As the first residents move into Coda at Bryant Street, they’ll certainly be busy exploring the features and amenities of their new NE Washington address, but that’s not all they’ll have to explore and experience. Autumn is a booming time in the District of Columbia’s Northeast quadrant. Residents enjoy events, special offers at restaurants and clubs, music, art and nature. As the leaves turn along DC’s tree-lined streets, here are some ways to make the most of colorful Northeast this season.
Fall Foliage Everywhere You Look
Who needs a trip to the mountains to see autumn colors when Northeast DC is bursting with beauty? Hop on a bike or catch a quick cab ride to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Stroll among the trees, pathways and sweeping lawns of America’s Catholic Church (the history and architecture are amazing, too).
Just a short distance from Coda at Bryant Street, the National Arboretum is a treasure that many DC residents don’t always think of, but definitely should. The Arboretum’s sweeping, lush landscapes are spectacular any time of year, but especially in autumn. It’s the perfect fall afternoon getaway spot for a picnic with friends, nature-watching, or a romantic stroll with someone special.
For more seasonal splendor, hit the Metropolitan Branch Trail for some autumn sun, exercise and street art, easily accessible from Coda at Bryant Street. Or, of course, Coda’s balconies are a great spot, right at home, to take in views of the city’s fall colors and get a breath of crisp fresh air.
Soon-to-Open Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Nearing completion now and set to open in just a few months, the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will be right around the corner from Coda at Bryant Street. It’s billed as one of the top gathering spots of its kind – the Alamo restaurant group’s first inside the District of Columbia, in fact.
Foodies Unite
Hungry for a good time? Northeast DC is a smorgasbord of culinary choices. With local eateries immediately surrounding Coda at Bryant Street, as well as the vast array of leading-edge restaurants in the nearby U Street Corridor, H Street Corridor and Barracks Row, cuisines from around the world are minutes away. Bevy DC, a spectacular new food hall, is also set to open on Bryant Street in 2021. To learn more, go to thebevydc.com.
Northeast’s Brookland neighborhood, with its many Catholic churches, the Franciscan Monastery and the Basilica, has long held the nickname “Little Rome.” As Rome is known as a world dining destination, “Little Rome” applies to Brookland with as much food for the taste buds as food for the soul. Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, freshly-made pasta dishes – and plenty of al fresco dining spots – make it an Italian food lover’s dream.
Then of course, there’s Union Market, with its thriving food and art scene every weekend. From November 8-10, The Emporiyum Food Market at Dock 5 of the Market will showcase area chefs for meet-and-greet sessions, eclectic foods, entertainment, and works by local artists that can help you get an early jump on your holiday gift shopping. For ticket information, go to TheEmporiyum.com.
The Sun Sets Earlier in the Fall, but the Nightlife is Bright in Northeast
For Happy Hours with friends after work, fantastic date nights, or the chance to listen to live music in up-close settings, nothing beats the rhythmic beat of Northeast DC. After all, this is one of the historic centers of America’s jazz music scene, and local bars and nightclubs are safely keeping that spirit alive in every possible way.
Craft breweries are making their artisanal mark in urban enclaves across the country. Northeast DC is no exception. Local breweries dot the neighborhoods of Northeast, and are gaining national recognition. A great example is Right Proper Brewing Company in Brookland. Not only featuring hand-crafted beers, Right Proper’s tasting room is open for pours on weekends, with outdoor dining available.
The National Mall and Re-Opened Smithsonian Museums
OK, so the Mall isn’t in Northeast, but it’s certainly not far. Crisp autumn afternoon walks, bike rides around the monuments, or visits to recently re-opened Smithsonian museums encircling America’s Front Yard are relaxing ways to spend any autumn afternoon. You can be a “local tourist.” It’s also an easy nearby destination for playing tour guide when you have out-of-town guests during the holiday season.
While Coda at Bryant Street is every new resident’s personal sanctuary, the attractions of vibrant, energetic Northeast DC offer sanctuary of their own, no matter what Interests motivate you.