Places to Go in the DMV Area That Feel Safe Right Now

Liz at Camp Anthem at The Wharf | Washington, D.C. | Copyright: espressofied

Things To Do and Places to Go in the DMV Area That Feel Safe Right Now

I’m severely immunocompromised and rarely leave the house unless I need to. It’s been this way since the end of January and, to be honest, I’m so tired of staying in but I do it for my health. I’ve been on a ventilator before and it was the absolute worst thing that I’ve ever gone through (worse than double organ transplant surgery, et al) and I never want to experience that again.

I’m an extrovert who loves people, exploring, traveling, trying new things, and connecting. I see others are going out, having fun in safe ways, and not getting sick, so I decided to do my own research and find some places that I could visit. Places I consider to be safe have safe practices in place (offer hand sanitizer, the staff wears masks, are not crowded, etc.) and offer alternative methods to “touch” (contactless payment systems, contactless menus, mobile offerings, etc.).

Here are the places I personally visited and trust:
NOTE: Please use your best judgment when visiting any of the places I’m listing. If you arrive and see that it’s crowded and/or people are not practicing safe distancing, etc., do not risk it. It’s not worth it. COVID-19 sucks.

1) Camp Anthem at The Wharf
My husband and I drove by The Wharf on Sunday. Usually the Wharf is crazy crowded, but it is such a worth-it hotspot to visit. We decided to see how crowded the area was, it didn’t seem crowded (which shocked me), so we parked and walked around. We stumbled across the beauteous Camp Anthem—- a gorgeous set-up of well spaced-out private cabanas on a pier that serves mouth-watering food and drinks with beautiful views of the water. The Anthem is a well-known concert venue but, since they’re not holding concerts at the moment, this is their new “thing” and it’s amazing! It’s here through August, so check it out: https://theanthemdc.com/campanthem/

2) La Cosecha at Union Market
It’s no secret that I love me some Latin food, drinks, and music, so I’ve been patiently waiting for La Cosecha to explode! This building has so much space and room for more restauranteurs, artists, baristas, et al, but it opened shortly before COVD-19 hit the world, so the expansion of offerings has slowed temporarily—- BUT—- you must visit! La Cosecha has a walk-up bar where you can grab a snack and drink, sit outside and bask in the beautiful open air, and enjoy the day. It’s also THE place I go for some of the best empanadas I’ve ever had (made by the Peruvian Brothers). I also discovered a Venezuelan chocolatier (Arcay Chocolates) who creates the most flavorful, hand-painted bonbons and even offers a kit that one can take home to paint your own chocolates! Check it out: https://unionmarketdc.com/retailer/la-cosecha/

3) Union Market DC
At this time, one cannot go into Union Market and eat like we used to, but you can order delicious foods online, pick up your order at the entry way, and sit outside at one of the spaced-out benches to enjoy. If all the benches are taken, walk around the corner while noshing on your goodies. Union Market DC has always offered so many scrumptious options. It’s the epicenter of culinary creativity in DC with over 40 local vendors and much more to come. https://unionmarketdc.com/

4) The Drive-In at Mosaic
This is the only place on this list that I’ve not actually visited, but it’s because the tickets sell out quickly and I’ve not gotten my hands on a ticket as of yet. Mosaic District used to be the site of a Lee Hwy movie theatre that was immensely popular, so this is super fitting! Watch great films in the convenience of your car for a $28 parking fee per car. Check out their site for movie listings and tickets: https://mosaicdistrict.com/events/event/drive-in-at-mosaic/

5) Crystal City Water Park
This isn’t a “slip and slide” sort of water park; it’s an elegant little park located in Crystal City with beautiful waterways to sit by while enjoying lush green surroundings. It’s not crowded (it hasn’t been each time I’ve visited), it’s outdoors, and there is lots of space to socially distance yourself if others visit this park, too. Enjoy the fresh air, grab a Peruvian empanada and some refreshing Chicha Morada by The Peruvian Brothers at The Stand, and bask in the this sweet little hideaway! P.S. Chicha Morada is a Peruvian drink made of purple corn, fruits, and spices served over ice. Don't knock it 'til you try it! So refreshing and light!

6) Little Leaf Shop
This is a tiny plant shop in the heart of Washington DC, not a “thing to do”, but it’s worth including on this list! It’s a boutique tiny jungle in the city that offers so many beautiful choices of plants, pottery, etc. Only 3 people are permitted in the shop at a time for safety, botanical hand sanitizer is offered, you can purchase one of their lush plants via a contactless payment system, and the staff will help you understand how to take care of your plant baby at home. I bought two new plants and intend to return to buy a small tabletop-sized Monstera soon! Visit them online: https://littleleafshop.com/

I’ll be adding more to this list as I check more places out, so stay tuned and visit often! xx
Enjoy, wear a mask, be safe! The world needs you!