Shop 14th and U Streets This Coming Thursday, Win Lincoln Theater Tickets

On the third Thursday of every month, shops, restaurants, galleries and bars along 14th and U streets open their doors--and extend their hours--for an evening of shopping, strolling and dining. The next one's coming up in just a couple of days, so if you don't yet have your Thirsty Thursday plans, plan to spend it on 14th and U streets.

This Thursday, stores throughout the neighborhood will be raffling off 20 pairs of tickets to see Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at the Lincoln Theater, running now through June 27 (featuring the music of--who else?--The Duke himself).

At the risk of coming off sounding too much like a Chamber of Commerce brochure or an NPR fundraising drive, let me add that events like this are critical to the ongoing success of businesses in our neighborhood. If you've ever wished for a greater variety of retail, or longed for a new business opening that didn't involve some combination of the words "small" "plate" and "wine," then I strongly urge you to head out and spend some money at our local retail establishments. And then, you know, go get some wine and small plates somewhere for dinner.

The MidCity Business Association does a great job planning these events, and has a ton of information on their site about participating shops and restaurants, so go check it out. Hope to see you out and about this Thursday--and maybe at the Theater, too.