Summer 2017 Guide to D.C.

June 26, 2017

D.C. summers can bring sweltering heats and non-stop thunderstorms, but that doesn't mean you should stay inside. Take advantage of all the incredible options available to you and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant food, shopping and cultural scenes. Keep reading for some of our favorite spots in the nation's capital, and for more great recommendations, read our D.C. Summer Work Files here and our foodie guide here.

Olivia

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1. Via Gypset: Well curated yet affordable vintage can feel impossible to come by, but Via Gypset balances both facets perfectly in their adorable Dupont Circle shop. The boutique has just enough clutter to please seasoned thrifters, but is well organized and accessible enough for casual shoppers as well. They offer everything from vintage wedding dresses to quirky looks from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and your next favorite slouchy band tee.

2. Chaia: If you find yourself in Georgetown, you have to stop by Chaia for a quick bite to eat. The vegan "farm to taco" menu features seasonal produce, sides and deliciously refreshing juices and teas that are perfect for combatting muggy D.C. summers. The fast-casual restaurant has quickly become a local favorite and if you take your tacos to go, you can enjoy them along the C&O canal or Georgetown waterfront nearby.

3. 9:30 Club: This is definitely my favorite concert venue in DC. 9:30 Club has an amazing, low-key atmosphere and attracts great acts on a daily basis. With most tickets fetching for under $30, you can catch some incredible artists and discover more up and coming acts at affordable prices. This summer, performers include Sylvan Esso, Lupe Fiasco, BANKS, Royal Blood and more. After the concert, don't forget to head down the street for a late night bite at Ben's Chili Bowl.

4. Compass Rose: This bar and restaurant transforms street foods sourced from around the globe into appealing dinner plates. From reimagined poke, grilled calamari or Kakuni steamed buns, to falafel and their signature Khachapuri cheese filled bread, Compass Rose is perfect for adventurous foodies. They also boast an impressive craft beer and wine list, which are particularly delightful when enjoyed against the restaurant's dreamy, candlelight backdrop.

Sima

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1. Founding Farmers: Owned and supplied by family farms across the U.S., Founding Farmers is the perfect summer lunch spot. Just a few blocks from the White House, the cozy interior consists of ceiling-to-floor wooden panels and handmade tables. Their menus can be found online, and "inspired by our country's rich culinary tradition, including our versions of all-American classics, as well as innovative creations based on a wide range of American cuisine." I love the cranberry & brie vegetable burger, and their signature beignets, "Uncle Buck's Beignets," are sublime.

2. National Museum of Women in the Arts: The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a one-of-a-kind museum, dedicated to showcasing the impact of talented women artists around the world. This summer, relive your favorite SOSC class in an exhibition entitled From the Desk of Simone de Beauvoir, an exploration of de Beauvoir's works and writings. According to the Museum's website, "This installation invites visitors to reflect on Beauvoir’s impact, not only in her time and not only as a feminist, but in our own time and in the areas of literature, philosophy, and popular culture."

3. Georgetown Cupcake: A summer in D.C. isn't complete without visiting (and waiting in line at) Georgetown Cupcake. Due to the quality ingredients used, the range of flavors offered, seasonal assortments, and vegan and gluten-free options, Georgetown Cupcake has become a major DC tourist attraction and is featured on TLC's DC Cupcakes and Cupcake Cam LIVE. My favorite flavor is the Milk Chocolate Birthday (or, if I'm feeling adventurous, the Double Milk Chocolate Birthday), covered in a divine milk chocolate buttercream frosting.

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Documenting the Women's March on Washington

January 24, 2017

With over 1 million individuals turning out to march on Washington, DC and over 5 million showing their support at sister marches around the world, the Women's March on Washington stands as a powerful signifier of how far our country has yet to travel in the struggle for equality–and how many individuals around the world will be fighting beside us along the way.

I had the privilege of attending the March on Washington myself, and remain in awe of the determination, creativity, fury, frustration and sense of unity that surrounded me last Saturday. The turnout in DC was overwhelming–seas of protestors were visible from every direction, occupying the entirety of the National Mall’s nearly two mile span. Later on when the march officially began, the crowds left downtown DC at a standstill.

As a first time voter, November left me astounded and aghast at the state of American politics and my own place in its grand schema–and I'm sure many of you share this sentiment. The results were disheartening, to say the least, especially for those who feel Trump’s persona and policies promote a culture of intolerance and fear unfit for a democracy founded on our principles of equality.

The March was a beautiful, much needed reminder of the importance of solidarity and activism under times of political and social uncertainty. Whether marchers were advocating for women’s and reproductive rights, the LGBT+ community, minority representation, immigration reform, climate policy, religious pluralism, or something else entirely, every individual stood for equality, acceptance and love. The sense of community and support was unspoken and firmly established the moment you stepped foot into a crowd or met eyes with someone marching beside you.

While Trump’s policies, appearance and actions were the undisputed target of a majority of the chants, conversations, signs and speeches I witnessed, the overarching dialogue was one of hope. Throughout the day, people were praying together, confiding in one another and forming connections that transcended gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or ability. A collective identity emerged amongst strangers, bearing the message: I see you, I hear you and I am with you. I can only hope that this collective consciousness will remain intact in the years and months to come.

Funny signs and slogans aside, here are some ways you can stay active and keep the opposition alive:

1. Complete the Women's March 10 Actions for the first 100 days to do list and sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on their various initiatives.

2. Call your local representatives, express your concerns and propose solutions.

3. Donate to Planned Parenthood, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, or any other cause you feel passionate about.

4. Download the fact checking Google Chrome/Firefox extension for Trump tweets.

5. Set a reminder to vote for your Congressmen in November 2018.

6. Volunteer for a local organization you care about or plan an event in your community–grassroots movements can lead to concrete policy changes.

7. Download the FREE app Countable onto your phone. It provides the contact information for your local representatives and senators. You also can select what topics you are most concerned about and the app will give you notifications when a vote on a bill is coming up that you might be worried about.

8. Download the Indivisible Guide to learn more about local groups and the most effective ways you can reach Congress.

9. Help register voters for upcoming elections.

10. Stay nasty!

All images courtesy of Olivia Jia

Summer Work Files: Washington, DC

July 31, 2016

In DC for the summer? Whether you're home from school, visiting, working on "The Hill," or interning someplace the city, we've compiled some of Washingtonians' favorite artistic, recreational and food-related haunts.

So if you find the time to stray from monument sight-seeing, opt into some of these cool (and cheap) alternatives!

1. The Phillips Collection

If you've already ventured down to the National Mall, set aside a day to explore Dupont Circle. On top of its various boutiques, vintage shops and quirky restaurants, the neighborhood is also home to The Phillips Collection, a museum that boasts an impressive roster of works by Rothko, O'Keefe, van Gogh, Renoir and more. Revolving exhibitions also feature lesser known and emerging artists from around the world, whose collections debut against the building's elegant, mid-century furnishings. With a student ID, tickets are $10.

2. Movies at E St. Cinema

If you find yourself growing tired of the seemingly endless list of summer blockbusters, head over to Landmark E St. Cinema in Downtown. In addition to popular new releases, the theater shows a lot of independent, animated, foreign and documentary films as well. Currently playing: Cafe Society, Captain Fantastic, Phantom Boy and The Lobster.

3. Picnic on the Waterfront

No trip to the Georgetown neighborhood is complete without a detour to the newly renovated Waterfront Park. Wander the park's winding trails, navigate the labyrinth, feed ducks, cool your feet in the fountain, rent a canoe, or relax in the shade and picnic with friends. Excellent views of the Potomac River and National Mall coupled with a handful of nearby seafood restaurants make this the perfect day trip!

4. Thrifting at Nomad Yard Collectiv & lunch at Union Market

Head Northeast for foodie's heaven at Union Market. From craft beers and Korean Tacos to homemade gelato and locally grown fruits and veggies, Union Market is the perfect pitstop if you're looking to try something new. After you're finished eating, head next door to Nomad Yard Collectiv for unique vintage finds. Regardless of personal style, browsing through the shop's 1920s era flapper dresses, antique furniture, old designer handbags and worn in biker jackets is an endless treasure trove.

5. Free shows at the Kennedy Center

While you're more than encouraged to check out any of the world-renowned performances hosted at the Kennedy Center each summer, if those ticket prices intimidate you, the Millennium Stage hosts free shows daily. Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in anything from jazz orchestras and R&B to Indian folk dance and Parisian EDM (electronic dance music). A revolving roster of artists is featured each month, so you're free to pick and choose which acts sound the most exciting!

What are some of your favorite things to do in DC? Let us know in the comments below!

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