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.
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!