What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at DC Writer's Homes, an epic online database of places connected to DC literati. What started as a quirky hobby for friends and literary historians Kim Roberts and Dan Vera resulted in a resource gathering facts which might otherwise have been lost over the years. Explore the impressive list by neighborhood, literary genre, or fun subcategories like 'radicals,' 'showbiz,' 'hosts of literary salons,' or 'spies and their families.'
The hours one could spend reading these fascinating tidbits about our famous residents are dwarfed by the steps you can rack up visiting the spots they laid their heads. JFK, for example, couch-surfed seven DC locations, from a house he shared during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives to the White House. The Y at 1816 12th Street NW has a re-creation of the single room in which Langston Hughes would have lived in 1925. (The nearby Busboys and Poets bookstore at 14th and V Streets, NW, is named for Hughes, who worked as a hotel busboy to subsidize his poetic life.) Two of Clara Barton's residences are open to the public: one in the Glen Echo Chautauqua and the other at 437 Seventh St. N.W., home to the Office of Missing Soldiers she helmed post Civil War.
To really nerd out, click 'Also of Interest' for other locations, like cemeteries, churches, parks, and restaurants, of literary import.
Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Perfect Liar's Club" in Washington DC takes the game 'Two Truths and a Lie' to a whole new level of fun... It offers a show that's not to be missed!
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Every 1st Sunday, "7DrumCity" in Washington DC organizes a 'potluck jam' party. No matter your skill, come mingle with local musicians & make some music!
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"Bistro du Coin" (est. 2000) in Washington DC is a real French bistro with authentic food at a fair price...
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"Dupont Italian Kitchen" (est. 1986) in Washington DC is a community hangout for loyal locals and a favorite among LGBTQ residents & their families!
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"Jolt 'n Bolt" in Washington DC has all-day breakfast that's cheffed up on sight and a great menu of smoothies, like the Mood Boost or Morning Detox.
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"Bar Charley" in Washington DC is famous for its cocktails. Great creations - and the food is even better!
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The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!
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"Ambar" in Washington DC is a beloved bottomless brunch spot. It's my go-to birthday celebration spot and I always make a reservation a month in advance...
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"Boundary Stone" is my go-to, no-reservation-needed brunch spot in Washington DC. My favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and the egg and chorizo sandwich...
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As far as I'm concerned, "Taco City D.C." makes the best tacos I've had anywhere. The fact it's so close to my house is dangerous for my bank account...
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"Miracle Theatre" in Washington DC is the oldest (second-run) movie theater in the city. They also host private events - I once performed theater there...
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101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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