georgetown does a great job of offering them all! Shops are found from M Street to Wisconsin Ave. with something for everyone’s budget. It’s a local favorite when the days are warm and the nights are cool. Parking can be a major pain but once that’s secure, it’s down to business!
Posted by gt on October 27, 2009
share
ceecee — October 27, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Love the last image. Thanks for the tip about escalators, I’ll be sure to remember that. I’ve always wanted to live in DC.
reply
Alicia — October 27, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
This is going to be a great series. I’m glad she included the escalator tip! Gotta remember that next time I’m in town.
reply
TJ — October 27, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
I’ve heard a lot about the cherry blossoms. Maybe once we thaw out up here, I’ll take trip to DC.
reply
PJ — October 27, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
I use to live in DC several years ago and I miss it SO much! Even more so after reading this entry. And yes, the escalator “etiquette” is no joke!!! LOL It becomes a part of you even when you visit or reside in other cities. I find myself moving over on the escalator but no one ever passes me up!! LOL
reply
Pam Renee — October 27, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Pam Renee’ here…originally from Louisiana now living in Texas (where everything is BIG)….you brought back a lot of memories back of my days in DC for five years. I miss the actual four seasons….today it is October 27th, and a few days ago I was wearing flip flops.(LOL) I may get a chance to wear a heavy coat, once or twice during the winters here …which reminds me when I lived there, I bought my coat from Louisiana, as I didn’t know that DC’s weather was that COLD. That coat felt like newspaper, but I adjusted quick, fast, and in a hurry and now I cannot wear THAT DC coat in Texas without feeling like I am sitting in a stove!
reply
Denetra — October 27, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
OMG! I love her work, she is the scrapbook/photography queen! I first noticed her work on flickr.com. Love! I’ve been to D.C. twice and can’t wait to go back. Great city. In reference to the escalators, that is so true. I thought it was just me!
reply
Bryant — October 28, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Way to hit all of the obvious points that have been covered by numerous blogs and publications over and over. As a “native”, aren’t there at least a few secrets and hidden gems worth passing along that haven’t been covered ad nauseum already? If people can’t find out that Georgetown has lots of shopping and Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution by the thousands of other places they are mentioned in print, television and on the web, saying it one more time won’t help.
reply
Barbara — October 28, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
Regarding the commuters rule…guilty as charged. LOL! We always know who the tourists are.
reply
ashleydior — October 28, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
Grest post! I currently live in DC now and Ben’s Chili Bowl and the escalator etiquette is the truth! Love this city.
reply
Nina — October 29, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
I’ve been toiling over the idea of moving back home for a couple of months now…thanks for the reintroduction to my hometown!
reply
Brandie — October 30, 2009 @ 7:26 am
What a great post! Love any feature that covers my current city. However, while Eastern Market has some great vendors, I definitely don’t go there for the fresh food. It’s super overpriced. During the summer months into late fall, the 14th and U st and Bloomingdale markets have great variety of foods from local farmers that is more affordable. In addition, the Dupont Market which is open year round also has great vendors although you have to get there super early to avoid the crowds. And I definitely avoid Georgetown at all costs. If you must go, go super early on a Sunday, hit the key stores and then get out as fast as possible. For those who love interior design, DC is ALL ABOUT 14th street from P and the way up to U and then along U street. From upscale market stores, to vintage, and everything in between, you can get some great pieces for you home anyway along this street. OH…and the great outdoors! There are so many great bike/running paths. You can go kayaking for less than a mini fortune and once you are done with that, you can hit up Great Falls for a good hike and walk along the historic path that leads all the way up to Ohio or just Bethesda and Silver Springs if Ohio is too far! OR you can ride all the way to George Washington’s house in VA. And there so much more! The Waterfront, the fab bookstores and restaurants in Capitol Hill that has such a great local scene. This has made me love DC even more!
reply
D. Bell — October 31, 2009 @ 10:38 am
Right on the money! I lived in DMV for 4 years and loved it. Really debated leaving, but I had other life experiences I needed to explore. Can’t believe how U Street and surrounding area in NW has blossomed over the years (RIP Ben). DC truly is Chocolate City.
reply
Mignon — November 1, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
This was on point. I’ve lived in the DMV all my life up to a few years ago. Grew up in right in the heart of the District. I love that city. I come back as often as I can. I love Ben’s, U street, Capitol Hill…ooo and Union Station. Makes me long for home even more!
reply
George-Washington-University — November 24, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
We have a few college students online from college of Colorado College and we love your blog postings, so well add your rss or news feed for them, Thanks and please post us and leave a comment back and well link to you. Thanks Jen , Blog Manager
George-Washington-University
reply
Tami — December 25, 2009 @ 1:54 am
I’m a little mad that you didn’t say Howard!
reply