RETAIL
THERAPY
The District Wharf knows that everyone needs
a little retail therapy now and then, so dust
off your credit cards and head for some of
the unique shops and boutiques that have
made their home here by the Potomac River.
Naturally, there’s Anchor, the boat lover’s
one-stop shop for everything nautical; and
plenty of places to find just the right clothing
and accessories for a day on or off the water.
Check out A Beautiful Closet for international
choices and d/eleven for cutting-edge
women’s fashions. Doesn’t that water look inviting? If getting
out onto the river is an idea that tickles your
fancy, The Wharf is ready to help. Head for
the Recreation Pier to rent kayaks or stand-up
paddleboards; or take the free Water Jitney
over to East Potomac Park (a nearby island
with golfing, tennis, cycling and hiking) that
operates from this pier, too. In the warmer
weather, look for outdoor yoga classes or
simply grab a big swing on the boardwalk and
hang out.
Interior design mavens should discover Hudson
and Crane, Ligne Roset, Patrick’s Fine Linens
& Home Décor, while fine-art aficionados will
enjoy browsing at the Martha Spak Gallery at
The Wharf. And yes, bookstores are still alive in
this electronic age; stop int o Politics and Prose
to see for yourself. At Waterfront Park, you can play a few
rounds of bocce ball, while at 7th Street Park
taking a meander along the walking trails
will help you get in your steps. Check out
the interactive fountain here, especially on
one of Washington’s legendary hot, humid
summer days, when you can cool down
without getting too wet.
MUSIC AND
THE ARTS GETTING
THERE
The District Wharf isn’t just a place for eating
and drinking, for from the moment it opened
in Fall 2017, it became the go-to place for
music and the arts in D.C. With three new
state-of-the-art live entertainment venues,
there’s something on just about every night
of the year. The Anthem is a 6,000-seat
concert hall with a multi-million-dollar sound
system, designed for epic rock shows, charity
galas and more; everyone from Lorde and
Alice in Chains to Joe Biden and his “American
Promise Tour” are hitting the stage here.
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Credit: Rey Lopez
BOATS, BIKES
AND YOGA
MATS
Pearl Street Warehouse showcases local
and regional music artists, in a casual setting
with diner eats and plenty of libations, too,
while Union Stage is a downstairs club
that seats 450, has a dance floor, food and
drinks. It books in acts both familiar and up-
and-coming, while the outdoor spaces and
floating stage at The Wharf are constantly
in action, with special events like the Fire &
Ice Festival (Feb. 24), Petalpalooza (Apr. 7,
celebrating the Cherry Blossom blooming)
and the Running of the Chihuahuas on Cinco
de Mayo (May 5).
There’s lots of public transportation that
heads to The District Wharf Southeast area,
making it a snap to get to this action-packed
spot. Take the free Southwest Shuttle from
Independence Avenue at the Mall or L’Enfant
Plaza; look for the giant “Water” sign on the
side of the buses and just hop on.
Water taxis run to The Wharf from Georgetown
and Alexandria between March and December,
with one-way rates starting at $10 per person.
Or jump on the D.C. Metro subway and get off
at the Green Line Waterfront stop; many city
buses stop nearby as well (catch the 52, 74, P6,
V1 or W9). Driving is another option; The Wharf
parking garage is off Maine Avenue and costs
$11 for the first hour.
Or get fit while coming to see this new gem
in the Washington, D.C., landscape, by using
the Capital Bikeshare system. With over 3,700
bikes available at stations across the city (and
into Maryland and Virginia, too), it’s simple to
sign up, unlock a bike at a docking station and
ride it to The Wharf, where you drop it off and
forget about it. Naturally, there’s an app for
that straightforward system that moves you
around the city easily — and often faster than
the traffic is moving.
SPRING 2018 51 FLYWASHINGTON.COM