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Sweeten your Valentine’s!

By Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
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Bring the whole family or your Valentine to enjoy a day of chocolate history, culture, and food at the National Museum of the American Indian, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 AM – 5 PM. 

Visitors can watch as Executive Chef Alex Strong of the museum’s own Mitsitam Cafe shows how she makes some tasty chocolate treats, enjoy performances by dance group Danza Tecuanis, and follow the path from blossom to beverage with an interactive presentation, and make and take a bookmark to remember the day! 

SCHEDULE

10 AM-4 PM | Amate Bookmark Activity
Made from fig and mulberry bark, amate is a type of paper that has been made and used by Indigenous communities of what is now Mexico for generations. Amate was often used to create codices or folding books. Join our museum educators to make and take home your own amate bookmark. 

10:30 AM-5 PM | Blossom to Beverage
The Jose Reyes Family (Mixtec) will share the process of turning cacao into chocolate. “Blossom to Beverage” delves deep into cacao, from blooms through ripe cacao pods, and finishes with the frothy beverage we recognize as hot chocolate.

11 AM, 2 PM | Food demonstrations with Executive Chef Alexandra Strong
Mitsitam’s executive chef will demonstrate how to make some of her favorite chocolate desserts.

12:30 PM, 3:30 PM | Performances by Danza Tecuanis
Local Mixtec dance group Danza Tecuanis fills the Potomac Atrium with movement.

*Schedule subject to change

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DC open house list for this weekend: Jan 30, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

This weekend’s open house schedule remains on the lighter side, as winter continues to keep the DC market on its toes. With icy conditions underfoot and the possibility of another storm on the horizon, fewer homes are opening their doors than usual. If you do head out, take it slow, watch your step, and enjoy a quieter round of showings while the city waits to see what the forecast brings. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

3000 Tilden St NW #501-I
  • 3000 Tilden St NW #501-I — $1,000,000 — Cleveland Park
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3PM — Joe Himali
    “Set on the top floor of Tilden Gardens, this truly exceptional residence offers a rare full wing of its own, breathtaking privacy, and serene views of over the community’s lush, private gardens. Spanning a generous 1,674 square feet (approx. 155.5 sq m) with soaring 9-foot ceilings (approx. 2.74 m), the home is light and bright, featuring three exposures and 19 windows that flood every room with sunshine. With no neighbors above or beside, the setting is peaceful and quiet, while the original solid-oak floors add timeless warmth and character throughout. Every space has been elevated with designer-led improvements, including curated lighting, custom shades, bespoke rugs, and custom built-ins in the living room, dining room, and foyer. The living room is anchored by a decorative fireplace with a gorgeous, historic natural-wood mantel, offering a perfect focal point for elegant entertaining or cozy evenings at home.”

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Real Estate Fresh Finds for Jan 28, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

1674 Irving St NW

Featured Property of the Week: 1674 Irving St NW

“Secure a high-demand, fully occupied six-unit multi-family building in one of Washington, DC’s most desirable and resilient rental neighborhoods. Fully licensed and professionally operated, the owner has all required rental licenses and a Certificate of Occupancy for a six-unit building. With many years of consistent cash flow, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a proven, turnkey asset with long-term upside. Offered at a 4.74% cap rate, this is an ideal opportunity for buyers seeking stable income today with long-term appreciation potential in a high-demand location. The building is turnkey and well-maintained, making it a strong fit for investors looking for a reliable, low-friction acquisition. Each one-bedroom unit is thoughtfully updated, and many feature gleaming wood floors, renovated kitchens and baths, soaring ceilings, and abundant natural light. Front-facing units offer charming bay windows, while rear units include private decks, adding lifestyle appeal that supports long-term occupancy and rental performance.” (more…)

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Dinner, handled: Feast & Fettle is now serving Washington, DC

By Feast & Fettle
Feast & Fettle

Feast & Fettle is now officially delivering throughout Washington DC, and families across the city are beginning to experience a simpler and more thoughtful way to approach dinner.

Each meal is prepared from scratch by the company’s in-house culinary team, then delivered chilled and ready to heat. There is no cooking, no cleanup, and no uncertainty about what is for dinner. Just real food, made with care and designed to make evenings feel more manageable.

The decision to expand into Washington DC was never only about reaching a new market. It was about recognizing a real need. This is a city filled with professionals, caregivers, and families managing full schedules. Feast & Fettle saw the opportunity to offer a solution that saves time without compromising on quality. It was also a chance to join a community that values both nourishment and reliability.

Before the first delivery went out, Feast & Fettle partnered with local organizations such as Bread for the City to provide meals for those affected by the pause in SNAP benefits. This outreach reflected the same core belief that guides the company’s work every day. Everyone deserves access to a nourishing meal, especially during times of uncertainty.

Now that the new regional facility is fully operational, Feast & Fettle can serve Washington DC with the consistency members count on. This facility has also created new jobs in the area, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting the local economy and building strong connections in the communities it serves.

Each week, members can choose from a rotating menu that includes entrees, seasonal sides, and kid-friendly options. Every dish is crafted using high-quality ingredients and made without shortcuts. Whether feeding a family or planning for a busy week, members can rely on meals that are both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared.

In a city where time is always in short supply, Feast & Fettle offers a way to take one important thing off the to-do list and replace it with something better.

Because a good dinner should never feel out of reach. It should feel like a welcome part of the day.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle

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DC open house list for this weekend: Jan 23, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

Winter is pulling out the big flakes this weekend, and the DC open house scene is feeling the freeze. With a massive snowstorm on the way, open house options are snow much lighter than usual. Still, for buyers willing to brave the forecast, this smaller lineup offers a chance to tour homes with fewer crowds—before everything gets buried under a blanket of white. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

916 G St NW #903
  • 916 G St NW #903 — $849,000 — Penn Quarter
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Mike Hangemanole
    “Welcome to your sophisticated urban residence. Unit 903 pairs elevated design with authentic industrial character, offering dramatic sightlines with stunning monument views from both the living area and primary bedroom. The intelligently redesigned layout enhances flow, privacy, and storage, creating a space that feels polished, intentional, and effortlessly livable. Over $100,000 in curated upgrades were invested to transform every detail, resulting in a residence that balances comfort, function, and elevated style. Signature loft elements- exposed brick, concrete floors, and soaring ceilings- anchor the space, while the fully redesigned kitchen features sleek black cabinetry, a statement island, white quartz countertops, and all-new stainless steel appliances with gas range. The spa-like primary bath stuns with dark gray tile, black hexagon shower flooring, a built-in bench, and a glass-enclosed shower. More recent improvements include a new HVAC system and new washer and dryer. One assigned garage parking space conveys.”

(more…)

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Real Estate Fresh Finds for Jan 21, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

5120 7th St NW

Featured Property of the Week:  5120 7th St NW

“Welcome to this well-appointed Federal brick townhome offering beautiful natural light, an open-concept layout, and gleaming hardwood floors throughout. The spacious living room flows effortlessly into a stunning, thoughtfully designed kitchen featuring an elegant top-to-bottom backsplash, recessed lighting throughout, an island with a waterfall countertop, and additional custom cabinetry. The kitchen opens to a glass sliding door leading to a deck and a fully fenced backyard with grass in both the front and back, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The main level includes a spacious primary bedroom with direct access to a full bathroom, along with a secondary bedroom overlooking the front of the home. The lower level offers a separate rear entrance and includes a full bathroom, ideal for guests, a home office, or added flexibility. Additional highlights include central heating and cooling, a brand-new stainless steel refrigerator, and a state-of-the-art full-size ventless washer/dryer combination. Ideally located minutes from Metro, Downtown DC, and Silver Spring, this home offers the perfect blend of classic charm, modern updates, and unbeatable convenience.” (more…)

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DC open house list for this weekend: Jan 16, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

Winter is making itself known in Washington, DC, with temperatures dropping just as the weekend’s open house schedule heats up. Despite the chill, buyers will find plenty to explore, with 260 open houses taking place across the District. Bundle up, plan your route, and take advantage of a busy weekend that offers no shortage of options for starting or continuing your home search. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

316 U St NW
  • 316 U St NW — $1,398,000 — Bloomingdale
    Open Sun. 1:30-4PM — Ashk Adamiyatt & Rebecca DeBakey
    “Stunning renovation of a fabulous 3-level end unit rowhouse in the hot, historic Ledroit Park. 2700 sq ft townhouse. This home blends historic charm with modern updates, fresh paint, new and beautiful hardwood floor, and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Enjoy multiple living areas, exposed brick, and a private terrace. Loads of light from 2 exposures, and wonderful finishes throughout! 2-car parking in the back!”

(more…)

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Healing your local ecosystem with Nightshade Urban Gardens

By Andrew Bort

With so many problems facing our city and the world today, it’s easy to feel that, as an individual, there is no way to make an impact. This can be particularly true when it comes to healing the environment and combating climate change.

However, if you have an outdoor space of any size, I’m here to tell you that you can make a difference. It might be a small one, but hear me out. You will see the impact. All you need are a few native plants, and an open mind. 

How do Native Plants help?

Native plants serve as critical habitat for indigenous insects. A mature native garden in summer will be thrumming with life; not just honeybees and bumblebees, but countless small native bees, flies and other insects. Those insects in turn support a more dense and diverse population of birds, who need these critters to feed their young.

Native plants generally do a better job at capturing carbon and runoff than their non-native counterparts. They require fewer inputs – less water and mulch, and no fertilizer – making them more sustainable. Using perennial plants that re-sprout every year means less waste replacing plants annually.

What’s the catch?

To someone with a deeply entrenched sense of what a garden “should” look like, native gardens may appear messy. Most popular non-native species have been selected exclusively for their appearance. And while there are plenty of attractive native plants, they are not all going to be the tidy, long-blooming species you will find in a big box store’s garden department.

Furthermore, if you want to maximize the ecological impact of your native garden, that means planting densely. Overlapping and interwoven plants will create a solid mass of vegetation in the body of your garden. This makes for better habitat, excludes weeds, and further reduces the need for mulch and watering. But it’s a departure from the traditional garden aesthetic.

We can help!

It’s not hard to strike a balance between aesthetics and ecological impact. There are many techniques that can be employed to deliver the best of both worlds. And as you observe your native garden brimming with life, you might find your perspective on beauty in the natural world shifting just a bit. 

If you are interested in transforming your outdoor space into a native garden, be it large or small, Nightshade Urban Gardens can help you get started on that journey. Check out our website for details and to schedule a consultation. We are still accepting new clients for Spring 2026!

Schedule a Consultation

Real Estate Fresh Finds for Jan 14, 2026

By Marcus Correll

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

2030 Pierce Mill Rd NW

Featured Property of the Week:  2030 Pierce Mill Rd NW

“This beautifully renovated residence offers the best of classic architecture and modern comfort in a peaceful, park-like setting with the added bonus of a versatile 1BR/1BA lower level! Surrounded by mature, low-maintenance landscaping, the two-tiered sunny front deck creates a warm and welcoming space to relax or have your own garden in the city. Once inside, you’ll find refinished hardwood floors and a thoughtfully designed kitchen featuring abundant storage, organized cabinetry, a gas 5-burner cooktop, farmhouse sink, French-door refrigerator, and an additional bar sink—perfect for cooking and entertaining. The spacious main living area opens through double French doors to a large rear deck that overlooks green space and garden area, plus access to the deep driveway with parking for at least 2 cars! Upstairs, the large primary bedroom is filled with natural light and offers peaceful views of nearby parkland. Two additional bedrooms and a bonus room—ideal for an office, reading nook ,or workout area—provide ample space for all your needs. The top floor offers a spacious loft space with a skylight, great for additional living space, a fourth bedroom, or a secluded workspace. The versatile lower level of the home features a separate living area and kitchen, plus a bedroom and full bathroom. The lower level is accessible from the interior of the home and also has a rear separate entrance. This home is ideally situated near Rock Creek Park, offering direct access to tennis courts, running trails, horseback riding, the historic Pierce Mill, the National Zoo, and picnic areas—making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.” (more…)

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