Apartment Showcase Blog

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Sheets Safe From Bed Bugs

Filed under: Apartment Living — Anthony @ 11:08 am on May 16, 2012

Crawl space: When riding the Metro, avoid placing your bag on the floor. You never know what might try to hitch a ride. (Daquella manera via Flickr)

Ah, bed bugs. The bane of the inner-city apartment renter.

If you’ve never come across any of these critters yourself, no doubt you’ve heard the stories. After all, D.C. is no stranger to bed bugs. The capital sits 8th on Orkin’s list of the top bed bug cities for 2011 – one spot ahead of New York, which, let’s be honest, looks like the kind of place the maid tends to avoid.

What’s more, our unfortunately mild winter has some experts antsy over the prospect of a bed bug population explosion this summer.

With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to avoid an encounter with nature’s very own bed intruders.

Rule No. 1: Don’t buy used. That hip, gently-used clothing store you love is probably OK. After all, used clothing can (and should) be washed. Used luggage and furniture, on the other hand, should be avoided like the plague. Have you ever tried to wash a suitcase? And stay away from that looks-like-new couch that your neighbor just put out on the curb. If you’ve managed to pick up a bag or purse that you suspect may be infected, remember that freezing is an option provided your freezer is cold enough.

Pick up a mattress encasement – basically, it’s a bug-proof Ziploc bag for your mattress. These “bed bags” will set you back about $60 but provide a powerful first-line defense against bed bugs. After all, bed bugs can’t infest your mattress if they can’t get to it. Plus, if you’ve already got bed bugs, they’ll be trapped inside where they can’t bite you. While you’re at it, grab a couple of wraps for your pillow and box spring too.

Staying in a hotel? Keep your luggage away from the bed. When you leave, be sure to wrap up your sleepwear (or any clothing that has come in contact with the bed) in a plastic bag to protect your luggage and other clothes on the trip home. When you get home, head straight for the washing machine. You’ll want to wash and dry your clothes before you put them back in your dresser or closet.

If you’re a Metro rider … first, you have our sympathies. But more to the point, be sure not to leave your bag on the floor. In fact, try to keep everything – bag, purse, umbrella, unruly infants – off the floor and on your lap or person. Also, please turn down your music. That has nothing to do with bed bugs, but it may keep you from getting bitten by your fellow Metro riders.

Consider picking up what they call an “interception device” to protect your bed. These are small plastic saucers that slide under each leg of your bed or sofa, catching bed bugs as they move from floor to furniture. As bugs make a beeline for the leg of your bed, they fall into the dish and become trapped by virtue of the smooth interior surface that prevents them from climbing back out. These devices – like the ClimbUp Insect Interceptor, which enjoys a four-star rating on Amazon – are fairly cheap.

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Catch a Buzz at Firefly in Dupont Circle

Filed under: Dupont Circle, N.W. — Scott D @ 2:15 pm on May 15, 2012

Delicious duo: Eggs Benedict, Firefly style. Brunch is served until 2 p.m. on the weekends. (tedeytan via Flickr)

Though it may not glow from incandescence within, if the positive marks it has received on OpenTable, Urbanspoon and in the press are any indication, it seems that Firefly in Dupont Circle is shining bright indeed.

This “quintessential urban neighborhood restaurant” is led by Executive Chef and General Manager Daniel Bortnick, and the “menus feature American comfort food reborn as contemporary takes on classics.”

Bortnick also supports local farmers and purveyors, nabbing local meats and selecting seafood that “is compliant with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch list.” Not just that, but the good chef also links patrons to “friends, farmers, resources and suppliers” themselves. Talk about transparency.

Let’s take a quick gander at this sustainable menu, why don’t we? The first thing you notice when clicking on the link is the variety of menus. It might take you quite awhile just to read through them and figure out what you want to eat. Foodies could like this though.

The dinner menu sports five soups and salads, 13 urban picnic selections (can it already, and close out the Huffington Post and put down your latte before you do), then we get to the mains. These are not cheap offerings, but this is not a cheap establishment.

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Firefly
1310 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

There are 10 mains, every one of them but the fancy-schmancy half-pound beef hamburger priced in the $20s, with two selections going for $29. Well, that and the market fish (braised fennel, green onion quinoa, salsa fresca), which is, aptly, market priced.

At $17, said hamburger better be good, and I’ll guess it is. After all, you get truffle fries with it. To round out the food, there is a list of nine sides, too. And this is just the dinner menu.

The alcohol offerings are similarly pricy and extremely extensive, extensive enough to warrant a PDF. Cheers.

These kind, health-conscious people even have a gluten-free menu, which again, they felt the need to place in a PDF. The lunch menu is a bit cheaper, and of course, all you ladies out there who go to Tysons Galleria shopping for $595 blouses, yes, they serve brunch. (“Let’s have brunch! Let’s have brunch!”)

OK, you can shop at thrift stores and still enjoy a good eggs benedict. And you have to admit, many people who shop at Neiman Marcus also shop at thrift stores … of course, they’re the same kind of people who’d shop at Wal-Mart if VH1 told them to. (Just ignore me. I don’t know what’s with me today. Exercising my First Amendment rights a tad too liberally.)

And for what it’s worth, yes, there’s even a gluten-free brunch, as well as gluten-free lunch and dessert menus. However, there doesn’t appear to be a gluten-free kid’s menu.

The restaurant is located a leisurely stroll away from the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line for those who don’t already rent an apartment in one of the primo neighborhoods in the city.

Firefly serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and yes, yes, yes, brunch (on both Saturdays and Sundays. How ya like that? Check the site for exact times). They also host a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

So to whomever I haven’t offended yet (and to those I may have), come out and catch some heat at Firefly.

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Live From Bowie … It’s the National Capitol Radio & TV Museum

Filed under: Bowie, Md. — Scott D @ 1:52 pm on May 10, 2012

Coming up next: Imagine a future with a hover car in every garage and a color TV machine in every living room! (libertygrace0 via Flickr)

Bowie hasn’t gotten much love on this blog. Well, today we’re rectifying that.

Apartment renters in this Prince George’s County town have one of the more unique museums I’ve seen in the area. It’s called the National Capitol Radio & Television Museum.

Opened in 1999 and housed in Harmel House, the National Capitol Radio & Television Museum’s vision is “to foster the public’s understanding of the impact of electronic media.” And its mission is to collect, preserve “and interpret artifacts, programming, and publications to educate the public about the development and impact of electronic media”

Quite an undertaking.

They do this by maintaining a research library and museum displays at multiple sites, preserving and researching radio and TV artifacts, publishing the “Dials & Channels” newsletter and monographs on radio/TV history, and by presenting seminars, talks and classes on radio/TV history. They also maintain a ham station (housed in a museum annex building) with vintage equipment.

Here is a list of museum exhibitions. They also install exhibits at the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland, College Park campus.

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National Capitol Radio & Television Museum
2608 Mitchellville Rd.
Bowie, Md. 20716

And yes, the site could use some work. On its Collections page, as of this writing, three of the categories are blank. But again, we’re not dealing with the Louvre here.

The National Capitol Radio & Television Museum is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They offer docent-led tours that take about an hour, or you can just tour the small space yourself. The museum can be opened for school tours or groups by appointment. For details, check out their visitor information page.

Best of all, this thing is free. As such, they’re always looking for a few good volunteers to help out. For that matter, here is their museum store.

So the next time you hear your kid complaining that there’s nothing to do in Bowie (or the next time you find yourself saying the same thing on a Saturday afternoon), tune into the National Capitol Radio & Television Museum.

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Artomatic Creative Arts Festival Makes Its Return to Crystal City

Filed under: Arlington, Va.,Crystal City, Va. — Scott D @ 3:55 pm on May 8, 2012

Artomatic for the people: Patrons admire photographer Geoff Ault's work at the previous Crystal City Artomatic show in 2007. (ElvertBarnes via Flickr)

It’s back, that sporadic Washington, D.C., area festival featuring artists of all stripes: Artomatic. And I do mean all stripes: visual, music, film, performance, poetry and fashion. That’s more stripes than a tiger … but not as pretty.

This year’s arts extravaganza takes place in Crystal City in Arlington from May 18 to June 24. So the lucky Crystal City-area renter has more than a month to soak up all this art.

I went to an earlier Artomatic held in Southeast, Washington, D.C., and liked it. According to their site: “Artomatic creates community, builds audience and expands economic development by transforming available space into a playground for artistic expression.”

And all you mere amateurs out there, you too can participate in Artomatic, as it’s a non-juried event. While it’s too late to register this year, keep this in mind for future festivals. You don’t have to be a dime-store Joan Miró to be part of the fun, either; you can also volunteer.

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Artomatic
1851 S. Bell St.
Arlington, Va. 22202

I know it’s a cliché, but I’ll say it anyway: The best thing about this is that it’s free. OK, maybe one of the best things. But still, free’s free. Because it’s free, they need your support. Here’s another way to support them: Buy some Artomatic gear.

In 2009, the last year the festival was held, Artomatic attracted more than 76,000 patrons who saw the work of 2,500-plus performers and artists. These are huge numbers no matter how you look at it. This year’s partners include the Crystal City Business Improvement District and Washington City Paper.

There will be food and drink here (beer, wine), so you can really make a night of it. Artomatic generally takes place in the evenings and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Fridays and Saturdays it stays open to 1 a.m. As always, check the site for further details.

Another great thing about this event? It’s literally across the street from the Crystal City Metro stop on the system’s Blue/Yellow Line.

Really, this is one of the most unique festivals you’ll find anywhere – and it’s right at your doorstep.

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Get Your Fill of Arlington at This Month’s 25th Annual Food Festival

Filed under: Arlington, Va.,Ballston, Va. — Scott D @ 12:30 pm on May 3, 2012

Get in mah belly: Seriously, that's gotta cost a lot of tickets. (cliff1066™ via Flickr)

You can tell we’ve been around awhile, that we may actually be an authority on something, when we start writing things like this: “For the second year, we’re covering … ”

It means we’ve gained some gravitas, some Internet cachet … or it could mean I’m full of it these days and feel the need to pretend I’m making the lives of area apartment renters a little better or more fun.

Whatever the case, I’m writing about an event we covered last year and one that, according to a press release on their site, “is the largest single day event in Arlington.”

Wow, that’s some statement.

I’m talking about the Taste of Arlington, which will take place on May 20 from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine, on Wilson Boulevard in front of Ballston Common Mall (the same location as last year’s event).

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Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va. 22203

And this year is special. Not only because we’ve written about a popular event twice, but for the fact that it’s the festival’s 25th year feeding and entertaining the residents of Arlington.

Says their site: “Over 35 restaurants participate in this spectacular community event, which draws an average of 15,000 people each year who live in the greater Washington, D.C. area.”

That’s another reason to trot out the word “special.”

Participating restaurants include Capitol City Brewing Company, Jaleo and Ted’s Montana Grill.

There’s entertainment via the Festival Stage featuring, among others, rockers Lethal Peanut, and like last year, Bowen McCauley Dance’s Kenmore Junior Company and tropical-flavored band The Constituents.

While it’s free to attend the Taste of Arlington, you do need tickets to sample the food and beverages the event serves up. Online tickets can be had for $25, while you’ll have to fork over $30 the day of the event. Each ticket consists of eight tastes.

It may or may not be too late to volunteer for the Taste of Arlington, but if you’re interested, hit the link above. There’s always next year’s festival.

Presented by the Ballston Businesses Improvement District, here is a list of event sponsors. The following three community nonprofits will benefit from this year’s event: Arlington Community Foundation, Virginia Hospital Center and Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic.

Come out and have a taste of Arlington, which could be your next home.

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Join the Revolution at Ford’s Theatre in Penn Quarter

Filed under: Northwest, D.C.,Penn Quarter, N.W. — Scott D @ 2:23 pm on May 1, 2012

#HearYe: In the days before Twitter, you had to wait for the town crier to read the news aloud before you knew what was going on with the Kardashians. (sskennel via Flickr)

The year 1776 is a special one for all Americans; it’s the year the country was born.

Until May 19, a musical of the same name at Penn Quarter’s Ford’s Theatre – “1776” – “dramatizes the impassioned debates of Philadelphia’s Second Continental Congress.”

These were incredible times fraught with peril (sound familiar?), but the Founding Fathers – the men who orchestrated America’s separation from England – stuck it out, literally. There was no coming back from this if they failed in their revolutionary pursuits; and if they did, these brave men could expect imprisonment or worse. Eventually, the Declaration of Independence was signed at the Second Continental Congress.

Here is an excellent timeline of those historic events for those interested.

Directed by Pete Flynn, this Tony Award-winning musical “showcases the principles, pride and determination that influenced the birth of our nation.”

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Ford’s Theatre
511 10th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

Ticket prices vary quite a bit; from what I’ve seen online, they go from the $30s all the way up to the $80s.

Again, as I always stress on here, if you want to go, buy now. These tickets have been on sale for a long time already, and there aren’t many left. I’m not sure how many people would sell tickets to a historical play on the Internet … stranger things have happened. As always part two, it never hurts to call the box office itself when inquiring about tickets to a nearly-sold out show.

If you miss this particular offering, don’t fret. Ford’s Theatre, the Northwest venue where President Lincoln met his untimely demise, has an active events calendar, and here is a list of educational programs the whole family can enjoy.

Ford’s Theatre is located a short stroll from four Metro stations, with the Metro Center (Red, Blue/Orange Lines) and Gallery Pl-Chinatown stops (Red, Green/Yellow Lines) the closest.

So whether one wants to see “1776” or dig into some other facet of American history, Ford’s Theatre gives the apartment renter in Penn Quarter a chance to do just that.

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Sharing Is Caring (for Plants) at a Fairfax Community Garden Plot

Filed under: Alexandria, Va.,Annandale, Va.,McLean, Va.,Reston, Va.,Vienna, Va. — Scott D @ 11:23 am on April 27, 2012

Dirty deeds: Whether you're growing raspberries or rhubarb, the rules say you must maintain your plot from May 1 to November 15. (RDPixelShop via Flickr)

Earlier this month, we highlighted Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.

While researching that post, I found out a little bit about the Community Garden Plots provided by the Fairfax County Park Authority (while it’s on the Green Spring Gardens page, Green Spring Gardens itself does not have a plot, which I found odd).

One of the drawbacks about renting an apartment is the lack of a yard, which many suburbanites who move into apartments greatly miss. My father is a master gardener, and I had a friend who owned a landscaping business, so I’m somewhat familiar with … well, I’m familiar with them loving to grow things. Don’t trust me to do anything but water plants.

I will say one thing: If any of us can grow our own food, only good things can come of it. Wow, I know, really profound. Shut up.

The community plots program features 10 garden plots to choose from in nine locations, with sites in Reston, Alexandria, McLean, Vienna and Annandale, which sports an impressive four plots for your gardening pleasure.

There are more than 650 plots rented on an annual basis. Most of the plots are 30’ by 20’, though 18 plots at the Grist Mill location in Alexandria are 20’ by 10’. Large plots go for $65, smaller ones for $60.

There are Garden Plot Rules and Guidelines to follow. You can’t just bring in your souped-up John Deere and start plowing any old way you feel. Urban gardeners must maintain a sense of decorum. In fact, there are plenty of rules the gardening renter has to follow.

There are also some eligibility requirements that are covered in that link as well, chief among them: You have to be a county resident.

You’re gonna hate me, but there is a catch here. There’s a waiting list. Why am I blogging about it now? Well, how else are you gonna find out about it? You never know when a plot will become available, and if you stick around long enough, one will. Whether a plot becomes available this year or not, if you’re interested, contact the site.

And if I can encourage you to garden a little (here’s a list of D.C.-area gardening plots, and here’s a similar program in Montgomery County), wherever you are, I think I’ve done a good thing.

Weed on, my friends.

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Alexandria Stages Pre-Earth Day Celebration This Weekend

Filed under: Alexandria, Va. — Scott D @ 9:00 am on April 19, 2012

Kenneth Cool Ranch: Chip wrappers and magazine cutouts make up this eco-friendly design. See more trashy threads this weekend in Alexandria. (Urban Woodswalker via Flickr)

Earth Day has certainly grown in stature since its inception.

According to The New York Times:

Nearly 20 million Americans attended the first Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970, to this day among the most participatory political actions in the nation’s history. In the decades since, Earth Day has spread across the globe with thousands of events in more than 180 countries.

Whatever you think of radical environmentalists, I think we can agree that we all share one planet, the only one we know of that boasts intelligent life forms (and yes, have a joke at that last clause). So it’s up to all of us, no matter what our political stripe, to keep her healthy and running smoothly.

This year the Northern Virginia-area apartment renter can join the Alexandria Earth Day celebration that’s to be held at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the day before Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Eco-City Alexandria,” and it’s free to attend.

Oh, what earthy fun is in store for the area renter. On Alexandria Earth Day, be ready for “green building learning sessions, educational exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, a tree sale, and the 2nd annual Trashion Fashion Show!”

Don’t know about you, but this Trashion Fashion Show seems like a smelly good time.

There will be a Green Building Resource Center, a tent housing “exhibitors in the energy audit, energy retrofit, green landscaping, renewable energy, and green building industry,” who will “provide residents information on how to design, build and maintain their homes and businesses in an eco-friendly manner.”

Here is a list of exhibitors.

This is all getting so green that I feel I’m turning into a huskier Gumby over here. Pass the patchouli.

Wanna volunteer? If you’re a single renter in Alexandria into earthly pursuits, this could be a great way to mingle with like-minded folks.

Those who can’t make the event can visit the Virtual Green Building Resource Center.

Sponsors this year include the Alexandria Sanitation Authority, American Disposal Services and Rosenthal Landmark Honda. Their sponsors page gives you a way to support their efforts as well.

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Smithsonian Craft Show Brings DIY Design to Northwest This Weekend

Filed under: Northwest, D.C. — Scott D @ 10:49 am on April 18, 2012

Which craft: This year's show will feature more than 8 million exhibitors! Well, probably fewer than that, but it sure looks crowded down there. (rpongsaj via Flickr)

Some people out there have called you crafty. Admit it. You can’t lie to me; I’ve been writing to you too long for that.

I know you can be a sly renter. No? Shut my mouth? Me?! What are you talking about?! Oh … oh, OK, now you admit it … but only if I will? Plah …

Please, you’re out of your depth here. Alright, alright, cut it out. What? Well, if you’d keep it shut I’ve got something you might actually enjoy. Yeah, that’s right. We’ve found just the event for you: the Smithsonian Craft Show, so you can both regale in and learn how to become even craftier than you already are.

This is the event’s 30th anniversary, and that’s a whole lot of craftiness. The Smithsonian Craft Show will take place from April 19 to 22 at the National Building Museum in Northwest. This year’s show is titled “Celebrating the Creative Spirit of America.”

Here is what their online fact sheet says:

Widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious juried show and sale of fine American craft, the Smithsonian Craft Show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee to support education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian Institution.

The event will feature 121 craft artists, including 44 making their show debut. There’ll be unique works in 12 different media, and these will include basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood.

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National Building Museum
401 F St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001

Man, that’s a lot of craftiness! Even for a crafty reader like you. Be quiet. You are too crafty! Now can it!

There’s a $200 Preview Night Benefit, but for that price one would think you were a landlord, not a renter. Here’s a list of exhibitors.

For the rest of us, general admission is $15 for one day, $20 for a two-day pass. Kids under 12 get in free, but strollers aren’t permitted. On April 19-20, the show takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; on April 21 the hours are 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and things close down on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here is a full list of special events and their pricing. This year’s benefactor is the Washington Post Company. And here is the full list of sponsors.

The National Building Museum is located right next to the Judiciary Square Metro station on the Red Line and just around the block from the Gallery Pl-Chinatown station on the Red and Green/Yellow Lines.

So not another word about how I don’t cater to your needs, even if they are quite devious. Now go get crafty on someone else’s time. Be gone!

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Hard-Rock Stalwarts Local H Pour the Whiskey in Annapolis This Weekend

Filed under: Annapolis, Md. — Scott D @ 11:31 am on April 13, 2012

Keep it copacetic: Local H hits the stage Saturday night around 9 p.m. after opening band Bad Veins. Tickets are $15 the day of the show. (reberrymemberer via Flickr)

Rock ’n’ roll ain’t what it used to be.

Or maybe I’m just lazy – or too old – and haven’t looked hard enough. It’s out there, but it seems like it’s not in the spotlight like it used to be, and the stuff you do see on TV is pretty terrible and over-produced. It takes more effort to spot the gems.

The D.C.-area apartment renter has all types of musical tastes – variety is the spice of life – but on April 14, the punter in Annapolis (and parts near) can get their doors blown off properly by Chicago’s Local H.

I highlighted the band when they came to town last year, but this time they’re splitting the Baltimore/D.C. difference. Touring is a hard life, and scheduling is an expedient enterprise of who can take me now?

Well, who’s taking them now is a new kid in town called The Whiskey, so-named for the past four years or so. They call themselves “the Best Bar and Rock Club in the History of the Universe,” and they do it in all caps. We’re not that obnoxious here, so we won’t.

Of course, some will cry blasphemy at using the name “The Whiskey,” given the storied bar named Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. Not the same thing exactly, but still, they’re flirting with lightning bolts if John Bonham or Jim Morrison start feeling a little randy … wherever they are.

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The Whiskey
1803 West St.
Annapolis, Md. 21401

The Whiskey is a sports bar as well. The menu seems like typical bar fare: burgers, wings, subs, sandwiches, salads and wraps. OK, not many bars I can think of have subs, and while I’m at it, how many prominently feature hot dogs? The Whiskey offers nine different types. The prices are reasonable to boot.

They also have 10 high-definition TVs showing sports, and from Tuesday to Friday sport a 4 p.m.-7 p.m. happy hour where all drinks are two for one. The Whiskey is open Tuesday-Friday from noon to 2 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The club is closed on Mondays. But the main attraction – or at least point of distinction – has to be the shows it puts on.

Here is a calendar of upcoming concerts. I have to admit, I don’t recognize any of the other bands on the calendar … but some of the best shows I’ve been to I had no idea who the bands were before seeing them that night. And after a few beers and around the right people, it’s sometimes a moot point anyway. To that end, the Whiskey offers open mic night every Tuesday, so any aspiring Dionysian rock stars in the area, take note.

Local H is set to release their new record sometime soon, but here is the best song off their last album, “12 Angry Months.” It represents their poignant side. If you make it out to the Whiskey, be prepared: This is the loudest band I’ve ever heard live, and I’ve heard a bunch.

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Older Posts »

Apartment Showcase Blog

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Sheets Safe From Bed Bugs

Catch a Buzz at Firefly in Dupont Circle

Live From Bowie … It’s the National Capitol Radio & TV Museum

Artomatic Creative Arts Festival Makes Its Return to Crystal City

Get Your Fill of Arlington at This Month’s 25th Annual Food Festival

Join the Revolution at Ford’s Theatre in Penn Quarter

Sharing Is Caring (for Plants) at a Fairfax Community Garden Plot

Alexandria Stages Pre-Earth Day Celebration This Weekend

Smithsonian Craft Show Brings DIY Design to Northwest This Weekend

Hard-Rock Stalwarts Local H Pour the Whiskey in Annapolis This Weekend

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