What to Do in DC on a Summer Day Off

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Maybe your office has "Summer Fridays" or you just have a vacation day burning a hole in your pocket. you make the call or email and call off work, but then what? The possibilities are virtually endless, but if you're in need of some summertime in DC inspiration, we have got you covered!

1. Sleep in - Hopefully, we don't actually have to encourage you to do this, but it's your day off. You deserve it.

2. Enjoy your favorite amenity - Take a swim at the pool or squeeze in a workout at gym at The Louis to get your day off to an energizing start!

3. Make it a long weekend - Plan a weekend trip to the Chesapeake Bay, Bethany Beach, or Cape May - all of which are within driving distance of Washington DC.

4. Hit the roof - Visit one of DC's top ranked rooftop bars (via Thrillist). Establishments with stellar rooftop views in the 14 Street/U Street/Shaw area include Masa 14, El Centro D.F., Marvin, Lost Society, Local 16, Nellie's Sports Bar, The Brixton, DC 9, 1905 Bistro & Bar, and Dunya Restaurant & Bar!

5. Explore the exhibits at your favorite museum - If you take a day off in the middle of the week, you won't have to fight off the crowds of tourists at your favorite museum!

6. Get in a full 18 holes - When was the last time you went golfing? Get in a round of golf early in the day before the heat sets in! Visit Golf DC for additional resources and upcoming events.

7. Rent a boat - Cruise the waters of the Potomac, or anywhere in the area really. Go in on a boat rental fee with a couple of friends. You can rent boats with or without captains, so whether you prefer to be in control (with a license, of course) of want to sit back and relax with a cold one in hand, you can find a vessel that's right for you!

8. Do something you've always wanted to, but never had time for - If you're going to use a vacation day, make it count! Maybe you've always wanted to try a particular restaurant or rent a paddleboat at the Tidal Basin. Carpe diem!

With so many stores, activities and attractions in the area, it is hard to narrow down the options. The important things are to relax and do what makes you happy on your next day off or long weekend!

What tops your personal list of things to do on your day off? Share yours on The Louis' Facebook or Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Capitol File Magazine

Furnish Your Home at The Louis

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Once you have signed the lease and start packing the moving boxes to move into The Louis, then comes the fun task of...shopping! How do you want to decorate your new space? What vibe do you want it to have? Luckily, in the 14th & U area, there are many home furnishing stores to find beautiful new pieces of furniture and other decor items for your new apartment home. If you are unsure where to begin, here are some of our favorites:

Home Rule | 1807 14th St. NW

If you share the philosophy that you can never own too many kitchen gadgets, then Home Rule is going to be your new best friend! USA ice cube tray? Check. Contoured ice cream scoops for the perfect scoop? Check. Do you need these things? Maybe not, but you'll buy them anyway. Home Rule is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Room & Board | 14th & T St.

It's pretty easy to spend hours upon hours inside Room & Board. Located in a restored Ford Motors showroom, there are 4 floors to explore. If you're in search of a new sofa, Room & Board offers an extensive selection of fabrics. Many of the pieces you'll find at Room & Board are made in America! Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salt & Sundry | 1401 S St.

If you have more of a boho decor affinity, you will find plenty of pieces to complete your rooms at Salt & Sundry. While the store offers tables, most of their decor consists of accent/complementary pieces of furniture, including bar carts and fixings to go on it, candles, throws and more. Visit the store Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Elm | 1728 14th St., NW

West Elm carries a wide variety bedding, furniture, home decor, lighting and kitchenware in fun and modern designs. Get lost in the store's two floors of home decor! The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If none of these stores have quite the pieces you're looking for, consider checking out the District Flea, which is held on Saturdays through October! With so many stores and shops in our area, it is difficult to list them all, but it's almost impossible to go a block without seeing a home furnishing/decor store! 

What do you think are our area's hidden home decor gems? Follow The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages and share yours!

Additional sources consulted:

Borderstan

DC Racked

Washingtonian

The Gentlemen's Guide

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According to a newly released study from Grooming Lounge, Washington DC ranks third in the US in terms of having the most handsome men as residents. Sure, we may have been ranked behind Seattle and San Francisco, but Washington DC has the most handsome men on the East Coast, so we'll consider that a win, right? So where should the District's men go to stay looking and feeling good!

Federal
Located on 14th Street, Federal offers men's clothing, shoes, outerwear, wallets and more. This store prides itself on carrying quality brands, including Levi's, Converse, Raleigh Denim and Birkenstock, just to name a few. The store also highlights "Made in the USA" products, and seeks garments that provide both quality and unique detail. Federal is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The Grooming Lounge
Yes, this is the same group who launched the study we referred to earlier. Grooming Lounge is a barbershop and men's spa with locations in DC and northern Virginia. Employees' expertise ranges from "hair to skin to nails to men's relaxation." In the salon, you can receive treatments such as a hot lather shave, anti-aging facial, in addition to other services and packages. The closest Grooming Lounge location to your apartment home at The Louis is downtown at 1745 L. St. NW.

Michael Andrews Bespoke
If your job requires a suit, have one custom made at Michael Andrews Bespoke. High-quality fabric and custom fit to you, these suits are truly one of a kind. Forget about buying off the rack. The staff at Michael Andrews will help you select fabric, colors and more for an unforgettable wardrobe. Michael Andrews Bespoke is located at 1604 17th St. NW, 2nd Floor.

Redeem
Redeem is an independent boutique on 14th Street that offers unique pieces from local designers in a contemporary, urban style. For the gentlemen who love to dress fashion-forward, take a look at what Redeem has to offer.

Gentlemen of The Louis, what are some of your go-to places throughout the city to go for a new wardrobe or for relaxation? Share your favorites with us on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
CBS DC
Washingtonian
Washington DC Racked

National Ice Cream Month

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Summers in Washington DC can be sizzling, and there is no better way to cool off during your commute to and from work than stopping for a good old ice cream cone! July marks National Ice Cream Month, with National Ice Cream Day on July 19, so now is the perfect opportunity to share some of our favorite DC-area ice cream shoppes with our residents!

Pitango Gelato
If you're in search of some "exotic" gelato flavors, Pitango Gelato is where you want to be. With flavors ranging from spicy chocolate to mojito, Pitango has a flavor to satisfy any craving. Pitango prides itself on sourcing the best ingredients, which include organic grass-fed milk, free-range eggs, and no artificial ingredients. With sophisticated flavors and organic ingredients come a higher price, but the uniqueness of their flavors is worth it. Pitango Gelato has several locations throughout DC, but the closest to your home at The Louis is in Logan Circle at 1451 P St. NW.

Dolcezza Gelato
Also located in Logan Circle is Dolcezza Gelato. After its owners created the concept in Buenos Aires in 2000, the first DC shop opened in Georgetown in July 2004. Dolcezza's gelato is made fresh daily at its Union Market location, and uses local ingredients. Visitors may even set up a tour of the gelato factory! Visitors can sample flavors like marscapone & berries and Georgia butter pecan in gelato, and sorbetto flavors like strawberry terragon.

Ice Cream Jubilee
Rated the top ice cream shop in the 2015 Washington City Paper Best of D.C. Readers Poll, Ice Cream Jubilee certainly does not disappoint. Current flavors include banana bourbon caramel, mango habanero and Thai iced tea! The Thai iced tea comes highly recommended for those who don't typically like to stray from vanilla. Jubilee's ice cream is made from 18% butterfat, which makes for a creamier ice cream. The majority of Jubilee's flavors are gluten-free, too. You may visit Ice Cream Jubilee in Navy Yard at 301 Water St. SE.

Where is your favorite ice cream or gelato shoppe to treat yourself on a hot summer day? Share yours with The Louis on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Brightest Young Things
DCist

Ways to Celebrate July 4th in DC

This Saturday, July 4, the United States of America will celebrate its 239th birthday! Because we live in city of such strong historical and political significance, there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate this Independence Day in the District. With an extra long weekend ahead, get ready to do some celebrating, American style!

Fireworks
What would the Fourth of July be without a fireworks spectacular? According to Washingtonian Magazine, some of the best views in the city that are nearby your apartment home at The Louis can be found on the DNV Rooftop, Brixton and Satellite Room. If you're seeking a more exclusive experience, head up to the rooftop at The Louis or purchase a ticket for the W Hotel's annual "Boom with a View" fireworks and cocktail event.

Image courtesy Pixabay

National Independence Day Parade
Parades have become an American tradition and the National Independence Day Parade will surely get you into the patriotic spirit! The parade begins at 11:45 AM at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, and continues down Constitution to 17th Street.

National Archives
Home to the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives is holding several events to get visitors involved in their celebration of the historical document. From 10 - 11 AM, join the Archives for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed interpreters Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Ned Hector. Following the reading, and through 4 PM, visitors may visit the Boeing Learning Center for crafts and other activities.

BBQ
Fire up the grill and have an all-American cookout! If you don't want to do the cooking yourself, head down to City Tap House for the Beer-B-Q Battle from noon to 5 PM. Guests will vote for their favorite beer and barbecue pairings, play cornhole and enjoy $5 drafts. Tickets cost $15.

Of course, there are many more events taking place throughout the holiday weekend. Where will you be? At home baking an apple pie and grilling, or on a rooftop bar in the city? Share you plans with The Louis on our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Happy Independence Day! Have a safe and happy holiday!