Best Neighborhoods To Find Culture

The Anacostia Arts Center

The Anacostia Arts Center is a mecca in the neighborhood for small businesses, the arts, and the culture. Located inside the center you’ll find an array of Black-owned shops including the popular Nubian Hueman and Mahogany Books, in addition to Elife, a vegan soul food restaurant, and Vintaged and Charmed, a quaint vintage clothing store featuring couture finds. The Center is the home to pop-up shops, special events, and workshops. The Black Box Theater and the Lounge are spaces available for rent. Located at 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington, DC 20020.

The Anacostia Community Museum, while not a national museum, is a part of the Smithsonian Institute—the first of its kind to get federally funded. It was created to share the narrative of everyday people who work hard to take on complex societal issues that will produce a more equitable future for all people in the DC area. One of the goals of the organization is to ensure visitors leave more informed and inspired to effect change in their own communities.

The museum has a knack for utilizing inventive ways to expose and address issues that affect the surrounding area. The Urban Adventure Kit is an annual event—part scavenger hunt, with puzzle-solving elements designed to connect people with unique spots across the city, encouraging cooking, while exposing the participants to the food issues in the nation’s capital—issues that are mirrored across the country. This year’s Kit (2022) was developed with Chef Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen, well known for feeding thousands early in the pandemic. Last year it was Chef Carla Hall.

From housing to children’s health and wellness issues, the Anacostia Community Museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in making a change in the world one community at a time. 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020. Free admission and parking!

U Street Corridor (Formerly Known as Black Broadway)

This area of the city shares a tale of so many once thriving Black neighborhoods across the country. Prior to desegregation, it was a thriving mecca for living, shopping, worshiping, and entertainment—a well-contained subculture for economic development. Once segregation ended, the migration of people eager to find their niche in life amongst once forbidden spaces, left flourishing Black communities to slowly unravel and fall apart.

At its peak Black Broadway was home to many of the wealthy and well-known Black entertainers, scientists, doctors, and attorneys. Close in proximity to Howard University, the neighborhood was a natural transition for graduates of the institution, like Mary Church Terrell and Carter G. Woodson, to live and thrive in. 

Today you can visit the U Street Visitors’ Center located next to Ben’s Chili Bowl, learn the history of the area, find out what is new and exciting, and receive a map for a self-guided walking tour, U Street Heritage Trail.

Adams Morgan

A trip to DC is not complete without experiencing the nightlife that is the Adams Morgan neighborhood. The neighborhood got its name from combining the names of two formerly segregated area elementary schools—The Black Thomas P. Morgan Elementary School and the White John Quincy Adams Elementary School. The two merged after desegregation.

The neighborhood is still an example of diversity and merging cultures. My first trip to Adams Morgan put me in the frame of mind of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a thriving area where the streets are lined with of rows of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues. Live music covering every genre, a variety of cuisine, and specialty shops keep this area vibrant and welcoming.

Check out these Black-owned businesses in the area: Exotic Trees, one of DC’s premiere cannabis dispensaries (be informed about the law before you go), Air Restaurant & Lounge, and Le Bustier Boutique.

Blues Alley

Blues Alley, a cultural landmark, opened its doors in Georgetown in 1965. It is as uniquely known for its cuisine as it is for being a popular music venue. Over the years it has played host to legendary and popular musical acts as well as smaller little-known artists. The intimate setting creates a personal experience for both the patrons and the artists, reminiscent of a speakeasy.

During the pandemic the venue had to pivot like many businesses of its kind. Blues Alley did live-stream shows filmed at the National Press Club. The Alley has been back for a year and is as strong as ever.  Through the end of the year, their schedule is packed with popular Jazz artists like Arturo Sandoval to Neo-Soul artists live DC Native Lahla Hadiya. If you are a fan of live music in intimate settings, Blues Alley should be on your list of things to do in DC. 1092 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 202-337-4141