With 600,000 residents, one would think that there were few cultural activities to partake in during a visit to the District of Columbia. As part of the Washington Metropolitan Area, DC plays a large role in the arts, entertainment and culture of neighboring VA and MD by serving 5.3 million residents.

The density and population size may not compare to larger cities but DC certainly has a unique edge that sets it apart from the others. Consider the latest buzz in mainstream media about Washington and one will stumble upon what the First Lady wore during a public appearance, the hamburger mom-and-pop eatery that the President went to during lunch or an article addressing the owner of the Redskins whom many Washingtonians despise. Is there more to Washington than what the average American knows? Of course!

Opening Night of Artomatic (Photo Source: ReadysetDC)

If the city were split in half, there would be two separate entities, the government and local community. Legislators, Democrats, Republicans, Socialites, Lobbyists, Ambassadors and the media makes up the Federal sector of DC. The local aspects of DC are extended throughout the city’s vibrant energy centered on the city’s  diverse neighborhoods, jazz muscians, go-go bands, art galleries and institutions (privately owned and not funded by the Smithsonian), progressive grassroots movements, a large cycling community and a thriving creative class. To say that Washington is a boring city is a misconception.

There are aspects of this city that many people are unaware of or simply misinformed about. Fortunately for DC, a new First Family has moved into the White House.  They have embraced the city’s culture, which was not present during the Bush administration. The Obamas’ vital role in mainstream America has also increased the existence of domestic and international media outlets; within a few months of their arrival, newspaper articles, power rank listings and research studies rated DC as a prominent city to be in.

Obama Street Art (Source: e_shutt)

As more media weighs in on President Obama and reality shows turn up in the District, hidden treasures of the city are becoming more apparent to others. Ben’s Chili Bowl,  the Annual High Heel Race in Dupont Circle, Eastern Market (a 50-year-old farmer’s market) and Busboys and Poets are just a few mentionables. The combination of the “old” and “new” DC continues to unravel in different neighborhoods, especially along U Street, North West. I feel as though DC’s moment in the spotlight is shining once again.

The 80’s punk rock movement in DC proved that this political town can be influential in ways beyond policies and legislation. One subculture of the city that I perceive to be a huge factor in driving the “hip” kids to the city is the creative class which was ranked by the WSJ as the best city for young professionals during post-recession recovery. DC will never be San Francisco or New York City but DC’s culture has great potential to be compared to the latter. For that reason alone, I will begin a column titled The ‘Real’ DC to capture the vibrant aspects of the city.

I feel compelled to share my stories of what I love about this city.

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To see more from Allicia, visit: http://evilmonito.com/author/atek/

Published on 4 November 2009 | 2 |