Toast your favorite POTUS this Presidents' Weekend during the the fun and filling Drinkabout. Columbia Heights is home to a growing number of cafes and bars (conveniently located along the walk route.) We’ll stop to imbibe hot or cold libations inside a select few.
The 14th Street corridor between Irving Street and Park Road was previously one of Washington’s most important shopping and entertainment destinations outside downtown. That is until April 4, 1968, when riots following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sparked extensive looting and burning of commercial property.
For decades afterward, boarded-up businesses and empty lots marred the formerly vibrant Columbia Heights. Nearly 40 years later, change has swept the area once more: the opening of the Columbia Heights Metrorail station in 1999 spurred construction of apartment buildings, row houses, and the massive shopping complex DC USA—not to mention the local-color eateries and pubs we’ll visit during the walk.
Some of the highlights of the tour include:
NOTE: Although most of the Washington Walks' tours do not require a reservation, the Columbia Heights Historical Drinkabout does.
The 14th Street corridor between Irving Street and Park Road was previously one of Washington’s most important shopping and entertainment destinations outside downtown. That is until April 4, 1968, when riots following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sparked extensive looting and burning of commercial property.
For decades afterward, boarded-up businesses and empty lots marred the formerly vibrant Columbia Heights. Nearly 40 years later, change has swept the area once more: the opening of the Columbia Heights Metrorail station in 1999 spurred construction of apartment buildings, row houses, and the massive shopping complex DC USA—not to mention the local-color eateries and pubs we’ll visit during the walk.
Some of the highlights of the tour include:
- The exterior of the restored Tivoli Theater
- Early 20th-century row houses developed by Harry Wardman
- The Wonderland bar
- A panoramic view of Washington DC from the 13th Street "heights"
NOTE: Although most of the Washington Walks' tours do not require a reservation, the Columbia Heights Historical Drinkabout does.
What Is Not Included?
Cost of food and drink is not included in the cost of the tour.
Meeting Location
Columbia Heights (Washington, DC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Yes, the Columbia Heights Historical Drinkabout requires advance payment of the walk $20 walk fee.
- What happens if I’m late?
- If you are late, you will miss the tour. Tours leave right on time, and to be fair to the whole group, we cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are not familiar with the meeting location area, please make sure to leave plenty of time to find it. Refunds cannot be provided.
- Where does this walk end?
- The Columbia Heights Drinkabout will near the Columbia Heights Metrorail station.
- What sites do we see on the walk?
- The exterior of the restored Tivoli Theater, early 20th-century row houses developed by Harry Wardman, the Wonderland bar, and a panoramic view of Washington from the 13th Street "heights" are some of the sites seen on this walking tour. The route adheres closely to the signs demarcating the Columbia Heights Heritage Trail. The group will stop at three neighborhood cafes/bars, where participants have the option to purchase a beverage or food item of their choice. Orders will be taken at the bar rather than as part of sit-down service. Each establishment accepts payment by cash or credit card.
- How long is the walk and how fast do we go?
- The walk is three hours in duration and approximately one and a quarter miles in length. We walk at a steady pace, stopping frequently to see a site and hear about its significance.
- Do I have to be 21 years old to take this tour?
- No, but you do need to be 21 in order to purchase alcoholic beverages at any of the food and drink establishments visited during the walk.
- Is this walk suitable for children?
- The content of the walk is pitched to adults. Children younger than age 14 would probably not find the walk of interest.
- I am bringing an infant/toddler. Do I need to purchase a ticket for him or her?
- No. Tickets are not required for children ages 3 and younger. Note that some of the food and drink establishments visited during the walk may ask that strollers be left outside.
- What happens if it rains?
- Walks take place rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the day's forecasted weather conditions.
- Will I be able to shop and buy souvenirs during the walk?
- No, but your guide will be happy to point you in the right direction after the tour.
- Is the walk wheelchair and/or stroller accessible?
- Yes. Most of our walking tours are accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers. Note that some of the food and drink establishments visited during the walk may request that strollers be left outside.
- Are restrooms available on the walk?
- Yes. Because we visit food and drink establishments, restrooms are available during the walking tour.
- Can I bring my dog on the tour?
- Unfortunately we cannot allow animals other than service dogs to attend our walks.
- Are the walks only offered in English?
- Yes. Washington Walks are only offered in English.
- Can I bring a camera?
- Yes.
- What is a Washington Walkabout card?
- A Washington Walkabout card allows a walker to pay for four walks up front and receive a fifth walk free of charge. You present the card each time you arrive to take a walk. Cost is $60 per card. Cards do not expire and can be used by one individual only. See your guide to purchase.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes. For details, please contact Washington Walks by clicking on the "Contact WashWalks" link.
- Can I book a private or a group tour?
- Yes. Private walks are available, although groups often decide to attend the public walk. For one thing, it is often less expensive; second, part of the fun of our walking tours is interacting with those who attend the public walk. If you are interested in booking a private walk, contact Washington Walks by clicking on the “Contact WashWalks” link.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity takes place rain or shine.
- The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
- This tour is not recommended for children under 14 years old.
- Since the content of the tour is aimed at an adult audience, this tour is not recommended for children under 14 years old. If you do choose to bring children, all attendees must have a full-priced ticket in order to attend, except children 3 years of age and under who are free. Note some establishments may ask that strollers be left outside.
Washington Walks
The best way to tour any historic city is by foot. Since 1999, Washington Walks guides have been escorting visitors and locals alike through quaint neighborhoods, along hip urban thoroughfares, and past D.C.’s instantly recognizable landmarks and memorials.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
