The Wharf and Southwest Waterfront is a vibrant neighborhood with a bevy of arts and entertainment options. Plus, there’s the historic fish market and The Wharf. This riverfront community has experienced a renaissance as of late, with the construction of a new development called The Wharf. Despite these substantial changes, this historically-significant neighborhood along the Potomac River holds many important remains of its storied past, including its world-famous seafood market, world-class theater, a leisure cruise boat pier, and a riverfront promenade. Happenings in the Southwest and The Wharf neighborhood may include some of these:
The Wharf
The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront is an exciting dining and shopping destination in the Washington, DC metro area. This gorgeous waterfront development opened in the fall of 2017 and encompasses both land and water acreage. It stretches the length of the Potomac River’s shoreline from Fort McNair to the Maine Avenue Fish Market. The Wharf hosts three hotels, retail shops and boutiques, and plenty of restaurants overseen by the District’s most prestigious chefs.
The Maine Avenue Fish Market
The Maine Avenue Fish Market in Washington, DC is a historic outdoor market. This DC landmark was established in 1805 and is the oldest continuously operating open-air seafood market in the country. Vendors sell both prepared and raw seafood both from the market area and floating barges. This is the ideal place to sample the region’s iconic Chesapeake Bay oysters and crabs.
The Mead Center for American Theater and Arena Stage
This vast theater complex in Washington, DC has helped to revitalize this neighborhood. The renovation preserved the original theater-in-the-round and added two breathtaking new stages for theater education and experimental productions. According to Workers Compensation Lawyers in Washington, DC, the Mead Center has scenic views of the waterfront from its floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.
Culture House DC
This performing arts attraction in Washington, DC is housed in a former 19th-century Baptist church. Culture House is committed to bringing the community an “accessible arts environment with multiple experiential opportunities.” There are avant-garde productions and events and an art annex with a gallery that is open to the public on specific days of the week.
The Anthem or Pearl Street Warehouse
When The Wharf opened, two new music venues did, as well. The Anthem is an acoustically optimized, concert hall with a capacity for 6,000 patrons. The Pearl Street Warehouse is a cozier venue that allows for a more intimate show with your favorite rock, blues, or country artist. Both venues provide a musical treat for the ears that you won’t soon forget.
Saint Dominic Church
This historic landmark was built in 1875 and has become a neighborhood gathering place. It displays an impressive illuminated steeple and showcases 24 gorgeously colored stained glass windows depicting the life of the church’s patron saint, Dominic. On Sunday evenings, the church typically hosts religious movie seminars.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Relax and rejuvenate at the Mandarin Oriental. This place is considered one of the most luxurious spas in DC, having gained international acclaim. It boasts an oversized lounge, a crystal steam room, and hot-and-cold-water experiences. Indeed, the amenities at this Zen-like escape from the stresses of everyday life go on and on.
Indeed, there is much to do in this Washington, DC neighborhood. Make one or more of them a destination for your next adventure in the nation’s capital.
