This Weekend: Dog Days Celebration

With temps consistently in the 90s and the humidity making a trip down the street feel like a walk through a bowl of split pea soup, what better time to celebrate the "dog days" of August? (BTW, I was curious as to what "dog days" meant, because it always seemed an absolutely bizarre phrase to me. According to my good friend Wikipedia, the term "dog days" traces its roots to Roman times. The Roman people associated hot weather with the star Sirius, or "the dog star". Hence, the hottest, most sweltering days of the year are called the "dog days". At least MY curiosity is satisfied...)

Here in Logan, the term "dog days" takes on a slightly different meaning: the 11th annual Dog Days Event, where shops, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the neighborhood entice shoppers and diners with special deals, and sidewalk entertainment and other special events are ongoing throughout the neighborhood.

As I'm certain that many of our readership consider themselves to be champions of local businesses, weekends like the one upcoming are critical to their success in the neighborhood...so if there's a gift you've been holding off on buying, or a new restaurant you've been wanting to try, this is a great weekend to do it. Rather than simply parroting what Dog Days sponsor Mid-City Business Association has to say about it, I'll just copy the text of their email below. The 14thandYous plan to be out and about, and we hope to see you out as well. Stay cool!

DOG DAYS OF AUGUST RETURNS TO WASHINGTON
DC's Coolest Downtown Neighborhood Hosts the
Hottest End-of-Summer Weekend Event August 7 and 8

Dog Days of August, the annual cultural event which brings together over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries in one of Washington's most celebrated neighborhoods, announces their 11th annual event on Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8. The weekend will feature special events, sales, family events and restaurant deals throughout the 14th and U Street (MidCity) corridors, which comprises the area up 14th Street from Belmont Street to Thomas Circle and just off U Street from 9th to 17th Street.

The weekend is anchored by arts events including The Studio Theatre Prop & Costume Sale, the highly anticipated annual sell-off from the 2009-2010 season. In addition, meet local artists and performers at Source and join Cultural Development Corporation and Source resident organizations for family events including improv, step, and light saber workshops for all ages as well as a free showcase performance of the upcoming year at Source.

On the fashion front, independent clothing boutiques including Redeem, Nana, Junction, Lettie Gooch and Treasury Vintage will feature sales of up to 70% off on current season designer clothing and accessories as well as other sidewalk specials. Home furnishing and design shops including Urban Essentials and RCKNDY will be holding floor sample sales featuring discounts of up to 80% off throughout the Dog Days weekend. For a list of stores and offers to date click here.

Cork Market, the accompanying shop to 2010 RAMMY award winner Cork Wine Bar, will stage a donut and lemonade stand on 14th Street as well as a wine tasting and discounts throughout the store. ACKC Cocoa Bar will be hosting a tropical beach party throughout the weekend, while many of MidCity's other heralded restaurants, including Marvin, Busboys & Poets, CakeLove, Saint Ex, 1905, Rice and Policy will be offering patrons Dog Days specials on food and libations. MidCity is home to three 2010 RAMMY award winning restaurants, including Birch & Barley (winner, Best New Restaurant) and Churchkey (Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene) and Cork Wine Bar (Best Neighborhood Gathering Place).

In addition to the great sales, Dog Days will also feature art and cultural exhibits and performances from Sukio Design Co., The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, and Twins Jazz Club.

"Dog Days showcases the incredibly vibrant destination MidCity has become," says Natalie Avery, Executive Director of the MidCity Business Association. "It brings together all of the best things about the area in one weekend. For localresidents it's a yearly tradition. For visitors, it's a great weekend to get to know one of DC's most unique, thriving, and historically rich districts." The MidCity district is home to many of Washington's most historical and wellknown cultural landmarks, such as Ben's Chili Bowl, the Lincoln Theatre and the Taylor Motors Building that is now home to neighborhood newcomer Room & Board.