One of the most amazing aspects of D.C. is the easy access to natural environments and preserved areas. Nowhere is this more evident than in Rock Creek Park. Comprised of over 2000 square acres and established in 1890, Rock Creek Park is one of the largest and oldest urban parks in America. It is maintained by the National Park Service, and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The vast expanses of Rock Creek Park are known for including favorite hangout spots of many previous U.S. Presidents.
Naturally, Rock Creek Park is filled with all kinds of opportunities for activities and exercise. Here’s a quick guide to things you can do in and around Rock Creek Park. Enjoy one of DC’s most iconic natural areas!
Rock Creek Park Nature Center
Before you begin any awesome Rock Creek Park activities, stop by the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. This is the park’s central headquarters and exhibits plant and animal life you’ll find in the park, including turtles, fish, and snakes. Interestingly, the Center also houses an extraordinary planetarium. Many of the park’s ranger-guided tours start out at the Nature Center, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with the station.
Inside the Nature Center, you’ll find:
Classic Trail Exploration
After stopping by the Nature Center, you’re ready to hit the trails! DC has some of the best trails in the country, and a lot of them are concentrated in Rock Creek Park. In particular, you should try out the half day hikes — they’re an excellent introduction to the region and can be completed at a comfortable pace. Spending some time on these meandering paths allows you to see all of Washington DC’s plant and animal life up close. Learn how to identify the beautiful surroundings!

Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center is a high-tech tennis facility with 25 outdoor courts (15 hard courts and 10 clay courts) and five indoor courts (available during winter months). The Center also offers Adult and Junior tennis lessons and clinics. Rock Creek Park Tennis Center surrounds William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium, which is home to the Citi Open, and is just over two miles from Tenley View Apartments!
Yoga Hikes and Other Activities in the Park
Outdoor yoga is quickly becoming an exciting trend. All you have to do is bring a yoga mat with you on a hike! There are plenty of open spots throughout Rock Creek Park where you can hop off the trail for a quick stretch or meditation session. If you’re looking for organized outdoor yoga sessions, sign up with Yoga Hikes DC. This group meets up for hiking-yoga sessions in some of Rock Creek Park’s most beautiful spots.
If you’re not into yoga, you can partake in all kinds of other activities in Rock Creek Park. It’s one of the best places in town for biking, jogging, powerwalking, or simply strolling. The park is especially beautiful in late summer and early fall.

Rock Creek Park is definitely a highlight of DC living. Are you interested in a luxurious home in Tenleytown, DC, near some of the city’s most beautiful natural scenery? Contact us today at Tenley View Apartments to learn more about our modern floor plans and world-class features & amenities. You’ll love our apartments — schedule a tour today and come see!
Summertime conjures up images of cookouts, picnics, good times, and good food. What’s a favorite, classic American summer meal? Why, barbecue of course! You can’t go wrong with a nice plate of ribs, a nice selection of side dishes, and ice cold lemonade. There’s just something about hanging out with friends, getting some fresh air, and enjoying some hot BBQ that can’t compare to any other experience. But everyone knows it can be tough to set up, prepare, and cook an entire barbecue feast.
To satisfy your summer barbecue cravings, there are many barbecue spots in DC where you can score a satisfying BBQ meal without the hassle of cooking it yourself. These are also great options for catering large parties and gatherings. Here some of the best, most smokin’ barbecue joints in all of DC:
Pitmasters
4818 Yuma St NW • Washington DC 20016
Pitmasters is a literal hidden BBQ gem, located less than a mile away from Tenley View Apartments. These guys know their barbecue! Choose from amazing meats like the Texas prime brisket or the St. Louis 1/2 rack of ribs. Go big with the “Lone Star” prime beef ribs, which are rubbed and smoked to perfection (these require 2-hour prep time, so be sure to call ahead and request these).
Delicious side offerings include classic mac ‘n’ cheese, cheddar biscuits, or Mason-Dixon fried okra. Wash it all down with some refreshing strawberry lemonade. This is addictive grub, for sure!
Rocklands
2418 Wisconsin Ave NW • Washington, DC 20007
Rocklands DC is considered one of the hottest barbecue spots in town. Visit for wood-fired, fall-off-the-bone selections glazed in Rocklands’ own original sauce. For the most tangy bang for your buck, we recommend the Three-Meats platter or the “Belly Buster” plate. Locals also love the side dishes here: Texas corn pudding, Grandma’s collard greens, red beans and rice, and hand-cut onion rings, to name a few.
Rocklands also does full-size catering for special events, and will make sure all your guests are well-fed and satiated. If you’re dining in, arrive early — the line is often out the door!

Smoke & Barrel
2471 18th Street, N.W. • Washington, DC 20009
The three “B’s” of life come together in this wonderful establishment: Beer, Barbecue, and Bourbon! Smoke & Barrel combines the best food, craft beers, and whiskey/bourbon choices for a memorable DC BBQ experience. The menu at Smoke & Barrel is a non-stop barrage of classic traditional BBQ choices mixed with new and innovative creations. The smoked duck, smoked 1/2 chicken, and pulled pork are all highly recommended, as are the Chipotle Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese wontons.
Smoke & Barrel even has barbecue options for non-meat-eaters! These include vegan wings, vegan chicken or fish cutlet sandwiches, and other tasty choices!
Fat Pete’s
3407 Connecticut Ave NW • Washington, DC 20008
If you’re looking for a filling platter, go to Fat Pete’s Barbecue over on Connecticut Ave. Order their 1/2 lb. BBQ chicken plate, the spare ribs, or the baby back ribs for consistently delicious barbecue madness. Regardless of your meat choice, one of our favorite parts about Fat Pete’s is their selection of sauces. Choose from: Alabama White, NC Vinegar, Texas “Mop Sop,” Memphis Sweet, KC Style (Spicy), or South Carolina Mustard. Hands down one of the best BBQ sauce selections in town!
For a unique experience, try one of their specialty sandwiches — we recommend the Cuban or the all-time-favorite Brisket Melt. Bonus: Fat Pete’s is only about a mile and a half from Tenley View Apartments.

The BBQ Joint
2005 14th Street NW • Washington DC 20009
The BBQ Joint on 14th St. is another famous DC barbecue spot that serves up authentic dishes and flavors. Start off with some smoked chicken wings, smoked beef sausage, or brisket sliders. Then create your own plate from their award-winning menu.
Feeling indecisive? Make things easier on yourself and choose a sampler meat plate to try different options. Or perhaps you’re looking to season your own dishes at home? Pick up some of their famous BBQ Joint (“BBQJ”) spice rubs and create your own masterpieces!
These are just a few fantastic BBQ spots to choose from in Washington DC (near Tenley View Apartments!); there are many more to discover as you make your way around our lovely city.
Are you interested in luxury living in the heart of Tenleytown, one of DC’s most exciting and happening (and BBQ-filled!) neighborhoods? Contact us today at Tenley View Apartments for more info, or schedule a tour and come see our modern floor plans and luxurious premises for yourself. You’ll love our world-class features and amenities, as well as the convenient central location near DC’s best in food.
Washington D.C. has long been considered a hotbed for arts, culture, and international exchange. Nowhere is this more evident than in DC’s thriving music scene, which has been producing and nurturing fine artists and bands for decades.
Did you know that DC has produced highly successful music artists in nearly every genre? In fact, DC has been a major influence in the creation of new music genres, especially in the hardcore and post-punk scene. Students, professionals, and out-of-town visitors have all been enjoying the local DC music action for ages. Here are some must-visit live music venues in DC, which have shaped the trademark DC sound, which in turn has shaped American music across multiple genres:
Rock Out at the Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW
Washington, DC
The Black Cat is one of the most famous DC live music venues, and one that captures the essence and spirit of DC’s innovative music and arts scene. The venue has been operating since 1993, and has been providing DC residents with the best in live, independent, and up-and-coming music acts. The Black Cat was founded by a group of individuals (one of whom was Dave Grohl!) who were dedicated to increasing the amount and quality of live music venues in DC.
This is the best place to catch that up-and-coming punk band you’ve heard of that hasn’t quite hit the big time yet. Many, many bands and artists have gotten their start performing at the Black Cat. The list of artists that has performed at The Black Cat is truly impressive, and includes Drive Like Jehu, At the Drive In, Lightning Bolt, and DC-based groups The Dismemberment Plan and Not U.

Continue the DC Live Music Fun at 9:30 Club
815 V St. NW
Washington, DC
This is another historic DC live music venue, also known for its thriving hardcore punk scene. Since 1980, 9:30 Club has been delivering smashing performances and introducing the world to the best local talent. Past performers have included a wide range of acts, including The Replacements, Animal Collective, Bob Dylan, Adele, and local bands like Fugazi and Government Issue. You’ll enjoy pristine sound quality, excellent seat views, and a down-to-earth atmosphere at this historic live music venue. Bonus: Tickets are surprisingly affordable!
See an Elegant Show at the Kennedy Center
2700 F St. NW
Washington, DC
If you’re into a more formal live music experience, DC’s got you covered with the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, locally known as “KC”. This is the place to be if you’re looking to catch a live choir performance, theatrical musicals, operas, symphonies, ballets, and similar entertainment (think Phantom of the Opera, Shear Madness, and The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra). Visit their regular calendar to choose from world-class performers.
Tip: You can sometimes catch additional free shows in the lobby areas or at the Millennium Stage. The Kennedy Center will also occasionally feature pop and mainstream artists as well.

Experience a Multiplicity of Genres at Madam’s Organ
2461 18th St. NW
Washington, DC
For a wide variety of genres, including blues, jazz, rock, reggae, and more, Madam’s Organ is your best bet. Madam’s Organ features music every day of the week with regular local talent as well as featured artists. Review their schedule for upcoming shows, karaoke nights, comedy nights, and other fun gigs. Oh, and did we mention that their food menu is legit? A tasty selection of soul food, bbq dishes, and drinks keeps you rockin’ throughout the night!
There are tons of other live music venues all over DC, including more intimate jazz lounges, basement dance spots, and local pub/coffee shop talent. These are just a few of the historic venues that you should visit when you get the chance. Some of these spots might become your favorite venues, and you might end up being a regular!
Interested in luxury living in the heart of DC, near these exceptional live music houses? Contact us today at Tenley View Apartments and schedule a tour. We have a wide range of floor plans for you to choose from, and our luxurious features and amenities provide you with the utmost in comfort and convenience, in an unbeatable location.
Summer’s in full swing here in DC! What better way to enjoy the warm weather than a classic swimming pool session? Swimming is the best way to beat the heat, unwind, and get some good exercise. There are tons of swimming spots in DC and Tenleytown. Depending on your fitness goals, you can choose from several swim spots to accommodate your summer splashing needs. Here are some of the best DC swimming pools to visit throughout the hot season:
Lap Time at Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center
4551 Fort Dr NW in Tenleytown
Washington, DC 20016
Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center is the ideal DC swimming pool facility to use if you’re preparing for a competitive swimming event, or if you’re looking to improve your personal best lap times. This indoor aquatic facility features a large 50m by 20 yard lap pool, a smaller leisure pool, a whirlpool, a kiddie pool and much, much more. The best part about Wilson is that it’s completely free to use for DC residents!
They also offer instructional swimming classes, including Adult Swimming, Swimming for Children, Parent/Child Swim classes, and water aerobics. Wilson Aquatic Center is conveniently located in Tenleytown, just .2 miles from Tenley View Apartments.

Swim at the Gym
Northwest Sport&Health
4001 Brandywine Street
Washington, DC 20016
There is an endless supply of gyms in DC, and many of them have pool facilities on site, making it easy to incorporate a quick swim into your existing gym routine. Swimming is one of the best cardio exercises out there — it’s easy on the joints, offers great heart and breathing benefits, and is plain enjoyable compared to other boring cardio choices.
An awesome “swim gym” is Northwest Sport&Health (4001 Brandywine Street in Tenleytown). This gym provides classes for every age, from infant to adult, and various skill levels. Check out their aquatic class listing to see what’s fitting for you.
A unique class offered at Northwest is the Stroke Refinement course, where you learn and perfect four basic competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Learning these styles will help you move efficiently as you swim, and the variation in movements challenges different muscle groups.
Rooftop Pool Parties
Sometimes you just want to take a quick dip in the pool and then lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand. For this type of pool-centric fun, visit one of the many rooftop pool lounges that dot the skyline in DC.
The Rooftop at The Embassy Row Hotel is one such hidden gem. This exciting pool and bar lounge has been named “One of the Best Rooftop Pools in America” by USA Today. Features include a heated swimming pool, daybeds, a shaded lounge area, an extensive food menu, cold cocktails, and a breathtaking view of DC.
For a similar “Vegas” rooftop experience, reserve a spot at Penthouse Pool Club (1612 U St NW). They have a gorgeous rooftop pool, private cabanas for rent, a stacked bar (of course), and prompt food service. The music and ambiance are lovely, and it’s definitely much less crowded than any public pool in DC. It’s also one of the best places to throw a party for any occasion!

Expand Your Watery Horizons with SCUBA Lessons
4932 Wisconsin Ave NW in Tenleytown
Washington, DC
Here’s an interesting, super-specific swimming activity: Scuba lessons! Scuba training and certification opens up a whole new world of possibilities for water exploration. Let’s say you’re planning an island getaway or a tropical honeymoon; scuba certification allows you to explore so much more during those special times!
For top-flight professional scuba instruction, National Diving Center (NDC) in Tenleytown is one of the best in the DC area. They offer beginner lessons, open water certifications, medic first aid basics, and other courses. They also organize fun activities like “Scuba Splash Parties” and various scuba-centric travel activities. NDC can also link you into local dive clubs if you’re looking for regular scuba action.
We hope you continue to enjoy the summer with these refreshing DC swimming pools and aquatic activities. There’s nothing like living in a neighborhood like Tenleytown, close to beautiful swimming spots, first-rate retail establishments, excellent restaurants, and much more! Interested in luxury living in the heart of Tenleytown, one of DC’s friendliest and most cheerful communities? Schedule a tour with us today to see our beautiful floor plans and world-class features and amenities.
Everyone loves a fun time with close friends, flavorful food, and delicious drinks. DC’s food and entertainment scene is known for being on the cutting edge of the nation’s trends, and popular DC bars are no exception: they offer the best in local craft brews, well drinks, cocktails, wine, and more.
With a diverse mix of bars and hangout spots, DC provides plenty of options for happy hours and informal gatherings. Explore these top DC bars, conveniently located near Tenley View Apartments. You’ll find a favorite spot in no time!
Experience DC’s Gastropub Scene with Tenley Bar & Grill
Many people associate the word “pub” with quality beer and drinks… and mediocre, overpriced food. In true DC fashion, there are plenty of “gastropubs” to explore, where you can get both unique drinks and scrumptious food. Gastropubs specialize in offering excellent drink choices and providing high-quality, speciality food, much of which is fresh, organic, and made with locally-sourced ingredients. This puts a new twist on the old pub scene, as the focus shifts to include a more refined dining experience.
For a classic DC gastropub experience visit Tenley Bar & Grill, located across the street from Tenley View Apartments, just a hop, skip, and a jump away (more like just a hop). From the food menu, try the mouthwatering Cajun Burger or the delectable Crab Cake Sandwich. From the bar menu, try a refreshing glass of Fat Tire beer or indulge in the Caramel Apple Martini.

Catch a Game at Kitty O’Shea’s or Jake’s
Depending on the crowd and atmosphere you’re in the mood for, certain pubs and bars are especially good for catching a sports game. One such happy place is Kitty O’Sheas at 4624 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Have a glance at their happy hour selections; favorites include delicious wings, refreshing ciders, and pitchers of Sam Adams. Kitty’s is also just a few steps down the block from Tenley View Apartments!
Another favorite spot where locals like to catch games is Jake’s Boiler Room on 5018 Connecticut Ave NW. Jake’s is the ideal place not only to watch a game but to play them, too! They offer pool, darts, board games, and arcade games. Kick back with co-workers, classmates, or friends — it’s all-out fun for all groups and every occasion!

Get Classy at a DC Wine Bar
Looking for something more upscale and classy? Try one of DC’s top-flight wine bars. These are excellent places to grab tapas, indulge in some seriously satisfying steak, and sample rare imported and domestic wines. They also provide tasteful settings for a date or an important business meeting. Two of our favorite wine spots nearby areBarcelona Wine Bar (3310 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and Bardeo Wine Bar (3309 Connecticut Ave. NW).
Barcelona Wine Bar is a one of the largest importers of Spanish wines here in the U.S. Have a glance at their extensive wine list; we recommend trying at least a few. Bonus: Barcelona also offers subscription/membership programs.
Bardeo Wine Bar is known for sourcing only the top choices when it comes to wine, drinks, and food ingredients. The bar and lounge area is a favorite meet-up spot for DC residents and locals. For a one-of-a-kind DC experience, give their rooftop dining option a shot.
This is just a handful of the best bar choices that DC has to offer — there are plenty more to explore all over the city! We love the bar scene here because it reflects DC’s combination of sophistication and hospitality, two traits we pride ourselves on here at Tenley View. If you’re interested in luxury living in one of DC’s most happening, action-packed neighborhoods, schedule a tour to see our beautiful floor plans and plush amenities firsthand!
One of the best ways to engage in your community is to get involved in a volunteer program. There are countless ways that you can devote your energy and time where it’s needed in your neighborhood. Active participation in a community program is also an excellent way to meet new friends and neighbors in D.C. And of course, nothing beats that warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that you’ve helped others around you succeed and reach their goals. There are plenty of D.C. volunteer opportunities all around you; here are some of the most fun and exciting ones:
Provide Healthy Food Services
Martha’s Table
2114 14th St NW
Martha’s Table is a an organization that has provided educational access, food programs, and family support to the DC region for over 35 years. They host a broad range of traditional community service programs including Healthy Start, Healthy Eating, and Healthy Connections Programs. Volunteering with Martha’s Table allows DC residents to connect with their fellow neighbors and with the broader community. This is a great way to create immediate change and to be part of the solution around you.

Teach the English Language
Washington English Center
2200 California St., NW
As a city full of ambassadors, international diplomats, and multi-nationals, there are many families and individuals in D.C. who need to learn English. A simple, no-stress way to help out the local D.C. community is to volunteer to teach English lessons. This provides a fun and easy way to provide community members with skills that are immediately useful. An easy way to help out is through the Washington English Center. They provide many opportunities for volunteers to teach English to low-income adult immigrants in the D.C. area.
Other volunteer reviewers on Yelp say that the Washington English Center has one of the friendliest, most organized, and well-staffed volunteer teams in the area. Awesome!
DC Volunteer Opportunities Involving Pets
Another great way to volunteer is to help out with the pet and animal rescue scene in DC. There’s nothing better than helping care for cute, fluffy puppies and kittens and helping them find a new home. Animal rescue has become an important aspect of the pet world in the past few years, and is being recognized as a more meaningful way for people to obtain pets than buying from breeders.
For DC volunteer opportunities involving lovable, adorable pets, check out pet shops like PetMAC, which always need a helping hand. You can also inquire with larger institutions such as Friendship Hospital For Animals; this might also be a great way to gain experience for a veterinary career path.

Get CPR Certification and Emergency Preparedness Training
Being prepared for an emergency situation is one of the ways to maintain a spirit of volunteerism year-round, no matter where you go. Being CPR and emergency preparedness-certified can help open doors to tons of other volunteer (and career) opportunities, as well. The city of DC offers free CPR, First Aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) courses over the summers through the DC Be Ready classes. There are a few sessions left this summer; if you miss them, you can always catch them the following summer season!
It’s always a great feeling to help people without asking for anything in return. That’s probably the best thing about these DC volunteer opportunities: the internal reward of knowing that you’ve done something meaningful, no matter how seemingly small the task.
Are you interested in living in the heart of one of DC’s most neighbor-friendly communities? Contact us today to learn more about our floor plans and amenities at Tenley View Apartments. Or, feel free to request a tour to see the premises yourself and get your questions answered on the spot!
One of the most fun ways to acquaint yourself with any area is to go for a bike ride around town. Biking lets you see the city up close and personal, and it allows you to explore large sections of the neighborhood at your own pace. It’s also a great way to exercise, commute, or simply get outside for some fresh air!
Bicycle safety should be your top priority whenever you hit the road. Proper preparation and equipment can go a long way! Check out these tips for safe biking in DC:
1. Learn the Road Rules for Biking in DC
Bicycles have their own set of rules and regulations when it comes to traffic safety. Be sure to learn DC’s bike laws so that you know what you’re required to do as a biker in Tenleytown. For example, you’ll want to know things like who has the right-of-way in different situations, requirements for lights and helmets, and other safety awareness.
Learning these points ahead of time can prevent both accidents and traffic citations. An especially important thing to know is that bicyclists must ride WITH traffic; riding the wrong-way down a street is a leading cause of bike accidents.

2. Have the Proper Safety Gear
For full bike safety, make sure you and your loved ones are equipped with all the proper bicycle safety gear. This includes: helmets and pads, reflector vests for night, and all the proper lights on your bike. Other items such as gloves, biking shoes, and biking clothing may be optional but they can increase your comfort and safety.
Also, be sure to use the correct bike for the appropriate biking style—if you’re going off-road, make sure your bike has the proper frame, tires, and other out-fittings. A less burly bike is fine for city cruising.
3. Keep Your Bike Well Maintained
Don’t ride your bike unless it’s in tip-top operating condition. Accidents often occur because a biker chose to ride even though something was off with their bike. Even something as seemingly insignificant as a loose seat can be a contributing factor for an accident.
If your bike needs repair, there are plenty of bike repair shops and services in DC, such as Bicycle Space. If you need a bike on the go, check out Capital Bikeshare, DC’s bike rental program. The city provides thousands of ready-to-go bikes for the public to rent at hundreds of stations across DC.

4. Try Electric Biking in DC!
Fatigue is a contributing factor in many bicycle accidents, especially those involving hills and other similar road conditions. A new development in the bike industry is the electric bike, or e-bike, which takes much of the pedaling work off of you. Note that e-bikes don’t drive or power the bike for you; instead, they provide electric power assistance for your pedaling, allowing you to travel farther with less energy, which is especially useful for longer rides.
Check out Tenleytown’s own ElectriCity Bikes to try one out for yourself! These are great for commuters and those who love long-distance biking in DC.
We know you’ll enjoy biking in one of America’s most eco-friendly and fitness-conscious cities. Do you want to live in the heart of one of D.C.’s most bike-able neighborhoods? Check out Tenley View, an upscale apartment located conveniently in Tenleytown. We have floor plans for everyone, luxurious amenities, and an unbeatable location.
Ready for a tour? Contact us today to see Tenley View for yourself.
We probably don’t need to tell you that Washington, D.C. is full of things to do, but we know it’s nice to get away sometimes. Fortunately, in just a few hours time you can find rural landscapes, small-town charm, urban shopping districts and pretty much anything you’re looking for. If you don’t have a car (and who needs a car in D.C.?), car pool with a friend who does or hit up one of D.C.’s many car rental agencies. Here are a few Washington, D.C. weekend getaways to consider if you need to get out of town:
A Historic Battlefield: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Distance from D.C.: 85 miles
The town that lent its name to one of the most famous speeches in American history is a gem of a town. A high density of bed and breakfast inns make Gettysburg a nice place to stay for a quiet night or weekend.
The town is stepped in history, offering everything from candlelit ghost tours to full-scale battle re-enactments. The battlefield is the most popular attraction, but Lincoln actually gave the famous Gettysburg Address at the adjacent cemetery, where the many losses of the battle are buried. Both are part of Gettysburg National Military Park.
Grab a pastry at: Gettysburg Baking Co., 17 Lincoln Square
A Revitalized Capital: Richmond, Virginia
Distance from D.C.: 98 miles
It wasn’t long ago that Richmond was a city with a high crime rate that had little to offer visitors. Thankfully, things have changed a great deal in the one-time capital of the Confederacy. Richmond has a reputation as a city of distinctive neighborhoods, so don’t confine yourself to just one.
The Fan is popular with college students from nearby Virginia Commonwealth University, and you’ll find no shortage of places to eat and drink along Main Street. Carytown is the place to go if you want to shop. The Museum District centers around the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which is worth a visit. Richmond is also home to a thriving craft brewing scene, and brewery tours are a popular activity.
Take a stroll through: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave.

A Colonial Main Street: Annapolis, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 32 miles
The adorable downtown of Maryland’s capital revolves around the State House, which looms over Main Street and its shops and restaurants. Laid-brick streets and ornate architecture remind you that Annapolis was a city founded in the mid-1650s by Puritans. Annapolis is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy (which you can visit), and the influence of nearby Chesapeake Bay is obvious on the city.
Annapolis isn’t a large city, so find a place to park and explore downtown on foot. A walk through downtown will take you past art galleries, upscale restaurants, teahouses and more.
Eat crab cakes at: Cantler’s Riverside Inn, 458 Forest Beach Road
A Rustic Getaway: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Distance from D.C.: 64 miles
Harpers Ferry is a picturesque small town at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, an area Thomas Jefferson once called “one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” It’s best known in American history as the site of abolitionist John Brown’s raid on an armory as part of a violent rebellion against slavery before the Civil War.
Just more than half a square mile, Harpers Ferry is often considered the rough midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through town. Visit in the fall and you’ll catch some beautiful foliage. If you’re looking to spend the night, you’ll find a handful of bed and breakfasts along Washington Street.
It’s not a “happening” town, but if you’re looking to relax and bask in small-town charm before heading back to the grind, Harpers Ferry is the place for your weekend getaway.
Grab dinner at: The Anvil, 1290 W. Washington St.
All of these places are no more than a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Washington is a fantastic place to live and work, and we’re lucky it is surrounded by lots of places that make for a beautiful weekend getaway.
Here in D.C., our residents live in luxury homes in the apartment community at Tenley View. We pride ourselves on the amenities we offer. Our residents can hop on the Metro and get anywhere in DC, and they are also a car ride from all the countryside has to offer. We encourage you to learn more about Tenley View and schedule a tour to see what we’re all about.
From the huge, arena rock productions at Nationals Park to smaller shows at local favorites like the 9:30 Club, Washington D.C. will be rocking this summer. Don’t miss out — hop on the Metro and get to a show. Here are some of the summer concerts in Washington, D.C. that we’re most excited about.
Beach House — 9:30 Club, July 11 and 12
Baltimore indie darlings Beach House will play back-to-back nights at the 9:30 Club. With a combination of dreamy guitar arpeggios, somber organ drones and Victoria Legrand’s gravelly voice, Beach House have a sound all their own.
Billy Joel — Nationals Park, July 30
The Piano Man comes to town mid-summer to play a big arena show like only he can. In doing so, Billy Joel will become the first artist ever to play Nationals Park three times. If you don’t mind shelling out more than $100 per ticket, we can’t think of many better ways to spend a Saturday night.
Paul McCartney — Nationals Park, Sept. 9 and 10
One of the most famous songwriters of all time will set up shop at Nationals Park for two nights. It’s McCartney’s first show in the Washington, D.C. area in three years, so who knows when you’ll have your next shot to see this music legend.
Drake and Future teamed up last year to release a mixtape that topped the Billboard charts, and now the rappers are touring together this summer. Don’t miss a chance to see two of the biggest names in hip hop in recent years on the same stage.
In January, the Boss and his E Street Band played the Verizon Center. They’ll play to an even larger D.C. audience later this summer as Nationals Park continues to kill it with its lineup of big rock shows. (And hopefully Springsteen will play “Born in the U.S.A.” this time!)
Kanye West, Verizon Center, Sept. 8
The brilliant, outspoken, egotistical, critically adored producer and rapper hits the Verizon Center as he tours on his newest album, The Life of Pablo.
It’s been more than five years since the SoCal band hit the airwaves with “My Body” and “Cough Syrup,” but they are still rocking hard. Their D.C. stop comes a month after the release of their third album, Home of the Strange.
Tenley View is an upscale apartment community located just a block from the AU-Tenleytown Metro stop, which puts our residents in touch with the entire city. Enjoying all the D.C. has to offer has never been easier.
To learn more about what life at Tenley View is all about, contact us or schedule a tour online today.
Here in the nation’s capital, it’s tough to go more than a few blocks without stumbling upon a site that played a role in America’s history. Many neighborhoods in the city have designated heritage trails to connect these historic sites, and Tenleytown is no exception. If you’re interested in Tenleytown history, you need to walk the Tenleytown Heritage Trail.
The Tenleytown Heritage Trail starts, conveniently, at the Tenleytown-AU Metro station. It heads north to D.C.’s highest point, Fort Reno Park, before heading south to American University’s Washington College of Law. It then heads back north and ends on Wisconsin Avenue. In all, there are 19 points of historical interest on the Tenleytown Heritage Trail.
You’ll find a map of the entire trail here, as well as a description of each stop along the way here. Here are a few of the highlights.
Take a Tenleytown History Walk
Stop 1: Wisconsin Avenue and Albemarle Street NW
The trail begins here, where a large Sears Roebuck store once stood. Established in 1941 and featuring rooftop parking complete with a rooftop snack bar, the store sent Tenleytown into the modern commercial era.
While the store is long gone, the intersection remains a bustling one, home to a Best Buy, a library, Panera and Metro stop. The construction of the Metro station in 1984 resulted in the demolition of the 1900-built Burrow-Mostow building.
Stop 8: River Road and Wisconsin Avenue NW
Before Tenleytown, there was Tennallytown. John Tennally established a pub and inn at this intersection of two dirt roads in 1791. Business was good, thanks to steady wagon traffic down Georgetown-Frederick Road, which is now Wisconsin Avenue. By the early 1800s, the hamlet was named after Tennally.
Stop 18: 3900 block of Nebraska Avenue NW
This block housed the studios of NBC affiliate WRC in October 1960, when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy debated one another in the second-ever televised presidential debate. The new medium highlighted the stark contrast between the two candidates. Kennedy’s youthfulness and energy translated well to television; Nixon’s stern face and dry delivery did not. Many say the debates played a huge role in securing Kennedy’s victory.
This studio also holds a completely unrelated spot in television history: Kermit the Frog was introduced here.
Now you’ve explored Tenleytown’s history. Washington, D.C. has so much more to offer, though. Consider the many other D.C. heritage trails.
Want to be a Metro ride away from all that D.C. has to offer? That’s why people chose to live at Tenley View, an upscale apartment community right in Tenleytown. We offer 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with top-notch amenities. Contact us to learn more about what you can find at Tenley View.