Neighborhood Heritage Tour - U Street

Earlier in April on one of the first gorgeous Saturdays, my friend, Elle*, and I decided to do one of the Neighborhood Heritage Tours.  Cultural Tourism D.C. created several different tours for most of the neighborhoods in D.C.  They range from 2 hours to 90 minutes. 

Elle and I opted to do the U-Street tour, and loved it.  It was a great way to be outside on a beautiful day and learn about D.C.  I was amazed that D.C. has a vibrant African American community as early as the late 1800s and that the community made great contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.  

I also learned about Mary Foote Henderson, who created Meridian Hill Park and developed much of 16^th Street.  She also just sounds like a lady I would like to meet.  

  

Not only did I learn about D.C.’s fascinating past, but I also learned a lot about D.C. today.  For example, the Industrial Bank at the corner of U Street and 11^th Street, is the longest operating bank owned by an African American.  I also learned about the Thurgood Marshall Center and all that it does for the D.C. community. 

Industrial Bank                                                                              Thurgood Marshall Center

Elle and I just walked the tour and it took about an hour or so.  However, we easily could have made it last longer by grabbing a drink at the Caverns, which was highlighted on the tour, going into the exhibit at the Marshall Center or visiting the Civil War Museum (Sidenote: am I the only one that did not know there was a Civil War Museum there?).  The tour was great at taking you to quieter, pretty streets in the U-Street Neighborhood, as well as, bustling streets with great options to grab a coffee or a snack.  I definitely plan on doing another one of the tours.

Pro Tips:

1.     Take a picture of the map on the sign.  If you go with friends, you will chit chat and forget where you were supposed to go.

2.     Make someone be in charge of paying attention to where you are meandering.  My friend and I may have gotten slightly lost once or twice because we were conversing and not paying attention.

3.     Wear comfortable shoes.  The walk was easy, but you are walking and standing for an hour straight.

4.     Bring some water with you.  I wish I had brought some, or bought some along the way.

Cost: FREE

Time: At least an hour, could be an entire afternoon. 

*Not her real name.  But bonus points if you catch the reference.