Walk It Out with Walking Town, DC

Ever wonder why there's no J Street, or when Georgetown changed from a tobacco port to a trendy hangout spot? Grab your best pair of Nikes and head out to the springtime edition of Walking Town, DC. This biannual event, hosted by Cultural Tourism DC, features more than 120 walking tours of 18 of DC's most historic neighborhoods. The tours highlight the past's juiciest stories and offers a glimpse of the city's charm. (And yes, we know that officially, it's Baltimore that's Charm City, not DC. So sue us.)

 

 

 

Brookland: Then, Now, and in the Future
Take a stroll through this classic trolley suburb and learn about its development and rich heritage. Explore the work of architects such as John Joseph Early or the former homes of famous residents such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Robert Weaver and Ralph Bunche.

 

Saturday, May 30
9-10:30 am
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE.
End at Brookland-CUA Metro station.

 

 

Anacostia by Bike
Not in the mood to pound the pavement all day? Then hop on some wheels and cruise along the Anacostia River. Be sure to check out the transportation and real estate projects that are beautifying the waterfront as you put the pedal to the metal ... well, or the Anacostia Riverwalk trail.

 

Saturday, May 30

9 a.m.-noon
Meet and end at entrance to Washington Fish and Seafood Market Place, 1100 Maine Ave. SW
Reservations required: www.WalkingTownDC.org or 202-661-7581.
 

 

From the Beatles to XM Radio: The Evolution of NoMa
This tour features an up-and-coming neighborhood that's home to the site of The Beatles' first concert in the United States. Located just north of Union Station, NoMa offers a look into the famous Washington Coliseum, XM Radio, NPR and Constitution Square, DC’s current largest development project.

 

Saturday, May 30
10-11 a.m.
Meet and end at New York Avenue Metro station (south entrance at M Street NE).

 

 

United States Botanic Garden
Learn what manila folders and Chanel No.5 have in common as you stroll through a garden unlike any other. Take a trip through the exotic plant world, or watch bananas ripen on a tree. Just be sure to look out for the Venus fly trap.

 

Saturday, May 30
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Meet at Visitor Information Desk, 350 Maryland Ave. SW.
Reservations required: www.WalkingTownDC.org or 202-661-7581.

 

 

Before Harlem, There Was U Street
It may not be in the history books next to the Harlem Renaissance, but Washington's "black broadway" on U Street also served as a historical center of creativity and musical greatness for African Americans back in the time of jazz greats like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington. Located in the Howard University communit.

 

Sunday, May 31
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meet and end outside U St/African Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station (13th Street exit).
Reservations required: www.WalkingTownDC.org or 202-661-7581.

 

 

Capitol Riverfront, the Growing Neighborhood around Nationals Park
Love all things sustainable? Check out DC's newest neighborhood on the river, Capitol Riverfront. A little city-within-a-city, the riverfront extends the DC skyline to the water’s edge. Learn the secrets behind this new community and about its focus on sustainability in its development and renewal.

 

Sunday, May 31
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Meet at Navy Yard Metro station (New Jersey Avenue exit).
End at Navy Yard Metro station (Half Street exit).
 

 

Chevy Chase, DC
Hey, it's also the name of DC's favorite bank! This tour offers sites of the town's historic areas that you're sure to cash in on.

 

Sunday, May 31
11-11:40 a.m.
Meet and end outside the Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW (one block south of Chevy Chase Circle).