Local’s Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Art Stops in D.C.
Local’s Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Art Stops in D.C. While D.C. is known for its impressive, major museums, it also has its share of small but excellent art galleries that are off the beaten track. If you’re wanting a taste of local D.C. that’s a departure from the tourist attractions, we’re happy to point you toward some excellent art stops that are must-sees.
Enjoying Cannabis While Viewing Art in DC
One of the most amazing art museums in the city is the Phillips Collection, housed in a red brick house off DuPont Circle. They collect modern art and have works by Matisse, Monet, Klee, Renoir, Whistler, Bonnard, Braque, and more. However, the best part about the Phillips Collection, besides the quality of the art, is the way they display the art. They are hung in diverse groupings so that the works can “converse” with each other. That feature of the collection alone can generate hours of conversation over dinner.
Another great institution is the National Museum of African Art, which is part of the Smithsonian. The collection highlights many deep and rewarding art traditions to which many Americans remain underexposed. The museum’s permanent collection includes the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, comprised of hundreds of works covering many of the continent’s major art-making traditions. Yinka Shonibare’sWind Sculpture VII is installed at the entrance to the museum. Sail-shaped fiberglass, painted with elaborate and saturated colors, interacts with the wind from the street. This is the perfect first impression before entering the museum.
D.C. also boasts dozens of smaller galleries that are curated by creative and knowledgeable experts in a diverse range of fields. One must-see is the Kreeger Museum, which features the works of European Impressionists and American modernists alike. Housed in the former home of collectors David Lloyd Kreeger and his wife Carmen, it includes nine Monets as well as works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Frank Stella, and Helen Frankenthaler.
Another great independent institution is The National Museum of Women in the Arts. This museum has an extensive collection of six centuries of female contributions to the arts. Here, you’ll find works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Judy Chicago, and Nan Goldin, among many others.
Of course, one of the finest, albeit well-known, things to do in D.C. is the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring. Wandering among the beautiful blossoms is especially sensory-engaging after smoking a bit of cannabis. It is fragrant, intensely colorful, and just plain fun.
Beyond its art institutions, D.C. has dozens of museums that offer a rich and amusing afternoon when buzzed, including the International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian Museum and Natural History, and the Smithsonian Air and Space and American History Museum. And in the case of the Smithsonian museums, admittance is completely free.
However, it can be a rewarding experience to find the art on your own. Smoking a roll in your hotel room and finding a neighborhood with small art galleries, excellent restaurants and bars, and a hip environment can be the best way to enjoy art in the District.
Maybe the coolest neighborhood is Adams Morgan, just north of Dupont Circle. Known for its nightlife, multicultural residents and tourists, and brightly painted brick row houses, Adams Morgan makes even a gloomy, rainy day seem festive. There are small art galleries, performance spaces, international restaurants, independent bookstores, music clubs, and so much more.
Another trendy neighborhood with much to see is Logan Circle, centered around a circular park with a statue of the Civil War General John Logan. The architecture is both traditional and fanciful, and the neighborhood boasts amazing restaurants and bars.
The best neighborhood for the munchies is NoMa or north of Massachusetts Avenue. Foodie haven Union Market is home to over 40 vendors selling everything from sausages to egg creams to legendary crab cakes. You can also check out NPR’s headquarters or shop at busy Union Station.
Where to Buy Cannabis in D.C.
It is important to know that, while recreational cannabis is legal in D.C., the city has unique rules for enjoying and acquiring it. For example, while smoking a bit, wandering around a beautiful neighborhood, and visiting a gallery may seem like the best way to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the District, you must smoke your cannabis on private property only. You cannot smoke in the street, in a car, on government property, or in a park.
While it is legal to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, retail establishments are not allowed to sell cannabis outright. So how do you legally purchase cannabis in D.C.? The answer is “gifting.” You find a cannabis gifting vendor, who will sell you a trinket, card, t-shirt, or another item. In addition to this item, you will receive a consumable cannabis gift. These vendors are available in open-air markets or through delivery.
FastSliceDC is the premier cannabis delivery service in the city. Our product is always high quality, and the delivery process is safe and reliable. Best of all, you can get it delivered to your home or hotel room. Contact FastSliceDC at (202) 445-0867 or Info@fastslicedc.com for more information.