Local Resources

Romantic Things to Do in the DC Area

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romantic activities in Washington DC for children

February is here, which means many are scrambling to make plans for Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for some romantic things to do in the DC area, we have a few suggestions. While we recognize some people have a strong distaste for Valentine’s Day and choose not to acknowledge it, others enjoy the opportunity to spend some time with their loved one, or at the very least view the day as a good excuse to eat chocolate.

If you’re one of those people who enjoys celebrating Valentine’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of romantic things to do in the DC area. If you fall into the first category and wish that February 14th were just a normal day, then feel free to stop reading here (but consider treating yourself to some Valentine’s candy–that’s harmless!)

Neighborhood Spotlight: Alexandria

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Let’s get one thing out of the way: we recognize that Alexandria isn’t exactly a neighborhood. With a population of around 150,000 and around 200 independent restaurants and boutiques, Alexandria is better described as a small city. Nonetheless, we chose to feature it because it’s chock full of things to do and comes with some major perks for residents. For starters, living in Alexandria means an easy commute whether you work in DC or Northern Virginia! Alexandria offers easy metro access and it’s a hop, skip, and a jump to Reagan National airport for those who travel frequently. And, if you’re moving to the area to join the ranks at Amazon’s new HQ2, Alexandria is a perfect spot to call home–close to Arlington but with arguably more charm!

Even if you aren’t looking to move in 2020, this small city is most certainly worth a visit for both DMV locals and out of town visitors alike. Don’t take our word for it–Alexandria was named a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2019! Read on for our guide to this lovely and historic town.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Rockville

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For our first Neighborhood Spotlight featuring a community outside of DC city limits, we chose Rockville, Maryland. Rockville is one of the most populous towns in Montgomery County, and although it’s a fairly easy half hour drive into Washington, Rockville offers plenty of things to do, drink, and eat in its own right! We’ve compiled some recommendations below for locals and visitors alike–as our list will prove to you, there’s really no need to fight Beltway traffic to have a good time!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Park View

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Park View is an up and coming (or already arrived depending on your point of view) neighborhood in Northwest DC directly north of Howard University. Development in Park View really started heating up around 2009, and 10 years later there are now a plethora of great restaurants and shops. Park View offers easy walkability to hot neighborhoods like Shaw and also boasts 2 metro stops on the Yellow/Green line for access to the rest of the city (not to mention direct metro access to Reagan National airport.) Park View is a lovely place to stroll, and it offers both peace and quiet on residential streets with a thriving commercial section on Georgia Avenue. Without further ado, here is a list of the best things to do, places to eat and drink, and a little information on housing in Park View:

Ten Tips to Soothe Your Dog on July 4th

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The Christopher is Pet Friendly

Days like the 4th of July or any thunder storm are a challenge in our house. My poodle, Poirot, just doesn’t like the sound of the explosions and cracks of thunder or the way the air changes during a storm. It is getting better as he gets older because his hearing is not as acute … Continued

Skip the Mall on July 4th

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You may not want to go to the Mall for the July 4th fireworks, but there are lots of great places to watch the sky light up without all the crowds. Here are a few choices that will give you a great view without a lot of traffic! Washington National Cathedral I confess that this … Continued

Pet Friendly Outdoor Restaurants

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The Christopher is Pet Friendly

It is so much fun to bring your best four-legged friend to a pet friendly outdoor restaurant! Clearly the DC City Council understands how much we love our pets! In 2017 D.C. City Council members approved a bill allowing establishments to custom tailor policies about welcoming your furry friends. Montgomery County and Northern Virginia jurisdictions are equally … Continued

Spray Grounds to Keep You Cool

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pool near 205 Yoakum Pkwy

Beat the Heat This Summer Spray grounds and splash pads are a relatively new addition to the landscape around the DMV, where little ones can play in the spray, splash in the sun, and cool down with just a swim suit, waterproof sandals and some sunscreen. My first experience with a spray ground was in … Continued

Montgomery Co. Overcrowded Schools Cause Building Freeze

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homes for sale in the Burning Tree ES district

Planning Board Puts 1 Year Freeze in Place on New Home Construction The planning board voted on June 20, 2019, to freeze new home construction in about 12% of Montgomery County for one year beginning July 1 because neighborhood schools are too crowded. The areas around four clusters of elementary, middle and high schools and … Continued

Weekend Activities in Washington DC for Children (December 7-9)

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romantic activities in Washington DC for children

There are lots of weekend activities in Washington DC for children but how do you pick the best ones? Here are some suggestions for you to choose from.  Do you want to build a gingerbread house or listen to the National Philharmonic? You can have it all! Weekend Activities in Washington DC/Bethesda National Philharmonic Holiday … Continued