Adveturing in D.C. and A Boat Search

Did you happen to catch last week's post Would You Live on a Boat? 

In it, I introduced you to the concept of liveaboards, turning a houseboat or yacht into your primary residence. Although more common in cities like Seattle or St. Pete Beach, our nation's capitol happens to boast one of the largest liveaboard communities. Located on the Waterfront, the floating neighborhood is docked at Gangplank Marina, where Sunday mornings consist of a "Captain's Coffee" and neighborhood cookouts are the norm. Not to mention, the metro is right there ready to take you wherever you need to go. Other than the simple face that your house is, well, floating, it sounds pretty ideal. 

So this weekend, Mark and I decided to take full advantage of the fine weather (60 degrees in February! What!?) and made the trip to DC to see Gangplank Marina for ourselves. We looked at two houseboats and one motor yacht in order to get an idea of what these boats really feel and look like. As it turns out, houseboats and yachts are surprisingly roomy. Most had more square footage than your average DC studio, along with at least two decks, washer/dryer in unit (or in boat), and a party barge at your disposal. 

We had so much fun meeting a few of the locals, who were all too friendly and welcoming. I have to say, the whole idea is appealing. Other than the idea of storm-tossed water or occasional mechanical trouble, why not make your home on a boat? The fact that the marina is less than 10 minutes from Mark's work is a huge plus as well. Mark and I left feeling pretty excited!

After checking out Gangplank Marina, Mark and I headed to Capitol Hill for lunch at one of our favorite lunch spots: Good Stuff Eatery. While their hamburgers aren't the absolute best I've ever had, their herb-coated french fries and thick creamy milkshakes are worth every penny. 

I then dragged Mark to the Botanical Gardens, one of my favorite spots on the National Mall. I never get tired of the colorful blooms, the orchid display, and the trickling water features. I feel like I could find a bench and sit there all day, reading or writing or simply people-watching. 

So do you know anyone who currently lives or once lived on a liveaboard? We'd love to know if so! Also, what are some of your favorite spots in D.C.? We're always open for suggestions on good restaurants or pretty locations. 

Curious about the DC liveaboard community?

Gangplank Marina

600 Water St SW

Washington, DC

Facebook | Website

The Oldest House in Washington

Welcome to the Old Stone House. Rather perfunctorily named, don't you think? 

Dating from 1765, the Old Stone House has the claim to fame of being the "oldest building on its original foundation in our nation's capitol." Like most old homes, the Stone House changed hands and looks several times over the course of its 250 year history. Originally owned by the Layman familiy, the Stone House consisted of just one room and had absurdly thick walls. In 1775, a rather wealthier lady (Mrs. Cassandra Chew) purchased the building and added the second and third floors-- giving the house its present appearance. Apparently, Mrs. Chew lived in the home with fifteen slaves at one point. Why one earth one lady needed fifteen slaves, I don't know!

Our National Park Service purchased the house in the 1950s due to the number of local Georgetown residents clamoring to protect the site. When I read that the NPS protected the house, I was surprised. Whenever I think of our park service, I picture the National Mall, Glacier National Park, or Yellowstone-- some sweeping natural vista. Not a little stone house in the middle of a busy city. Yet people recognized that this little house represented something unique and special.

Its simple beauty juxtaposes the domineering national monuments elsewhere in D.C. The house is not a monument to some heroic deed, national figure, or historical war. Instead, the Old Stone House stands as a monument to everyday life in colonial Washington. A monument to cooking, sleeping, dining, and working. A monument to the reality of life for some of our nation's very first citizens. 

Overtime, the Old Stone House has gained some legends. According to the museum employees, most of the familial records about the property are limited. Things like property records, lists, deeds. The primary legend of the Old Stone House involves Washington's favorite hero: our first president, George Washington himself. 

In 1810, the Old Stone House housed a clock shop run by a man named John Suter, Jr. In fact, the grandfather clock pictured above? One of Suter's clocks, built in the house in the 1800s and returned when it became a national monument. Coincidentally, the Suter family also operated an inn where President George Washington and Pierre Charles L'Enfant stayed while the designed the federal district. Somehow, the legend became tangled, and local folklore named the Old Stone House as the location of Washington's headquarters. We may never know for sure if Washington visited the house, but due to its history, it stands to reason that he may have visited and certainly at least saw it, maybe even strolled past its front door. 

One of my favorite features of the Old Stone House is the lovely English-style garden located behind it. True to its design, the garden reminded me of William Wordsworth's beautiful garden at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, England. All windy paths, tangled hedges, and sun beams. I commented to Mark that I could just take a book and sit on one of its benches all afternoon.  If you're in the Georgetown area and haven't visited the Old Stone House, I highly recommend it. I love how our nation preserves these beautiful places for us to visit, explore, and enjoy. May as well take advantage of the opportunity! If nothing else you can pretend to be Elizabeth Bennett traipsing about your dining room and kitchen. And what woman hasn't considered that fantasy? More info about the Old Stone House: Official Park Brochure Facebook Website Follow

How Thomas Jefferson Changed My Life

Maybe you read that title and thought "Wait, what?" What does Thomas Jefferson have to do with anything. Now you're racking your memory-- "I know her husband's from Virginia... she was a history major..." So what's the connection?

On October 9, 2011, Thomas Jefferson changed my life forever. Well, to be honest, he just presided over the event. Or rather, a very large statue of Thomas Jefferson presided over the event. The man who changed my life forever is pictured below. A handsome blue-eyed Virginian who strolled into my life with his "yes ma'ams" and meat-and-potatoes palate and avid obsession with all things outdoors. He strolled right in and made me fall right head-over-heels in love with him. 

On that mild October day four years ago, Mark proposed to me at the Jefferson Memorial. But he didn't just propose. He orchestrated an entire romantic event that concluded at Thomas Jefferson's stone-clad feet. 

I was halfway through my senior year at Piedmont College, a liberal arts college in Northeast Georgia, while Mark had just begun his first "real job" as a construction foreman for a framing company in Washington, D.C. He invited me to his new apartment for my fall break. Casually, he remarked that I should "pack a nice dress" since he wanted to celebrate. My mind immediately assumed he wanted to celebrate his new job and new life in D.C. Little did I know that he and my father had had a serious conversation just a few weeks prior. "A nice dress... like church nice or fancier?" I asked. "Fancier," was the reply. 

Hmmmm.

That evening, Mark lead me into Charlie Palmer Steak DC, one of the nicest restaurants I had ever visited. A reserved table for two waited by the window with a breathtaking view of the National Mall and the US Capitol building. Steak, prawns, sweet potato soup, risotto, creme brulee, and then finally the check. I started to thank my boyfriend for such an amazing meal when he grinned and remarked that the evening wasn't over yet. 

Taking my hand, he lead me a block away to the Hyatt. Perplexed, I laughingly asked why we were standing outside of a luxury hotel only to be interrupted by the jingle of bells. A white carriage drawn by a beautiful grey horse suddenly appeared. It pulled in front of us and its tophat wearing driver smiled and asked us to climb on. My heart beat instantly sped up; clearly this was more than a fancy date night. 

After a tour of the National Mall by carriage, the driver took us to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, where Mark proposed on the bank of the Potomac. I was so excited that I just kissed him and for a moment utterly forgot to say yes. People cheered and whistled when they saw him get on one knee. I have to say-- I love our proposal story. If there was a day I could relive-- that day would be the one I pick. 

For our anniversary weekend, we decided to take a moment and revisit the Jefferson Memorial. After all, last time we were there, I wasn't paying much attention to the fine architecture or to President Jefferson. We took a picture at our proposal spot and then enjoyed the memorial itself. Of course, countless tour busloads teemed around the site, but a somber air presided over the memorial itself. Yet I couldn't help but smile. Even though I know that the huge monument belongs to all American citizens and represents a huge piece of our national history, I can't help but feel like the place is somehow mine. 

So, yes. I guess you could say that Thomas Jefferson changed my life. 

Follow

A Day in Georgetown

To celebrate our third anniversary, Mark and I decided to spend a whole day in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.  I had only been there once before-- and very briefly. A quick drive- by in which our guide basically shouted "There's Washington Harbor and up there's Georgetown." So, we decided to take a daytrip to this beautiful neighborhood and experience it's great shopping, great food, and great scenery.  We strolled its busy streets, popping in and out of the boutiques, antique markets, and shops, and then ate lunch at a restaurant called Old Glory BBQ. I have to admit-- it wasn't the best BBQ I've ever had. We both laughed that we had apparently found the one restaurant in Georgetown that wasn't that great. But a day full of sight seeing, talking, good coffee, and laughter made up for the subpar pulled pork.  My favorite part? Strolling along the C&O Canal with my husband. Under a warm fall sun, we walked hand-in-hand along the towpath. The sun warmed our shoulders as we talked about life, marriage, and all we've learned since saying "I do" three years ago. I know there's still a lot ahead: a lot of adventures to take, challenges to overcome, and lessons to learn. But as long as holding his hand remains one of my favorite things in this world, I think we'll do all right. 

Do:  Walk the C&O Canal towpath

Sightsee: Visit Dumbarton Oaks and the Stone House

Eat: Tony & Jerry's Seafood Place

Drink: PAUL Bakery... delicious hot chocolate

Shop: countless boutiques... I loved Paper Source and Onward Reserve

Follow