In support of PoP’s quest to showcase every shop on U Street, I have temporarily abandoned my post as our Mount Pleasant contributor to tell you about Legendary Beast, a tiny little vintage jewelry shop on the third floor of 1520 U Street (above Shoefly and G Books). The space may be small, but owner Anne Fox makes good use of it. Walking inside is kind of like walking into an ancient treasure chest full of mystical allure and wonder, attributable in part to the 5 years Anne spent working in a metaphysical jewelry store, no doubt. Every display case and countertop is overflowing with jewels, and what space is not full of baubles and bangles is covered with artwork, or home to antique artifacts and religious relics. (more…)


Yes! Organic Market, slated to go in at Taylor and Georgia, is on it’s way to getting an exemption for a liquor license! Make no mistake about it, you the commenters played a huge role in this development. From a press release from the office of Council Member Muriel Bowser:

I introduced legislation today to exempt a new, full service grocery store [Yes! Organic Market] (or substantially renovated full-service grocery store) within the boundaries of ANC 4C07 from the current Ward 4 moratorium on new Class B alcohol licenses. “It is my hope that this legislation will enable a full-service grocery store to apply for a Class B alcohol license within ANC4C07,” said Councilmember Bowser. She looks forward to a full vetting in the community and support of ANC4C before final DC Council action.”

Thanks to Councilmember Bowser (and ANC Rep. Joe Martin) for their actions on this matter. Full press release after the jump. (more…)



photo by Vagelis Fragkos

Hi PoP,

I’ve been in DC for about a year now and am looking for a beach to go to with some friends that is closer than 2 hours away. I grew up on an island and miss being able to hop on my bike and spend the afternoon at the beach.

Where do the DC’ers go for a day of sun and surf? So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Beach Bound

Dear Beach Bound,

I feel you beach bound. I too grew up on an island and miss the days of being 15 minutes away from the beach. I never thought I’d say that I miss Strong Island… As you may have figured out by now traffic leaving DC to the beach can be brutal and thus makes a two hour journey challenging. The popular spots of Delaware and New Jersey as well as the fun Assateague Island, MD are sadly well over two hours away. The only place I have found that is only a bit over an hour away from DC is Solomons Island, MD. There aren’t too many beaches and technically you need a pass for many but it’s generally not a problem. Unfortunately, in my experience Washingtonians looking only for a day of fun in the sun and water go to a friend’s pool. Weekend trips on the other hand are a totally different story.

Good luck,
PoP

This is a great question, I’m looking forward to hearing other’s suggestions. Are there any good beaches near Annapolis? Where is a good place to go to the beach that is less than two hours from DC?


If you were wondering how to make a difference – this seems like a great start!

From a reader:

“I’m helping to start a new DC nonprofit called Capitol Letters Writing Center (www.capitolletters.org) dedicated to teaching creative writing and other kinds of writing workshops for kids aged 6-18. This spring we held our first workshops, and we are running a few different ones this summer. Eventually, we plan to open a space of our own in Columbia Heights and offer workshops and after-school tutoring there.

I’m writing because we’re hosting trivia night at Looking Glass Lounge this Thursday with the goals of 1) having fun, 2) raising our profile, and 3) meeting smart, engaged people who’d be interested in volunteering with us. We held a happy hour event at Looking Glass back in May and it was great, and of course trivia night is always a blast, so this should be a rockin’ good time. “


Yes I felt funny taking this picture but make it make sense. I thought this was really wild. I wonder if the staircase, while cool, is taking up valuable space in front of the big window?


I’ve been hearing a number of stories of folks getting their bikes stolen off of their porches. So even if you have it locked up on your porch it may be tempting for thieves. I think it’s best just to bring it into the house. It doesn’t matter how old or how cheap the bike is, it will get stolen.  Thank you.  Now back to our regularly scheduled posts.


A nice garden but I’m really digging the retaining wall. Well done.


I’m digging these photos of typical streets in our neighborhoods. This one of course is looking west towards the greatest church in the city on 13th St. seen in the background. If you see nice street scenes please email me a photo. While I’m soliciting photos, I’m still interested in receiving photos of any renovations, decks, gardens or anything else that you are particularly proud of. Send photos to [email protected]


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