Dupont Circle Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Summer may be winding down, but warm temperatures and days bursting with long-lasting sunlight continue to prevail (at least for now, anyway). Soak up every drop of summer with a fun and unique way to explore our capital city by embarking on a scavenger hunt throughout one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods!
The attractive neighborhood of Dupont Circle was established during the Gilded Age as a home for elite and affluent Washingtonians. Over a century later, it has managed to maintain its polished image with its stately row homes, green spaces, independent bookstores and shops, and eateries and cafes. The area’s epicenter, the energetic circle itself, serves as a popular social gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
In this sixth guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Embassies, museums and galleries, and grand mansions help define this lovely enclave, further preserving its initial intent as one of the city’s most elegant showpieces. Below are four of 23 clues featured in the Dupont Circle chapter of DC Scavenger, so lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore this delightful and expansive region. And check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover more clues and sites around Dupont Circle and throughout the entire city.
JoAnn Hill is also the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning seventeen distinct neighborhoods throughout the District. If you think you know everything there is to know about DC ― even the most weird, wonderful, and obscure parts of it ― get ready to embark on an adventurous discovery of DC’s most cherished gems.
Dupont Circle Clue #1
A writer whose words echo worldwide,
Hues of mustard and crimson on this wall’s side.
“The Hill We Climb” helped her to shine bright,
This poet works hard for what is right.
Dupont Circle Clue #2
Deep, deep, low, artworks dazzle and glow,
You must descend to witness below.
Here, artists shine in this unique space;
Come and view in this sublevel place.
Dupont Circle Clue #3
Architect of Lincoln, this one more round,
The sea, wind, and stars, where pennies are found.
A spot for friends and neighbors to meet,
The water here welcomes your wading feet.
Dupont Circle Clue #4
This museum will have you screaming OHHHH!
Over one hundred rooms to get to know.
Two roaring statues greet visitors here,
Where Rosa Parks lived in her later years.
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JoAnn Hill, author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels. Through her writing and research, she shares stories and tips that inspire the insatiably curious traveler. When she’s not writing and exploring, you will find her teaching fitness classes and indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes with her husband. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She is currently working on her third book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC, which is expected to be released in Spring 2024.
