Despite it being cold and overcast today, with intermittent light rain, I went for a bike ride at lunchtime anyway. That’s because I had made plans several weeks ago for today’s ride. Today I rode to the Southwest Waterfront because after years of planning and additional years of construction led by PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, a local team of accomplished mixed-use developers, the first phase of the multi-billion dollar District Wharf development project opened today with a big celebration.
Today’s grand opening kicks off four days of free musical entertainment and headliner bands, including the Bacon Brothers, featuring Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael. Other musical acts include Go Go Gadjet, White Ford Bronco, Pebble to Pearl, and Oh He Dead, as well as the Howard University Gospel Choir, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and the Children’s Chorus of Washington. Other activities include restaurant openings from some of D.C.’s hottest chefs, debuts of iconic shops, and lots of waterside entertainment and activities, including marching bands, stilt-walkers, paddleboarding presidents, kayak rentals, and free group yoga sessions. And there was a daytime fireworks show today. And there is another fireworks show scheduled for this Sunday evening.
Located at 690 Water Street (MAP) in D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s vision of an entryway for the nation’s capital has now become a destination. Comprised of parks and piers, The Maine Avenue Fish Market, dozens of new restaurants, retail shops and services, a distillery, a water taxi hub, as well as two new music venues, The Anthem and Pearl Street Warehouse, The Wharf is expected to become one of the busiest and most popular centers of activity in the national capital city. and after today’s bike ride, I will be able to say that I was there at the beginning of it all.
[Click on the photos to view the full-size versions]
NOTE: One more thing. I would also like to note that The District Wharf is very bicycle friendly. There is a free valet service, and there are plenty of bike racks throughout the entire area. So there is no need to attempt to secure your bicycle the way the one on the photo below is. Can you tell what is wrong in that photo?
The DC Bike Blogger 