All Blog Entries by Mark Washburn

There’s no doubt DC is packed with history, but that history actually dates back millions of years. Obviously, you won’t find dinosaurs in the area anymore, but you will find some dinosaur signs.

Look for one the next time you’re on Capitol Hill along F Street SE. A stretch of the roadway near the corner of First Street is now called Capitalsaurus Court and features a commemorative street sign to mark the spot.

In the late 1800s, crews were working on the street to lay down a sewer pipe, but they ended up making a major find. During excavation work, the crews uncovered a section of dinosaur vertebra and some other bone fragments about 45 feet underground.

It’s likely those dinosaur fossils were at least 100 million years old. For years

The Arlington neighborhood of Rosslyn is relatively quiet today, but it’s actually rife with colorful history. Don’t let all the modern office buildings and high-rise apartment buildings fool you, generations ago Rosslyn was known for its gambling dens, saloons and brothels.

At least that’s how some historians describe the neighborhood around the end of the Civil War. Farmers making their way to Georgetown markets were known to arm themselves as they journeyed through Rosslyn.

In particular, Dead Man’s Hollow was a notorious spot for criminal activity. Found not far from Rosslyn, it was often the scene of robberies and sometimes even more serious crimes.

That’s all until the turn-of-the-century when a local newspaper owner and attorney made

Photo: Rudi Riet

For a virtual green oasis in the middle of the city, it’s time to consider Burleith. This Northwest DC neighborhood is sheltered by tall trees and enveloped by a true neighborly vibe.

Burleith is kind of place homebuyers seek out for its location and its appealing attributes. With hundreds of homes to choose from, prospective buyers in Burleith can opt for a rowhouse, a townhouse, a Tudor or Colonial.

With Georgetown University nearby, plus the many possibilities of Georgetown itself, it’s no wonder that families, students, long-time residents and professionals all flock to Burleith. While Burleith tends to be more modest in terms of its homes and its prices than some of its closest neighbors, its quietness and affordability tend

Photo: Backwards Bill

It may be a political hot spot, but it turns out DC is also a hot spot for singles. According to a recently released list, DC is tops when it comes to the nation’s best cities for singles across the nation.

The ranking comes from ApartmentList.com, in partnership with the online dating service, Bumble. The study ranks what the two consider the “Best Cities for Singles 2021”, putting DC at the very top of the list.

Analysts based their decision on a number of categories, including social satisfaction, dating satisfaction, the percentage of singles in the city and dating affordability. It certainly doesn’t hurt that singles make up nearly half of the entire population of DC.

While the numbers alone give DC an edge, the

Photo: John Winder

While actually made up of two triangular neighborhoods in Northeast DC, Carver Langston is oftentimes simply referred to as one single place. Located on the western bank of the Anacostia River, the area is home to a mix of families, retirees, renters and young professionals.

It is also home to the peacefulness of the US National Arboretum and the historic Langston Golf Course. In addition, the southern section of Kingman Island is a great option for area residents to get out an enjoy some biking, fishing, hiking and more.

You can reach Kingman Island via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The quiet, friendly community of Carver Langston draws in new residents with its peacefulness, its proximity to available green space

Boutique living comes to Eckington with the exciting new condos of The Lexicon. This new development is home to around 180 condos, offering up your choice of a one-bedroom, a  one-bedroom plus a den, a two-bedroom or a two-bedroom plus a den floor plan.

The condos of The Lexicon generally range from around 650 square feet to some units with more than 1,350 square feet of living space. The units also offer plenty of appealing features and finishes.

Buyers can expect to find such upgrades as wide-plank hardwood floors and gourmet kitchens with tile flooring and stainless steel appliances. You will also find either large soaking tubs or Whirlpool tubs in the baths, depending on the floor plan.

Many of the units come with a terrace or balcony for

Photo: Geoff Alexander

It may be home to historic sites and political treasures, but DC also offers some treasured green space.

Rock Creek Park

Popular Rock Creek Park is a favorite of families. The large park is a peaceful spot with plenty of room for hiking, picnics, biking and fishing. You can also play a round of golf, some tennis, go horseback riding on one of the trails or visit the zoo.

U.S. National Arboretum

At more than 400-acres, the US National Arboretum is a fantastic place to explore the gardens. This free outdoor space is scenic any time of the year. While you’re there, you can also make a stop at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which features some miniature Chinese and Japanese trees.

Roosevelt Island

DC may be known for its history and its political connections, but DC isn’t just a great place for singles and couples. It also has some nice neighborhoods for families.

Glover Park

You’ll find some of the most prestigious schools in Glover Park. The neighborhood also offers a farmer’s market, sports fields and community gardens. The location doesn’t hurt either, as Glover Park is found between the US Naval Observatory and Glover Archbold Park.

American University Park

White picket fences and well-kept yards mark the neighborhood of American University Park. The area also has some good elementary schools, plus its full of homes owned by other families.

Georgetown

DC’s oldest neighborhood offers 18-century architecture and cobblestone

Offering up the enjoyment of true urban appeal, the Tribeca condos deliver a taste of the Big Apple, without ever leaving DC. Taking inspiration from the spirited New York neighborhood of the same name, DC’s Tribeca condos bring urban style and uniqueness to NoMa.

The brand new luxury condos come in one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus a den or two-bedroom layouts. Starting at around 720 square feet of living space, some of the largest condos at Tribeca command around 1,200 square feet of living space.

Some units also offer a private balcony for additional outdoor space. Inside, buyers can expect to find things like custom cabinetry in the kitchen, a stacked washer/dryer for convenience and high ceilings.

Other features and finishes include custom

Photo: Geoff Livingston

This is one of the most picturesque times of the year to be in DC, but if you want to really experience the natural beauty of the area, you may want to pay a visit to an area park or landmark. Some of them easily make the list of the best places to see changing fall colors in DC.

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is a great destination no matter the month, but it’s especially colorful during the fall. The park’s a good place to go for a hike, with two main trails and number of connecting trails. In particular, you may want to try the three-mile loop to Boulder Bridge, which is surrounded by colorful changing leaves.

Tidal Basin

You may think timing a visit to Tidal Basin makes the most sense around the time the