Field Guide
Washington, D.C.
I’ve been a resident of D.C. since the summer of 2017, which by D.C. standards, means I’m nearing the threshold of being considered a local (in my book, I need about 10 more years to claim that title). Of course, there are still so many areas that are unfamiliar to me, but over the past few years, I’ve learned to call this lovely city home.
D.C. is a magical, architectural patchwork of neighborhoods, whose quilt is studded with buildings that appear to have been plucked from the streets of London or Paris, surrounded by dense threads of rowhomes in jewel and candy-color tones. It is a perfect city for walking - with the right shoes, you could easily start your day in Capitol Hill, walk the length of the National Mall, and end in Georgetown for the evening.
To make the most of your experience, I would recommend three full days - one to walk the streets of Capitol Hill and explore some of the most historic buildings in the country; one to explore the other side of the National Mall as well as Georgetown; and perhaps one to escape the city for just a bit, to a place like Old Town or Leesburg. No matter your chosen course, you’ll leave feeling full and relaxed - though the city is dense, we won’t take the wind out of you the same way NYC might.
Please note, I have only added recommendations for Georgetown and Capitol Hill at this time; I will be adding Union Market/Noma, Shaw/14th Street, DuPont Circle, and others in the very near future!
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Photography & Writing by Chesley McCarty
Capitol Hill
As they say, The Hill is Home, and for someone like me who loves to get lost walking in a neighborhood, Capitol Hill feels like DC’s architectural darling. Start your day with a coconut nutmeg latte and sweet potato donut from Little Pearl, then head over to the Capitol Building, stopping by grand spaces like the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court; the magnitude and grandeur slowly taper off as you walk East towards Lincoln Park and explore the just as sparkly, but much more humble residential backstreets. As you head East along East Capitol, be sure to take detours towards the North and South, wandering along streets like A Street SE and Independence Avenue SE - the rowhomes in these folds of the city are always ready to leave an impression. I recommend ended the day at Rose’s Luxury, a Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautiful, converted townhome.
Shop & See
Eastern Market
Capitol Hill Books
Gingko Gardens
Marine Barracks
A Street SE, between 3rd and 8th
US Capitol Grounds
Supreme Court Gardens
Library of Congress
Lincoln Park
Naylor Court NE - enter on West Side
Georgetown
If you are looking to shop, Georgetown is where you should begin - many of the more notable, national names in fashion have landed along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, with a handful of beloved locals sprinkled thoughtfully throughout. Georgetown is not necessarily known for their food scene, but you won’t go hungry - head to Cylde’s or Martin’s for something easy and friendly, Reverie or Chez Billy Sud for dinner if you are seeking something more upscale. A cupcake from Baked and Wired is a must - the wait is worth it!
If and when you need a break from shopping, head anywhere North of M Street into the residential area – N Street, Dumbarton, O Street, and P Street stretch from Rock Creek Parkway to the East all the way over Georgetown University to the West, and the homes you’ll find along the way are some of the most stately and charming in town.
Shop & See
Pillar & Post
Oliver Dunn, Moss & Co
Take Care
Shop Made in DC
C&O Canal Lock 4 (homes along North side)
Dumbarton House
Alfred & Hannah Pope House
