6219 3rd Street, NW
Update: The Practical Cyclist is coming soon! Thanks to Julie for sharing with us.
“The Practical Cyclist is COMING SOON to Northwest Washington, DC. We want more people to ride bicycles for fun and transportation in and around Washington, DC. People’s lives get better with bikes.
6219 3rd St NW 20011
Located at the site of the fabled Bené Millinery & Bridal Supplies, the workshop of “DC’s Hat Lady,” the legendary Vanilla Beane. There should be a plaque – there will be.
What we do
We fix bikes. We’re good at it, we’ve been doing it for many years. Service
We stock utilitarian parts and accessories, and some special fancy-pants items that you don’t find in typical bike shops. We may offer some non-traditional service models, maybe a DIY workbench, probably some classes and workshops. Click for Bikes ‘n Stuff.
We want to be the kind of shop you WANT to visit. The kind where you can hang out, bring your kid, have a chat and a cup of good enough coffee.
Thinking, doing, feeling
We think the DIVERSITY OF BICYCLING EXPERIENCES is the best and most important thing. Also, there’s almost always more than one reasonable way to do something. We have our own opinions, but we try to stay curious.”
Thanks to Natalie for sending this great news:
“It appears that a new company (maybe a bike shop?) is moving into the old Bene millinery spot (the legendary hat shop run by the now deceased Ms. Vanilla Beane).
Oct. 2022 from the Mayor’s Office: “Combining grace, elegance, and longevity, Ms.Vanilla Beane embodied Black excellence. Today, we send our love and prayers to Ms. Beane’s family and all who will miss her.”
“Washington’s Hat Lady • Vanilla Beane, the famed milliner. 9.13.1919 – 10.23.2022💗👒👵🏽”
Although the front door was open and various small machines were abuzz inside, there was no person in sight for me to confirm any details. Still, it’s great to see the space being renovated so it can be put to good use.”
Stay tuned.