As we pointed out last week, ’13 was a helluva year for eating and drinking in DC. But it was a good year for... other stuff, too. Like getting massages. And putting clothes on. So let’s sit back and reflect on the year in leisure, gear and style.
Middleburg. Used to be all about horses and wine. Now it’s about... well, those things. But now that Sheila Johnson’s resort became a reality, it’s also about couples massages, cabanas by infinity-edge pools and sipping scotch in a billiard room. Don’t get any on the felt.
China. Peru. India. All fine places. But this year, it became a little easier to source some jackets, shirts and trousers from the US of A. First, Billy Reid brought his Southern vision of Americana to Georgetown. Then, across town, Mutiny opened its well-curated space for smaller American brands. You can stop saluting now.
Reservations required. Sure, you’re used to hearing that for steak and lobster. Less so for sporting goods. But this was a personal shopper for sports, ready to pull you the highest-quality gear, whether you were teeing off in Miami or preparing an ascent of Mount McKinley. But please, be careful.
For a few days, we all ignored the Star-Spangled Banner, the Apollo 11 lander and the Declaration of Independence, and turned our touristy attention to Sex Panther cologne and Ron Burgundy’s suit. Yes, we know you can quote the movie. We can, too.
Stools. End tables. Not normally something to get worked up about. But when they’re made from the framing and roof trusses of the Pabst Blue Ribbon factory, well, then you lose your mind. You also put your beer on one.
It was a big year for both ends of your body. On top, Goorin Bros., the century-old hatmakers, brought their pageboys and fedoras to Georgetown. And on the bottom, Georgetown also got its own branch of the even-older Frye boot company. Now you just have to worry about your middle.
You need crazy things at all hours. Ours is not to question. Fortunately, a small army of delivery drivers began running around under the Postmates umbrella. Meantime, Urban Delivery was sending bicyclists around to deliver you anything within an hour. Like one egg.
