The need for our updated DC Travel Guide has, respectfully, been dire. BUT, as they say in the biz, “there’s no time like the present,” so you’re getting our new, punchy, post-pandemic guide this week! The time has come for us to trounce about the quadrants visiting our tried-and-true haunts and exploring new favorites. It’s summertime in the District, and we want you to come visit our turf on our terms, which are really fun and flexible terms, by the way.
We’ll start with Union Market in the Northeast. This food hall filled with the coolest local shops is relaxed, casual, and nestled in the beautiful neighborhood of Capitol Hill. This is the ideal family friendly destination, perfect for taking out of town visitors or meeting up with friends as there is truly something for everyone here. Our personal SCOUT HQ fav is Bidwell with an expansive and flavor-packed, locally sourced menu. It’s seasonal, fresh, and there’s brunch, which we love.
Okay, so now for the opposite side of the city. With gargoyles, the stained glass rose window, and a rich history filled with inaugurations, memorial services, and vigils, The National Cathedral is a must-visit in the Northwest. This sacred space is massive and stunning with Bishop’s Garden providing a quiet moment for a “country walk,” in the midst of our city. The surrounding Cleveland Park neighborhood is peaceful and lovely with two of our absolute FAVORITE spots, Two Amy’s Pizza and Jetties. To bite into a Jetties sandwich on a Sunday after a big summer blowout weekend is to feel right with one’s soul.
A city mecca for bright color and fun, Blagden Alley, has both rich history and dining options. Wonderful coffee shops, bars, and eateries ensconce this passageway tucked in between the Shaw and Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhoods. With vibrant mural backdrops and groovy spots to grab a libation, this backstreet is a secret escape from the bustling streets surrounding the Convention Center. Try Calico for an “adult juice box” or a yummy snack.
Now for our neck of the woods: Georgetown. Our neighborhood continues to evolve post pandemic with more cafes, bakeries, casual dining, and elevated shopping opportunities emerging every day. Of course, the SCOUT Flagship Store is a must stop. Period. Our beloved Baked & Wired with its cult cupcakes and sweet treats, Southblock with our pricey-but-worth-it smoothies, and Chaia for phenom vegetarian tacos, are not optional, must attend. We’re obsessed with Yellow, a comforting cool take on French and Middle Eastern cuisine located a stone’s throw from our office space.
Georgetown has an absurd array of national brand boutiques that are great for window shopping or real shopping if you dare. The irresistible combination of historic homes, contemporary shops, and eateries is unmatched, in addition to the renowned Georgetown University, which is a super cool place to go poke around. Of course, you’ll need a wind-down moment, so you must head to Dumbarton Oaks, the neighborhood’s curated gardens and grounds maintained by Harvard University.
We hope you’ll at least come pay us a visit before our next Travel Guide update. Our doors at SCOUT HQ are always open, and it’s been a pleasure to share our special city with you!
