Five places to visit in Washington, D.C

Lanae Spruce describes herself as a foodie and cultural connoisseur. But in the US capital, Washington, she is better known for digital storytelling and building social media brands.

Until September, Spruce, 31, designed and managed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s award-winning social media accounts for more than six years.

In her down time, Spruce, an Ohio native, relishes exploring DC neighbourhoods that have transformed into buzzing destinations. One of them is her own, the Trinidad-H Street Northeast area.

Lanae Spruce, a social media storyteller. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

“What drew me was the rich history of black entrepreneurship and proximity to all the hip things that enliven the city. Art galleries galore, hidden alleys with small shops, outdoor sculptures and tons of eating options.”

This month, she and her fiancee, Brianna Cooper, a chef, are decamping to New York City for Spruce’s new job with iOne Digital, a media platform for an African American millennial audience.

Here, Spruce shares her favourite DC spots.

1. Anacostia Arts Centre

The Anacostia Arts Center as one of her favorite spots in Washington. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

This welcoming community hub, which stretches nearly half a block, opens directly into “a collection of black-owned shops and two art galleries displaying established and emerging black artists. It’s one of the hidden gems in Anacostia”.

Spruce is a fan of MahoganyBooks, where the shelves are lined with some of her favourite authors. “And it’s pretty cool to see black-owned brands for cosmetics, fashion, food, toys, even card games.”

2. National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lanae Spruce enjoys looking out onto the National Mall from the fourth floor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

“For me the most meaningful spot is the fourth floor panorama lens,” Spruce said. “It’s a cutout in the lattice facade overlooking the green lawn of the National Mall. Much of the mall was once occupied by plantations and worked by slaves.

“Sometimes after a long day I like to stand here, look out and remember we’re sitting on the shoulders of our ancestors.”

3. Marvin

Marvin, named for the D.C. native Marvin Gaye, is a restaurant and rooftop bar. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

Named for the DC native Marvin Gaye, this restaurant and popular rooftop bar attracts stylish locals.

“It’s a great place to meet young professionals and hear local musicians,” Spruce said. “There’s live music several nights a week, mostly jazz. It’s not pretentious. You can sit right up next to the band and talk to them during sets.”

4. La Vie

La Vie, a restaurant and rooftop bar at the Wharf, a waterfront development in southwest D.C. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

The year-old restaurant and rooftop bar, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, is often Spruce’s first stop at the Wharf, the huge waterfront development in southwest Washington lined with food spots, shops and entertainment venues.

“It’s where I go to have fun and be seen, when I’m dressed fancy or after a stressful week,” Spruce said.

“La Vie is where I’ll start my evening. It’s got the perfect mix of stunning views, a chic ambience and delicious cuisine. If octopus is on the menu I always try it. The plates are small, so then I’ll get lamb meatballs and oysters.”

5. Piccolina

Piccolina, a cafe with an Italian-vibed menu in downtown D.C. Picture: Darren S. Higgins / The New York Times

In the heart of downtown, this spot with an Italian vibe is one of the latest female-owned cafes to join DC’s lively culinary scene.

“I really love going to women-owned eateries. This one is small, chic and cute.”

The owner, Amy Brandwein, is also the chef. “She makes a kind of stuffed bread called scacce. It’s like a savoury sandwich. The best is the lamb sausage scacce. It’s so yummy.”

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