U Street

This week’s snap shots come from U Street.

Name: Erik
Age: 31
Streets: 13th and U

Name: Rob
Age: 31
Streets: 13th and U

1. When did you move to DC and from where? What was the reason you moved?

Erik: I grew up in DC.

Rob: … as I did …

Erik: I’ve lived in New York and Chicago before though. I also actually grew up in Bethesda.

Rob: Yeah, we both grew up on the western border of DC.

2. How does DC compare to your hometown?

Erik: Well, as far as New York and Chicago are concerned, DC has just as much of a thriving artistic community, despite what some people may say. Here you have to seek it out, though, which makes it that much more gratifying when you do. Here you have to find your niche – you have to work to find it – that’s part of what makes DC so rich.

Rob: I think, as you said, its hard to find people who live in DC who actually grew up here, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It creates a richer tapestry of people – people are here from all over the world, all over the country. It makes less of a provincial feel, and adds a worldly element to this city.

3. As far as neighborhoods go, how does U street compare to other DC neighborhoods?

Rob: I think U street is awesome. I find U street to be very vibrant and has lots of good energy. Its more teeming than Dupont in my opinion, just because Dupont is more established. Things are still changing here, and it makes it really exciting.

Erik: I would have to say the same. I can have my whole social structure here. My friends all live around here, and I can meet people in this neighborhood and never really venture out.

4. If you could change anything about your neighborhood, what would it be? What do you like or dislike about it?

Rob: U street could definitely use a bagel store – a good New York bagel store. It could also use more good roof decks.

Erik: I really wish there was a way to bring back all the original store owners and residents. I wish there was a way they could all live and have their businesses here still. Its hard to see all these places go up and be part of that, and have people who were originally in these areas not be included. I don’t want Target to be Target – I would prefer mom and pop places to Target, any day. I mean, you can’t get vinyl at Traget like you can at that store on 14th street.

5. With neighborhoods in DC changing so much, what would it take to unite the people, old and new, young and old?

Erik: I think it would be great if there was some way to get people, residents old and new to talk and communicate.

Rob: Yeah, maybe something like that Caribbean festival that goes on out on Georgia. It would be cool to have one on U street through Adams Morgan or something.

Erik: Yeah, that’s a good idea! Something like Mount Pleasant day or something.

Rob: People should be allowed to bring whatever they wanted to the table, though – it should be a celebration of all people, not just one designated ethnicity.

Snap shots continue after the jump. (more…)

Located at 1534 U Street, Sweet Magnolia is not exactly the most hidden of neighborhood finds but it’s the first time I ever dropped in. It has been open for three years and bills itself as ‘Fine Gifts’ and ‘Home Accessories’. This store is absolutely jam packed. Like GoMamaGo, it too is very eclectic. It has posters, candles, baby clothes, candles, pictures, home decor items etc. It’s almost hard to walk around the place is so packed. I’d say this is another good spot to check out if you need to pick up a gift for someone. If you are looking for a gift for me, I’ll take the Bob Dylan poster please. Bob Dylan poster and other photos of the interior after the jump. (more…)