Happy Monday, friends! FINALLY posting about my visit to Districf Wharf (“the Wharf”), back in the spring.
This still growing development in Southwest Washington, is bustling with life and activities. I’ve been to the Wharf several times, but never long enough to really enjoy the area. We took a ladies’ overnight trip right before Easter and I’m so glad we went.
The drive wasn’t too bad; once we got to the area, near the traffic light that leads in into the Wharf, it was congested. But that’s a given. So prep for that, as well as having patience to find parking, depending on the time of day.
The Wharf is designed for walkers, which is a great opportunity to see everything and people watch. On the main street, cars can drive on the gravel, so you will need to be aware of your surroundings. There are lots to do — Several piers to walk on and relax. A concert venue, the Anthem (which is so nice!), three hotels, and lots of restaurants, stores, and boutiques to visit. Throughout the year, there are events that are free or reasonably priced. At the end of the strip, there’s the fish market. Also,the restaurant I visited during Restaurant Week is there too.
We stayed at Canopy by Hilton. It was my first visiting and I was impressed. Perk of staying there, you get valet parking, so there’s no worry finding spots once you make it to the drop off line. When you enter the venue, there are two elevators: one to the hotel, and the other to a rooftop bar (Whiskey Charlie) that I still have to get to! If you partake in breakfast, there is a cafe.
The lobby was full of light and inviting, and the staff was very helpful — I appreciated that. When we checked in, we got these delicious chocolate truffles. YUMMY. I was shocked to find out we were in the suites. So spacious, even with two beds. Our view was glorious! As soon as you open the window, you see views of DC and VA, with some of the monuments.
The lighting in the bathroom? Ohmylanta. I was amazed. Nice and bright. Had to take a selfie. LOL.
I had just received my new camera for my birthday (thanks, Dad!), so I was super pumped to document everything!
So here’s what we did:
Thursday: We settled in, and walked around before dinner. It was so nice outside, with comfortable temperatures.
For dinner, we went to Lupo Marino, a restaurant that specialized in authentic Italian street food. Outside of pizza, they had seafood and pasta dishes. I ordered the gnocchi with asparagus and mushrooms. Light, but still filling. Since I didn’t drive, I took advantage by having a glass of Prosecco.
Nightlife was great; you can walk down to the piers, get some ice cream, sit around the pit and roast s’mores. Most of the restaurants on the main street or some of the side alleys have open air seating, so you can see what’s going on, as you walk by. We passed by Pearl Street Warehouse and a country band was playing. My friends were dancing, moving along. It was cool! A great way to end a fun Thursday night.
Friday morning: Got packed, and then went out by myself. I walked to Dolceeza, sipped on an iced vanilla latte, taking in the ambience.
You know me… I always enjoy spending time at a cute coffee shop. 🙂
Then, strolled over to District Doughnut, picked up some treats for my siblings. (They’re so yummy… if you visit my IG, you know how much I like them). It rained a bit, so my initial plan to take a taxi ride along the Potomac, was scrapped. But that gave me a chance to take some more photos as I walked back to the hotel.
After chilling in the lounge area for a bit, our visit ended at The Brighton for lunch. It’s a British pub, with plenty of options. Good vibe. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with sauteed onions and japalenos, very delish! Also, had this grapefruit Italian soda. A little bitter but still tasty.
Thankfully, the spots we checked out for meals had a variety of choices, which is great for different appetites and specifications.
If you don’t feel like driving, taking the Metro is a great alternative. The Wharf is ten minutes away from the Waterfront and L’Enfant Plaza stops.
I cannot wait to get back there. Even though the area is still being revamped and you know you’re in the District, it does feel like you’re farther away from home. A nice place to relax and have fun.
I highly recommend visiting the Wharf! There’s something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
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