Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Visiting Georgetown

Last Friday I attended an event as part of the Georgetown Ritz lecture series where Ankie Barnes of BarnesVanze Architects talked about the history of the neighborhood as well as listing his favorite spots to visit.As an established Georgetown architect, Ankie's list was a fascinating 'to do' list for anyone who visits DC or even lives here!While I have lived in DC for 10 years myself, I had no idea the figures on the Buffalo Dumbarton Bridge above were modeled after Buffalo Bill!Don't miss the historical buildings, great shopping or delicious treats at Leopolds in Cady's Alley.The Farmers and Mechanics Bank (where I actually do my own banking) is a lovely landmark at the main intersection of Georgetown and don't skip the lobby. Don't miss this checklist!

11 comments:

The Devoted Classicist said...

I could not read the graphic list too clearly on my iPhone, so please excuse me if this is a repeat. But I would also include Tudor Place. It was still a private residence when I was in D.C., so I have never been inside. Surely it is a treat for all interested in historic architecture and decorative arts.

Windlost said...

I just adore Georgetown. The first time I visited, I felt like I was home (I wish). I have many favorite places there and saw the buffalos last year for the first time. I love the bridges, and also had fun exploring Cady's Alley, etc. I did not know there was a Ritz...how elegant! I also enjoyed visiting the library and also the cemetery (I have a great love of old cemeteries). Dumbarton House was closed for an event last time, but I will visit next time!!
I hope you are well.
Thanks, Terri

Girls Bedroom said...

Hey there
I truly loved this post. A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information. The majority of the information here was rather enlightening!

Woodside Park said...

I would have loved to attend the lecture. We are so lucky to live near Georgetown. One of my favorite historic neighborhoods in DC!! Great photo of the canal.
Loi

quintessence said...

I haven't been to DC for years, and am embarrassed to say have never been to Georgetown so I am going to have to save this list for the next trip!!

Hels said...

I suppose if you renovate an area back to its distant past, complete with a cobblestone alley, there is always a risk of it turning out like a historical theme park.

However Cady’s Alley looks good. It has a lot going for it, including space to breathe, an industrial past, a combination of interesting shops and residences, and plenty of pedestrian paths.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

I am familiar with that gold-domed bank because I spent a lot of time in that neighborhood back in the early 1960s. Back then it was all antique stores, a mecca for antiquers!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Mark, I had no idea it wasn't always a bank!! Sorry I missed the antiques store. Not sure you'd recognize georgetown today...

pda-architecture said...

woww... Very Classic. Great Photo,
could be a reference.

Leah Moss said...

I think you take advantage of intersting dc events more than anyone I've ever met. Seriously. Whenever I visit your blog I find myself thinking of dc as just a little bit cooler.

The canal photo is so gorgeous!

Peter at CB Construction said...

Thanks for sharing - that gold dome is terrific, if only we could get away with building one within one of our houses.