Living near NoMa, D.C.

Although The Gantry is officially in the Union Market neighborhood [link to the post about Union Market], it’s just above the northern border of NoMa (short for North of Massachusetts Avenue), which means you have access to not one but two thriving neighborhoods. (In fact, NoMa and Union blend so seamlessly that some people refer to them almost interchangeably).

A neighborhood with a history dating back to the mid-1800s, NoMa didn’t get its current name until the late 1990s, when efforts to revitalize the area gained momentum. Since then, it has developed into one of DC’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, complete with restaurants, bars, a network of parks and public spaces, a popular farmer’s market, a series of public murals, and so much more.

Here are a few highlights to check out:

Recreation:
Metropolitan Branch Trail - An 8-mile hiking/cycling trail that extends from NoMa to Silver Spring, Maryland.
Swampoodle Park - An 8,000-square-foot park with an agility structure for dogs and a Wallholla (perhaps the coolest, multi-level play structure ever invented) for kids.

Entertainment:
CiNoMatic - A weekly outdoor movie series that takes place every fall.
The Eleanor DC - A “barcade” with arcade games, pinball machines, small-pin bowling lanes, and cocktails to fuel the fun.

Food:
Seoulspice: Fresh, veggie-focused Korean comfort food in the form of rice bowls, Korritos (yes, that’s a Korean burrito), noodles, and salads.
Laos In Town - Lao food made by a Thai chef and loved by virtually everyone who has ever stepped foot inside the stunning dining room.

Drinks:
Wunder Garten - German-inspired outdoor beer garden with community-based events, live entertainment, and fire pits.
RedBear Beer - Local brewery with scores of board games you can rent (for free) while you sip their house-made beer, cider, or seltzer.