Where To Live Now: Hip Neighborhoods

Capitol Riverfront

A Waterfront Gem
DC is surrounded by water, and yet, aside from Georgetown Waterfront Park completed in 2011, riverfront property in the District has been largely underutilized during the past several decades. That is one of the reasons why the redevelopment of the Southeast quadrant’s Capitol Riverfront has made such a splash – it’s not since World War II that the neighborhood has seen such action.

Dog-Friendly
Capitol Riverfront is one of DC’s most pup-friendly neighborhoods, with ample places to walk your canines from Lansburgh Dog Park to Virginia Avenue Park and Yards Park. Dogs are welcome at several restaurant and bar patios around the ‘hood like Agua 301 and Willie’s Brew & Que, not to mention year-round dog-themed events like Pups in the Park at Nationals Park, the Wiener 500 at Yards Park. Plus  neighborhood retailers such as Unleashed by Petco and Wagtime have all you need to be a good pet parent. For more information on dog-friendly parks and events, go to www.capitolriverfront.org.

One of DC’s First Wineries
Adding to the bevy of beverage and dining options already available, District Winery – one of DC’s first – will open its doors in Capitol Riverfront later this summer. District Winery: 385 Water St. SE, DC; www.districtwinery.com

Parks Galore
The Yards and Yards Park play a large role in creating this new community to live, work and play, with amenity-to-the-max apartments, office and retail space, and a seemingly endless list of events (including free outdoor concerts every Friday). Canal Park, too, hosts activities including a winter skating rink and outdoor movies in the summer. The Yards: 355 Water St. SE, DC; Canal Park: 200 M St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org

Sports Mania
Capitol Riverfront is Metro accessible, so sports fans can easily get to Nationals Park and the forthcoming Audi Field for D.C. United games at nearby Buzzard Point. Audi Field: 32-60 R St. SW, DC; www.dcunited.com/audi-field Nationals Park: 1500 South Capitol St. SE, DC; www.washington.nationals.mlb.com

Q&A with Virginia Arrisueño

Creative Director, Steadfast Supply

On Tap: How would you describe Steadfast Supply?
Virginia Arrisueño: Steadfast Supply originated last year as a pop-up, and this time around, it’s kind of an extended pop-up retail concept store. We created it to highlight local and independent brands, business, retails consigners, etc., and to highlight The Yards and bring people into the area because The Yards itself is such a gem. It’s such a cool part of DC that not many people know about, but when they come here, they fall in love.

OT: You must have liked the space and neighborhood a lot to come back; when did you start planning that?
VA: The first time around, we were brought into the space and it was a white box. And I just fell in love with it. I’m a visual artist, so with this kind of space, I was able to create a concept. After the first installation, we knew it was well-received by the community – by The Yards and DC as well – so when we were provided the opportunity to come back, we absolutely without a doubt, without any hesitation said, ‘Yes, of course.’

OT: In Steadfast’s first iteration last winter, there was coworking space. Is that part of the concept this time around?
VA: It’s all about taking it to the next level. We didn’t really need a coworking space [this time], but what we did need was to keep was a classroom setting – a place where we can have workshops, gatherings and different kinds of events. We wanted a place to provide an educational component that is also an experience, so when people come in, they feel both comfortable and engaged, and treated properly.

OT: Is there anything you would want readers to know about the neighborhood? 
VA: People need to realize that [The Yards] appeals to all demographics, and if they go to the right places, they’ll see that. I just got a list of all the events being planned in the area, and I’m like, “Wow, this is awesome.” Single, coupled, married, have kids – there are so many things anyone can do here.

Steadfast Supply: 300 Tingey St. #140, SE, DC; www.steadfastsupplydc.com

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