Dear PoPville

“Any other ideas for a relaxing and safe weekend trip?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by LaTur

“Dear PoPville,

My wife has been working ridiculous hours lately, and probably will be doing so until mid-December. Normally, we would reward ourselves with a vacation somewhere warm, but we’re not comfortable flying in the pandemic. Where is a good place to go for a long weekend, within driving distance (maybe 8 hours max), that has COVID-safe winter activities besides being cold (my wife doesn’t ski) and sitting in a hotel room? I had been thinking about the Homestead Resort in Virginia for the outdoor hot springs, but I’ve heard it’s kind of run down for the price, so not sure about that one. Any other ideas for a relaxing and safe weekend trip?”

UPDATE: Home found. “Can you help me rehome a large Koi?”

By Prince Of Petworth

UPDATE: Home found!

“Dear PoPville,

I have a fat, healthy, about 8-inch-long orange and white Koi that has outgrown my outdoor pond. I’m not sure how old he/she is but he/she was about 3 inches long when I bought him/her and I’ve had him/her for about 3 years now. He/she is not aggressive at all, he/she has lots of smaller comet goldfish buddies that he/she gets along fine with. (more…)

“Anyone know about this?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

This compost bin is at corner of 17th and P. Showed up about two months ago. Hasn’t been emptied in over two weeks. Some folks have left compostable materials in bags on sidewalk because it is overflowing. (more…)

Where to get some good babka around here!!

By Prince Of Petworth


“Pandan babka now at la bodega” Photo by Paola Velez @Smallorchids

I enjoyed this one immensely. Thanks to Tegan for asking: “Where can we get some good babka around here?!”

I replied: Call Your Mother has a babka muffin. Where’s your babka go to these days?

The early responses: (more…)

What the Helen of Troy is This?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

So this thing showed up on the side of our house in Eckington recently. Know what it is? We did not put it there so thinking it was something that the city did. Saw one of the street on someone’s fence as well.” (more…)

“Recommendations on best masks for travel?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

A weird “best of” topic, but I may be required to start traveling for work again soon, not excited about it. We have good cloth masks for everyday use, from Everlane, but they do get a bit smothering. A colleague recommended Athleta for better breathability.

What have you all been purchasing for washable non-surgical masks that make you feel safe(ish) and that are breathable/can be worn comfortably for long periods of time?”

Missed Connection: Potomac Vie de France

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Thomas

“Dear PoPville,

Sunday late morning at the Potomac Vie de France – I was wearing the Alaska cycling shirt. We talked about rides in the area and scuba diving. Didn’t even exchange names so other than knowing this guy is from Atlanta, lived in Mt P and now on the hill, I’ve got nothing to go on. I was lame and didn’t think to just offer my name and suggest riding together sometime.”

Ed. Note: If this is you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. PoPville is not affiliated with either party, please proceed with any potential connection at your own risk using caution as you would any online encounter. For those curious about passed missed connections, some have been made and when possibly I’ll try to update when/if more are made.

“How do I paint a shared fence?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Phil

“Dear PoPville,

I have a typical rowhouse iron fence around my front yard with one side shared with a nasty neighbor. If she were a regular person, I would simply offer to paint her side as well as mine, or ask how she would like me to do it, but that isn’t going to happen. So my question is – am I “allowed” to paint the sides of the bars and the top rail of the shared fence?”

View More Stories