Well apparently it is a cross between a loft and a hostel. And thanks to a reader for pointing it out to me, we have one right in Petworth at 4115 8th Street, NW. Does that address sound familiar? Indeed this location was featured a few weeks back as a pop up renovation I visited. And now it is a LOFTSTEL. According to their Web site “Loftstel is the #1 destination for international students and interns”. Daily rates are $25 and monthly rates are $400. Interestingly the Web site breaks down the patrons like so:

* average length of stay : 5 weeks
* median age : 24 years
* gender ratio: 39% male, 61% female
* international mix: 58% are foreign

Apparently there are also “LOFSTELs” in Philadelphia and New York City. The reader who alerted me to this development, I think justifiably, asks is this even legal? Good question, does this establishment need a special permit? What do you guys think, is this a good addition to the neighborhood or a disaster waiting to happen? Actually I should stay a night there, that would be a freakin’ awesome post…stay tuned…


The balcony itself isn’t so amazing but after the jump take a look at the view. Unbelievable. I think I’d install some propane heaters to sit out there and enjoy this view year round… (more…)


Two years to renovate a CVS? This better be one badass CVS when they are finished. For real, right? Two years? What the addition of a pool or some nice astroturf, maybe some underground parking…what on earth could take two years? I’d be happy with some fast and courteous cashiers…but that may take longer than two years.


I ate lunch outside the Navy Memorial today and spotted this amazing stained glass. You can’t really tell from the photo but it is multi dimensional. Anyway it got me thinking that we should remember the troops even on January 7th and not a proper holiday. Take the politics out of it, we have a lot of good people serving overseas and I think it is important to take a moment every now and then to remember the sacrifices they are making.



Georgia and Otis Pl, NW

I can’t remember if I’ve posted this photo before but it is so fresh that I think it’s ok even if I have. A number of readers have suggested that I eat here, highly praising the food. Fish n the Hood is of course located on Georgia Ave not too far from Otis.  I haven’t had the opportunity to eat there yet but every time I walk by this sign it puts a huge smile on my face. Is the food as good as the sign?


I really like this one. It speaks to me. I mean it literally speaks to me. But I’ve been sick for the past few days so hopefully it is just the nyquil talking… Should I not take nyquil during the day? But I really do think this is a super cool sculpture despite its rabid support for Ron Paul…


Also from a reader:  “Perry Hunter our beloved crossing guard at 13th and Spring Rd has been relocated from his post to a location near the DC/MD border on New Hampshire Ave.  Perry lives on this intersection and is a vital member of our local community; he has been in this position for the last 9 years.  We should contact his superior at ddot and let him know how important he is to the safety of that intersection.  He has suggested that people stress that the intersection is busy and children frequently cross unaccompanied by their parents, people run red lights, etc. I know from past posts that several people who cross this intersection are readers and I would like to ask them to all contact DDOT on Perry’s behalf.  He is a great guy and his presence on our corner will be sorely missed!! ”

If you’d like to bring back Perry please contact:

James Strange
202-671-2650
[email protected]


A reader writes: “My wife and I are Park View/Petworth residents who are expecting our first baby in February.  We are hoping you might ask your readers to recommend a good pediatrician in or near Park View, Petworth, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, or Adams Morgan. My wife and I have Blue Cross Blue Shield as our insurance.  Ideal would be a recommendation of someone at or nearby Children’s National Medical Center (“Children’s Hospital”) off Michigan Avenue. “


Now, I know many people have either heard of this joint or visited it on 14th St. just north of T St., NW. But I was speaking to a friend the other day who hadn’t heard of it so I thought it deserved a mention for those new to the neighborhood or even DC. It certainly doesn’t look like much on the outside, and I’m always amazed it is still standing every time I walk by, but on the inside it is jam packed with super cool household items. And these items are amazingly eclectic. You can find paintings, tables, mirrors, salt and pepper shakers, sculptures and the list goes on and on. It is like a gigantic flee market crammed into a row house. The coolest thing I saw was a bust of Abraham Lincoln but it’s price of $200 was a little more than I was willing to spend. Sadly, my Lincoln tschoke budget is firmly set at $150. But don’t let that price scare you off there are tons of great finds here. Check out some more photos after the jump. (more…)


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