An informative guide for those in Capitol Hill, Dupont, NoVa, etc. as well as for those new or looking to move to our neighborhood. This is not just a list of services and establishments in area, but a manual of how to get what you need.
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Swimming Pool & Tennis courts
The Harry Thomas, Sr Community Center is located on Lincoln Rd between Randolph and S (see map) and also offers 2 tennis courts. The swimming pool has 2-3 lanes dedicated to lap swim, general swim area and a diving board. There is also a separate children’s pool that has a walk-in wading area, sprinkler and reaches a depth of 1.5 feet. The pools are never crowded. Just bring your D.C. drivers license for free entrance.
Summer pool hours (Closes August 16th)
1 pm – 8 pm, Monday – Friday (CLOSED Tuesdays)
12 pm – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday
202.541.7499 (pool)
The Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, open year-round, is located at 1100 Michigan Ave., NE (see map)–take the Metro Red Line up 2 stops (Brookland-CUA), bike up the Metropolitan Branch Trail, or drive. There is an indoor pool, basketball court and 8 lighted tennis courts. Bring your D.C. drivers license for free entrance.
Pool hours
6:30 am – 8 pm, Monday – Friday
12 pm – 5 pm, Saturday (CLOSED Sunday)
Center hours
8 am – 9 pm, Monday – Friday
10 am – 4 pm, Saturday
10 am – 2 pm, Sunday
202.576.9238
202.576.9236 (pool)
Home Improvement
The Brass Knob – Back Doors Warehouse has been around since 1991, specializing in all types of old house parts, much of which is salvaged directly from buildings in the Washington area.
57 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-265-0587
bd@thebrassknob.com
Local Gym
Location & parking
In my experience, the most important aspect of a gym is how convenient it is for you to visit—whether it is dragging yourself up at 6 a.m. or taking a detour home from work for a hour of exercise. The center is close (see map) and free ample parking is behind the center.
Facilities
- Weight room with free weights, machines and cardiovascular machines is adequatefor the traffic. Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stairmasters. Full-circuit weight machines. Dumbells and non-olympic barbells. No free-weight bench or squat rack (smith machine serves these roles).
- Large exercise studio that has a range of free and slight-fee classes (few examples: Pilates; Yoga; Guts & Abs; Tai Chi).
- 6-lane pool and spa
- 6 tennis courts (with wind shields)
- Basketball court and indoor (1/10 mile) track
Locker Rooms
When you check-in, you are given a key to a small locker (larger lockers available for a monthly fee) and a clean bath towel. Locker rooms are clean and adequate.
Hours
Monday – Thursday (6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Friday (6 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Saturday & Sunday (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Cost
$150 a quarter (after a $75 initiation fee). Each additional family member is $105 per quarter.
To get to the Trinity Center (see close-up), go past the main buildings and turn before the 
open field (you will see a purple Trinity sign). Tell the security guard you are interested in maybe joining and continue on the driveway, passing in front of the Trinity Center on your right, curving right after the first parking lot on your left, passing the tennis courts, taking a right into the parking lot. Walk to the front of the Center—the tennis courts to your right; Trinity Center to your left.
Membership Information
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Hotel
The Courtyard by Marriott, next to the New York Avenue/Florida Avenue/Gallaudet U Metro Station, is slated to open this April. It appears that it will referred as the “U.S. Capitol” location:
Courtyard Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol
This is a chain for business travelers and will feature hotel rooms with couches and large desks. For a sampling of the rates, a weekend stay in July–without any discounts–ranges from $109 (King with sofabed) to $139 (King/2 room suite) a night.
There are two restaurants inside for guests and the public: Au Bon Pain (European-style sandwich cafe chain also serving pastries) and their own restaurant, the Courtyard Bistro (breakfast, dinner, and COCKTAILS).
Here is the photo tour.
1325 2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
1-202-898-4000
Invaluable websites
Pet Food, Supplies and Care
PetFoodDirect.com has served our pet food needs for 2 years—I have yet to find cheaper prices or a wider selection anywhere. Shipping has averaged $10 for my orders and usually takes a week. Regular coupons are emailed to customers, and I will try to keep an updated code on this page for first-timers (if it lapses, leave a comment, and I’ll update the code). Orders can also be placed by phone (1-800-865-1333). [We currently feed Wellness CORE—a grain-free food—to both our cat and dog.]
Introduction coupon is 15% off entire order: Click or save code INSTANT15
The website may be simple, but we have purchased our prescription flea, tick & heartworm medications from DiscountPetDrugs.com for over 2 years. Lowest prices on the internet that I have ever found (example: Frontline Plus Purple 3-month supply: $30.99; Heartgard Plus Brown 6-month supply: $27.99). You will need to include your veterinarian’s contact information during the order process.
Just wanted to let you know that “the gays” are moving in. My partner and I just moved here 3 months ago and are looking to open a Italian pizza place on north capital with pizza and subs and maybe some pasta, with about 10 tables or so inside with in 2 yrs. I am doing research now on small business loans and that kind of stuff. Any advice would be great.
Oh My Gosh, Yes, Yes, Yes!!! It would be wonderful. Since I am Italian (and Yugoslavian) and love italian food you would be a welcome addition to our neighborhood.
Where is the Big Bear Cafe? My partner and I just moved into the area and the Big bear sounds like the perfect place to hang out on weekend.. or for coffee en route to work! We’re at 4th & T :)
D’OH, I found it. :)