There's More to D.C. Than You Think
By LENA KATZ
Thanks to TV news, most people outside of the metro DC area think our nation’s capitol is comprised of the White House, Capitol Hill and possibly an airport. Certainly, some important historic events went down there, but few people can pinpoint exactly where or when or what.
And we’re not saying you should learn. However, the DC metro area is a lot more happening than you think it is. Not only is it the epicenter of US history, it’s also a thriving metropolitan center that’s evolving and growing more diverse every year. If you’ve got time this summer, come witness this American hub turn over a brand new leaf.
One area that’s undergone a major transformation is U Street. In the early 20th century it garnered fame as an African American musical hot spot (particularly jazz), but subsequent generations saw it fall into disrepair and turn into a slum. Renovated all the way through the ‘90s, U Street is once again a popular going-out spot, with an array of Ethiopian restaurants, jazz clubs and dark, tempting little bars.
Penn Quarter has seen a similar renaissance, turning from an overlooked downtown slum into a shining example of urban renovation, complete with trendy restaurants and bars. To go along with its new ‘historic district’ status, it even got a new name—prior, it was only known as ‘Old Downtown.’
Though not a neighborhood, Eastern Market is worth a visit. It’s existed in one form or another since 1873, but the latest incarnation comprises South Hall, a covered facility where vendors sell cheese, meat, flowers, fruits and veggies Tuesday-Sunday; and the weekend farmers’ market, which is probably the biggest tourist attraction and takes place year-round. There’s also a weekend flea market. North Hall is basically a community center, and open sporadic hours.
If you want to , stop by the National Archives, where new interactive facilities complement an exhaustive collection of invaluable documents including the glass-enclosed Declaration of Independence and early Native American treaties.
Bring kids by the new Operation Spy interactive experience at the International Spy Museum and let them get a taste of secret agent action. Participants are sent on a “mission” (a la Tom Cruise or Bond, James Bond), complete with ‘Special Operations Officer’ and top-secret intel.
And we’re not saying you should learn. However, the DC metro area is a lot more happening than you think it is. Not only is it the epicenter of US history, it’s also a thriving metropolitan center that’s evolving and growing more diverse every year. If you’ve got time this summer, come witness this American hub turn over a brand new leaf.
One area that’s undergone a major transformation is U Street. In the early 20th century it garnered fame as an African American musical hot spot (particularly jazz), but subsequent generations saw it fall into disrepair and turn into a slum. Renovated all the way through the ‘90s, U Street is once again a popular going-out spot, with an array of Ethiopian restaurants, jazz clubs and dark, tempting little bars.
Penn Quarter has seen a similar renaissance, turning from an overlooked downtown slum into a shining example of urban renovation, complete with trendy restaurants and bars. To go along with its new ‘historic district’ status, it even got a new name—prior, it was only known as ‘Old Downtown.’
Though not a neighborhood, Eastern Market is worth a visit. It’s existed in one form or another since 1873, but the latest incarnation comprises South Hall, a covered facility where vendors sell cheese, meat, flowers, fruits and veggies Tuesday-Sunday; and the weekend farmers’ market, which is probably the biggest tourist attraction and takes place year-round. There’s also a weekend flea market. North Hall is basically a community center, and open sporadic hours.
If you want to , stop by the National Archives, where new interactive facilities complement an exhaustive collection of invaluable documents including the glass-enclosed Declaration of Independence and early Native American treaties.
Bring kids by the new Operation Spy interactive experience at the International Spy Museum and let them get a taste of secret agent action. Participants are sent on a “mission” (a la Tom Cruise or Bond, James Bond), complete with ‘Special Operations Officer’ and top-secret intel.
Or visit the new Air Force Memorial in Arlington. Officially dedicated in the end of 2006, it’s a concrete-and-steel structure towering 270 feet in the air, guarded by four imposing bronze statues, and standing in the shadow of the even more impressive Navy Annex.
Local experts recommend Washington Walks if you’re trying to sneak a history lesson into your family vacation. This company puts on some cool kid-friendly tours, including the popular “Goodnight, Mr. Lincoln.”
Keep your eye out for the unveiling of the Newseum, the official museum of news—slated to occur in fall, 2007.
And of course, the Smithsonian is perennially new, thanks to its ever-changing lineup of amazing and unique exhibits. Worth a visit any time you’re in the area, particularly if some members of your group have never been before.
Alexandria
Billing itself as “the fun side” of the DC Metro Area, this laid-back city on the other side of the Potomac offers all kinds of cool cultural activities for all ages. From hip restaurants to historic meeting rooms to museums to whiskey distilleries, Alexandria is bursting at the seams with culture—and it’s less intimidating than the Capitol Hill scene.
The highlight of Mount Vernon has to be the new Education Center. Set amidst the four-acre Pioneer Farm, it contains a hands-on history center, 13 galleries, three theaters, a petting zoo, interactive installations, movie, and so much more. Events take place here throughout the year. Sightseeing cruises take off from the wharf every day in the spring and summer, as well as most weekends in fall.
Next door is an attraction that adults won’t want to miss: the restored, newly reopened Mount Vernon distillery. Good old George Washington may have been a general and a politician, but he also had a successful sideline as a whiskey producer—and this site was home base for the business. More than 200 years later, all the distilled spirits groups in the US, plus various people in Washington, teamed up to bring the Mount Vernon Distillery back to its former glory. Tour the facility, take the kids to the grist mill, and buy a bottle of Mount Vernon’s finest for the liquor cabinet back home.
Gadsby’s Tavern is a unique historic destination camouflaged as a nondescript building on a mid-town block. Even when you walk in, you might fail to see the importance—unless it’s a special event, many of the rooms are empty. But this was actually where the leading lights of the Colonies gathered to drink, discuss current events, and foment a revolution. Exhibits in select rooms show exactly what Gadsby’s original patrons ate for dinner, what they drink, and where they slept (on tiny pallet beds if they splurged, or on the floor if they opted for “economy” lodgings). Gadsby’s also holds events throughout the year, most of them with a historic and/or educational theme.
The museum curators at Gadsby’s recently unearthed a 200-year-old apothecary shop in nearly untouched condition. With great excitement, they’re planning to go through it bit by bit, catalog its contents, and turn them into a living history exhibit of a pharmacy circa-1800s.
Dandy Restaurant Cruises take off from the historic Alexandria port and take the scenic route along the Potomac, offering countless opportunities for great monument photos and then serving up a sit-down meal that’ll leave you stuffed. Daytime and dinner cruises are available.
E-mail the author at lena@lenakatz.com
Local experts recommend Washington Walks if you’re trying to sneak a history lesson into your family vacation. This company puts on some cool kid-friendly tours, including the popular “Goodnight, Mr. Lincoln.”
Keep your eye out for the unveiling of the Newseum, the official museum of news—slated to occur in fall, 2007.
And of course, the Smithsonian is perennially new, thanks to its ever-changing lineup of amazing and unique exhibits. Worth a visit any time you’re in the area, particularly if some members of your group have never been before.
Alexandria
Billing itself as “the fun side” of the DC Metro Area, this laid-back city on the other side of the Potomac offers all kinds of cool cultural activities for all ages. From hip restaurants to historic meeting rooms to museums to whiskey distilleries, Alexandria is bursting at the seams with culture—and it’s less intimidating than the Capitol Hill scene.
The highlight of Mount Vernon has to be the new Education Center. Set amidst the four-acre Pioneer Farm, it contains a hands-on history center, 13 galleries, three theaters, a petting zoo, interactive installations, movie, and so much more. Events take place here throughout the year. Sightseeing cruises take off from the wharf every day in the spring and summer, as well as most weekends in fall.
Next door is an attraction that adults won’t want to miss: the restored, newly reopened Mount Vernon distillery. Good old George Washington may have been a general and a politician, but he also had a successful sideline as a whiskey producer—and this site was home base for the business. More than 200 years later, all the distilled spirits groups in the US, plus various people in Washington, teamed up to bring the Mount Vernon Distillery back to its former glory. Tour the facility, take the kids to the grist mill, and buy a bottle of Mount Vernon’s finest for the liquor cabinet back home.
Gadsby’s Tavern is a unique historic destination camouflaged as a nondescript building on a mid-town block. Even when you walk in, you might fail to see the importance—unless it’s a special event, many of the rooms are empty. But this was actually where the leading lights of the Colonies gathered to drink, discuss current events, and foment a revolution. Exhibits in select rooms show exactly what Gadsby’s original patrons ate for dinner, what they drink, and where they slept (on tiny pallet beds if they splurged, or on the floor if they opted for “economy” lodgings). Gadsby’s also holds events throughout the year, most of them with a historic and/or educational theme.
The museum curators at Gadsby’s recently unearthed a 200-year-old apothecary shop in nearly untouched condition. With great excitement, they’re planning to go through it bit by bit, catalog its contents, and turn them into a living history exhibit of a pharmacy circa-1800s.
Dandy Restaurant Cruises take off from the historic Alexandria port and take the scenic route along the Potomac, offering countless opportunities for great monument photos and then serving up a sit-down meal that’ll leave you stuffed. Daytime and dinner cruises are available.
E-mail the author at lena@lenakatz.com
