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Head to this up-and-coming area in Northeast DC for distilleries and breweries, Michelin-certified dining and the National Arboretum.
Let out your inner raver and embrace PLUR (that’s peace, love, unity and respect) at this 30,000 square food indoor concert venue. The space is no match, however, for the state-of-the-art German sound system, perfect for DJs at the top of their game like Calvin Harris, Galantis and Alesso. While a pumped-up dance party is a regular occurrence at the venue, it also attracts artists like Sam Smith and Gucci Mane.
Atlas Brew Works - Brewery in Ivy City - Breweries in Washington, DC
Founded by two thirsty engineering scholars with a discerning taste for beer, Atlas Brew Works sought to bring craft brewing back to the Ivy City community. They’ve succeeded, so make sure you check out the often-rotating stable of sours, IPAs and lagers. The kid- and dog-friendly tap room is open daily and tours are available on Saturdays on the even-numbered hours from 2-6 p.m.
The free-to-enter 446-acre park and living museum in Ivy City is home to the historic National Capitol Columns, which supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1828-1958, as well as miles of trails and one of North America’s largest collections of bonsai trees. At the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, discover a fascinating collection of miniature Japanese and Chinese trees and learn about these centuries-old practices.
The two longtime friends who founded this crowd-funded distillery join our list of exciting DC experiences that celebrate amazing women, and with good reason. They had a vision that the power of a cocktail could bring communities together, and that’s just what they’ve done. Visitors can join that community by doing a distillery tour and private tasting or having a craft cocktail at The Ivy Room bar. You can’t go wrong with any of the distillery’s homemade spirits: Civic Vodka, Borough Bourbon and Rodham Rye.
Did you know that the Mid-Atlantic region serves as the birthplace of American whiskey? While the story is as complex as the distilled rye the area has produced, the Whiskey Rebellion Trail lets you delve into George Washington’s role in the Whiskey Rebellion or mix it up with the District’s crop of craft distillers. And when it comes to spirit-making, Ivy City is the city's distilling hub. Check out the Ivy City One-Day Passport for a quartet of tastings, tours and cocktails, which you can comfortably pack into a day.
When you're finished exploring the hidden gems of Ivy City, continue on to the nearby neighborhoods of NoMa and H Street NE.
