| Sports • FedEx Field |
General Information
Address: |
1600 FedEx Wy |
Redskins Website: |
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FedEx Field |
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Website: |
sports/fedexfield/ |
Stadium Admin: |
301-276-6000 |
Ticket Office: |
301-276-6050 |
Overview
No city is more infatuated with its football team than Washington is with the Redskins, even in the off-season. Summer after summer, the team’s front office has put together a line-up it claims will march straight to the Super Bowl, and year after year, the beloved ’Skins have fallen flat on their faces. Part of the problem has been Daniel Snyder, the team’s unpopular owner, who knows football like Paris Hilton knows rodeo yet insists on dropping megadimes on washed-up players whom he deems messianic. (We think Deion Sanders may still be collecting Redskins paychecks.)
The 2007 season was probably one of the most emotional roller coaster rides any Redskins fan has taken in a decade. From a 2-0 start, to a series of injuries, to the death of 24-year-old superstar Sean Taylor, to a last-game win over Dallas to put the ‘Skins in the playoffs, and finally the retirement of Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs, the 2007 season will not be soon forgotten by devoted Skins fans. 2008 was the inaugural season for Coach Jim Zorn, who took over for the legendary Gibbs. Zorn had never held a head coaching position, but quickly earned the trust and respect of fans. However, a series of losses left the team at 8-8 and just short of the playoffs. Despite hopes for a good 2009 season, cultivated by the high-profile acquisition of Albert Haynesworth (he came with a $100 million price tag), the year was a bleak one for Redskins fans. The Skins failed to improve upon 2008’s record, which then prompted Zorn’s unceremonious dismissal. In early 2010, Mike Shanahan was brought on as both coach and Executive Vice President of Football Operations, meaning he now has full control over player personnel. Fans were keeping their fingers crossed that Shanahan’s guidance, and track record (he led the Broncos to two Bowl victories in both 1997 and 1998), would help turn around what had been a disappointing couple of seasons. Sadly, it was not so in 2010 and 2011, and the seasons passed with no playoff berths (and don’t even get fans started on the Donovan McNabb debacle!). The 2012-13 season saw the Redskins reach the NFC wild-card playoff round, but they lost to the Seahawks. As always, hope springs eternal in DC; the ‘Skins’ll get ‘em next season.
The stadium itself is a diamond in the middle of a very large rough known as Landover, Maryland. During the late 1980s, then-owner Jack Kent Cooke envisioned a new and sensational stadium, settling on a site deep in the Maryland suburbs just inside the Washington Beltway. Although Cooke didn’t live to see the $300 million project completed, Jack Kent Cooke Stadium officially opened its gates September 14, 1997 (Snyder sold the naming rights to FedEx shortly after purchasing the team in 1999). The colossal structure is equipped to hold more than 90,000 fans, good for tops in the NFL.
How to Get There—Driving
Um, don’t. The nightmares of getting in and out of FedEx Field and the myriad parking lots in the vicinity are the stuff of a Maalox moment. If you must, take E Capitol Street (which becomes Central Avenue at the Maryland line) to Harry Truman Drive north just outside the Beltway. Then take a right onto Lottsford Road to Arena Drive and you’re there. Keep your eyes peeled for the many signs that will direct you to the field. You can also take the Capital Beltway (I-95/495) from the north or the south to Exits 15 (Central Avenue), 16 (Arena Drive, open only for FedEx events), or 17 (Landover Road). It’s a barrel of laughs, especially for those Monday night games.
Parking
FedEx Field provides off-stadium parking that can cost as much as $35, with a free shuttle ride to the stadium. The team did their damnedest to prevent fans from parking for free at the nearby Landover Mall and walking to the game, but a Prince George’s County judge overturned a county policy restricting pedestrian movement in the area. So you can pay up for convenience or exercise your civic rights to park free and schlep.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the Blue Line to the Morgan Boulevard or Largo Town Center stops—both are close by and are a pretty short walk to the stadium. Five-dollar round-trip shuttle buses depart from these stations for FedEx Field every 15 minutes, from two hours before the game until two hours after.
How to Get Tickets
If you enjoy the prospect of languishing in a years-long line, join the Redskins season ticket waiting list by visiting www.redskins.com/tickets. If you’re just looking for individual game tickets, suck up to a season ticket holder or call 301-276-6050.
| Sports • M&T Bank Stadium |
General Information
Address: |
1101 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230 |
Phone: |
410-261-7283 |
Website: |
Overview
Dominating Baltimore’s skyline from I-95, M&T Bank Stadium is a menacing structure, to say the least. Its team, the “Bol’more” Ravens, flew into town 11 years ago via Cleveland and wasted no time in capturing the 2001 Super Bowl title. 2006 was probably their next-best season, with then coach Brian Billick bringing the team to a 13-3 record and a tough playoff loss to the Baltimore—we mean Indianapolis—Colts. Harsh are the ways of the gods. But after a 3-13 finish in 2007, the Ravens made a drastic turn around–finishing with a 11-5 record and making it to the AFC Championship Game. They bowed to eventual Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, but hopes were high that the Ravens would get their groove back and make a splash in years to come. And that was certainly the case in 2011, when they made it all the way to the AFC Championship game, only to lose to the Pats in a nail-biter. Even better was 2012, when the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII (um, that’s 47) against the 49ers in one of the most memorable games in Super Bowl history.
In Baltimore, as is customary with most NFL cities, the name of the game, or pre-game, is tailgating. For 1 pm games, the festivities usually commence at about 9 am. The parking lots slowly swell with inebriated men fashioning O-linemen bellies, confirming Baltimore’s reputation as a blue-collar football town. Outsiders need not be afraid, however, because unlike fans in nearby cities (read: Philadelphia), Ravens fans are gracious hosts and typically welcome others to the party. Once inside the stadium, expect to pay through the nose for food—though the Maryland crab cakes are definitely worth the high price, and the stadium’s hot dogs are pretty damn good, too. After the game, Pickles and Sliders, two sports bars on nearby Washington Boulevard, are where weary DC-bound travelers (tired of waiting years for Redskins tickets) head to quench their thirst.
How to Get There—Driving
Take I-95 N toward Baltimore to Exit 52 (Russell Street north for immediate access to the stadium (you can’t miss it) or Exit 53 (I-395 north) for better access to the downtown parking garages.
Parking
M&T Bank provides parking, for which you need to buy a permit ahead of time. Otherwise, there are 15,000 spaces-worth of public parking nearby, most of which charge a flat game day rate.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The MTA Light Rail provides service directly to the Hamburg Street Light Rail stop, operational only on game days. Trains run every 17 minutes from Hunt Valley and Cromwell Station/Glen Burnie, and every 34 minutes from Penn Station and BWI. The stop closest to the stadium on the Baltimore Metro is Lexington Market, though you’ll have to hoof it about a mile. Be sure to leave early to beat the crowds on game days. You can also take the 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 19/19A, 27, or 31 buses, all of which stop within walking distance of the stadium.
How to Get Tickets
To purchase tickets, visit the Ravens’ website, or call 410-261-7283. Tickets can also be purchased through
Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
| Sports • Verizon Center |
General Information
NFT Map: |
2 |
Address: |
601 F St NW |
Verizon Center Phone: |
202-628-3200 |
Verizon Center Website: |
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Wizards Phone: |
202-661-5100 |
Wizards Website: |
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Capitals Phone: |
202-266-2200 |
Capitals Website: |
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Mystics Phone: |
202-661-5000 |
Mystics Website |
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Georgetown Basketball Phone: |
202-687-4692 |
Georgetown Basketball Website: |
Overview
In 1997, DC’s then-new MCI Center reversed a decades-old trend of arenas planting roots in the suburbs by bringing it all back to the ‘hood. The block-sized complex known today as Verizon Center (which includes a 20,000-seat stadium as well as bars, restaurants, and stores) is now the centerpiece of downtown’s gentrification juggernaut.
The best thing to happen to the underachieving world of DC sports since Jordan’s semi-triumphant return to the hard court is the NHL winger Alexander Ovechkin, who is single-handedly making Caps games a weekend must-do activity. In addition to the Caps and the artists-formerly-known-as-the-Bullets, the Verizon Center is also home to the Washington Mystics, who boast the largest fan base in the WNBA. The Georgetown Hoyas basketball team hoops it up in the arena, as well. Beyond the ballers, Verizon Center hosts big-name concerts from the likes of Cher, Britney, Gaga and Madonna, circuses (both Ringling and Cirque de Soleil have performed here), and all sorts of other events. For post-event fun, China-alley, otherwise known as Chinatown, is a block away with plenty of eats and drinks.
How to Get There—Driving
From downtown, turn left onto 7th Street from either Constitution Avenue or New York Avenue. Verizon Center is on the northeast corner of F and 7th.
Parking
Verizon Center’s parking garage is on 6th Street NW underneath the building and is open for most events at a charge of $25 for event parking. It opens 1 ½ hours before game/show time and closes 1 hour after the event. There are also several public parking garages near the building including Gallery Place’s parking garage on 6th Street NW and the parking garage next to Rosa Mexicano restaurant on F Street NW.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Verizon Center is accessible by the Metro’s Red, Yellow, and Green lines; get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown stop. It’s not hard to find, just get off the Metro, and you are directly under it.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for all Verizon Center events are available through the Ticketmaster website at www.ticketmaster.com (with the inevitable Ticketmaster markup, of course), or by calling 703-573-7328.
| Sports • Oriole Park at Camden Yards |
General Information
Address: |
333 W Camden St |
Website: |
|
Phone: |
888-848-2473 |
Overview
Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992, launching a “traditional” trend in stadium design that continues to this day. The old warehouse behind Right Field and the general look of the place give it that old-fashioned, family-friendly feel. In the face of dozens of corporations eager to smear their names across the park, the Orioles have refused to budge. All brick and history, the stately Yards stand downtown on a former railroad center, two blocks from Babe Ruth’s birthplace. Center field sits atop the site where the Bambino’s father ran a bar. The goods include double-decker bullpens, a sunken, asymmetrical field, and “Boog’s BBQ,” run by ex-Oriole Boog Powell, who is known to frequently man the grill himself during O’s home games.
The Birds, unlike their stadium, haven’t been much to look at in recent years. Some years back, baseball’s drug problem hit the local boys of summer where it hurts—in the batter’s box. In the 2012 season, the Orioles made it to postseason play only to lose to the Yankees in the American League Division Series. Still, the Birds have been playing below .500 baseball for much of the past decade and have been running through coaches like they’re going outta style. The good news is there is never a shortage of all-star players to watch at Oriole Park, as both the Yankees and Red Sox inhabit the AL East with the O’s, and Camden Yards offers a comfy and classic setting in which to watch your favorites swing the bats.
While their performance on the field in the recent past may have been lackluster, the O’s hope to ramp up fan enthusiasm with their recently unveiled new uniforms. The team’s new digs includes caps with an updated Oriole bird (which is ornithologically correct, mind you) and a new patch featuring the flag of the state of Maryland in a style borrowed from their vintage 1960s and 1970s emblem. The hometown’s name (Baltimore, baby!) also returns to the road uniforms for the first time since being removed in 1972.
How to Get There—Driving
Take MD 295 (B-W Pkwy/Russell St) to downtown Baltimore, which gets very congested on game days. You can also take I-95 North to Exits 53 (I-395), 52 (Russell St), or 52 (Washington Blvd) and follow signs to the park.
Parking
Parking at Camden Yards is reserved, but there are several public garages nearby. Prices range from $3 to $6.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the MARC from Union Station in DC to Camden Station in Baltimore. It takes about an hour and ten minutes, costs $14 round trip, and the last train leaves at 6:30 pm. To return from a night game, the 701 MTA bus will get you home in 50 minutes for free with your Baltimore-bound MARC ticket.
Due to a recent court ruling, the MTA no longer allows special bus charters to run return trips to Savage, Greenbelt, and Washington D.C. after Oriole Baseball night games. The only option for car-less Orioles enthusiasts is an annoying combination of buses and MTA Light Rail. MTA Light Rail trains roll out of Camden Station at 9:38 pm and 10:08 pm, arriving at the BWI Business Station at 10:05 pm and 10:35 pm. The very last two B-30 buses leave from the BWI Business District Station at 10:15 pm and 10:44 pm, arriving at the Greenbelt Metro Station at 10:51 pm and 11:20 P.M. Keep in mind that on weekdays, the last southbound Metro train departs from Greenbelt at 11:30 pm. On weekends, the last train from Greenbelt leaves at 2:30 am.
How to Get Tickets
Orioles tickets can be purchased on their website, or by calling 888-848-2473. Individual game tickets range from $9 to $55. Group and season tickets are also available.
| Robert F Kennedy Memorial Stadium |
General Information
NFT Map: |
4 |
Address: |
2400 E Capitol St SE, |
Websites: |
|
Phone: |
202-547-9077 |
Overview
When it opened as DC Stadium in 1961, RFK was hailed as a triumph of multipurpose architecture and was one of the first of the “cookie-cutter” stadiums. Today it’s a cement donut, an alien spacecraft dinosaur of the ’60s vision of the future. If you want to experience this decaying jack-of-all-trades (it’s hosted football, soccer, and baseball over the years), get in while you can before it crumbles into obscurity—word on the street is that RFK will be torn down as soon as an alternate location can be found for the soccer teams that use it. The stadium remains a sentimental favorite with Redskins fans, who regale us with memories of their team’s 35 years there, including five Super Bowl appearances, three championships, and great gridiron personalities like Joe Gibbs, John Riggins, Joe Theisman, Vince Lombardi, Art Monk, and George Allen. In 1996, negotiations for a new football stadium in DC fell through when then-mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, and team owner Jack Kent Cooke abandoned RFK for a new home in Landover, Maryland.
When the Redskins left, RFK stayed off life support with the arrival of Major League Soccer and the DC United in 1996. The United lost little time in gaining popularity, winning the MLS Cup Championship their inaugural season and again in 1997, 1999, and 2004. Along the sidelines, United fans bounce in the stands and chant “Ole, Ole” in hopes of rooting the team to another win. In a league where foreign-born fans cheer for players from their respective countries, United games offer a fun glimpse of Washington’s international diversity. Though soccer hooliganism in DC is nothing like its counterparts in Europe (and thank god for that), DC United does boast some pretty intense fan groups, most notably Barra Brava, whose fan section covers the better part of a sideline, and a tailgating party that’s almost more fun than watching the game. The Screaming Eagles and La Norte are two other popular groups, whose drumming and flag waving makes the game more fun for everyone in the stadium.
For a few brief years, RFK breathed new life with the return of Major League Baseball to DC. The vagabond Nationals (formerly the Montreal/Puerto Rico Expos) played in the confines of the roller-coaster roof from 2005 to 2007, at the time making RFK the fourth-oldest MLB stadium in use. But its glory was short-lived, as the City Council voted to build a shiny new ballpark near the Navy yard in southeast which opened just in time for the start of the 2008 season.
How to Get There—Driving
Follow Constitution Avenue east past the Capitol to Maryland Avenue. Turn left on Maryland and go two blocks to Stanton Square. At Stanton Square, turn right onto Massachusetts Avenue. Go around Lincoln Park to E Capitol Street and turn right.
Parking
Stadium parking costs between $3 and $15, depending on the event you’re attending.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Take the Metro to the Stadium-Armory Station on the Blue and Orange lines.
How to Get Tickets
For United tickets, call 703-478-6600. Tickets to United games range from $26 for north goal bleacher seats to $55 for seats on the west side. You can purchase full-season tickets or half-season tickets at various prices. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster (202-397-7328, www.ticketmaster.com).
| Sports • Nationals Park |
General Information
NFT Map: |
6 |
Address: |
1400 S Capitol Street SE |
Web site: |
|
Phone: |
202-675-NATS |
Overview
March 30, 2008 was a great day for baseball fans in DC. It marked opening day at the brand new Nationals Park, named after the original stadium for the Washington Senators. The waterfront colossus cost an estimated $611 million and seats approximately 41,000 fans, boasting views of the capitol building and the Washington Monument from certain spots in the stadium, as well as a grove of cherry blossoms and a view of the Anacostia River from outside the stadium. The stadium also features 66 suites along the infield, the “Oval Office” bar, and luxury suites, bearing the names of past US presidents.
Beyond the initial price tag, Nationals Park has a few other modern-day amenities worth noting, particularly a 4,500 square foot high-definition scoreboard—more than five times the size of RFK’s. The stadium is also striving to become the first major stadium in the US accredited as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified ballpark, a.k.a. “Green.” Special attention is being paid to issues affecting the nearby Anacostia River, which more than likely will end up even more polluted with concession stand waste. But hey, at least they’re trying, right?
Even though the ballpark has only been open since 2008, it is already building a little bit of history. Ryan Zimmerman’s game winning walk-off home run in the ninth inning of opening day was the third walk-off home run in major-league history to be hit in the first MLB game played at a stadium. That game also set ESPN history as the most watched MLB opening night game ever. Beyond that, the Nat’s have struggled a bit trying to get attendance up, and so far they hold second-place for all-time lowest attendance for a new stadium. On the other hand, the pope gave mass there. That’s cool…right.
How to Get There—Driving
Not advised. If you really feel you must, the Stadium is accessible from both I-395, and I-295. Just look for the South Capitol Street exit, and then pray for parking.
Parking
Not exactly convenient. The Nationals recently snatched up several massive parking lots in the nearby area, including at RFK and the Navy Yard, and run shuttles to and from Nationals Park. There are several reserved parking lots, many of which go to season ticket holders or anyone who wants to shell out forty bucks.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Now you’re talking! Take the Green Line to the Navy Yard station, a mere block north of the stadium entrance. A recent renovation to the Navy Yard metro entrance now allows the stop to accommodate 15,000 passengers an hour, the same as Stadium/Armory at RFK. Talks to re-route the DC Circulator buses to make a stop at Nationals Park during game nights, as well as the establishment of water taxi services are being considered as well. Other Metro buses that run close to Nationals Park include the 70, P1/P2, and V7/V8/V9.
How to Get Tickets
You can purchase Nats tickets at their web site or over the phone. From the diehard middle class fan to the suit-and-tie K Street lobbyist, there’s a ticket price all economic levels. They range anywhere from $10 for a nosebleed seat to $325 for a presidential club ticket.
| Sports • Skate Information |
General Information
DC Department of Parks and Recreation: |
|
Washington Area Roadskaters (WAR): |
Overview
Washington DC supports a surprisingly thriving skating scene, thanks in a large part to the nonprofit inline skaters’ group WAR. Popular meeting places for skaters include the White House, which has a traffic-free Pennsylvania Avenue and easy Metro access; Rock Creek Park, which is mostly closed to cars on weekends; and East Potomac Park, with a recently repaved, with its 3.2-mile Ohio Drive loop.
Indoor Skating
If the weather is grim, or if you want to put in some good practice on predictably level terrain, check out Wheels Skating Center (1200 Odenton Rd, Odenton, MD, 410-674-9661, www.wheelsrsc.com).
Skate Parks
After years of hostile restrictions and citations against skaters grinding away outside government buildings, a skate park was finally built in the District’s Shaw neighborhood in 2003. It’s free and located on the corner of 11th St NW and Rhode Island Ave.
Other outdoor skate parks in the DC area include:
• Alexandria Skate Park •
3540 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria
703-838-4343/4344 • Map 42
• The Powhatan Springs Park •
6020 Wilson Blvd, Arlington • 703-533-2362 • Map 33 A 15,000-square-foot park, featuring 8’- and 6’-deep bowls and 4’ and 6’ half-pipes; opened in 2004.
Ice Skating
Finding natural outdoor ice thick enough to support skating can be difficult in Washington DC. But during particularly cold winters, the National Park Service allows ice skaters onto the C&O Canal (Maps 8, 18, 32, 35, 36) (the ice has to be more than three inches thick, so it’s got to be really cold). The National Park Service ice skating hotline provides information on skate-safe areas: 301-767-3707.
Skating at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink (Map 2) may not seem as organic as skating on natural ice, but the surrounding art exhibit rivals any natural setting in terms of beauty. The rink is open daily from mid-November through mid-March (weather permitting), Mon–Thurs 10 am to 9 pm, Sat–Fri 10 am to 11 pm, and Sun 11 am to 9 pm. Admission for a two-hour session costs $8 for adults and $7 for children, students, and seniors. Skate rental costs $3 and a locker rental costs 50¢; 700 Constitution Ave NW; 202-289-3360; Map 2. While the Sculpture Garden rink turns into a fountain once the warm weather arrives, the NHL-sized rink at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA, 703-838-4825.) operates year-round. The rink provides ice-hockey lessons, recreational skating lessons, and adult hockey leagues for all levels. On Friday nights, the rink brings in a DJ for teen Rock & Blade skating. Rates and fees vary nightly, so call before you go.
Other seasonal ice-skating rinks are located at:
• Bethesda Metro Ice Center •
3 Bethesda Metro Ctr, Bethesda
301-657-9776 • Map 29
• Cabin John Ice Rink •
10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD 20852
301-765-8620, www.montgomeryparks.org/enterprise/ice/cabin_john/index.shtm
• Herbert Wells Ice Rink •
5211 Paint Branch Pkwy, College Park, MD 20740
• Kettler Capitals Iceplex •
627 N Glebe Rd, Ste 800, Arlington, VA 22203
571-224-0555, www.kettlercapitalsiceplex.com
• Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating •
1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
703-418-6666, www.pentagonrowskating.com
• Reston Town Center Rink •
11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190
• Rockville Ice Arena •
50 Southlawn Court, Rockville, MD 20850
301-315-5650, www.rockvilleicearena.com
• Wheaton Ice Arena •
11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
www.montgomeryparks.org/enterprise/ice/wheaton
Gear
The Ski Center (4300 Fordham Rd NW, 202-966-4474, Map 30)sells reasonably priced ice and inline skates. The shop, which has been serving the DC area since 1959, also rents equipment.
| Sports • Sailing / Boating / Rowing / Golf |
Sailing / Boating / Rowing
Boating enjoys a passionate following here in the District. As the weather warms, the Potomac River and the Tidal Basin swarm with sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats.
At 380 miles long, the Potomac River ranks as the fourth longest river on the East Coast. The river also serves as a natural state border, forming part of the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia and separating Virginia from both Maryland and DC. The site of many significant battles during the American Revolution and the Civil War, the Potomac now holds an eternal place in the US history books and has earned the moniker “The Nation’s River.” A combination of urban sewage and run-off from mining projects upstream seriously degraded the river’s water quality, but efforts by the government and citizens have made the water safe for boats and some fishing. In the summertime, motor boat enthusiasts anchor north of Key Bridge for tubing, swimming, and relaxing.
The Mariner Sailing School (703-768-0018) gives lessons and rents canoes, kayaks, and sailboats for two to six people. If a paddleboat ride is worth worming your way through swarms of sweaty tourists, the Tidal Basin is the best place to go. The boathouse, which sits among the famous cherry blossoms and tulip-bearing flower beds on the man-made inlet, rents paddleboats by the hour (202-479-2426). Two-person boats cost $12 per hour; four-person boats cost $19 per hour. If kayaking or sculling is your thing, head to Georgetown and Thompson Boat Center, which rents canoes and sailboats as well.
Golf
Like everything else in DC, there are politics and networking involved in where you choose to tee off. Our advice—avoid the pricey rat race at the private clubs and reserve a tee time at one of the many less stuffy, and often more fun, public courses.
East Potomac Park (Map 6) offers three different course options (Red, White, and Blue, of course) as well as mini golf and a driving range. The Langston Golf Course (Map 12) is closest to downtown DC, making it easy to hit during lunch. The Rock Creek Golf Course (Map 27) can sometimes suffer from droughts and heavy play, but its great location keeps people happily putting away.
| Sports • Hiking |
Overview
One of the greatest things about living in DC, a city bursting with hyper, Type-A personalities, is how easy it is to leave. The feasibility of escaping urban life for a weekend, or even just an afternoon, checks and balances the go-getting lobbying/lawyering/liaising frenzy that often seems to permeate Our Nation’s Capital to the core. Rock Creek Park weaves its way through the city, and some of the best hiking routes on the east coast are just a short drive from town. The National Parks Service website is a valuable resource for planning overnight trips or day hikes (www.nps.gov), and we recommend the gem 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC by Paul Elliott (Menasha Ridge Press).
Shenandoah National Park
A short drive out of DC, this is one of the country’s most popular national parks, mainly because of gorgeous Skyline Drive, which runs across the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains (the eastern range of the Appalachian Trail). But locals know to ditch the wheels, get out, and get dirty. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park, including about 100 miles of the AT itself. In short, you can plan a weeklong backcountry getaway, and there’ll still be more undiscovered country to come back for next time.
The Old Rag Trail, with its rock scramble and distinctive profile, is a favorite strenuous day hike. The rangers at the visitors’ center will direct you to the toughest climbs, easier routes, the waterfall hikes, or the trails where you’ll most likely see bears. The park is 70 miles west of DC. Take Route 66 W to Exit 13, and follow signs to Front Royal. www.nps.gov/shen; 540-999-3500.
Appalachian Trail
Forget what you’ve heard about lugging a summer’s worth of misery along this Georgia-to-Maine trace. You don’t have to hike the whole thing. Luckily, a good portion of this nationally protected 2,184-mile footpath through the Appalachian Mountains is accessible from DC. Hook up with it for a few miles at points in Maryland and Virginia, and acquire bragging rights with just a day’s worth of blister-inducing pain. A good place to start is Harper’s Ferry in Maryland, 65 miles from DC, where you can load up on breakfast and some history before you head out. When you return, hoist a well-deserved pint. www.nps.gov/appa; 301-535-6278.
Catoctin Mountains
While Catoctin Mountain recreation area was created in order to provide a place for federal employees to get a little bit of R&R, it has since been converted into Camp David, the famously inaccessible presidential retreat. Camp David is never open to the public, or to run-of-the-mill federal employees, but there’s still the eastern hardwood forest where everyone is free to roam wild. From DC, the Catoctin Mountains are about a two-hour drive north. Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north to the Beltway to I-270 N. Drive 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 N to Route 77 W, to the Catoctin Mountain Park exit. Drive three miles west on 77, turn right onto Park Central Road, and the Visitor Center will be on the right. www.nps.gov/cato; 301-663-9388.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf’s main appeal is that it’s only an hour drive from DC. It’s a modest mountain—about 1,300 feet—with nice views of the surrounding farmland, and entry into the park is free. You can choose a variety of easy and not-so-easy ways to get up the mountain, but no matter which way you choose you’ll be surrounded by an impressive collection of rare red and white oak trees. To get there, drive North on Route I-270 to the Hyattstown exit, circle under I-270, and continue on Route 109 to Comus, then make a right on Comus Road to the Stronghold entrance. Or if you’re looking for a beautiful Sunday drive, take the backroads: River Road is a leafy country road that hugs the Potomac from upper NW into the Maryland farmlands. www.sugarloafmd.com; 301-869-7846.
Rock Creek Park
This is the place for a quick nature fix. The historic 1,754-acre park, which reaches from Georgetown to Maryland, is laced with several hiking trails, especially in its northern reaches. The major trails along the western ridge are marked by green blazes, and the footpaths along the east side are marked with blue blazes. A tan-blazed trail connects the two trail systems. None of the trails are strenuous, but there will be moments when you can hardly believe people are outsourcing contracts and scheduling Outlook appointments only a stone’s throw away. For the full effect, turn off your cell phone. See the extensive Rock Creek Park section in this book for more details. www.nps.gov/rocr; 202-895-6070.
C&O Canal
Don’t think the C&O Canal towpath is just for bikers. The relatively level terrain of this 184.5-mile, Georgetown-to-Cumberland trail makes for great hiking. The entire length is dotted with scenic vistas of the Potomac that offer gentler, more natural views of the river than you’re afforded when stuck in traffic on a bridge between DC and northern Virginia. History abounds along the route in the form of Civil War sites and both reconstructed and ramshackle lockhouses. Once you pass Great Falls, there are free campsites spread every five miles or so. They’re simple setups of a fire pit, picnic table, water pump, and portable toilet, but after a hard day’s hike they seem like the lap of luxury. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/choh or call 202-653-5190.
| Sports • Swimming |
One of the few times it pays to be a DC resident (as opposed to a MD or VA one) is when it comes to the pool: DC residents can dip for free. Non-residents pay $3–4 (based on age) for a single admission, or can opt for a 30 or 90 day passes for greater savings. The following fees for public pools are based on county residency. Non-residents can count on paying a buck or two more.
All DC outdoor pools are open daily from June 25, with many opening from Memorial Day onwards with weekend hours. They generally close in late August or early September, on or around Labor Day. Specifics for each neighborhood pool can be found at http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/index.asp. Many of the public pools require you to register as a member at the beginning of the season and, since most fill their membership quotas quickly, it’s wise to locate your nearest pool and join at the beginning of the season. You’ll thank yourself on DC’s dog days, when the humid air itself seems to be sweating. And speaking of dogs, they’ll be thankful, too, on “Doggy Day Swim” days. DC is also home to several “spray parks,” which are basically playgrounds with fountains scattered throughout. They’re supposed to be for kids, but who doesn’t love giant sprinkler systems?
| Sports • Tennis |
Tennis
National Park Service: |
202-208-6843, www.nps.gov |
Washington, DC Department of Parks and Recreation: |
202-673-7647, www.dpr.dc.gov |
Public Courts at Community Recreation Centers
DC residents and visitors can play tennis at any of the public courts scattered throughout the city. All courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. An honor code trusts that players won’t hog the courts for over an hour of play-time (although you can call the Department of Parks and Recreation to obtain a permit for extended use). For more information about lessons and tournaments, visit the Athletic Programs site at dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Recreation+Facilities#2.
| Sports • Billiards / Bowling |
Bowling
Sadly, bowling isn’t exactly experiencing a hey-day in the DC metro area. If you’re looking strictly within District lines, options are limited, especially if it’s a smoking-only, mullets-abounding, Roseanne-style spot you’re looking for, complete with ancient computer graphics on the score-keeping screens and a horrendous mix of music blaring over the sound system. For authentic bowling such as this, you’ll have to hop in your car and cross county lines. Within DC, there’s Lucky Strike (Map 2) for button-down shirt, black pants, bowling for the Penn Quarter crowd that will wipe out your wallet in a few short hours. Alleys like Lucky Strike and Strike Bethesda (Map 29) taught us that clubs aren’t the only places where you can sip cleverly named cocktails and dole out phone numbers. Whether a rundown bowling alley in the ‘burbs or a swanky clublike alley closer in, most area bowling alleys seem to offer up the same four wonderful B’s: Bowling, Beer, Blacklights, and Beyoncé. After dark, the lights go down and the beats go up, with special “Cosmic Bowling” or “Xtreme Bowling” nights. When the DJ arrives, you can bet on the bowling fees rising accordingly with the volume of the dance traxxx.
Sunday nights are the best nights to bowl if you’re looking to save money, as many alleys offer unlimited bowling after 9 pm for under $15. Show some Maryland pride, and play duckpin bowling (the sport actually originated in Baltimore) at White Oak Bowling Lanes (11206 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring) and AMF College Park (9021 Baltimore Ave, College Park), home to the Men’s Duckpin Pro Bowlers’ Association Master Tournament.
| Sports • Yoga |
| Sports • Bike Information |
General Information
Washington Area Bicyclist Association: |
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Bike Washington: |
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Bike the Sites Bicycle Tours: |
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C&O Canal Towpath: |
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Capital Bikeshare: |
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Capital Crescent Trail: |
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Mount Vernon Trail: |
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W&OD Trail: |
Overview
A bike in DC is as necessary as a political affiliation. The city tries to satisfy the needs of its mountain and road bikers alike with plenty of multi-terrain trails, a few good urban commuting routes, and one massive citywide bike ride in the fall. When it comes to bikes onboard mass transit, the Metrobus and Metrorail have lenient policies that also help when a bike route, or your energy, dead-ends. And now, thanks to Capital Bikeshare, an outfit that allows patrons to rent bikes right off the street, it’s easier than ever to get some wheels and go!
If you’re new to biking in DC, be prepared for a few wrong turns and missed trail entrances. Figuring out how various trails connect (or how to safely and easily cut through neighborhoods to move from one trail to the other) can take some time and trial and error, but the rewards are well worth it. Consult the above sites for pointers, seek out other bicyclists, and have fun!
And while commuting by bike is doable, it can get rather dicey. Bike lanes don’t really exist in much of DC, and state law mandates that cyclists have to follow traffic laws—so plan on mixing it up with the cars on your way to work. Even though DC residents are an honest bunch, it’s a good idea to keep your bike locked whenever it’s out of your sight. A U-Lock is a necessity. For more information regarding bicycle commuting, check out the Washington Area Bicyclist Association website. The site also provides information about the annual “Bike DC.”
Bike Trails
The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal is probably the city’s most popular bike route. The trail spans over 184 miles, and most of it is unpaved, so it’s not a trail for the weak of butt. The trail begins in Georgetown and follows the route of the Potomac River from DC to Cumberland, Maryland. Biking is permitted only on the towpath. Campsites are located from Swains Lock to Seneca for bikers undertaking multi-day journeys. But be warned: because the first 20 miles are the most heavily used, conditions within the Beltway are significantly better than those outside of it. The towpath sometimes floods, so it’s best to check the website, www.nps.gov/choh, for possible closures before breaking out the wheels.
The Capital Crescent Trail is a “rail trail”—a bike trail converted from abandoned or unused railroad tracks. The trail spans 11 miles between Georgetown and Silver Spring, Maryland. On the trail’s first seven miles, from Georgetown to Bethesda, you’ll encounter gentle terrain and ten foot-wide asphalt paths. On weekdays, the trail is used predominantly by commuters, and on weekends it gets crowded with recreational cyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, and dogs. Check out www.cctrail.org.
The Mount Vernon Trail offers a wide range of scenic views of the Potomac River and national monuments to ensure an inspiring and patriotic ride. The 18.5-mile trail stretches from Roosevelt Island through Old Town Alexandria to George Washington’s house in Mount Vernon. To find out more about these and other bike trails, check out the Bike Washington web site.
The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a highly popular paved trail that traverses the 45 miles between Arlington’s Shirlington area and Purcellville, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Among the communities it passes through are Falls Church and Leesburg.
The four-mile Custis Trail begins in Rosslyn and parallels I-66; it serves to connect the W&OD Trail with other bike trails in the Washington area. Be ready for some inclines and curvy sections on the narrow Custis, and also be wary of bikers who may be traveling faster or slower. For more info, see both the Bike Washington site and the one maintained by The Friends of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (www.wodfriends.org).
Bikes and Mass Transit
If you need a break while riding in the city, you can hop off your bike and take it on a bus or on Metrorail for free. All DC buses are equipped with racks to carry up to two bikes per bus. You can also ride the Metrorail with your wheels on weekends, and during non-rush hour times on weekdays (that means no bikes 7 am–10 am and 4 pm–7 pm). Also be sure to use elevators when accessing the Metrorail—blocking the stairs and escalators with your bulky bike makes officials and non-biking commuters testy.
Bike Shops
• A&A Discount Bicycles (sales, repair, and rental) • 1034 33rd St NW • 202-337-0254 • Map 18
• Better Bikes (rental and delivery) • 202-293-2080 • www.betterbikesinc.com
• Bicycle Pro Shop (sales, repair, and rental) • 3403 M St NW • 202-337-0311 • www.bicycleproshop.com • Map 18
• Big Wheel Bikes (sales, repair, and rental) • 1034 33rd St NW • 202-337-0254 • www.bigwheelbikes.com • Map 18
• Capital Bike Share (rentals) • 877-430-2453 • www.capitalbikeshare.com
• Capitol Hill Bikes (sales, repair, and rental) • 709 8th St SE • 202-544-4234 • www.capitolhillbikes.com • Map 5
• City Bikes (sales, repair, and rental) • 2501 Champlain St NW • 202-265-1564 • www.citybikes.com • Map 16
• District Hardware/The Bike Shop (sales and repair) • 2003 P St NW • 202-659-8686 • Map 9
• Hudson Trail Outfitters (sales and repair) • 4530 Wisconsin Ave NW • 202-363-9810 • Map 19
• Revolution Cycles (sales, repair, and rental) • 3411 M St NW • 202-965-3601 • www.revolutioncycles.com • Map 18