Swing, Batter Batter, Swing! The arrival of spring also means the arrival of America’s favorite pastime. Baseball has played a major role throughout American history and its heavy-hitter impact is no different here in our nation’s capital! While the Nationals may not have a winning record at the moment, the District’s love and energy surrounding them continues to radiate throughout the city.
In this fourth guest blog post of her DC Scavenger series, local author JoAnn Hill takes us on an active pursuit throughout Navy Yard, the neighborhood home of our beloved Nationals and one of the city’s most vibrant areas. This highly visited region is mostly known for its lively stadium, picturesque waterfront, verdant parks, and abundance of eateries, shops, and outdoor events.
JoAnn Hill is the author of Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and DC Scavenger which goes beyond the typical guidebook; it’s an interactive treasure map spanning 17 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.
Here are four of 23 clues featured in the Navy Yard chapter of DC Scavenger (and note that the photos show the general location, not the answer to the clue). Check out JoAnn’s book to solve and discover even more clues and sites around the Navy Yard and throughout the entire city!
Navy Yard Clue #1
A yell of play “this,” and known as a dance,
Grab seats near a plate, if given a chance.
These metal spheres hang, shiny and bright,
In twenty-nineteen, they won the hard fight.
Navy Yard Clue #2
The Village folks start their spelling with this,
This namesake piece of wood is hard to miss,
Come find this letter, no need to ask “why”,
A sign of the ‘hood as you walk by.
Navy Yard Clue #3
At this gift shop, support makers of DC,
So much in store: have a shopping spree!
Buy books, art, and cards or treats for your pet,
Discover local wares, here you’re all set!
Navy Yard Clue #4
On the boardwalk, the letter after B,
Happiness comes in waves, jubilant glee,
This window looks out to the river blue,
Where boats are joined by their wonderful crew.
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JoAnnHill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, has affectionately called Washington, DC, home for over 20 years. She has written extensively about DC living, its food, and her world travels on her blog dcglobejotters.org and other mediums and publications. 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 yoga, barre, and group fitness classes, indulging in DC’s culinary and theater scenes, and spending as much time outside as possible being active. JoAnn is the co-founder of Capitol Teachers, a full-service tutoring company servicing the greater DC area. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Thalamus and dog Jackson.