What You Need to Know: My Real Life in D.C. #GirlonTheGo
Keep your headphones on, even when you’re not listening to anything, to avoid the creeps!
Okay, so I have been told that I don’t talk about my experiences living in D.C. enough. I didn’t even realize that’s the type of content you all needed from me! I definitely provided a litany of that on my first website. I love D.C., clearly. Welp, here we go! I have lived here, on and off for about seven years. I worked very hard to make a life for myself after university, and that’s the story I wanted to tell following my matriculation. I lived in New York for a hot second, following, and I spent almost every single weekend in D.C. I can recall that I, quite literally, only spent one weekend in East Harlem, and that was the weekend before I moved out. Lol. There is so much to love about the Washington, D.C., area. I hope this brief anthology can even graze the surface.
I made the tough decision to move back to D.C. because I wanted to settle down. (Yup, the last thought every twenty-something has. But, it was my reality.) I was going, going, going, and that was a lifestyle that I was used to, yet at that time it became glaringly evident that I was missing a lot in my life. I was missing a social life, I lacked personal time, I had little to no local support, and most importantly, I didn’t have room for Christ.
CIRCA - YUM!
The small time I had was for workouts at 5:00 A.M. Mile High Run Club was probably one of the best components to come out of my time there. Moving back to the area, despite everything I amassed in New York, was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I didn’t know what was ahead of me, I didn’t have anything lined up, but I gave myself the time to figure it out, because I knew that’s where I had to be. I needed to be whole in other areas of my life, aside from work. It was FAITH that brought me back.
D.C. is such an anomaly. Is it a city, is it a suburb, is it a college town, or is a congressional playground? The world may never know. However, I CAN tell you: you can find everything you need HERE. I’m telling you. When I’m here, I don’t have to look any further. Of course, I am still a Jersey girl, so certain experiences and items are reserved for the Garden State, but I make ado whilst in D.C.
SHOPPING! It exists… I think it’s a little obsolete in this day and age due to online shopping. However, you can find cute little boutiques here and there. While former D.C. residents may recommend Georgetown shoppes, the 14th Street corridor is where the action happens. Taking a trip down 14th St, will open your eyes to a world of eateries, delicatessens, boutiques, furniture hubs, niche beauty havens, wine bars, and more. Not to mention, 14th Street runs though one of the busiest and infamous areas of D.C. - U Street. While venturing on 14th Street, you can turn your day plans into afternoon happenings, into evening moves.
3rd or 4th Restaurant on my Taco Tour
You can start your day with a workout on 14th Street, before taking yourself for a nice bite! Heavy or light, you can find just what you need in the most unexpected places. I am the QUEEN of hidden gems! I can find you what you need and what you’re craving, and the best place to eat it. If I am eating out, or craving a certain cuisine, I only want the best. It isn’t easy to find authentic food in D.C. solely because of the simple factor of immigration that I have observed, in all honesty. When I am in New Jersey, I know I can find amazing pizza around the corner. I feel comfortable ordering sushi from any given Japanese restaurant. I am open to stopping at any tiny bakery for a quality cannoli or strawberry shortcake! Discovering authentic eats is a task upon its own, but it’s an invaluable tool that betters any foodie experience, especially in the city!
Congressional Library Metro Station
Finally, the weather! D.C. is technically the southhhhh. It is below the Mason-Dixon line. because of that… the weather is WARM most of the time! I saw this hilarious meme that delves into the polarizing seasons that the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) experiences! The weather is great, and you will quickly develop a love-hate affinity for it. It can be super humid at times, however, in comparison to the North, there is typically about a 10 degree difference. In addition, due to its location on the map, its proximity to most states on the East coast, traveling is generally a breeze. You can take a quick train ride to just about anywhere, and there are three local airports that can jet you in and out of the country in a matter of minutes.
D.C. is a place where you can make it your own. It is a blank canvas in which you can form community, you can find family, you can meet other transplants like you, and create new traditions. The District of Columbia is a place that you have to experience for yourself to truly understand it. Take a day to walk to and fro the start of the city to the end, or jump on the Metro to discover NOVA (Northern Virginia) or Maryland for yourself! There is never a dull moment, but you can find several if you need! There is so much culture, love, and light to be seen. I can’t wait for you to experience it yourself, if you haven’t already!