Rich history amerces into live, loud city life

Woodley Park is a neighborhood located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Built along Connecticut Avenue, with Woodley Road at the north end and Calvert Street at its south end, Woodley Park is a popular tourist attraction and hot spot in the district.

“The vicinity itself is very peaceful and chill,” Irene Harley, D.C.-native and sophomore at Howarr, said. “And it’s a lot safer than other areas of D.C.”

Woodley Park’s rich history begins in the 19th century. According to the National Register of Historic Places, ‘Old Woodley Park’ was characterized as an urban neighborhood, but known for the classic architecture of the row homes that were built along Connecticut Avenue. Surrounded by gracious parklands, the neighborhood was eventually demarcated in the mid 1870’s. It would still, however, keep its name, ‘Woodley Park.’

Today, ‘Woodley Park’ still remains a peaceful residential area, but it also contains a strip of international restaurants, bar and lounges, and hotels. In just about one block, consumers can experience satisfying cuisine from around the world. Some of these restaurants include Little India, Café Paradiso, Lebanese Taverna, and Tono Sushi. The area also offers traditional American fare at the Woodley Café: Restaurant & Bar and McDonald’s.

Also, the business strip offers salon services, antique and ethnic clothing shops.

On a cool afternoon or chilly night, the public is sure to find something to do along Connecticut Avenue, but Woodley Park is also near the district’s National Zoo.

“I usually pass through the [Woodley Park] area enroute to the zoo. It’s a nice place to grab something to eat or just chill out after,” says Lawrence Crosby, a Baltimore-native, who visits the D.C. area often.

For visitors who plan to stay overnight at Woodley Park, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. In fact, Woodley Park is home to one of D.C.’s largest, the Omni Shoreham. The luxurious Marriott Wardman Park Hotel is also in the area.

Woodley Park adjoins the historical Adams Morgan, Cleveland Park, and Kalorama neighborhoods. It is metro accessible by the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station off of the red line.