Washington DC, our nation’s capital and political hub, is chock-full of interesting facts and figures. We all know the monuments and historical sites that dot the city’s streets, but there are plenty of fun facts about DC that you might not know. Read on to discover what makes DC such a wonderful place to live.
It’s home to the oldest continuously-operating fish market in the U.S.
When you think of iconic fish markets in the U.S., your mind might drift to Seattle’s Pike Place or New York’s Fulton Fish Market. But when it comes to the most storied and historical fish market in the country, DC’s Municipal Fish Market takes the cake. Located on the wharf of the Potomac River just beyond the National Mall, this open-air fish market has been the place to go for fresh blue crab, shucked oysters, for more than 200 years. The wharf features local favorites like Jessie Taylor Seafood, and Captain White’s Seafood City.
Residents love their wine
If you don’t like wine, you might be out of your element in DC. That’s because residents here drink more wine per capita than almost any other state or district in the U.S, according to a 2020 study.
It should come as no surprise that there are tons of wineries in the DC area. District Winery is one of the hippest spots in the city, and it just so happens to pour up some great wines at its tasting bar. Locals who want a low-key, relaxing evening with friends know to head to The Urban Winery, located in Silver Spring. Plus, just a 20 to 30-minute drive outside the city limits is where you’ll find plenty of other wineries ready to serve visitors some tasty vino.
Secret tunnels snake beneath Capitol Hill
Just like Disneyland, DC has a collection of secret, underground tunnels that weave beneath Capitol Hill. Connecting Capitol Building to Russell Senate Office is the US Capitol Subway System, once called the “shortest and most exclusive railway in the world”. Although only available to Congressional members and guests with special clearance, you can catch a ride on the railway during an official tour of the Capitol.
The Library of Congress also features underground tunnels, connecting all three buildings: the iconic Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building and John Adams Building. In these tunnels you’ll find both a Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as a bodega selling snacks, so workers can grab a quick bite before heading to the next building. Finally, the Cannon Tunnel connects the U.S. Capitol with the Cannon House Office Building. These tunnels boast the most amenities, including a post office, cafeteria, and credit union. The walls are lined with artwork submitted to the Congressional Art Competition every year, so there’s plenty to see along the way.
The Congressional Cemetery is dog-friendly
Are you a dog-walker? Do you want to change up your usual routes and visit a historical site at the same time? You’re in luck. The 208-year-old Congressional Cemetery, resting grounds for J. Edgar Hoover, many U.S. Senators, and veterans from every American war, is a non-profit with an off-leash dog-walking program. Membership is required, but the annual fee is not imposing and the 35-acre cemetery provides plenty of space for your pups to roam free.
If you just want to go for the day, non-members can purchase day passes for $10 Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Plus, whether you’re a member or not, the entrance fees all go toward repairing and preserving the cemetery to keep it in great condition.
DC started the 7th Inning Stretch
Anyone who’s ever been to a baseball game knows the drill: in the middle of the 7th inning, fans stand up and sing along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during, what we now call, the 7th inning stretch. But how did this tradition come to be? Go back to 1889, when President William Taft was attending the World Series between the Washington Senators and Pittsburgh Athletics. President Taft, wanting to stretch his legs, stood up from his seat and, out of respect for the POTUS, every other fan in the stadium stood with him. Thus, the tradition was born. Today, it’s one of the most beloved and well-known staples in professional sports, and it all started in Washington.
Did these quick facts whet your appetite for DC? This is just the beginning of all the things that make DC a unique and historical city. If you’re thinking of moving there (or already do and need a new place to call home), check out these apartments for rent in DC and get ready to explore our nation’s capital.
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