Petalpalooza
Credit: Courtesy of washington. org
After the land that would become the boundaries of Washington was purchased and carved out of Maryland in 1799, the Navy Yard became the U. S. Navy’ s first shore establishment. There, it built ships, conducted scientific research, developed weapons, and served as the center of strategy for the War of 1812, the Civil War, and even World War II. At its peak, the Navy Yard had 188 buildings for 25,000 employees.
Over time, military activities decreased and were gradually phased out, particularly after the Second World War. The Navy’ s presence diminished, and the remaining space was primarily used for administrative tasks and Navy-centric ceremonies.
However, the retreat of the Navy’ s stronghold eventually gave way to other city life flourishing.
Today’ s Navy Yard, about a mile from Congress, combines history and modern life. You can work at a cafe, then enjoy $ 9 happy hour cocktails across the street. It’ s a perfect spot for family picnics in the park or a night out with friends. You might also take a private tour of the National Museum of the U. S. Navy and later try a flying trapeze class at Capitol City Circus School.
Following the transfer of jurisdiction from federal to city control around the start of the 21st century, changes accelerated. In 2006, the city began construction on Nationals Park, home to the popular Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals( also known as the Nats). The park’ s opening in 2008 revitalized the neighborhood.
“ Turned out to be a brilliant choice on the city’ s part,” said Gregory McCarthy, senior vice president for government and community engagement for the Nats. By 2018, Forbes put Navy Yard on the list of“ 12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World.”
“ Doing the American pastime in the Nation’ s capital should be on your checklist for a visit to Washington, D. C.,” said McCarthy, noting that the Smithsonian museums close at 5 p. m., leaving plenty of time to head to most weekday games, which start at 6:45 p. m.
The Southwest exit of the Navy Yard-Ballpark metro station places spectators near the upper deck of the sunken stadium. Arrive early for a game to walk around and capture picture-perfect views of the Capitol building, look up and down the Anacostia River, and watch planes land at Reagan National.
Both diehard baseball fans and newcomers will enjoy a fast-paced game packed with audience interactions and a unique fourth-inning Presidential Race featuring George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. Food choices include classic options like hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn, along with more adventurous offerings such as arepas— corn flatbreads filled with savory meats and cheeses— and Ben’ s Chili Bowl’ s signature chili halfsmoke. Be sure to try the chili cheese fries.
On select Sundays, the Nats host special events for kids; from engaging read-aloud sessions to letting kids aged 4 to 12 run the bases before games( just remember to register for free beforehand).
Throughout the summer, the team hosts a series of free postgame concerts— in previous years, they have featured pop stars such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Nelly, and Riley Green.
Near the park, about a block away and next to the military base, lies The Yards. This mixed-use development covers roughly three or four city blocks and features a concrete boardwalk. It includes a grocery store, cafes, hotels, a winery, a whimsical pedestrian bridge, and an open grassy space where summer concerts are held on Friday nights.
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