For a little under a year, I called Bloomingdale my home -- but never without a qualifier to fill in my listener on its location. "It's right near Howard University" -- I'd tell some. Others, "It's near North Capitol Street" or "off of Rhode Island". Most would respond with a blank smile and nod.

I admit, it's a bit out of the way. About a 12 minute walk from Shaw/Howard U Station, Bloomingdale stretches from Florida Avenue up to Channing Street, bounded by North Capitol and Second Streets NW. Within this little segment of DC exists gorgeous Victorian Houses, a community owned park and a fabulous coffee shop that is getting more and more buzzworthy.  So if you're jonesing for exploration, check out these haunts.

Big Bear Cafe
1st and R Streets NW
Big Bear has been featured throughout local DC media for its quality brews and communal atmosphere.  Owned by Stu and Lana Labermeier, the shop has rebounded from broken windows to become a beacon for Bloomingdale revitalization.  If you go on a Sunday in the summer, enjoy the adjoining neighborhood farmers market.  

Crispus Attucks Park
1st and U Streets NW
Last year my house backed up to this serene spot.  The rare open space has gone through a number of incarnations but now is completely owned and maintained by those who live around the park.  While Crispy doesn't have the waterfalls or statues of other city parks, the solitude of the Memory Garden -- with its one, single bench -- brings many to the park.

Your best bet on getting to Bloomingdale would be to take the metro.  For a more scenic route, take the green line to U Street/Cardozo and get on the 90 or 92 buses down to First Street.  Your first stop will be Big Bear, on your left!