It’s an unusually warm day today, the high getting up to 70. So what’s there to do in the area to take advantage, especially since it might be the last warm one in a long time?
For one, there’s all the patios and outdoor spots along 11th Street, like Wonderland, Room 11, Red Rocks and the like. They might be crowded, but some let you feel like you’re outside while inside, like El Chucho and Meridian Pint with their big windows? There’s also more relaxed patios like Looking Glass, DC Reynolds and Mothership on Georgia Ave.
If you’re looking for something that isn’t eating and drinking, why not take a walk — maybe to check out all the murals in the neighborhood? Or just go to a part of the area you don’t frequent. I’m always surprised when I stumble on a nice little street I haven’t seen before, like Keefer Place near Georgia or the little warren of streets around Meridian Hill Park.
Which suggests another: go to the park! Bring a picnic or bocce or a frisbee. It might be the last time you can do any of them for months.
If you’re looking for something a bit more rugged, the hiking trails at Rock Creek Park are great — keep in mind it gets dark early though. Or just explore the neighborhood on bike — yours or Capital Bikeshare.
Unfortunately there isn’t a ton of neighborhood retail around, but a walk to the U Street shops could be a nice one too — there are some vintage shops between 14th and 16th that I like. Or check out the 14th Street strip from Florida to U: there’s furniture at Mara, clothing at Federal and Palace 5ive, and more.
If you haven’t been to Upshur Street, check it out: there’s the new Upshur Street Books, plus a couple cool and funky vintage shops there too, and the popular Domku, Crane & Turtle and Petworth Citizen.
Got any other ideas?
