Travel Around Your Backyard: A Day in D.C.

Lights exhibit at the National Gallery of Art East Wing
Lights exhibit at the National Gallery of Art East Wing. Photo by Maggie Quinn ’17

Days, weeks and even months go by where many of

Stone Ridge students do not even think to visit D.C. Although

most students live within 30 minutes of our nation’s capital,

we rarely take advantage of this proximity. We may be forced

to tour the common monuments when relatives come into

town, so often when we visit D.C., it is not for enjoyment but

more of a burden.

But D.C. offers many options you may not be aware

of. On one of the nice spring days to come, consider visiting

our nation’s capital.

Here’s our guide to a day filled with what locals

love best about D.C. that will be sure to change your view of

going into D.C.

Another piece of artwork at the East Wing using lights as material.
Another piece of artwork at the East Wing using lights as material. Photo by Maggie Quinn ’17

8:30 A.M. Start your day off right at one of D.C.’s local coffee shops. Below are a few great options:

Qualia Coffee: 3917 GEORGIA AVE NW

Opened 7 years ago, Qualia has been roasting coffee beans

on site every day. Because of this, you will not be able to go

to your local grocery store and purchase the coffee beans in

Qualia Coffee.

Compass Coffee: 1535 7TH ST NW

Compass Coffee was started by two marines upon returning

from their deployment in Afghanistan. While deployed, it was

their ritual to have coffee every morning, and they wanted to

continue that tradition upon their return while sharing it with

residents of D.C.

10:00 A.M. Need a little pick-me-up? Something to tide you

over until you find a delicious lunch spot? These bakeries will

satisfy you with a wide range of pastries and sweets.

Baked and Wired: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW

Bread Furst: 4434 Connecticut Ave NW

10:30 A.M. Break up your day by visiting the National Gal-
lery of Art East Wing to view some contemporary art. The

East Wing is the modern addition of the National Gallery of Art. The

planning for this modern wing began in 1968 and it has just

been remodeled.

1:00 P.M. Stop by one of these delicious restaurants for a nice

break in your busy day traveling around D.C.

Founding Farmers: 1924 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW

Founding Farmers is a known favorite of many D.C. locals.

Started in 2005, Founding Farmers goal is to bring American

grown foods to the table.

Blue Duck Tavern: 1201 24TH ST NW

Blue Duck Tavern’s menu is as they describe is “market-
based.”

Red Apron Butchery: Union Market, 1309 5th St NE

They describe themselves as “is a locally sourced whole animal

butcher and small-batch producer of handcrafted charcuterie

and fine provisions.”

These 3 restaurants are all in close proximity to the National

Gallery.

Fiola: near the National Gallery

The Source: near the National Gallery

Oyamel: near the National Gallery

2:40 P.M. Drive about 20 minutes and you’ll arrive at Gravelly

Point. Here, you can choose to bring your own picnic lunch or

just sit and watch the planes. This grassy area will provide a

change of pace from your normal busy life.

4-7 P.M. Go to a National’s game. Here are some upcoming

game times:

May 5 at 7:05 vs. the Phillies

May 11 at 7:05 vs. the Orioles

May 19 at 7:35 vs. the Braves

7 P.M. Go to one of D.C.’s best restaurants

Zaytinya: 701 9th st NW

Red Hen: 1822 1st St Nw

Le Diplomate: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

10 PM: Finish your night taking a tour of the monuments at night. It may seem like a strange concept but at night the monuments are not crowded with tourists and they take on a whole different form!


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