Columbia Heights Historical Drinkabout: A Winter Walk

Columbia Heights

Submitted by Andrea on February 10, 2010 - 8:20pm

Venue Address: 

Park Road and 14th St NW

Washington, DC 20010

United States

See map: Google Maps

Washington Walks presents the Columbia Heights Historical Drinkabout, a winter walk that won’t feel too cold as participants explore red-hot Columbia Heights, home to a growing number of cafes and bars, a select few which will be visited during the tour.

The 14th Street corridor between Irving Street and Park Road was one of DC’s most important shopping and entertainment destinations outside downtown. That is until April 4, 1968, when riots following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sparked extensive looting and burning of commercial property.

For decades afterwards, boarded-up businesses and empty lots marred the formerly vibrant Columbia Heights.

Nearly 40 years later, change has swept the area once more: the opening of the Columbia Heights Metrorail station in 1999 spurred construction of apartment buildings, row houses, and the massive shopping complex D.C. USA - not to mention the local - color eateries and pubs visited during the walk.

Your guide for the afternoon is Brian Kraft, historian for the recently unveiled Cultural Convergence: Columbia Heights Trail developed by Cultural Tourism DC. Brian also penned the Columbia Heights chapter in the much anticipated reissue of the book, Washington at Home, set for publication this year.

Cost: $20
Cost of beverages and snacks purchased is extra.
Reservations: Required; space is limited to 25 participants

Washington Walks
Phone: 202-484-1565
Email: info@washingtonwalks.com