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Wake Us Up in January

Not loving this Jumanji: 2020 edition. As you may have heard, there was a large water main break early this morning at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in front of Banana Republic. Although the water has been turned off, there is a large amount of street damage and debris in that area. Wisconsin Avenue is currently closed between M Street and the Canal, and traffic is moving slowly along M Street. Some businesses along these affected stretches are unable to open today due to a lack of water service. DC Water estimates repairs and restoration will be complete later this evening. In a few cases, there is also flooding damage. 

If you are planning on coming into Georgetown today for Taste and Shop Georgetown, please be aware of road closures. While the majority of our businesses are still open, we suggest you call the store or restaurant first to confirm their operating status. 

This week''s BIDness is a return to its "regular" format, but we want to acknowledge that last week''s message to our community was not a singular moment for us before going back to business as usual. As the Black Lives Matter protests continue in our own city and around the world, we are having internal conversations that will be followed by external engagement.

There has to be more to come - and Georgetown business owners, employees, residents, and visitors who will come along with us. We will keep you informed, and engaged, as we move forward.


Sincerely,
The Georgetown BID 

Something for Your Body 

While we''re all on the SpaceX waiting list in an effort to leave this entire planet, even the smallest change in perspective could do us some good. Like, just leaving land for a little bit. Boating in DC is now open by reservations only at Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown. To further ensure your safety during COVID-19, 10 guests can pre-pay and reserve a single kayak, double kayak or stand-up paddleboard for one hour, every 30 minutes. Rowing guests can rent sculls between 6 am and 9 am at Thompson''s Boat Center only. All equipment will be sanitized after every use, masks must be warn at all times while on the dock and during launch, and hand sanitizers will be available - among other precautions. Click here to learn more and reserve your time on the water!

Something for Your Brain 

We know you''ve literally watched every piece of content currently on Netflix - Fuller House, Season 5 included - so it''s time to get that summer reading list lined up. Fortunately, Bridge Street Books (2814 Pennsylvania Ave NW) is now open for pick-up & local delivery. Call 202-965-5200 or email orders@bridgestreetbooks.com to order, or you can shop from home by visiting the store online and searching by subject area. Bridge Street is happy to discuss recommendations and new arrivals as well. Pick-up hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 2 pm - 6 pm, and Friday - Sunday from 1 pm - 6 pm, and orders will be placed outside the door, or in your car, if requested.

In addition to Bridge Street Books, all non-essential retailers are now permitted to offer pick-up under DC''s Phase One reopening. Visit your favorite Georgetown retailer online to see what services they''re currently offering. 

Something for Your Happiness 

If you''ve spent the past three months eating the majority of your food over the kitchen sink, a plated meal outside - on an actual table - may as well be a trip to Paris. Nearly 20 Georgetown restaurants and food establishments are now open for outdoor dining under Phase One of DC''s reopening, in addition to all of our restaurants offering carry-out and delivery. Check out the outdoor dining list below, and visit their individual websites for more information on reserving a table, and safety protocols. Several other restaurants and cafes are also working with us on Streatery permits that will enable them to seat diners in Georgetown''s public spaces, so more to come soon!

• Angolo
• Boulangerie Christophe
• Brasserie Liberte (above)
• Cafe Milano
• Chez Billy Sud
• Farmers Fishers Bakers
• Fiola Mare
• Flavio Restaurant
• Guapo''s
• Il Canale
• Kafe Leopold
• Mai Thai of Georgetown
• Martin''s Tavern
• Nick''s Riverside Grill
• Peacock Cafe
• Ristorante Piccolo
• Say Cheese
• Thomas Sweet
• Tony & Joe''s Seafood Place

Something for Someone Else 

This month, South Block is donating 100 percent of sales from their acai bowl kits to various groups supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, including Color of Change - the nation's largest online racial justice organization. Order here for local delivery, pick-up, or shipping.

Next week, Georgetown''s Reverie is donating a portion of their restaurant sales to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund - the premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.

Georgetown-incubated Soapbox is donating a minimum of 650,000 bars of soap in the next two months to COVID-19 relief efforts with groups directly serving at-risk Black populations. You can support those efforts through your own Soapbox purchase.

At Sephora, their charity reward program is donating dollars for customer points this month, which will go to the National Black Justice Coalition - a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. 

If you''d like to donate to an organization rooted in Georgetown''s Black history, The Mount Zion / Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park Foundation manages the preservation and commemoration of the Mt. Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries - two centuries of lost African-American history. You can learn more on their website, and through our interview with foundation Vice President Dr. Thornell Page.

You Might Wanna Sit Down For This One

If we polled everyone last August and asked what was more unlikely in 2020 - a pandemic, or free parking in Georgetown - it would be a tight race. And yet, here we are with both. EastBanc is celebrating Georgetown retail summer deals by offering FREE all-day parking on weekdays at EastBanc''s 3307 M Street lot with any Georgetown sales receipt, and $5 parking every weekend, now through Labor Day. Visit your favorite Georgetown retailers and restaurants, and leave the cost of parking to someone else. Need some help navigating Georgetown''s new normal? Check out our new What''s Open page, featuring guides on everything from in-store shopping, to outdoor dining, recreation, and more.

Rose-Colored Glasses

If we had a tail to wag, we''d do it. This new kaleidoscope art installation by @tweedandtwigs is bringing us some serious joy, with its iridescent panels hanging above Georgetown Park''s East Market Lane (in between Olivia Macaron and the old Dean and DeLuca space at 3276 M St). Stop by at different times throughout the day to see how the sun reflects off the panels, which are especially beautiful when they catch a breeze. Adorable dog not included. (Photo by labradoodle_nurung)

When Life Hands You Lemon Macarons

While we''re busy crushing a party size bag of Tostitos, do you think the French are making their way through a box of macarons every night? It just seems more dignified. While you''re in the area checking out the new Georgetown Park art installation, stop by Olivia Macaron (3270 M St) and try their limited-edition lemon meringue macarons. If you''ve got a little one returning to the classroom (aka, the corner of your living room), treat them to a Harry Potter-inspired Back to School Wizard Box, featuring flavors like Butter Beer and Green Pistachio Frog. Or just keep them for yourself, and hope a spell gets you through the school year.

Flashbacks of Mom, and a Mixing Bowl 

Your nerves are frayed...but so is your hair. If you''re anxious about scheduling a salon appointment but are running out of hats, Salon L''eau (3240 P St) has outdoor stations available to book! A far cry from the backyard set-up that left you with an elementary school bowl cut, this is the real deal - with a chair and mirror on the salon''s charming patio, for a calming and professional haircut while you''re surrounded by plants and trees. Nearly all of Georgetown's salons and spas are open under DC''s Phase Two reopening and getting creative to ensure they serve you as safely as possible - from using disposable ponchos instead of cutting smocks, to asking customers to wait in the car while their color services are processed. Check out our Beauty & Wellness Services Guide and schedule your haircut, massage, manicure, health service, or fitness class today. (Photo by Washingtonian)

Be Their Guest 

They feel your pain! Mondays throughout August, Clyde''s (3236 M St) is offering 50% off indoor dining for hospitality workers. Join them from 11 am - 9 pm on Industry Nights and just show some sort of proof of employment from a hospitality job in 2020, then treat yourself to the likes of crab cakes, baby back ribs, and filet mignon for half the price. 

Just Keep Pedaling

Pre-COVID bike riding was like a solid 5 on the fun scale. Strip away concerts and baseball games and backyard parties, and it''s getting a serious summer glow up! Rent a cruiser from Big Wheel Bikes and spend the afternoon exploring the C&O Canal or Capital Crescent Trail, or head to Bicycle Pro Shop and Trek Bikes to invest in two wheels of your very own. All three shops, in addition to District Cycle Works, are also open for bicycle and gear consults, repairs, and bike apparel. Use our bike parking map and take a break to eat along the waterfront or Canal before hopping back on for the rest of your ride.

Chasing that Exorcism High

Much as we love being known for some projectile pea soup and a priest tumbling down a flight of steps, Georgetown is ready to claim some more Hollywood fame. Two years after it filmed in the summer of 2018, Wonder Woman 1984 opens on Christmas Day in theaters and on HBO Max, and features several scenes shot in Georgetown. From the iconic old Georgetown theater (above), to the nostalgic Commander Salamander and the Canal, we''re representing on the big screen. We have a social media contest we''ll be starting on Monday for the chance to win some great Wonder Woman prize packages, so stay tuned via our Instagram and Wonder Woman website page for all the details. (Photo credit: Chris Buckler)

No Pane, No Gain

It''s time to cast the second-most important vote of the year. OK, third, after favorite song off the new T. Swift album. (The correct answer is Gold Rush.) You have until noon on December 31 to help pick the winner of our Georgetown "Silver Linings" Holiday Window & Streatery Competition. More than 25 participating windows and streateries will be decorated throughout the month, and you can vote in person via QR code or online via Facebook for your favorite display. Vote in person and you''ll have the chance to win $100, too! A competition map and link to our Facebook album are available on our Holiday Window Competition page. Plan your own stroll, or join DC by Foot for a Georgetown History & Holiday Lights 1.5-hour walking tour. Tours run daily at 6 pm, and are name-your-own-price with a $3 booking fee Wednesdays - Saturdays, and $26 per person Sundays - Tuesdays. 

Oh, Bring Us Some...Figgy Pudding?

Or maybe just a history book, since our understanding of all things "Christmas in Olden Times" seems to be solely from A Christmas Carol.  Brush up on your holiday knowledge and join Dumbarton House to learn about the history and celebration of Christmas during the Federal period. Enjoy a recorded tour and at-home craft, or select a private, guided tour of Dumbarton House with a member of the museum staff. All donations help sustain Dumbarton House and their mission of education and historic preservation. A $5 donation is suggested for access to the Dumbarton House Christmas Tour video, with packages going up from there. Click here to purchase tickets, available through December 25.

"Don''t Get Me Anything" and Other Lies

It''s a trap, people! Everyone wants gifts, and statements to the contrary are not to be believed. Whether you''re celebrating Christmas, need a last-minute gift for the final nights of Hanukkah, or have simply made it to December 17, 2020 in one piece, our holiday gift guides are here to help you find the perfect present for each person on your list (even if that person is you). From sticking to a budget, to blowing it, there are items for every price point and interest - all curated from Georgetown''s favorite stores and restaurants. We even have some new gift additions since last week, including a Treat Dough''self Pack of mini cookie dough jars, because the universe still provides. Check out all of our guides here!

Rounding Out That Work-From-Home Lewk

"Oh, this old thing?" you say as you casually tuck your hair behind your ear during that Monday morning Zoom call, your new bracelet giving off big Queen Elizabeth energy. Jewelers''Werk Galerie is presenting a special holiday show of artist jeweler Petra Class's latest collection, on display through December 31 at 3319 Cady''s Alley. A classically trained goldsmith from Germany, Petra uses ancient techniques to transform vibrant precious stones and high-karat gold into modern, sculptural pieces. The exhibition is open during gallery hours: Monday through Saturday, 12pm - 5pm, or by appointment. 

Three Words: Scholastic Book Fair

If you''re a child of the 80s or 90s, your heart is currently RACING. While it''s impossible to fully recapture the unadulterated joy of that experience, you can wax nostalgic at Carpe Librum. The pop-up bookstore at 1353 Wisconsin Ave NW is offering bookstore takeovers for you and up to three guests, where you can safely browse their stacks and go on your own private shopping spree. For a minimum total purchase of $100, groups will have exclusive access to Carpe Librum for up to one hour. Your group can take home a total of up to 25 gently-used books of any genre, all covered by the upfront fee-with additional books at a significant discount. Sales benefit the DC nonprofit Turning the Page. Book your experience today, then pile into Mom''s mini-van and getting ready to LIVE.

Myth Busters: Georgetown 

Bloody Mary in the mirror, the clown statue in the basement, expensive Georgetown parking, and other urban legends. OK - so maybe Georgetown (and let''s be real, all of DC) parking is normally pricey, but several parking garages are now offering parking for as low as $1 for the first 20 minutes and $5 all day during Taste and Shop Georgetown! Click here to view the garage locations and their specific deals, with a few more added in the next day. Without a hefty parking bill to worry about, you can focus on the take-out, delivery, and indoor / outdoor dining specials, paired with fall shopping and service promotions - all part of this three-week, free promotional event, running now through October 25. From $5 cocktails to up to 50% off at select shops, visit our website for the full list of specials from our more than 70 participating businesses.

Hot Ghosts Need Not Social Distance

A young Patrick Swayze is the only person allowed within six feet of you and your wheel for the foreseeable future. Get your Demi Moore on and sign up for Hinckley Pottery''s daytime, evening, or weekend classes - finally back this week at 3132 Blues Alley NW after a long hiatus! Get your hands in some clay and discover the magic of turning mud into functional objects with a 10-week class for adults of all skill levels. COVID protocols are in place, with reduced class sizes and mandatory mask-wearing at all times. A six-week handbuilding class is also available, beginning Oct. 11 - in addition to instruction for kids and teens starting this month.

Wouldn''t Hate a Hat Mandate, Either 

While we''re donning our masks in public, and rocking that business-on-the-top / party-on-the-bottom Zoom look at home, our hair is the one thing that''s still on display at all times. For some love on those locks, plus massage specials, manicures, and more, check out our new guide to help you navigate our Georgetown beauty and wellness options during COVID. Among the featured businesses, Violet Salon (1513 Wisconsin Ave NW) is honoring our first responders by seeking nominations for someone on the front lines who is keeping us safe during the pandemic. The salon is giving away a makeover every week through Thanksgiving to these deserving men and women; go to their website or Instagram to nominate a first responder. Any nominee who doesn''t win can still receive 50% off of any one hair service when they book an appointment now through Thanksgiving and mention the First Responder Promo. Up the block, Salon ILO (1637 Wisconsin Ave NW) is extending its own thank you to all of their clients who have supported them during COVID with a free K water resurfacing treatment, through October 15.

uBREAKuPAY

Your baby deserves the best pediatric care. uBreakiFix - the nationwide leader in professional same-day electronics repairs - is opening a new Georgetown location this week on the 2nd floor of 1519 Wisconsin Avenue. Bring in your iPhone, Samsung, computer, Macs, iPads and other tablets and cell phones for fast repairs, screen replacements, and more. The repair store was recently named "Best Place to Get Your Cracked Phone Screen Fixed" by Washington City Paper''s Best of DC, so you know your phone - aka entire life - is in capable hands.

Offering Up 2020 to the Moon

Throwing in 2021, too...just to be safe. In honor of Moon Festival - an East and Southeast Asian celebration that dates back 3,000 years and is most often marked by family gatherings, special foods, lanterns, and offerings to the moon - Reren and Beautea (1073 Wisconsin Ave NW) are adding on a bonus $20 when you purchase a $100 gift card any time this month. Join their free VIP program throughout October and you''ll also receive 5% off every time you come in. If you''ve yet to try this new Georgetown restaurant, now''s your chance to embrace the cooler weather with a warm bowl of lamen.

I Can Show You The World

Classic Aladdin carpet industry humor. Fine Rugs NY just opened a new location at 1251 Wisconsin Ave NW. Owned by the Mashihi family since 1916, the shop sells a curated collection of fine antique rugs, vintage and rare rugs, tapestries and fine arts from around the world - while also serving as a consultant and appraiser for many estates. Whether you''re an interior decorator, or just tired of what you''ve been staring at daily for the past seven months, call 202-758-0801 or email info@finerugsny.com for an appointment.

Free Steam Facial!

Mask + August weather = complimentary skin treatment while you shop. This weekend, more than 15 Georgetown businesses are participating in DC Dog Days, offering special sales, gifts with purchase, discounts, and more, both online and in-store. Georgetown Main Street has joined several other community-based organizations to bring DC this virtual shopping promotion, in addition to several sidewalk sales in Georgetown. Among the great deals, Oliver Dunn Moss & Co (1657 Wisconsin Avenue) is offering up to 75% off during its sidewalk sale, Patisserie Poupon (1645 Wisconsin Avenue) will be grilling chicken and merguez sausage outside, Calloway Fine Arts & Consulting (1643 Wisconsin Avenue) will be selling discounted contemporary and antique works outside, Take Care (1338 Wisconsin Avenue) is offering The Dog Days Facial for $140 (normally $175), and many other retail shops, restaurants, and beauty services are offering large percentages off all purchases. For the full list of sales, and a pop-up bookshop, click here.

Single Woman Defiantly Orders Family Meal

What does "for four" really mean, anyway? DC''s Summer Restaurant Week is back this month, running for two weeks instead of one. From August 17-30, the promo features lunch and brunch menus for $22, and dinner at $35 and $55 price points. Organized by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), this year''s promo focuses on carry-out, and family-style to-go dinner meals ranging from $60 to $100 for two people, and $130 to $210 for four people. Cocktails and wine can also be purchased to go, with curbside pickup available. Georgetown restaurants Brasserie Liberte, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Filomena, La Chaumiere, Martin''s Tavern, Nick''s Riverside Grill, Ristorante Piccolo, and Tony & Joe''s Seafood Place are participating, with Restaurant Week menus in the works, and more participants coming. Click here to learn more, where you can filter by Georgetown.

Six Degrees of Julia Roberts

If you take a picture in front of the Georgetown house where a Supreme Court justice meets his demise in The Pelican Brief, you''ve basically met the Pretty Woman herself. (And we''d encourage you to say so in all future humble brags.) From Annette Benning''s residence in The American President, to the window Arnold Schwarzenegger jumped out of, the streets where Wonder Woman 1984 was shot, and the home of Will Smith''s Enemy of the State character, our self-guided Georgetown Movie Sites tour is your look into Hollywood on the Potomac. Check out 11 locations where movies were filmed in Georgetown for a free, outdoor, socially distanced activity. Afterward, grab some take-out or take advantage of our Streateries and seated dining options.

Moving the Conversation Forward

If you haven''t seen it yet, don''t miss the beautiful mural, "Strength," that''s outside of MAJOR (1415 Wisconsin Avenue NW). The piece was created by Baltimore-based artist Mowgli - who also has a mural to the left of this honoring healthcare workers during COVID - and is one of several Black Lives Matter messages throughout Georgetown. This weekend, Dumbarton House staff and George Washington University history professor Dr. David Silverman are exploring one framework of our country''s history of racism with a discussion on the book Bind Us Apart: How Enlightened Americans Invented Racial Segregation. Nicholas Guyatt's book explores how the founding fathers understood racial difference and how their beliefs shape the America we still live in. The program will be held virtually on Saturday, August 8, from 4 pm - 5:30 pm, and is limited to 24 attendees to encourage discussion; click here to register. For a more local perspective, join Rock Creek Park and friends tonight from 5 pm - 6:30 pm for a free virtual discussion about the history of race in DC, with Chocolate City co-author Chris Myers Asch. This event is part of a series of programs that will help explore the topic of race and the legacy of Rock Creek Park as a dividing line in our city. Register here.

Puts On Sweatpants, Sets Alarm for Spring

Like a squirrel storing nuts, time to gather as much loungewear as possible and prepare for hibernation. Once the cold weather kicks in, we''re going to be spending even more time inside (if that''s humanly possible), so we may as well be comfortable. Check out the Roots Warehouse Sale now through Saturday in Georgetown (3259 M St) for up to 75% off all merchandise, including apparel, shoes, accessories and more. The Canadian company is particularly known for its warm, well-made sweatshirts and sweatpants; stop by today and tomorrow from 4 pm - 8 pm, or Saturday from 12 pm - 6 pm to stock up. Click here to register.

In today''s BIDness, we''re bringing some more good news (and an obscene amount of Cadbury Eggs) to your inbox. For the latest updates on COVID-19 and the Georgetown community, you can always refer to our dedicated website page. You can also follow us on Instagram at @officialgeorgetowndc. 

We also have a new page on our website to make it even easier for you to #SupportGeorgetown by purchasing a gift card to your favorite business, shopping online, or ordering take-out and delivery. Check it out!

Something for Your Body 

In today''s "How Am I Handling Quarantine?" quiz: When you look at this photo, do you see A) a kit for a family of four, or B) a personal-size delivery? Either way, Sprinkles Cupcakes is offering a Design Your Own cupcake box. The kit includes unfrosted baked cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, decorations, and spatulas - the perfect way to keep the kids occupied, or celebrate a special occasion (your birthday; the fact that you put on pants). Pick-up or local delivery to your front door are available, with the option for a kit of four cupcakes, or a dozen.

Also in on the DIY game, Pizzeria Paradiso has make-your-own pizza kits, including instructions from Mama Ruth's cookbook. Enjoy a Pizza Margherita or Pizza Paradiso with Pepperoni from the comfort of your couch - which may as well be your bed at this point.

Something for Your Brain

We''ve reached the point in homeschooling where "Count the buttons on the remote" is passing for a math lesson. It is what it is. Fortunately, Tudor Place - the 1816 National Historic Landmark estate in Georgetown that was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter - launched a new "Education at Home" online portal, with activities, crafts and lessons about history, plant science, decorative arts and more. Select from plant yoga, coloring pages, craft reproductions of museum exhibits, lessons in what trees can tell us, and even more. You can also follow them on social media for additional #TeachingTuesday inspiration.

Something for Your Happiness  

It''s really important to grant yourself some grace right now, particularly if you''ve ordered a 5-lb. Amazon shipment of Cadbury Eggs. EVERYTHING IS FINE. For those who observe Easter, Passover, or simply enjoy binge-eating chocolate, our restaurants and retail shops have plenty of ways you can still celebrate. Some ideas below:

Four Seasons: Easter brunch is available for pick-up for one to 12 people. A portion of the proceeds from every menu sold will go to MedStar Washington Hospital Centre. The menu includes smoked duck tartlets, smoked salmon, a Bourbon Steak ribeye, and a white chocolate and seasonal fruit tartelette. Reservations must be made before 5pm on Friday, April 10 by calling +1 202-342-0444.

Baked & Wired: Pre-order Easter cakes, batches of bars or cookies, quiches, breakfast bread and more.

The Dough Jar: Easter dough packs available for delivery, including a seasonal Cadbury Egg cookie dough.

Little Birdies Boutique: Pacifier holders perfect for Easter baskets.

Shop Made in DC: Jump into Spring Box, full of local treats.

The Sovereign: Treat-filled baskets and an Easter menu available through their restaurant group, Neighborhood Provisions. Orders will be taken until 5 pm Thursday for Saturday delivery before 5 pm.

Olivia Macaron: Easter macarons, available for shipping or pick up.

L.A. Burdick Chocolates: Signature Bunny Box - assortment of chocolate bunnies, marzipan eggs, and dark chocolate truffles.

Georgetown Butcher: Special products for Easter and Passover; call or email with your order.

America Eats Tavern: No matter how you''re celebrating Passover, America Eats Tavern has a brisket platter available for delivery on @UberEats. 

A MANO: Easter lilies embroidered on Irish linen. Call 202-298-7200 or email acmahr@aol.com.

For more Easter, Passover, and spring specials, visit your favorite Georgetown restaurant and retailer websites & social media accounts, and check out our What''s Open & Closed document.

Something for Someone Else

From your favorite bartender, to the third-generation small business owner, so many of our commercial district employees are hurting right now. This afternoon, we launched the Georgetown BID Employee Emergency Relief Grant program. Employees in the Georgetown BID commercial district who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and need money to pay for rent, food, medical bills, or other emergency costs because they have few other options, can apply for up to $500 in financial assistance from us. Grants will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. If you or someone you know is interested, click here to read the eligibility criteria and to apply (in English or Spanish).

If you''re looking for another way to help where needed, consider showing our healthcare heroes even more love and support. Buy a pair of Allbirds shoes online, and you''ll automatically supply a pair to someone in the healthcare community. The M Street retailer has already donated $500,000 in shoes.

This Feels Like an Invite to the Met Gala

The past five months have caused a real Benjamin Button situation. Reemerging into the world like toddlers, everything feels new and thrilling. (Also, we''re crying for no reason like once a day.) So the return of DC''s Summer Restaurant Week? Mark your calendars and break out the ball gowns! From August 17-30, the promo features lunch and brunch menus for $22, and dinner at $35 and $55 price points. Organized by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), this year''s promo focuses on carry-out, and family-style to-go dinner meals ranging from $60 to $100 for two people, and $130 to $210 for four people. To-go cocktails and wine can be purchased, with curbside pickup available. Since last week, El Centro, Clyde''s, Officina, and Susheria have joined the list of participating Georgetown restaurants. Click here to learn more, where you can filter by neighborhood.

Happy Trails

Like a normal public meeting, without the Safeway cheese platter. You''re invited to attend a virtual public meeting for the Water Street Staircase Rehabilitation and Capital Crescent Trail Trailhead Project, August 25 from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. This project will create a safer pedestrian connection between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail by rehabilitating the existing concrete staircase at the Potomac Aqueduct. The project will also create a small trailhead area for users of the Capital Crescent Trail, featuring seating, bike parking, landscaping, and improved drainage. Click here to register for the first public meeting, which will take place via Zoom. More information is available on the project website page. This is a grant-funded project from DDOT through the Transportation Alternatives Program. If you have any questions or need assistance prior to the meeting, please email David Levy at dl@livablecity.com.

Peace and Pints Be With You 

Prayers have been answered. Church Hall has reopened its indoor beer hall, with craft beer, locally distilled cocktails, frozen drinks, and rum punch to-go pouches (think Capri Sun for adults) available, in addition to a revamped menu. Grab a buffalo fried chicken sandwich, giant pretzel, wings, or a burger to eat while you drink, and escape the heat at one of their spacious tables - with plenty of room to social distance and watch the return of basketball and baseball from one of their big-screen TVs. Doors open at 4 pm Monday - Friday and 12 pm on weekends. And no need to wait in line or congregate at the bar; order through your phone and your food and drinks will be brought right to the table. For more dining and drinking options in Georgetown, visit our dining and streatery guides.

A New Bed From Which to Take Work Calls

You can only wake up to that ''''Live, Laugh, Love'''' wall hanging so many consecutive mornings before you need a change of scenery. A place - dare we say - where you may actually feel like you''re living, laughing, and loving again. We''re talking Georgetown staycation! The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Four Seasons, The Georgetown Inn, Georgetown Suites, and The Georgetown House are accepting guests, with The Rosewood and The Graham (rooftop bar now open!) taking reservations for the Fall. Whether you''re planning a getaway or need a quiet room to host a virtual meeting, our hotels are welcoming you back with new protocols in place - and a thread count you forgot existed. 

Calligraphy, Because What Social Life?

Alternatively, you can use the fancy pen to poke your eyes out after another Zoom call. Either way, Scilla + Luna has the craft supplies you need to get through all this alone time - from calligraphy sets, to sketchbooks, watercolors, and knitting, embroidery and weaving materials. Visit their outdoor pop-up shop at 1675 Wisconsin Ave. every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 1 pm, weather permitting, where you''ll also find curated home art and decor, and clothing and accessories. The textile-loving shop is owned by a mother-daughter team, and is also at the Rose Park Farmers Market Wednesdays from 3 pm - 7 pm. While you''re in the charming area of Book Hill, don''t miss the other boutiques, home decor stores, art galleries, and cafes. Visit our Phase Two guides to see what''s nearby and open.

In today''s BIDness, we''re bringing some more good news (and way to double all donations for local revcovery!) to your inbox. For the latest updates on COVID-19 and the Georgetown community, you can always refer to our dedicated website page. You can also follow us on Instagram at @officialgeorgetowndc. 

For more information on restaurants offering delivery and carry-out, click here. You can also visit our Support Georgetown page to purchase gift cards and shop online at many of our businesses.

Something for Your Body 

It''s hard to tell if the Zoom lighting is that horrible, or the past six weeks have aged us like a two-term presidency, but we''re not loving what''s staring back at us during these video calls. If you want a little self-esteem boost, sign up for Own Your Wonder''s Virtual Sip n'' Glow, part of the Virtual Georgetown French Market (more on that below!). Learn how to get video-ready, as they teach you how to use lighting to look your best on video, how to apply video-flattering makeup with products you already own, and the three simple tips and tricks that you can incorporate into a 10-minute morning routine. Book at hello@ownyourwonder.com; $20 per person for a group of up to eight (perfect if you need a virtual birthday or bachelorette party idea), or $50 for an individual lesson.

Something for Your Brain

Step away from the news. We repeat, step away from the news. It''s time to show your right-brain some love, and rechannel your stress into creativity. (Creativity, and cookies. Keep eating cookies.) Tunes 4 Tots is hosting a free, virtual music class for kids on May 6 from 11 am - 11:30 am. Grab some maracas and drums, or make your own version of musical instruments to join in the fun at home. Register here and you'll receive a Zoom link 30 minutes prior to the class. If you''re interested in adult instruction, Dizzy Fingers Music Studio is offering 10% off your first online guitar lesson, May 1-8. 

On the art side, Washington Printmakers Gallery is hosting an online workshop where children (and adults) can learn how to turn a sheet of paper into a book full of pop-up faces, in addition to featuring a collection of fine art limited-edition photos of France for sale. Calloway Fine Art & Consulting is also featuring special discounts on 200 new antique prints, paintings, and drawings, as well as some porcelain and contemporary works. If you''re interested in learning more about the artwork, you can schedule a virtual Zoom appointment with their staff.

Something for Your Happiness  

When there aren''t enough words in the Dictionary to properly express your coronavirus emotions, time to bring in the mime. Our 17th annual Georgetown French Market was originally scheduled for last weekend, and we refuse to accept that we cannot bring French pastries, promotions, and family fun to everyone, in some fashion. So join us May 1-8 for the Virtual Georgetown French Market, as more than 15 of our locally-owned boutiques, caf?s, and galleries offer online retail and restaurant promotions - many of which we''ve plugged above. From a major wine sale, to 70% off select boutique clothing, virtual children''s story time (in French and English), a free antiques assessment, and croissants delivered to your door, there''s still a lot to celebrate. Ten percent of sales will benefit COVID-19 relief on behalf of two local non-profits. This has always been one of the biggest shopping events of the year for our small businesses, so what better way to support them and honor the spirit of this springtime tradition. Check out the full list of promotions and programming on our website, and follow #georgetownfrenchmarket.

Something for Someone Else

As if we needed an incentive to eat dough covered in cheese, for every pizza you now order at 90 Second Pizza, a second will be donated to first responders. 90 Second Pizza has committed to donating up to 1,000 pizzas. You can place your pick-up order on their website, or get delivery through Caviar, Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub, and UberEats - the latter also offering a vegan menu.

In addition to being well-fed, those on the frontlines need to be well-protected. For every face mask sold during the Virtual Georgetown French Market, Carine's Bridal will make and donate one to those on the frontlines. For bulk and corporate orders, contact info@carinesbridal.com.

On a final giving note, this morning we announced a joint, limited-time crowdfunding campaign as part of #GivingTuesdayNow to support our Georgetown BID relief campaign for local workers who've lost their jobs due to COVID-19, and Georgetown-based nonprofit Halcyon''s fellowship programs for impact-based startups. From today through Tuesday, May 5, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000, and split evenly between the two programs. Your gift today - of any size - will double, and help us keep workers afloat, and small businesses alive. Click here to donate.

Whether you work in Georgetown, live a few blocks away, go to the University, hit the waterfront once a year for a birthday dinner, visited that one summer on a trip across the country, or admire it from afar on Instagram, we''ve always known that Georgetown is many things to many people.

We also know that Georgetown isn''t Georgetown without its people - the men and women who work in your favorite restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and fitness studios. These employees have served us loyally, and now many of them are hurting. 

Last week, we launched the Georgetown BID Employee Emergency Relief Grant program, and are in the process of granting a total of $150,000 to hundreds of initial applicants who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and need money to pay for rent, food, medical bills, or other emergency costs because they have few other options.

There are hundreds' more applicants who are still in need of financial assistance, which is why we have partnered with Halcyon, a nonprofit based in Georgetown, to launch a donation campaign to further fund this grant. 

Donations can be made at georgetowndc.com/employee-relief-grant/donate. They will be tax-deductible through Halcyon's 501(c)(3) status, and 100% of funds will be distributed to those in need. For companies wishing to make a larger corporate donation, please contact us directly: Nancy Miyahira, nmiyahira@georgetowndc.com.

We''ve all been affected by this public health crisis in some way, and we know that many of you may also be hurting, financially and beyond. If you''re in a position to do so, consider donating to this relief fund and showing the members of our community how much we all care about them, until we can warmly welcome them back to Georgetown.

We can''t wait to do the same for you.

Stay well, and take care.

Sincerely,
The Georgetown BID

American-Size Definition of a Slider

"Family platter," if you''re in Europe. City Sliders is opening next week at 1529 Wisconsin Ave NW, featuring every kind of (seemingly generous!) slider imaginable - from a BLT, to Korean pork belly, brisket, Nashville hot chicken, Banh Mi burger, Angus beef, crispy cod, Cuban, steak & cheese...the list goes on. With a focus on organic, locally grown ingredients, the menu also includes vegan and vegetarian sliders (think cauliflower steak and black bean burgers), plus salad bowls and shakes. The restaurant will be open Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm, and Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm. While you''re there, don''t miss Cozy Bubble Tea and Coffee on the second floor, which already opened this week. 

One Man''s Trash is Another Man''s to Pick Up

It''s time to get all Home Edit on the Canal. If you''re looking for a safe and socially distant way to volunteer outside, join Georgetown Heritage this Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 am - 12 pm for their next Canal Clean-Up along Georgetown''s one-mile section of the C&O Canal. Volunteers (Clea and Joanna, you free?) will meet at Fish Market Square (corner of Grace & Potomac Streets, NW), and are required to wear masks for the duration of the clean-up, and social distance whenever possible. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks; other materials and tools will be provided. Click here to learn more, and register.

Taste and Shop Georgetown For Bigger Pants

You''re gonna need a bigger belt. Inspired by the Taste of Georgetown, this year''s new Taste and Shop Georgetown promotional event kicks off Monday, October 5 with three weeks of take-out, delivery, and indoor / outdoor dining specials, paired with fall shopping and service promotions. We''re talking extended brunch, $1 cannolis, $5 cocktails, special family-style meals, all-day happy hour and more at our restaurants - plus up to 50% off, gifts with purchase, and private appointments at our shops. Oh yeah, and some amazing parking deals. Visit our website for the full list of specials from our 65+ participating businesses. 

Mommy''s Going On a "Business Trip"

You gave it the old college try, and now it''s time to leave your family behind. Escape from the disaster that is running a household and home classroom during a pandemic and head to the The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown as it finally reopens its doors today. Splurge on a well-deserved wellness room located on the spa and fitness center level, complete with an air purifier, sleep mask, and sound and sleep machine; Turkish towels and alpaca throw; Vitamin C shower and lavender bath salts; and yoga mat and wellness ball. Single people, who presciently created a life in which they''d only have to care for themselves in 2020, also welcome to stay.

2020: A Metaphor in Sculpture 

The third sharp turn represents murder hornets. Join Calloway Fine Art & Consulting for their new exhibition, Between the Lines, featuring the metal sculptures of Jeff Chyatte in conversation with the colorful paintings of Matthew Langley. On view through Oct. 24 at 1643 Wisconsin Ave NW, this is the first gallery-based exhibition at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting since the spring. Jeff Chyatte''s sculptures explore balance, imbalance, and exploration, while Matthew Langley''s work relies heavily on improvisation - leaning on the artist''s acquired knowledge of color rather than adhering to color theory. 

Joie de Spiked Lemonade

The best of the South of France, without a view of the nude beaches (because it''s never as you imagined). Following the temporarily closure of BOURBON STEAK, the team at the Four Seasons has created ENO AZUR - a French Riviera pop-up featuring Chef Giannini's favorite recipes from his native C?te d'Azur. Based out of ENO but with extensive outdoor dining available on the terraces, ENO AZUR is open Wednesday through Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm to 10 pm for indoor and outdoor patio service. Menu highlights include zucchini blossom fritters, sausage stuffed roasted vegetables, Ni?oise salad, Mediterranean branzino with fennel, and lobster spaghetti flamb?ed with pastis. Pair your meal with a cocktail, ros?, or a signature spiked (or not!) lemonade with a Champagne float, fresh from their lemonade cart. (Photo credit Jennifer Chase)

Like Quarantine, But With Fun Props 

You''re stuck in a single room and you have to solve a series of puzzles in order to escape. Is this: a) a fun recreational activity that you pay to do with friends; b) the last six months in your studio apartment with no human contact; or c) all of the above? Escape Room Live (3345 M St NW) is reopening in Georgetown tomorrow, so you can be trapped temporarily and by choice (turns out that''s what makes it fun and not miserable), with new safety protocols in place! Your group will have its own private Escape Room to yourselves, where you can pick from Curse of the Mummy, The Pirate''s Curse, Titanic, The Cabin, or Odditorium Emporium Shopping Spree themes. Contactless check-in is available and each room will be sanitized in between adventures. Time to shake off the rust and get those brains thinking again.

How We Got Where We Are Today 

Georgetown Heritage is partnering with Dumbarton House, Mt. Zion/Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park, and Tudor Place Historic House and Garden to present Reckoning the Legacy of Race & Racism in Georgetown. Join a panel of thought leaders, academics, and descendants on September 1 from 6:30 pm - 8 pm for a (virtual) conversation about race and racism in Georgetown. Much of residential and commercial Georgetown was built by free and enslaved African Americans and, for many years, Georgetown was an extremely diverse neighborhood. In 1800, 34% of Georgetown residents were free or enslaved African Americans, while Black Georgetowners account for less than 6% of today''s population. This discussion will explore the policies and practices that led to this change, followed by Q&A. Click here to learn more about the panelists, and register.

Name Everything No Longer OK in this Photo

Every pre-COVID photo now feels like something you found in your Grandma''s attic printed on one of those thin pieces of tin. The Potomac Riverboat Company water taxis are still running between Georgetown and the Wharf - so just do some mental photoshopping to add face masks and social distancing to this scene. There are four water taxis departing Georgetown every day, and four coming in from The Wharf, for a scenic 45-minute ride along the Potomac. Explore Washington Harbour and the Georgetown Waterfront once you''re on land; no parking necessary! For more outdoor activities, check out our Georgetown Guides.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

By grace and pumpkin spice alone, we will head into the Fall. This Monday, Sprinkles (3015 M St NW) is bringing back its pumpkin cupcake, laced with ginger, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon, and topped with a sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting. And don''t say a word about it not even being September yet, because there is no such thing as time anymore. In other food news, Tai?m (1065 Wisconsin Ave NW) is offering a new meal kit - no cooking required! Choose from their award-winning falafel or cauliflower shawarma, which comes with four freshly baked pitas, hummus, Israeli salad, pickled cabbage, tahini, trio of pickles, peppers and pickled onion, and two orders of fries with harissa ketchup. While you''re in Georgetown visiting your favorite bakery, restaurant, or shop, don''t forget about FREE all-day parking on weekdays at EastBanc''s 3307 M Street lot with any Georgetown sales receipt, and $5 parking every weekend, now through Labor Day. 

Stuffed After Dinner, Couple Enjoys Nightcap 

Not ready to hibernate quite yet, we''ve decided to extend Taste and Shop Georgetown through the end of October! Our free, promotional event features parking as low as $1 for the first 20 minutes and $5 all day at several parking garages, plus amazing specials and discounts from more than 70 participating Georgetown businesses. While the majority of participants are extending their specials through October 31, find your way to Georgetown now while you can still catch all of them - whether you''re planning on dining outside at one of our 20+ Streateries, taking a night off from doing dishes and getting a family-style to-go meal, or getting an early jump on your holiday shopping with great deals at our shops and service providers.

Make Like a Ghost, and Celebrate in Spirit

We see your possessed child, and raise you a global pandemic. If you want a light-hearted escape from our current reality, celebrate the Halloween season with your favorite Georgetown take-out and a viewing of The Exorcist from your couch. The cult classic was filmed in Georgetown; for a true behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, check out our blog featuring Exorcist expert Andrew Huff. This Saturday, Oct. 24 from 7 pm - 8 pm, you can also join DC tour guide Dwane Starlin for a Spirits of Georgetown Virtual Walking Tour. Learn about local hauntings and happenings in the spooky streets of Georgetown during this fun and engaging webinar. While there are plenty of ways to still get in the spirit this year, there will be no in-person Halloween gatherings in Georgetown''s commercial district, consistent with guidance from the DC Health Department. The only masks we want to see this month are ones that prevent the spread of COVID!

Here Comes the Ballot 

Rock the vote, and the dress. For every appointment booked through Oct. 31, Carine''s Bridal Atelier (1623 Wisconsin Ave NW) will take 7% off your gown order with proof that you voted (some exclusions may apply). Whether you''re walking down the aisle or simply voting on either side of it, you should still walk up to Book Hill to check out this awesome graphic and floral installation by @tweedandtwigs. And while we''re promoting things that make us feel empowered, let''s add reading to the list. If you''re in Book Hill on Sunday, stop by the final Carpe Librum pop-up of the Fall, with gently-used books for sale in the Chase Bank parking lot (Wisconsin Ave & P St) from 10 am - 5 pm. Browse thousands of books, plus CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, all for under $6. Sales benefit the DC nonprofit Turning the Page.

A Little House Halloween

Get your Laura Ingalls Wilder on and spend Oct. 31 making crafts for the homestead. Join Rock Paper Plant and Shop Made in DC to learn the art of needle felting and create your very own pumpkin during this two-hour online workshop, Saturday from 1 pm - 3 pm. You''ll also receive some extra wool to turn your pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern if you''d like. Needle felting is an easy and often relaxing way to create 3D sculptures out of wool. This workshop is limited to 12 students; costumes are welcome and encouraged. You must register by Oct. 23 to receive your kit on time, which includes all the materials you need to participate. A Zoom link will be sent after you register. 

OK, But We Rewatched All of Grey''s Anatomy

Hard to say what makes for a more meaningful quarantine: Clocking in 363 hours of medical drama content, or creating a stunning series of jewelry that speaks to the deeper meaning of 2020. Call it a tie? Join Jewelers''Werk Galerie (3319 Cady''s Alley NW) this Saturday, Oct. 24 for the opening of in the company of silence - an exhibition of new work by artist jeweler Lydia Martin. Running through Nov. 13 both in person and virtually, the exhibition comprises necklaces, brooches, rings (pictured above), and earrings, all hand-fabricated using hollow construction techniques and a hydraulic press to help create the surface depressions and defined edges. Originally scheduled to be shown last April, this body of work has become a culmination of the artist''s pause through COVID and her subsequent new beginning. The artist will be in the gallery Saturday from 12 pm - 5 pm.

It''s Not Goodbye, It''s See You a Day Later 

Until Rio can reel it in, this is the closest you''re gonna get to Brazil for awhile. The pop-up bar and restaurant Bar Boteco at SandboX (3251 Prospect St NW) is popping down on Oct. 31, so you only have two weekends left to try the Brazilian-inspired cocktails and food at this Georgetown hidden gem. Stop by Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm - 10 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am - 10 pm, with a final seating at 9:15 pm (reservations recommended). Several propane heaters, a gas fire pit, and blankets are available on colder nights. After Halloween, Bar Boteco will be popping up in a new form as an indoor/outdoor venue, Boteco Ballroom. Email contact@barboteco.com or call (202) 796-8930 to book a party of 40-60 (under DC''s current Phase 2 guidelines).