What To Do
Ballpark Boathouse
Paddling along the Navy Yard and the Yards Park will give you a new perspective on the Anacostia River. Renting a kayak ($16 an hour for a single, $22 for a double) or canoe ($25 an hour), you can hear cheers from Nats Park, enjoy a Friday-night concert from the water, and, if you’re lucky, spot river wildlife. Potomac Ave. and First St., SE; 202-337-9642.
Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series
Pack your picnic and head to the north side of Canal Park every Thursday for free movies this summer, including classics such as Grease and Sister Act as well as recent blockbusters like Arrival and Rogue One. The series begins in June; showtime at sundown. Canal Park, Second and I sts., SE.
Nationals Park
Since it opened in 2008, Nats Park has helped springboard surrounding Navy Yard into the fastest-growing neighborhood in DC. The stadium seems to evolve every season along with its environs. This year’s additions include a mojito cart, gourmet tater tots at the new food stall See You Tater, and MLB’s Ballpark app—download it to your phone and get special deals (such as upgraded seats), order concessions without waiting in line, and play along with your favorite Racing Presidents. 1500 S. Capitol St., SE; 202-675-6287.
Trapeze School New York
Channel your inner circus performer. If the idea of jumping off a 23-foot-high platform has you shaking in your safety belt, skip trapeze and learn another skill, such as trampoline, juggling, or acrobatic partner-balancing. TSNY’s local branch offers kids a special one-day circus experience as well as summer camps, culminating in performances for proud parents. 1299 New Jersey Ave., SE; 202-479-6861.
Washington Navy Yard Tour
New this year, the National Museum of the United States Navy is organizing free, two-hour walking tours of the Navy Yard. The next is July 17 at 10 am. Registration required; e-mail thomas.frezza@navy.mil or call 202-433-4882. 805 Kidder Breese St., SE.
—Melanie D.G. Kaplan
Where To Eat
Bluejacket
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s brewery turns out IPAs and stouts, but it also experiments with funky sour beers and other unusual creations on its 20-plus draft list. Taster portions, mostly $2 to $3, let you sample a wide range of beers, and a food menu with loaded tater tots and grilled kielbasa makes for ideal pairings. 300 Tingey St., SE; 202-524-4862.
Ice Cream Jubilee
Victoria Lai left her job as a Department of Homeland Security lawyer to open her dream ice-cream shop. Now she’s offering cones filled with unusual flavors such as cardamom/black pepper and honey/lemon/lavender—all made with milk from a local creamery. We’re fans of boozy flavors like bourbon old fashioned and gin-and-tonic sorbet. 301 Water St., SE; 202-863-0727.
Osteria Morini
It’s all about the pasta at this casual Italian eatery from renowned New York restaurateur Michael White. Rigatoni, cappelletti, pappardelle—watch them all being made from the open kitchen or grab a seat on the patio to take in the riverside view. 301 Water St., SE; 202-484-0660.
Whaley’s
This waterfront restaurant serves up one of this city’s best seafood towers, with dreamy sunset views to match. A perfect meal includes the seafood risotto for two and creative crudos. Throughout the summer, check out the tropical-plant-filled “rosé garden” for your fix of pink wine, frozen cocktails, and oysters. 301 Water St., SE; 202-484-8800.
—Jessica Sidman
Where To Shop
Conte’s Bike Shop
With the recent expansion of the nearby Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, it’s the perfect time to clip in and pedal. Or for $7,000, you can cruise on a Stromer’s electric bike. The new shop, which opened in the luxe Arris apartment building, also carries bikes (the kind you have to pedal) by Cannondale, BMC, Giant, and Niner. Maintenance classes and organized rides are coming soon. 1331 Fourth St., SE; 202-558-9866.
Evo Furniture Gallery
Here you’ll find American-made furniture built for small city living, with 400 custom fabric and color options. Trending these days: funky accent chairs, sofas/sectionals in shades of gray and blue, and textured synthetic fabrics such as herringbone weave. Couches start at $999, chairs at $599. 301 Tingey St., SE; 202-488-6298.
FreshFarm Capitol Riverfront Farmers Market
New to the neighborhood, this market features local produce, meat, cheese, bread, beer, handmade soaps, and coffee. Open Sunday 10 to 2 through September 24. 200 M St., SE; 202-362-8889.
Pacers Running
Get fitted for a running shoe, pick up a “Runnerd shirt,” or show your District spirit with DC-flag tanks and tees. Even if you’re not in the market for new gear, you can join one of the morning or evening social runs organized by the shop. 300 Tingey St., SE; 202-554-1216.
—Melanie D.G. Kaplan
This article appears in the June 2017 issue of Washingtonian.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
