D.C. #Regram: Influencers Reflect on Local Posts

Everyone has a favorite spot in D.C. Whether you grew up here or flew into DCA or took the Megabus, every person who’s passed through the nation’s capital likely has a warm and fuzzy feeling about a particular neighborhood, restaurant or street here in the city. If you close your eyes, what place comes to mind for you? Is it something national steeped in American tradition, like the monuments or the Capitol Building? Is it a local institution like Ben’s Chili Bowl, home of the half-smoke, or the vaunted 9:30 Club, where acts big and small have eagerly climbed onstage? There’s no wrong answer here, because D.C. is home to a number of iconic buildings and legendary venues. Need more examples? Well, how about pictures? We asked some of the District’s most active Instagrammers about the places that make them think of the city and why.

Albert Ting | @pootie_ting

[Pictured above.] “This is a tough question because D.C. has so many exciting places to eat, drink and have fun. The Wharf would probably best represent my first year as a full-time freelance event photographer and social media strategist. Its diverse range of beautiful new event venues, local retailers, stunning waterfront views, and award-winning hotels and restaurants have made The Wharf a frequent locale for my recent photography gigs. [This] includes a citywide, Pride-themed floral art installation, a Qatar-America Institute photography exhibition, and numerous fashion and lifestyle photo sessions. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, enjoy an evening sunset, sip a refreshing Moscow mule, or share a light snack with friends in a sophisticated but laidback atmosphere at The Wharf, Whiskey Charlie – shown here [and] located on the rooftop of D.C.’s first Canopy by Hilton – is just the spot.”

Photo courtesy of @sensiblestylista.

Kimberly Kong | @sensiblestylista

“Located in Bloomingdale, Truxton Inn is a really cool place to hang in the District. It’s a classy but lowkey neighborhood bar with a chill, speakeasy vibe. It caters to D.C.’s literary and film aficionados, with themed cocktail menus that pay homage to famous authors and filmmakers. Expect killer drinks, great conversation and intimate ambiance.”

@espressofied. Photo by Pablo Raya.

Liz Strom | @espressofied

“The Library of Congress is a gorgeous, must-visit landmark in D.C. that holds so much knowledge and wisdom as well as magic, mystery, beauty, history, [etc.] There are so many hidden treasures to be found. As a D.C. native who loves to socialize and bring people together, it’s an amazing place to people-watch and chat with visitors from all over the world.”

Photo courtesy of @twofemmegems.

Cassie + Alexa | @twofemmegems

“The Library of Congress is one of our favorite places in D.C. Not only is the architecture beyond impressive, the building itself has a warm and inviting way of drawing you in. As two total book nerds, we love wandering through the book stacks and really taking in the incredible amount of information housed in this gorgeous building.”

Photo courtesy of @austinrutland.

Austin Rutland | @austinrutland

“This specific Dolcezza location on 14th Street is the first coffee shop that I went to when I moved to D.C. three years ago, and ever since then, I have truly felt at home here. The tiles, the brick, the white marble tables, the ambiance – it’s just everything I need to get a stunning photo every time.”

@thejenchase. Photo by David Santori, @frenchieyankee.

Jennifer Chase | @thejenchase

“What really makes this city special for me are the people who live here. There’s a really supportive food community and a fantastic creative community.  As a freelance photographer and creative director at Edible DC, I’m lucky to be at the intersection of both. I love watching women in the food and beverage world support each other. There [are] so many women I could name like […] Rose Previte of Maydan who are really fantastic at this. Maydan has amazing food and an interesting wine list from less well-known regions. “

Photo courtesy of @narrativeofnic.

Nicole Santa | @narrativeofnic

“I picked this shot because it’s in the LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan, [which] represents D.C. to me because it’s such a diverse area. If you’re looking for a hangout spot and can’t decide between local or worldwide flavors, this is the neighborhood you’ll find both in. I’d definitely say the area [is] more local than tourist-driven, which is also true D.C. We’re more than monuments! The LINE is housed in a 110-year-old church, so you still get some of the historic aspect that’s iconic to the District.”

@alicatenise. Photo by Tom McGovern.

Alicia T. Chew | @alIciatenise

“My favorite neighborhood in the District is Bloomingdale. It’s kept a lot of its original charm and character, and it’s packed with some incredible restaurants and bars, which makes it one of the perfect places in town for locals. The Red Hen and Boundary Stone in particular are two of my favorite places to hang out and catch up with friends. I think it’s very underrated and isn’t overly developed, and it is a hidden gem. Union Market, which is right around the corner from Bloomingdale, is also another spot that I frequent in town. It’s jam-packed full of small local businesses that all have incredible products and/or food to offer.”