Georgetown

Washington, District Of Columbia

Georgetown contains many single-family homes that were built in the 19th century. The commercial district is along Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. The remainder of the area is for residential homes, historical structures, or parks. The western edge of the neighborhood is the home of Georgetown University and contains some mid-rise residential buildings. Along the riverfront are condos and co-ops that were developed in the mid-20th century. There is a district within Georgetown called Old Georgetown, which was designated a national landmark, meaning that whenever a property owner wishes to alter, demolish, or build in the area, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts must be notified.

Whether your palate favors savory or sweet delights, a sampling of world cuisines is available in Georgetown. The bakeries produce goods in the European tradition and play into the very recent U.S. fascination with cupcakes. Fresh bread and artisanal foods are readily available in the gourmet shops and bakeries that line the commercial district. On the savory side, Georgetown is the home of some of Washington, D.C.'s most well-known restaurants. International cuisines and fast casual restaurants are found all over the commercial district. For a taste of the neighborhood's history, check out Martin's Tavern, which has been family owned and operated since the repeal of Prohibition.

Due to the presence of the neighborhood's namesake university, expect to see students packing the cafes and bustling to and from classes. There are several historic hotels in Georgetown but many of the tourists visit the neighborhood from other parts of Washington, D.C. Some countries, like France, Thailand, and Venezuela, have their embassies in the neighborhood. Some notable residents have included John F. Kennedy, Alexander Graham Bell, and Elizabeth Taylor. Georgetown also has Montrose Park and Dumbarton Oaks Park.

The restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are all located in the Wisconsin Avenue and M Street corridor and the Washington Harbor area next to the Potomac River. Friday nights are busy as the area has a wide range of establishments that include wine, whiskey, and cocktail bars. Live entertainment is also plentiful with blues clubs, theaters, and art galleries.

Sundays in one of the parks is the best way to end the weekend. Georgetown contains numerous parks and museums with gardens that are open to the public. Grab a coffee, blueberry muffin, and book and enjoy the scenery. Picnic at the Rock Creek Park, Montrose Park, or Dumbarton Oaks. If you desire a park experience with some people watching, enjoy the garden behind the Old Stone House on M Street, the oldest building in Washington, D.C. The Washington Harbor is also a good spot to enjoy the outdoors, but it can be loud and usually has lots of tourists.