Posted August 5th by caroline in Maryland, fitness, wine
So, are you starting to feel bored and tired of moping around the house? Take a hike. There are a few spots within a close drive from downtown DC where you can see lush scenes of nature and enjoy a lung-clearing trudge. Last week, I spent all day hiking from base to peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. The designated hiking trails circle up the mountain for several miles. Or you can meander/bike/scooter around the base on a 7 mile loop.
To get to Sugarloaf, you just take 270 to Comus Road. The journey takes 30-40 minutes from D.C. You will end up close to Frederick, MD passing through bucolic farmland. Nearby, you can also explore some of Maryland’s Civil War Trails.
Best of all, after a day of hiking you can head over to the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard (open 12 noon to 6 p.m. from Wednesdays through Sundays in the summer) for tastings.
Could you ask for a better day?
One of Urbana Chef Alex Bollinger's creations
Happy Birthday Urbana!
The Dupont Circle wine bar and lounge will be celebrating its birthday tonite, with drink specials and a dj spinning tunes. This is a hotspot in town. Reese Witherspoon was spotted there, long before she started hanging out with Jake in Georgetown.
Here are the details:
We’ll start the week off with a bubbly party and DJ in the lounge (Monday July 20th). Sparkling wine specials include $3 Prosecco, Cava, Chenin Blanc and Brut Rosé. DJ Remix will keep it festive with an eclectic mix of Top40, house, hip hop and dance music. Urbana’s birthday party happy hour starts at 4:00 and the DJ will kick-off at 6:30 p.m.
If you can’t make it on Monday night, we’ll be doing $3 happy hour throughout the week. From 4-7 every night and 10-11 Monday to Thursday enjoy $3 Peroni, Estrella Galicia, Prosecco and house red and white wine along with $3 half-portion pizzas. Chef Alex Bollinger will offer $3 small plate items at the bar. Items will change daily, starting with three bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Laura Chanal goat cheese on Monday. Check our status for daily updates on Alex’s $3 small plate of the day.
If you’re hungry for dinner, Chef will offer a $30 3-course tasting menu available between 5 and 7. All our tasting menu guests will enjoy the latest from Alex’s new summer menu AND get a glass of prosecco and cupcake to celebrate.
Posted July 16th by caroline in DC, DUpont Circle, Washington, wine
Swing by a Best Cellars basically any evening except Sunday (they’re closed unfortunately) and you can probably get a few sips of free wine. But on “Tasty Tuesdays” the store’s Dupont Circle location holds themed tastings. While the events cost $10, tasters are usually given generous pours to savor that make the admission price well worth it. Drink, be merry and learn a little bit along the way. Who knows, you might find your next calling.
On July 21, there will be a beginner-friendly tasting focusing on New World wines showcasing reds, whites, and rosés from the U.S., South Africa, Argentina and Australia (all among the world’s top ten producers and exporters of the good stuff). But just because you’ve expanded your wine knowledge a bit, please don’t become that annoying snob at the dinner party.
Note: Reservations are required.
What: A one hour class with a sampling of NINE different wines
When: Tuesday, July 21st
8:30-9:30pm
Where: Best Cellars – Dupont Circle
1643 Connecticut Ave NW (R Street)
202-387-3146
