They don’t call it the “Darling District” for nothing. Trust us—DC deserves to be your next getaway.
Fun facts: I grew up in Northern Virginia (aka spitting distance from DC). And while our EIC grew up in Raleigh, she took a hiatus to DC 10 years ago—living in Georgetown and cutting her teeth at DC magazine. So we know DC is so much more than the text-book version and decided it was time to return to the cap city to bring back the deets on what’s hot right now.
Sure, your perception of DC may not vary much from my middle-schooler POV—the epicenter of our nation’s government, filled with colossal monuments, museums, politics and an uber-diverse population. You’re not wrong—but there’s so much more to it than that. It’s also a lively adult playground with waterfront (and rooftop!) views aplenty, countless greenspaces and parks, some of the nation’s best chefs and bartenders (and food and cocktail concepts), cultural experiences, and more.
Not to mention the distinct DC neighborhoods—from the cobblestone streets (reminiscent of Charleston) and riverside eats in charming Georgetown to Dupont Circle’s super-walkable dining and nightlife vibes, DC is a city worth experiencing (again and again). But with so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start—so we did the hard work (ha) for you. Here’s your dreamy DC to-do list. And if you’re looking for an excuse to book that 45-minute flight (!) or make the quick drive up I95 sooner rather than later, DC Beer Week is Sept. 19–26.
DO
The REACH at the Kennedy Centerfor the Performing Arts
Playing off of DC’s playground identity is The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s first expansion since its opening in 1971. Strolling through the green spaces (pro tip: pack a picnic) was a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while glass-windowed rehearsal spaces allowed us to peep various artists in action. kennedy-center.org
ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE Renewal 2121
Art + tech (hence, ARTECHOUSE) collide at this buzzy boundary-pushing cultural playground. Upon entry into Renewal 2121 (on view through Sept. 6), we were immediately transported into an overdeveloped Tokyo 100 years in the future rocked by climate change (sound familiar?)—prompting us to think about our choices… and ideally take action. Next up, Life of a Neuron (Sept. 27–Nov. 28)—a must-do. artechouse.com
The Wharf
City life meets boardwalk thrills at waterfront The Wharf, which boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants, shops, hotels and happenings. Our top recs? Margs at Mi Vida, concerts at The Anthem, an Italian dinner at Officina (more info to the right) and, um, more drinks at Cantina Bambina (overlooking the river!). wharfdc.com
EAT
CUT by Wolfgang PuckWe have just one piece of advice for you: Order the wagyu. As a matter of fact, order all three of the wagyus (but especially the 2-oz. Japanese wagyu New York sirloin—arguably the best melt-in-your-mouth bite of meat we’ve ever taken)… because when else are you going to be able to eat steak at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant? wolfgangpuck.com
Officina
Our last meal in DC consisted of pasta and pizza (balanced with fresh salads and possibly one last glass of prosecco—because when in DC…) at Officina’s Georgetown location, the upscale casual and cozy sister location to the bustling three-story restaurant, market and rooftop bar at The Wharf. We can attest that Nicholas Stefanelli’s tried-and-true Italian dishes are the best way to fuel up for a flight. officinadc.com
Clyde’s
After walking several miles around Georgetown in the hot summer heat, local-fave Clyde’s offered the perfect perch for grabbing a quick drink and a snack. It’s just the type of neighborhood-friendly watering hole you’d want to stumble upon as a tourist—the affable service, food and drinks beg you to get another round (or two). clydes.com
DRINK
Baked & Wired
It took everything in us not to ruin our lunch with a cupcake, cookie or bar (or literally anything else) from this national treasure (aka hip family-owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown)—but we’re going to insist that you do. And you can’t beat a latte made with handcrafted coffee to jump-start a day spent adventuring the cap city. bakedandwired.com
POV Rooftop at W Washington DC
POV: You’re sipping a specialty cocktail (with names taking inspiration from political history, famous rumors and presidential quotes, naturally) high above the nation’s capital, overlooking the White House—not to mention such splendid sights as the U.S. Treasury Department building, the Washington Monument and more. Clearly, one of the best points of view (and rooftop bars!) DC has to offer. *Swoon.* povrooftop.com
Riverfront Drinks at Washington Harbour
We could’ve spent the whole day throwing back blended drinks at the Washington Harbour while taking in views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge, Kennedy Center and Roosevelt Island—but alas, there’s so much else to see and do! Still, while you’re there, go for a round at Nick’s Riverside Grill, Sequoia, or Tony and Joe’s. thewashingtonharbour.com
STAY
Lyle Washington DC
The plethora of Dupont Circle shops, restaurants and attractions at the hotel’s doorstep may tempt—but were a tough match for the opulent comfort of our calming neutral- and art deco-appointed rooms. Luckily, the unparalleled breakfast (also serving lunch, dinner and cocktails) at casually sophisticated Lyle’s is easily worth leaving the room for (how is an egg sandwich that good?). lyledc.com
Rosewood Washington DC
Tucked between M and K streets, Rosewood recently added and reno’d several adjacent townhouses—delivering guests the luxuries of a hotel with the privacy of an Airbnb. Our luxe stay in the serene, modern split-level townhouse, complete with posh furnishings, cozy breakfast nook, private patio and futuristic toilet (seriously, it knows when you are entering the room and self-cleans)—all in the oasis that is Georgetown (just steps from riverfront bevs or endless primo retail and restos)—made us never want to leave. rosewoodhotels.com
Riggs Washington DC
Riggs’ Ida McKinley-Inspired First Lady Suite
Set in the former home of the Riggs National Bank in Penn Quarter, the ever-opulent Riggs is a must-stay. (And spring for one of the four First Lady suites! Our pick: the pretty-in-pink Ida McKinley version.) Besides being the ideal atmosphere for popping bottles, you’d be remiss not to toast your trip in the super-hip subterranean cocktail bar (Silver Lyan) before a fab dinner at Café Riggs. riggsdc.com
Get excited for these bars and eateries coming to Smoky Hollow.
Raleigh’s newest development, Smoky Hollow, has already become all the rage for its uber-popular national grocery store chain (hey, Publix!), hip Peace Raleigh Apartments and The Line Downtown Apartments, and 421 N. Harrington St. office building campus—not to mention its walkability to the heart of Downtown and direct connectivity to the adjacent future Devereux Meadows Park.
Adding to the excitement is the Hollow’s lineup of both locally and nationally renowned restaurants and nightlife destinations, offering ample ops for both Smoky Hollow residents and Raleigh folk alike (27+ set is the aim) to sip and sup with friends. Here, we give you the scoop on what’s to come—and where you’ll be spending a lot of time soon.
Durham’s one-stop shop for eats, drinks and to-go snacks is bringing its all-day menu to the Hollow. In the morning, enjoy a full coffee program with numerous espresso creations and cold brew mixes (coffee lovers, meet your new morning obsession…), along with breakfast sandwiches, wraps and bowls. For the rest of the day, J. Lights will offer up kitchen-driven sandwiches, salads and starters—plus a full bar boasting spiked sodas, handmade craft cocktails, and local beer and wine. So whether you’re in need of a quick on-the-go breakfast, a cool spot to have lunch with co-workers or clients, or a date-night destination, J. Lights has got ya covered.
From Tyler Helikson, the owner of everyone’s favorite casual and healthy salad, bowl and smoothie spot (looking at you, Happy + Hale), comes Madre, an energetic full-service restaurant concept featuring Spanish and Coastal Mediterranean small plates, wine, cocktails and weekend brunch—best enjoyed on Madre’s beautiful patio. Inspired by the comforting and unconditional hospitality of our mothers (hence, madre), the new spot promises a good time no matter what the occasion. Meet at Madre? You don’t have to ask us twice. (Pro tip: Cleary a good spot to take mom come Mother’s Day).
Rumor has it that one of the best cocktail bars in the South is coming to the Hollow, and, boy, we could not be more excited. If you’ve ever visited Crunkleton’s Chapel Hill or Charlotte locations, you know the hot spot is known for its sleek and sexy high-quality cocktails (and plethora of libations!) inspired by classic renditions and zhuzhed up with modern techniques—not to mention the warm and inviting atmosphere that just begs you to stop in for a drink on your way home from work. Cheers to that!
Namaste balanced with hot yoga and smoothies from yoga “it” girl Emily Wallace. We can’t think of a better way to refresh and refuel after a sweaty yoga sesh (top-notch instructors will guide you through core-enhancing moves, stress-reducing stretches, flow practices and more) than with a smoothie filled with real ingredients and natural adaptogenics that enhance your mood, adapt to stress and keep you balanced. Or, maybe you just need a healthy afternoon snack. Either way, “positive side effects, guaranteed” with this daily dose of health and fitness.
Get ready to go hog wild for FS Food Group’s Midwood Smokehouse, acclaimed for its award-winning, all-hickory-smoke barbecue influenced by Texas and Carolina barbecue styles (the best of both worlds!). Led by Lexington-native Executive Pitmaster Matthew Barry, the menu will mirror the other five Midwood Smokehouse locations and feature bestsellers such as Texas-style brisket, Eastern Carolina chopped pork and Tex-Mex barbecue tacos—plus, Southern Living’s top-rated mac and cheese in the state. Another fresh barbecue spot to add to Raleigh’s ever-growing list of BBQ joints to pig out at? We’re here for it—and ready to pig out (had to).
We get to the bottom of the barrel of ABC’s apparent liquor shortage.
Where’s all the rum (and gin, vodka, bourbon, whiskey and tequila…) gone? You may have started to see a shortage of some of your favorite liquor bottles at North Carolina ABC stores and local bars and restaurants—as if the last year-plus hasn’t dealt us enough.
Some of these liquor shortages actually began at the start of the pandemic (perhaps it was all that quarantine drinking?), but have continued due to production delays and supply chain issues at facilities all over the country—and internationally as well. That, combined with a new statewide ABC ordering system that was implemented during the annual inventory shutdown in late June (which lasted about a week—during which suppliers are unable to place orders), resulted in impacted orders and sales for distilleries throughout the state.
Closeby, Durham Distillery’s American Dry Gin went out of stock in ABC stores in Durham for three weeks in late July and in Wake County for two weeks, remembers Melissa Katrincic, co-owner of Durham Distillery (makers of Conniption).
To add to this “perfect storm” of issues, glass, labels and lids (as well as truck drivers who distribute product—yet another staffing shortage issue) are all scarce as well, as are some ingredients that go into the liquor, including agave, rice, corn and wheat.
“Most distilleries nationwide were not classified as exempt employees,” explains Bryan Hicks, general manager of the Wake County ABC Board. “Work ceased on their end; however, customers still came to stores to purchase their products. Bars and restaurants were closed and people still wanted to drink. Demand eventually caught up with the supply, hence the problems some are seeing.”
Bringing insight on the hospitality impact, Dram & Draught co-owner Kevin Barrett says he has had to navigate the liquor shortage as well, experiencing issues sourcing bottles for his three locations, including the bar’s new location in Downtown Durham, which opened in late August. “We are having trouble getting random liquors, it’s hard to predict,” says Barrett. “It’s a raw materials shortage caused by a labor shortage caused by a global pandemic. It’s just another hurdle to get over these days.”
Hicks says that it’s been tricky handling the situation. Ninety percent of Wake County ABC’s business is retail, while the other 10% makes up “mixed beverage” (bars, clubs, restaurants, etc.). “Do we set aside a certain amount of liquor for mixed beverage?” Hicks contemplates. “We’ve tried to do our best to see what the demand is and balance it all out.”
Despite the struggles, Hicks says Wake County ABC is doing everything they can to keep the shelves stocked, requesting direct shipments and ordering more product from local distilleries in an effort to ease the stress at the state warehouse (and support local—a win-win!). “Customers may not find their favorite national product, but could always go for a North Carolina product as an alternative,” says Hicks. “Hopefully this will help booster distillers in Wake County, Durham County and statewide.”
So die-hard fans of certain brands may have to settle for something else temporarily (or drive out-of-state … worth it?!). Look, we’re not trying to create hysteria and make booze the next toilet paper, but we will say, if you find your favorite bottle on the shelf, why wait?
WEB EXCLUSIVEEveryone’s favorite cool neighborhood bar is expanding to Bull City on Aug. 27.
Dram & Draught will always be your go-to comfortable, cool neighborhood bar, no matter what neighborhood—or city—it’s in. And now that our favorite treasured watering hole is opening up its third (!) location in Downtown Durham in late August, we have all the more reason to seek out a craft cocktail and venture out of Raleigh to meet up with friends.
“I might be biased, but I think bars are so very important to our culture and our society, just for meeting people, catching up, making new friends, meeting up with old friends, meeting your boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife,” says Dram & Draught co-owner Kevin Barrett. “It’s a public meeting house—that’s really what it is.”
And while Barrett maintains that each Dram location doesn’t follow one certain cookie-cutter character (“they each have their own unique personality,” he says), you can expect the same amazing whiskey selection, kickass cocktails, well-curated beer list and small-but-interesting wine list we all know and love about our resident Raleigh D&D.
“There’s something for everyone, basically,” Barrett adds. “The vibe is consistent with Dram & Draught, but it will vary location to location.”
One of the Durham location’s main differences is that it will be larger and have a true private room—complete with a sliding door that opens to the bar for good measure (great for business meetings, friendly get-togethers and other celebrations). There will be some carry-over with the cocktail menu, but each location has its own unique contributions.
Barrett says that Durham seemed like the natural option for Dram’s next expansions (Raleigh houses the first location; and Greensboro, the second). “When we first drove out [to Durham]—probably three years ago—just looking at spaces, I remember driving into town and there were like eight or nine heavy cranes on the horizon, and I was like, ‘Wow, there’s really stuff happening in Durham,’” Barrett reflects. “It is time to go to Durham”
Not to mention all the great restaurants that the Dram & Draught Durham will neighbor (Barrett specifically notes Mike Lee’s M Sushi and Matt Kelly’s restaurants). “Why wouldn’t you want to be out there with those guys?” he says.
Despite having our beloved Dram just down the road from us, we’re certainly excited to discover all that the Durham location has to offer. So if we’re ever hankering for a beverage in Bull City, you’ll know where to find us. Grand opening Aug. 27, 701 W. Main St., dramanddraught.com
WEB EXCLUSIVEEnjoy the outdoors through Dix Park’s summer programming, from sunflowers to live music to workout classes and more.
Go to Dorothea Dix Park for the sunflowers (ya better hurry before they’re gone!), and stay for the multitude of events going on this summer. From live music and movies to outdoor workout classes and more, there’s plenty of fun to fit into your summer cal.
Dix Park’s sunflowers experienced peak bloom last week, but there’s still time to get your obligatory summer sunflower ’Gram before they completely droop (like another week or two—max). Pics or it didn’t happen.
Bend and streeeeetch at Williams Field every Monday with yoga instructor Patrice Graham. BYO yoga mat and water for Find Your Flow every first and third Monday, a relaxing and rejuvenating vinyasa flow practice, and Let’s Begin every second and fourth Monday, perfect for newbies or yogis who need a refresh.
Every Thursday, relieve some of the week’s pent up stress anxiety with a Tai Chi lesson from instructor Tish Oakley. The series of slow, continual movements also helps bring you mental and physical balance and improve overall health and vitality.
Don your favorite sports gear for Family Sports Night on Aug. 7, complete with a showing of The Mighty Ducks. Beer, wine and food are permitted, but food trucks will also be on-site for when the munchies hit. “Quack, quack, quack!”
A DIY card will always beat out a store-bought one. Head to The Chapel on Aug. 21 to learn how to marble paper using shaving cream and paint; then add personalized details with stamps and mixed media. Perfect for a friend’s upcoming birthday, promotion, engagement or just to show them some love.
North Carolina singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Josh Daniel takes the stage at the newly renovated Chapel Event Center on Aug. 22 for an evening of feel-good live music.
The bird’s the word. Learn about Dix Park’s resident and migrant birds—including sparrows, woodpeckers and hawks, to name a few—and sharpen your identification skills as you birdwatch with local urban ecologist Deja Perkins on Aug. 28.
Think you know everything there is to know about Dix Park? Think again. Take a free 3.5-mile walking tour to learn about the park’s history, buildings and legacy of Dorothea Dix, as well as the City’s plans for Dix’s future.
