By Evelynn Schoenthal
As a freshman, upperclassmen always advised me to escape the “Foggy Bubble”. And while I could take an educated guess on what they meant by that, it wasn’t until I arrived in D.C. last year that I discovered just how easy it was to get stuck in it.
For those who don’t know what the Foggy Bubble is, it refers to an experience where students limit their exploration of D.C. to just Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Foggy Bottom. With the new year starting and many students arriving on campus for the first time, I thought it was only fitting to help students pop the bubble. I compiled a list of places that will foster new experiences and encourage exploration outside of the GWU campus.
#1: District Doughnut (Locations at the Wharf and in Capitol Hill)
I spent the spring semester in Capitol Hill and District Doughnuts was a staple breakfast option. From a vanilla bean glazed doughnut to an everything cream cheese doughnut, they have a variety of options for any kind of sweet you’re looking for.
In addition to the good food, the surrounding areas of District Doughnut are the perfect way to start expanding outside of the bubble. The Wharf is a superb place to walk on a sunny day and take flawless Instagram pictures. There’s live music and other options to stumble upon, like an outdoor spin class on the docks or a fountain to relax at. If you’re really feeling adventurous, Capitol Hill, which borders Navy Yard, is another great place to help tap into your inner tourist. If you walk east you will find yourself in Eastern Market amongst small bookstores or Hell’s Kitchen. If you walk south you will reach the Department of Transportation, which makes for a perfect midday stroll along the Potomac River.
#2: Busboys and Poets (Columbia Heights)
While there are three locations of Busboys and Poets, the Columbia Heights location is in a vibrant part of the city I would not have been aware of otherwise. The menu includes plenty of food options conducive to dietary restrictions, flaunts an outdoor patio and provides an interior experience that replicates a library. After the meal, take some time to roam the bookstore area at the forefront of the restaurant. There’s an ample selection of biographies, fictional works and poets to choose from. Busboys and Poets is located right near Howard University as well, so take some time to walk around and experience the culture and energy of another D.C. campus.
#3: Secondi Consignment (Dupont Circle)
While Secondi Consignment is technically in the Foggy Bottom adjacent area, it reaches out past the typical “basic” locations that GW students will venture off-campus for. Secondi Consignment is a luxury consignment store with classic, timeless, designer pieces for women. While the prices are higher than the usual consignment store, Secondi is the longest-running women-owned consignment store in Dupont!
Sporting eco-friendly fashion choices and supporting local businesses is necessary in the world of fast fashion. Thrifting and consigning are great ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still bringing new pieces into your closet. Even if this place is out of your budget, it is still a fun bonding activity for you and your new GW friends to peruse and create out-of-this-world outfits.
#4: Smithsonian National Zoo (Adams Morgan)
Yes, the Smithsonian exhibits are on every GW student’s to-do list, but the National Zoo is a perfect way to escape the Foggy Bubble while incorporating an educational aspect to your adventure. There are so many exhibits ranging from orangutans (my favorite!) to seals and reptiles. In addition, Adams Morgan—which has a plethora of restaurants and shops to explore— is just a short walk away after your visit.
#5: El Bebe (Navy Yard)
Last but by far not least, El Bebe is a restaurant located in my favorite part of D.C., Navy Yard. The name translates to “He Drinks” in Spanish and the vibe is eclectic and modern. The food options cater to the Mexican-American perspective and are high-quality and delicious. My favorite is the mushroom quesadilla paired with a Shirley Temple. The dining room opens to an outdoor patio facing Nationals Park, making it a great stop for a meal before or after a game.
Navy Yard is also an amazing neighborhood to explore (it wouldn’t be my favorite without a reason). There are so many restaurants and parks to choose from, making it a fun, beautiful, and exciting area. Side note, it is also a great place to meet politicians, since so many of them go for dinner after the end of their session. Navy Yard is where I met Marjorie Taylor Greene and her associates!
My biggest piece of advice is to go forth and explore what D.C. has to offer! The city is so much more than Foggy Bottom and the monuments, so take advantage of it during your four years here, time goes by quicker than you think.
