JoAnn Hill, local author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, recently released her second book, DC Scavenger, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning across 17 distinct neighborhoods throughout Washington, DC. Here you’ll explore nearly three hundred and fifty of DC’s most cherished wonders by deciphering clever clues and examining ambiguous photos across the city’s four quadrants. Throughout your pursuit you’ll encounter world-renowned monuments and their lesser-known counterparts, innovative artworks promoting activism and celebrating diversity, overlooked historical markers, convivial markets and eateries, and architectural oddities.

JoAnn’s first DC Scavenger blog post takes us to Georgetown. Situated along the Potomac River, the historically quaint neighborhood of Georgetown is one of the city’s most prestigious and cherished areas. Tree-lined, cobblestoned streets, grand homes, charming eateries, and a bevy of chic boutiques have been drawing individuals for centuries. Throughout the years, Georgetown has managed to preserve its historic authenticity, while simultaneously establishing itself as an entertainment and dining destination in and of itself. This neighborhood spree commences along the P Street Bridge and wraps up along the waterfront, one of Georgetown’s premier attractions.

We’ve got a scavenger hunt for you– perfect for the whole family that allows you to explore our city; the exact reason Beltway Bambinos was created. Below are 4 of 23 clues featured in the Georgetown chapter of DC Scavenger. Can you identify the 4 clues? Check out JoAnn’s book DC Scavenger to solve and discover more clues and sites around the Georgetown neighborhood and throughout the entire city.

Georgetown Clue #1
Lovely museum, library, and home,
Its immense grounds so enticing to roam.
Its walls have lots of stories to tell,
Gardens and parks cast a magical spell.

Georgetown Clue #2
Walk over to N, look at the blue wall,
Nosy neighbor and dog are watching us all,
They both look so real, a gal and her pup,
Art’s all around, you just need to look up.

Georgetown Clue #3
How high is the river? Learn by the tide,
A kayaker’s pictured; watch as he glides
Alongside the water at this lovely park,
Is just one of many informational marks.

Georgetown Clue #4
At the center, where people come to meet
Sails and taxis and boats you can greet,
This tower stands right here in the center,
Gathering spot welcomes all to enter!

JoAnn Hill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC home for over twenty years.  She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.

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The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. We recently took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you plan to stay longer than 3 days.

Day 1:

Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.

Lunch & Dessert at the Italian Market. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies.

Play– Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.

Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.

Day 2:

Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.

Late lunch or dinner at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.

Day 3:

Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.

Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.

A few of our favorite places to eat:
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice

More recommended museums & attractions:
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky statue & steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot

For extensive guides on places to see and visit, head to Visit Philadelphia’s for families & kids guides.

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1. Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge. The park is best known for the labyrinth, fountain (pack swim shoes and suits), and rain gardens. Be sure and walk to the waters edge where you will find ducks along the banks begging for food and you may be lucky enough to see the Georgetown Crew team practicing. Your Bambinos will also get plenty of chances to watch airplanes soar overhead.

2. Skip the crowded cobblestone of M Street and walk, bike or run the C&O Canal towpath.

3. Tudor Place is a historical landmark, completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. It is located at 1644 31st Street NW., Washington DC 20007. They offer programs for families, adults, camps and more.

4. Dumbarton Oaks boasts 53 acres in the middle of Washington, DC. A great place to wander for an hour or spend the afternoon relaxing in but be sure to come at all seasons to see the change in beauty. There is an indoor Museum as well.

5. Anna Banana Arts + Crafts is dedicated to teaching and encouraging the artistic process.  Children learn about The Masters such as Picasso, Matisse, van Gogh and Lichtenstein.  Art mediums such as painting, print making, sculpture and photography are presented in a child-friendly manner. Sign up for a class or camp!

6. Pinstripes Bowling + Bocce is a chic bowling alley and bocce ball courts. Monday-Thursday kids enjoy $5 kids meals and $1/hour gaming with the purchase of an adult entree.

7. Hinkley Pottery has a variety of kids and teenager pottery classes.

8. The Georgetown Public Library is beautiful and boasts an amazing kids section on the lowest level. There are plenty of free programming to take advantage of. Before leaving, grab a book and head outside to Book Hill Park take in a panoramic view of Georgetown, the Potomac River, and Virginia beyond.

9. There are several playgrounds, parks and even a public pool in Georgetown. A few of them are; Rose Park + Farmers Market, Montrose Park & Volta Park + Farmers Market, Volta Park public pool

10. Paddle the Potomac from the Thompson Boat Center or Key Bridge Boathouse.

11. Boomerang Pirate Ship is an opportunity to sail down the Potomac while your lads and lasses have the time of their lives with face painting, music, dancing, games and more.

12. Thomas Sweet opened in 1979 and is the place to go for ice cream and sweet treats.

13. Baked & Wired is a coffee shop with decadent cupcakes and sweet treats. My order: Vanilla cupcake with vanilla icing (sounds boring, but trust me). Hands-down the best cupcake in DC. This transcends the hype of cupcakes.

14. The Escape Game offers themed rooms you work collaboratively to unlock. The recommend age is 13 and up at this location.

15. Walk around Georgetown University campus and take in the stunning buildings which date back to 1789.

16. There are several playgroups for the youngest Bambinos. Volta Park Co-Op, Blue Igloo Playgroup, InTown Playgroup + Rose Park Co-Op.

17. In winter, you can ice skate at the Washington Harbour just around the corner from the Waterfront Park.

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As you’ve gotten out and about in the city more, you may have noticed some new murals throughout each ward. A bit of back story on that– the murals were commissioned by Mayor Muriel Bowser who requested the murals be completed by June 26, 2020 which was the day the U.S. House of Representatives voted on D.C. statehood for the first time in a generation. The summer of 2020 we spent a few days locating most of the murals which provided for a fun scavenger hunt of sorts around DC. My kids loved keeping track of how many we saw as well as discussing what each portrayed and what they meant and choosing favorites. We have put together the addresses of the murals below and won’t spoil it for you completely with a bunch of photos, but know that some locations may have 5 murals while another may only have 1. Enjoy!

The murals can be found at the address below, we grouped them together if they are near another mural to save you time.

620 T Street NW (near Howard University)
201 Bryant Street NW

1351 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Georgetown)
2810 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Glover Park)

4608 14th Street NW

1725 West Virginia Avenue NE (Trinidad)
1310 Childress Street NE
640 10th Street NE (H St. Corridor)
1333 H Street NE

801 West Virginia Avenue SE

1350 49th Street NE

2700 South Capitol Street SE

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Volta Park is full of good news and fun events this month. Perhaps you have been to the playground or the pool nestled in the quaint streets of Georgetown at 1555 34th St NW. With summer wrapping up, there is a lot to look forward to this Fall from a new farmers market to an annual fall festival; all perfect for families to enjoy.

Volta Park Market is a farmers market that will offer locally sourced produce and prepared foods, from independent growers and small businesses. The 2021 inaugural season will run from September 10th – December 17th every Friday afternoon from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm.  Head to the market and grab dinner with a cold lemonade then enjoy the playground. Or invite a few friends to play basketball or tennis while enjoying a few tasty snacks from the market.  Whatever you are craving on Friday, Volta Park Market has you covered.

Volta Park Fall Festival is BACK! Save the date: October 2nd 11:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your family and friends (and a blanket, if you would like to picnic in the park) to enjoy live music, food, carnival games, a bounce house, face painting and more.

Learn more about the rich history of Volta Park here. Please visit their website above for more information about the market as well as information on how to become a vendor. And be sure to follow the park on Instagram where they will have a spotlight for each vendor.  

Current farmers market vendors & sponsors:

Volta Park: 1555 34th St NW Washington, D.C

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The home was the perfect combination of charm and comfort. The dog-friendly property had an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, rooms with touches that reminded us of its rich history and space that had us dreaming of the future with extended family or friends staying in this home with us.

Aside from the acres upon acres to explore we also found hikes nearby as well as a great park; Hoover Ridge. There was a playground, walking trails, pond, driving range and dog park. In addition, they had a festive scavenger hunt throughout a trail and it looks like they organize several fun events similar to the hunt we experience, throughout the year. Near our airbnb was also an Amish Country Store and Petting Zoo called Yoder’s. They also had a playground and a petting zoo that our kids (and dog) liked. The animals range from pheasants and mandarin ducks to sheep and goats.

A 35 minute drive from Madison you can find yourself on the sprawling campus of The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. We walked around campus for awhile telling our kids stories about our college experiences {not at UVA} and discussing the designs of the campus done by Thomas Jefferson. Later we found ourselves watching our kids put on a play in the outdoor amphitheater. We grabbed a takeout lunch from a restaurant on East Main Street in Charlottesville. That street is permanently closed for cars which makes it nice to be able to casually stroll around.

After three nights it was time to head home. We took a roundabout way to get home because we wanted to drive along Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and end up at Luray Caverns. The drive was amazing– we lucked out with there being snow which made it so magical. The views were incredible with several spots to pull over and there are also several hiking trails throughout. I highly recommend this relaxing and serene drive anytime of year! It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day without stopping to hike.

Luray Caverns is the largest cavern in the eastern United States. The cavern is generously adorned with speleothems such as columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools and was discovered in 1878. When you enter you will feel as if you are in an optical illusion as you see the reflection from the lake in the cavern.

Aside from going in the caverns Luray Caverns also has an outdoor garden maze which we did and had a blast trying to find or way through!

There is an outdoor Rope Adventure Park, Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, gem sluice, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. We didn’t do the those listed above but you can easily spend a day here doing all they offer. Bring a picnic and sit by the large pond and feed ducks in between activities.

Direct links-
Bald Top Brewery: 1830 Thrift Rd, Madison, VA 22727
Hoover Ridge Park: 199 Primary School Dr, Madison, VA 22727
Yoder’s Country Market & Petting Zoo: 2105 S. Seminole Tr, Madison, VA 22727
The University of Virginia: 400 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Skyline Drive: 4 entry points
Luray Caverns: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835

Additional local attractions-
Monticello
Montpelier
Madison Farmers Market

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I have always had a love for gardening but the pandemic has brought to light my obsession of growing indoor plants. Keeping my orchids long after they’ve blossomed and shed that final bloom has paid off. I have found the secret to the exotic plants re-blooming {I’m currently looking at three orchids that have flowered twice since March}. Finding enough but not too much natural light, being careful of your heat sources and understanding how much to water them are a few simple tricks to being successful with your plants.

My next purchase will be a swiss cheese plant, string-of-pearls and a philodendron pink princess! It is not a cheap hobby but one that sure does bring me JOY {and a morsel of healthier air}! I’ve linked 5 of my favorite DC plant stores that not only have amazing plants but also extremely helpful employees that are sure to get you off to a good start whether you already have a green thumb or perhaps aim to have one soon.

American Plant: 5258 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816 & 7405 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817

Capital City Hydroponics: 821 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011

Gingko Gardens: 911 11th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Little Leaf: 1401 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Rewild: 1924 8th St NW Suite #100, Washington, DC 20001 & 3270 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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You may have noticed some new murals throughout each ward. Those were commissioned by Mayor Muriel Bowser who requested the murals be completed by June 26, 2020 the day the U.S. House of Representatives would vote on D.C. statehood for the first time in a generation. We spent a few days locating most of the murals and my kids loved keeping track of how many we saw as well as discussing what each portrayed and what they meant. We have put together the addresses of the murals below and won’t spoil it for you completely with a bunch of photos, but know that some locations may have 5 murals while another may only have 1. Enjoy!

The murals can be found at the address below, we grouped them together if they are near another mural to save you time.

620 T Street NW (near Howard University)
201 Bryant Street NW

1351 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Georgetown)
2810 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Glover Park)

4608 14th Street NW

1725 West Virginia Avenue NE (Trinidad)
1310 Childress Street NE
640 10th Street NE (H St. Corridor)
1333 H Street NE

801 West Virginia Avenue SE

1350 49th Street NE

2700 South Capitol Street SE

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Perfect playgrounds–
Friendship Recreation Center at Turtle Park and St. Columba’s School playground

Turtle Park is a newly renovated playground that has 2 sections; 1 for the younger kids that is fenced in with a large sand area and age appropriate structures and another that is open with higher climbing structures. A sprinkler that comes on in the summer, indoor facilities, basketball and tennis courts as well as 4 baseball fields. There are picnic benches and shaded areas to cool off at.

St. Columba’s School playground is connected to the Nursery School but they allow visitors to play when school is not in session. The playground has wood chips and many wood play structures. Lots of room to run around, tire swings and regular swings are sure to keep your kids smiling.

Sled and play at Fort Bayard playground.

Wagshals is a “family of fine foods since 1925” shop offering made-to-order sandwiches and makes for a perfect place to fill up a picnic basket at.

Coffee and a pastry anyone?
Le Pain Quotidien and Compass Coffee

LPQ as we call it at our house because we can’t pronounce it properly, is a great place to grab a breakfast treat, coffee or stay for brunch.

Compass Coffee has opened yet another awesome location with a children’s nook and happens to be nestled in between LPQ & Starbucks, so there is no shortage of caffeine in Spring Valley!

Best places to eat {outside}–
Millie’s & Pizzeria Paradiso

Millie’s is brought to you by the owners of Surfside & Jetties. After dinner (or skip dinner) walk up to the outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops and toppings.

Pizzeria Paradiso will satisfy everyone. Head to the back of the restaurant and test your luck at some video games while you wait for your food. Sit outside when it’s nice and your kiddos can play on the colorful rocking chairs and chalk.

Workout-
Barre 3 offers Play Lounge which welcomes Bambinos 18 years and under. It’s easy to fit exercise into your life when you can bring the kids!

Technically not AU Park but close enough-  
Sullivan’s Toy Store

Sullivan’s Toy Store is D.C.’s oldest operating toy store; it has been around since 1954, owned by the Sullivan family. It’s the favorite local place to get birthday gifts or to just browse the shelves for the newest craze.

Theatre–
Support AU and checkout the schedule for the Katzen Arts Center

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If we aren’t at the beach and the pool isn’t an option, I will always opt to hang at a brewery with friends. If the brewery features an outdoor space and a selection games and activities, we can bring along our kiddos– which makes for a perfect day. Be sure to check the websites for hours as many breweries are closed a few days of the week and open all weekend. An alternative to taking the entire family to enjoy a brew– you can plan a great day date or overnight with adults and check out this Countryside Bike Tour published by Edible DC where you bike, drink and eat along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) and the Rock Creek Trail. Take a look at the impressive variety of breweries that seem to keep popping up in the DC area. No matter where you are, you can usually find one a short drive away. Let us know if you have any you’d add to this list perfect for families.

Washington, DC:
Admittedly we LOVE almost all of the beer from breweries in DC however the spaces aren’t particularly well suited for families. Has that always stopped us, of course not — but if you’re looking for wide open outdoor space for your kids to frolic, best to head out of the city.

Wunder Garten Beer Garden– NE, DC
Lawn games, a children’s play area and many outdoor tables with live music on Sundays and many weekly events. They serve food and even have a kids menu. They make an effort to incorporate kids into their event programming.

Right Proper Brewing Company– Shaw & Brookland
With a small outdoor area, kids can keep themselves busy for a bit but take some games for more entertainment.

Bluejacket– SE, DC
Perfect place to go before or after a Nats game. A huge space with outdoor seating but comes across as more of a restaurant. When bringing kids, we’d suggest hanging outside or getting a table inside.

Bardo Beer– SE, DC
The strangest setup but one of the most inventive. Situated between Nats Park and the water. You can enter from Riverwalk or Potomac Ave/S Capitol St SE. Perfect for pre-game or post-game hangout. TONS of seating and fun outdoor games, right next to the river!

Other breweries that aren’t particularly kid friendly but great for dates:
Hellbender Brewing Company
Dacha Beer Garden
3 StarsBrewing Co
Atlas Brew Works
DC Brau

Maryland:

7 Locks Brewing– Rockville, MD
It’s a party here on weekends with corn hole, shuffle board, various games, live music on Saturday evenings and food trucks at this all indoor brewery. You can bring in food if you aren’t interested in the food truck choice.

The Brookeville Beer Farm– Brookeville, MD
A perfect brewery to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn. They have live music and food trucks on Friday & Saturdays with a kitchen open whenever they are open.

Denizens– Silver Spring, MD
A very cool spot in Silver Spring perfect for an evening sip with good food, great service, cornhole all in a lovely outdoor space. If you’re in NW or Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, this is one of the most convenient.

Waredaca Brewing Company– Laytonsville, MD
Various food trucks on site at-least one day during the weekend. Be sure to check back in the Fall as they will be offering trail rides where you will be escorted on a ride on the 230 acre farm and then enjoy a flight of beers from the on-farm brewery.

Peabody Heights Brewery– Baltimore, MD
They offer kids books, toys are available and they host many first birthdays at the brewery (genius idea in my opinion).

Virginia:
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery– Leesburg, VA
In addition to the great beer, they have various events, including a Kids Night! Adult activities include yoga every Saturday morning and bingo and trivia throughout the week. Another great place to spread out a blanket and play games. They have corn hole and other outdoor games to play along with a playground. Live music on the weekends with a food truck and sometimes they have face painters for kids! A reader recommends to visit Temple Hall Farm while you are out that way; a working farm open free to the public.

Solace Brewing Company– Dulles, VA
A large indoor space, perfect for a rainy day with lots of tables, bring cards or games. It has a large and picturesque tasting room that is family-friendly, an outdoor area for pets, and is open all week. Trivia Thursdays and various food trucks throughout the week the kids can order from.

Dirt Farm Brewing– Bluemont, VA
Right up the hill from Great Country Farm with the most AMAZING views. Hang with the kids picking fruit at GCF and then head up the mountain to relax on the great lawn and play some games while you imbibe. They have a kitchen that serves a rotating seasonal menu.

MacDowells– Leesburg, VA
Welcome to the Key West of Leesburg! Described as “Beermuda”, you will have a vacation-like experience on our beach full of warm sand, outdoor seating, tropical trees, fire pits, live music (including “karaoke on the beach” on Wednesday’s), multiple bars and delicious food.

Port City Brewing– Alexandria, VA
In the Tasting Room, regularly scheduled programming includes Beer Yoga every other Tuesday, Joggers & Lagers with Pacers Running every  Monday night, Pedals ‘N’ Pints bi-monthly bike ride and trivia on the third Thursday of every month, which all seem perfect for adults-only but bring the kids for Sunday food trucks.

Caboose Brewery Company– Vienna, VA & Fairfax, VA
Both locations are incredibly family friendly. In fact, it is the reason Caboose was created! Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna (now Caboose Tavern) was created with the intention of a place the owners could drink really good craft beer with their friends, who could bring also bring their family.

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