Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with washingtondc

Xmas gifts under $100 in DC?

metajc — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:15:31 -0800

Anywhere good in Washington, DC to shop for Christmas stuff? I moved to DC from Baltimore recently and found myself driving back up to Baltimore because I couldn't find anywhere to shop for Christmas junk in DC. I used to get coffee and wine and weird gifts from places like Hampden, Wine Source and the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

I saw this post, from last year, which is good for scarves and stuff like that:
http://ask.metafilter.com/108499/Crafty-DC-Shopping

Any other ideas for shopping locally in DC?

Food? Local-specific stuff? Stuff for under $100 (or cheaper) that you can only find here? Stuff that would actually make relatives want to visit?

Other sites that might have this covered?

Help a Portland Oregonian expatriate to Washington, DC

Skwirl — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:33:36 -0800

I'm moving to Washington, DC for a new job that is a huge step up for me. I'd like to have a studio apartment lined up for January 1st and I will have a week to intensively look for a place before my job starts on Dec. 21st. What are some neighborhoods, tips and resources what would be helpful for me to find my perfect place in such a short turn around? My main goal is super convenient car-free living and commuting. My sensible ceiling for rent is about $1200. I could comfortably go decently higher, but I'm also used to spartan living and could go lower. I prefer small living spaces. Heck, I miss dorm life. My highest priority, after safety, is a sensible commute. I don't drive and in the past I've happily mixed and matched bus, light rail and bicycle commutes at my daily whimsy. My dream situation would be to be able to walk to as many day-to-day necessities as possible. My office is a stone's throw from the Teasury (Nearest Metro lines: Blue, Orange and Red) so I dunno how realistic walking to work would be but my other dreamy dream would be to have many of the daily essentials within walking-biking distance. (Can I have a Trader Joes and a neighborhood hippy co-op as my neighbors? And a Target? Kthnxbye...)

Other considerations:
* There will probably be times where I'm biking or walking home at 2 am and I want to be reasonably safe from intimidation and violence. I don't particularly care about other urban issues or inconveniences.

* I significantly prefer greenspaces and multi-use paths over nightlife, but I would utilize both.

* I've been browsing rent.com, housingmaps.com and apartments.com. I've only rented from craigslist-y individuals in the past and I've had only good experiences but I have found those situations wanting in professionalism sometimes and I would prefer a good property management company.

* I will be buying all new (or new to me) furniture. Pre-furnished apartment? Even better. (Think: Dorm but with a kitchen.)

* I understand the cost-of-living sticker shock. I've crunched the numbers and I'm still sooooper psyched. But, if there's a significant tax difference between MD, DC and VA, I'd want to know more.

* Obviously proximity to Metro stops is pretty coveted, but I think all I care about is minutes spent commuting so if I could beat the market with a good bus route and bicycling, I'm all ears.

* Where should I avoid?

My plan is to stay at the HI hostel and/or Priceline hotels and/or couch surf while I'm looking for a place if I don't meet my January 1st goal. Most of my stuff will be shipped at a later date at my leisure.

finding more rooted community in DC

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:21:08 -0800

I've been in DC for a few years. In many ways, this can be a really transient city. Since I'm here for the long-haul for work, I'm interested in meeting people who don't see DC as a pit stop, and aren't going to move again in a few years. I'm in my late 20s and live inside the Beltway (not in a far out suburb or anything). I don't have trouble meeting people casually or through groups, but so many people I meet are only here (or plan to be here) for a short time before they uproot. While I've made great friends who I keep in touch with post-departure, I'd like to make more grounded, long-term connections.

Suggestions from DC mefites? What things have you done here that have led to more consistent community? (church brings itself to mind, among other things).

This question is anonymous simply cause I am a little embarassed to ask it!

What's going on in the Capitol City this Saturday?

HotPatatta — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:34:30 -0800

Are there any museum exhibits, art installations, or events going on in D.C. tomorrow (Saturday) that are worth checking out? I lived in DC back in 2004, so I don't need general sightseeing recommendations. Just looking to check out whatever's New! and Exciting! Thanks.

The DC area's classic cocktail scene?

malthas — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:59:56 -0800

Classic cocktails in Northern Virginia/DC? Tonight? I'm the best man at my good friend's wedding this weekend, and of course that means throwing a bachelor party. There will be 7 of us. We're all pretty low key, though, so I was just thinking it would be good to just go hang out and get a few drinks.

The groom is really into whisky and classic cocktails (like pre-prohibition cocktails) so I'd like to try to find some place that does really good ones. Yelp and Chowhound have suggested places like PX in Alexandria and hotel bars like Off the Record and Round Robin in DC, but I'm concerned that these places will be a little bit too formal for our group. Not that we'll be rowdy, but we will have had a few drinks and I know that I for one get louder as the night goes on.

The other wrinkle is that this is supposed to be happening tonight. I know, poor planning on my part.

Metro access, too, would be good but not necessarily essential.

Any suggestions the Hive Mind can provide would be great!

looking for drum instructor in dc

anya32 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:38:00 -0800

i'm looking for a drum teacher in washington, d.c. i've been taking lessons for about five months in san francisco, and am moving cross-country at the end of the month. i'm looking for a teacher who can help me continue my progress on a basic rock/acoustic kit, and would love to have someone who teaches me real (ie, not songs for little kids about bears, but radio playable) songs, as well as drumming skills. are there any specific teachers you can recommend, or schools? i'm leaving a totally rad teacher behind, who plays in a few bands and makes the lessons feel like i'm already playing drums like a pro, and not like a semi-beginner. thanks!

How to Learn ASL in DC

gyges — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:03:02 -0800

What's a good way to learn ASL in Washington, DC? I'm aware of Gallaudet, but it looks as if I've missed the fall enrollment deadline for classes. I can enroll in the springtime, of course, but in the meantime, I'd like to start learning how to converse with the deaf community in DC. I should point out that I have a 9-5 job outside of the city, so my options are limited to home study and evening/weekend instruction. My motivation for wanting to learn ASL (and start sooner rather than later) is because I've been half-deaf since early childhood, and my hearing in my remaining ear has inexplicably diminished throughout my adult life to the point that I now (at 31) wear a hearing aid and have significant problems when holding conversation in noisy/crowded environments.

So, where's the best place to start? Thanks everyone!

Camping in the Midwest

ahdeeda — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:25:57 -0800

Where should my boyfriend camp on his way to Washington, DC from St. Paul, MN? My boyfriend is driving from St. Paul, MN to Washington DC for a 3-week construction job. He is planning on leaving Wednesday and arriving in DC no later than Friday. He'd like to spend one night camping in the mountains, and has some time to explore wherever he ends up. He's driving his Ford pickup truck with all of his tools and equipment in the back, so he doesn't want to sleep too far from the truck. He's taking I-94/90 west to I-76/70 west, but is willing to go a couple hours out of his way to check out something cool. Where along this route would be an interesting place to stop and camp?

Miss Sofia Goes to Washington

fijiwriter — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:36:32 -0800

What's good for a toddler to see and do in Washington, D.C., in early summer? The Writer Family is looking to travel to Washington, D.C., for an early summer vacation, and bringing our (will be then) 3.5 year old little girl. But we need your hope!

I haven't been to D.C. in 5+ years, and my last trip was certainly not geared for a toddler's itinerary. What are the best museums that she'd enjoy? She loves science and animals and fish. I can see us strolling the Mall and getting over to Georgetown or Alexandria for a few hours.

But what else is there?

Bonus points for kids stores, besides the mall/chain kind. Extra points for kid friendly eateries.

The plan is early June, about three days up there.

(I know D.C.'s been covered before, but I'm looking for a kid perspective.)

Help me Find Out More About my Musical Neighbors

bluefly — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:58:08 -0800

Can you recommend some blogs that focus on the music scene in Washington, DC? I'm interested mainly in hip-hop/funk/soul and indie rock (but not rap). I've been going to some local music concerts this summer mainly by accident, and I've always enjoyed chatting with the other concertgoers about the musicians which they always seem to know so much about. I'd like to know a little bit more about the musicians living among us, so I can intentionally go to some shows this fall.

I read DCist sometimes, but I find it overwhelming to find what I want because of the amount of posts.

Where can I buy a decent pair of shades?

ryanshepard — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:45:32 -0800

Good quality, non-prescription sunglasses in D.C.? Where can I buy good quality, durable, non-prescription sunglasses in D.C.?

I'm looking for some that can be worn with a suit (classic, vintage-like, etc. - in this vein - nothing sports-styled / oriented) and that I can buy in town.

Help me jump start my career across the country

Skwirl — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:26:33 -0800

I have a $9000 open-ended scholarship (AmeriCorps education award, actually) and will have several grand in savings at the end of September. How can I use this to fund relocation and a mid-Atlantic coast job search? The education award can be used to pay for living expenses if and only if the college approves. Many people have used it to fund vocational school, European trips, Outward Bound, or a new computer by taking the right courses.

I'd like some idea of adult ed, certificate and distance learning courses that I could use to unlock some of that money for living expenses above and beyond tuition for several months after September, and to also have the freedom to jump a Chinatown bus or Amtrak at a moment's notice to interview for jobs. Having a next step in my career is the highest priority, but failing that, it'd be nice to have something like a certificate, extra training or renewed academic creditentials for grad school to show for the time. My academic interests are super broad but focus across non-profit administration, leadership, life coaching and technology. My undergrad degree was a double major in Journalism and Computer Science. I'd be peachy taking one of those As-Seen-On-TV video game production (ITT Tech?) courses, interesting community college stuff, getting a certificate in non-profit admin, starting a slow burn distance learning library sci or MPA distance degree, etc... The sky's the limit. Just to know that it's second to getting a regular job and travelling to do it.

Encouraging comments and any out of the box advice and school ideas are welcome. I could easily talk myself out of a cross-country move and don't need your help pointing out flaws or the economy. =) I am used to living and travelling on a budget and the money I have saved alone will last for at least a few months. Portland is way too small, too distant to other big cities and all of my first-runner-up job leads that would obviously further my career were outside of Portland and mostly east coast phone interviews. There are jobs in my field of expertise and I can make a strong case for myself.

I think I can up the ante if I dedicate myself to being within day's trip distance to high density population centers and face-to-face interviewing. Washington, DC, Richmond, VA, Charlottesville, VA, and Philadelphia, PA are places that I've recently visited and enjoyed. I have family, friends, couches and support systems to fall back on in South Carolina, Richmond, NYC and some points inbetween.

MannequinFilter: How to get mannequins in Washington DC?

seasparrow — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:34:32 -0800

How could I acquire 2-3 mannequins in the Washington DC area? This is for a non-profit/charity group project. They need to be free or very cheap. The mannequins will be used to make a permanent display in the group's headquarters. Details within. Call me crazy, or maybe I watched this movie too much as a child, but I have volunteered to help out a local non-profit organization (which shall remain nameless) by creating a display that needs a few mannequins.

The problem? I don't know where or how to find mannequins in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia area. To complicate matters, my budget is something approaching zero. Anything I spend on this will come out of my own pocket, and there isn't a lot in there on most days anyway.

I just moved to the area, and don't really have a network of local friends yet, so I'm kind of stumped. I guess my wife and I could start calling local department stores and asking if they have any old/broken/surplus mannequins they want to get rid of, but I thought I would poll the Hive to see if there were any better ideas.

I did find a local source for used mannequins, but their prices even for damaged units start at over $100, which is impossible for me.

I do have access to a station wagon, so I could drive somewhere to pick them up, but I'm kind of at a loss on how or what I should do next. Any suggestions or ideas would be very gratefully received.

Inexpensive Picture Framing in DC

fancypants — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:00:30 -0800

Inexpensive, quality picture framing shops in the DC metro area? I have a variety of items (mostly campaign memorabilia) with extremely high sentimental value that I would like to have framed for preservation and display. This includes traditional items, such as posters and newspaper front pages, as well as some slightly non-traditional stuff like ticket stubs and vinyl yard signs. I'm hoping not to spend a fortune getting these items framed, but I want it to look good and I want it to last. Is there any place in DC or the surrounding area that fits the bill? I'm willing to drive out to the far reaches of suburbia to accomplish this mission, but I'd prefer something in the District.

Must See in D.C.

misha — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:21:58 -0800

Cheap eats and must-sees in D.C. for three adults and three teens? Bonus for any vegetarian-friendly options! We're taking our guys and heading to D.C., where we'll be joining our oldest son's girlfriend and her Mom for five days. We have tickets to the Capitol tour and plan to stop in the Holocaust museum, but we need suggestions for inexpensive places to eat (girlfriend is a vegetarian), as well as your picks for must-sees in town. I'd prefer places you've actually visited, thanks.

Also, I've always enjoyed the Smithsonian--any suggestions for exhibits our teens might especially enjoy as well? We have goths, metalheads and gamers to entertain in the party.

Recent graduate dating in DC

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:50:10 -0800

I get the impression that DC is not a great dating town for young 20-something college graduates. Am I totally off base? I'm a 23 year old guy, gainfully employed, more attractive than average, sociable, approachable, no physical deformities, I've had a successful dating life in multiple other cities, etc.

Basically: I don't think my problems meeting people have anything to do with me. I think they have to do with DC.

However: I don't know many people in town. My coworkers -- though great -- are all significantly older than me (29 is the youngest I can think of). I don't have a substantiative friend base to work. I don't want to be the creepy guy who goes to bars or concerts alone to pick up girls.

I'm probably way off base, but my impression after living here for 6 months is that it's too expensive of a town for many recent graduates, especially considering that many of the graduate-attracting jobs are low-paying government ones. And the ones who make it here work crazy hours and multiple jobs, not leaving them much time to get out there.

Or maybe I'm just looking in all the wrong places.

So what I'm looking for by asking this question is this:
1) Affirmation that this is actually an issue with the town (i.e. I'm not being a wimp)
2) Specific suggestions about where I might go to meet girls ("Bars" would be an okay response; "The U Street Busboys and Poets on poetry reading nights" would be a great one). Feel free to email me if you know the town well and would like to get a better idea of what I'm like.
3) Other strategies for meeting people (I've dabbled with things like OKCupid and Meetup with little success, but those would be good examples)

Thanks, all!

E-mail followups: datelessindc@gmail.com

(Asked anonymously because my account is tied to my name and job)

Where to buy fitness equipment in SF

moochoo — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:06:11 -0800

Where in San Francisco can I buy a few pieces of fitness equipment, with a Washington DC bonus Shortly I will be traveling around the United States staying at multiple destinations over a 6 week period.

I would like to continue working out and I need the following equipment

Chin Up / Pull Up Bar Like this one
Yoga Matt
Yoga Blocks

I will be landing in San Francisco so I am after a few pointers to where I can walk in and buy this equipment. The Chin Up bar is the most important as I am sure I could cope without the rest.

I don't plan on taking this equipment back to the UK so if any user in the Washington DC area would like this equipment before I leave memail me and you can have it for free.

Mysterious Kindle Krapouts -- Help?

Harvey Jerkwater — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:43:40 -0800

My Kindle ebook reader crashes and requires resetting during my commute home. Any ideas why? Here's the situation: I have a first-generation Kindle, and it's been reliable. However, three times in the last week, it's required that I crack open the back panel and push the reset button to unfreeze it. What makes this weird is that it happens under the same conditions.

I work in downtown Washington, DC, near the "Metro Center" train station. I'll read my Kindle as I head for the Metro, and all is well. When I get underground and to the platform itself, the Kindle's frozen. This doesn't happen on the way to work in the morning -- only in the evening. It doesn't happen in my office, or at home. It's only when I go in the Metro Center station, in the evening.

To save on battery power, I leave the wireless dingus switched off. But I wonder: is the Kindle receiving some signal or electromagnetic interference that causes it to lock up? Can that happen? Any ideas as to why the lockup happens only during the evening and not in the morning? It's happened three times in the last few days, so something is definitely up.

I have three theories: (1) the Kindle is locking up for generic reasons, and the "strange" timing will prove to be coincidental; (2) a powerful EM source that's active in the evening near the Metro Center station is making my machine hiccup, possibly through the wireless device; and (3) evil spirits haunt my machine.

What did George Washington think of the name of Washington, DC?

Flunkie — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:32:15 -0800

Is anything known about what George Washington thought about having a city named in his honor? For example, perhaps he gave a public speech accepting the honor, or perhaps something can be found in a letter that he wrote to someone, or perhaps a contemporary recorded something that Washington said to him.

I'm mostly interested in actual quotes of Washington on this topic, though of course any related info would be appreciated.

DC Brunch

Jahaza — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:44:57 -0800

Can anyone suggest a good place for brunch near Union Station in Washington DC? We're looking for about $20 per person, not something as expensive as B. Smith's (and it doesn't need to be a buffet either.)

Eco-friendly carpet cleaners? In DC?

alexherder — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:07:41 -0800

Carpet Filter: My company in Washington, DC is looking for an eco-friendly company to come and clean our carpets. We have medium-sized office with standard office carpet. We want it clean. We don't want to use toxic chemicals to do it. Does anyone know what to look for in a carpet cleaner as far as environmental responsibility goes? What questions should we be asking potential vendors? Of course, if you actually know of anyone to call, that would help too.

We found one company locally and another company in Boston but we're hoping to find more in or around DC to get a better sense of appropriate costs. Anybody have any ideas?

Seeking a quiet Tryst.

Westringia F. — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:00:52 -0800

Are there good coffeehouses for study/work on weekends in DC? I'm looking for someplace comfortable & quirky (not Starbucks) that isn't totally overrun -- think Tryst or B&P without the weekend mobs. Does such a place exist?

What's fun for my 4-year-old in Washington D.C.?

troywestfield — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:47:41 -0800

What's fun for my 4-year-old in Washington D.C.? I've visited a few times but am no expert. Current plans include:

-- Zoo
-- Sculpture Garden next to National Gallery
-- Natural History
-- Mule-pulled canal boat in Georgetown
-- Discovery Theater, if anything's scheduled

My backup museums right now are Air and Space and the National Gallery. Don't think the Spy Museum would appeal. (I've been.) Will obviously do walk-bys of the White House and at least some monuments. Staying by Farragut North stop, and wouldn't mind sticking with Metro and feet, but will have car, and willing to leave the city proper for something really exciting.

Thanks for all advice. Restaurants that might be fun for kids also much appreciated.

Suggestions for living/working in DC/Maryland?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:43:18 -0800

Don'tGoBackToRockville(?)-Filter: Moving to and working in Washington DC... or Maryland: Where do I live to make the best out of my commute? I'm interviewing for jobs and will likely be working here, or here, or here. (specific office to be determined)

However, I'd rather live closer into downtown, since I really don't do suburban living well. (OK, I've never done it ever. So I'm wary.)
Plus I know I'll have frequent meetings and after-work events in downtown DC.

Suggestions on how to deal with commuting?
(I've had the good fortune of easy walking commutes until now!)
and any suggestions on where to live where I can make the commute not so horrible, and keep my car since I may not have good Metro access?

Would also appreciate a relatively safe area for a single female, and input on how expensive the neighboorhoods are relative to the general area.

Thanks!

Looking for a 3-4 bedroom house for rent in Georgetown or Tenleytown. Help?

wflanagan — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:11:45 -0800

Moving to DC, looking to rent in Tenleytown or Georgetown. But, I'm having a hard time finding good "house" rental listings. Ideally, we're looking for 4 bedrooms (3 plus an office of some sort), close to metro, some kind of yard would be nice. We're looking to keep it under $4k per month. Starting in June and we're here at least 2 years. Any thoughts of where there might be some good listings (besides Craigslist), or if you know of a good one for rent that might fit, let me know. Thanks!