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.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood for shopping, dining...and a robbery?

Well, today was certainly a lovely day. The Mrs. and I took advantage of the wonderful weather and dined al fresco on the second floor deck of Bua this evening--and tomorrow looks to be even better.

Which is good news for the businesses in the neighborhood. As it happens, tomorrow is the date of the monthly Third Thursday, where area businesses stay open later and offer special deals and discounts, with a number of area restaurants providing free treats for the browsers. Pretty much every area business seems to be participating, so there's far too many to mention here, but you can head over to the Mid City Business Association's website for more information. Hope to see you out tomorrow evening.

And, sadly, one additional way we know warm weather is here: word came through from the Alert DC system this evening of a robbery involving two women with guns at approximately 10 PM along the 1600 block of S Street. Sigh.

Third Thursday Tomorrow: Finish Your Holiday Shopping

If you're anything like me, you're probably just about ready to start thinking about purchasing holiday presents for this year. Or, perhaps you're almost finished and simply need to pick up a couple of gifts to complete your shopping.



Whatever your situation, tomorrow night is the Mid-City Third Thursday event, where you have the opportunity to shop late at local retailers along 14th and U streets. From 6p - 9p, stores along both corridors will keep their doors open, with many providing specials for procrastinators such as myself. For example, Rue 14 will have a live DJ on-site as well as a bin set up to take donations of coats for Martha's Table. At the other end of the spectrum, you can stop into Bang & Olufsen to enjoy a glass of champagne while browsing hideously expensive audio components.

For more information, visit the MCBA's website. See you out and about tomorrow evening.