RealGM

Hey guys,

Some of you may know me as one of the friendly mods from the Blazers board, but as of today I have signed a lease to move to the DC area for a job relocation and I'll be moving to Shirlington. I'll be in corporate housing for a month before my apartment opens up, but I'm pushing to get that in Shirlington as well. So I need some help--what are the best things for a single, late-30s guy new to the area to do for fun, and what are the things I should absolutely avoid?

Hope to see you guys at the Blazers-Wiz game!

Welcome to the area!

I don't know much about Shirlington the there's always stuff to do in the city. If you're looking for "PG-rated" stuff, you're just in time for the new National Harbor and of course there are the Wiz games at Verizon Center. Speaking of Verizon Center, there's lots to do around there - pubs, restaurants, bowling, movie theater, etc. There are also some pretty decent salsa dancing events at various locations throughout the year. I don't frequent the club scene so somebody else will have to fill you in on that.

We usually get together at least once a season for a Wiz Board Happy Hour event, generally on a Saturday. The Blazers will be in town on a Wednesday (Dec 3) but maybe we cans still plan something.

Shirlington has got a great movie theater (a lot of independent movies), great restaurants, a brewery and a couple bars. Looks like a nice area to be young and single.

Another similar area with great restaurants and a lot of attractive girls out on the weekends is the Clarendon area, also in Arlington.

The Crystal City Restaurant has great food and all the games on. LOL, http://www.crystalcityrestaurant.com/ aka. CCR

Thanks, guys! Sorry for the slow reply, but you know how it is with a quick relocation like this. I'm officially on the ground now, worrying about my Virginia car tax payment coming up next month

I've been to Clarendon--my friend Jay lives there and it seems pretty nice. Haven't really checked out the night life there, but since I owe him a steak dinner I'm sure I'll see it soon enough. I know a lot of areas in the NW, particularly Georgetown, which seems like a great place to take a girlfriend shopping as long as she's paying, and I've recently spent some time exploring around the National Cathedral and up to Friendship Heights.

I'll definitely plan on being there for the Blazers-Wiz game. I'll be the short, bald, white guy wearing the Oden jersey I'm a big Arenas fan, so I'm happy to give my support to the Wiz on a limited basis, especially when they're playing the Lakers or Boston. I can't give up my Blazer loyalties, though, as my first pro game was during the Walton gang's run to the championship in 1977. With that sort of pedigree, you can understand why my blood is both red and black.

And Free--very nice LOL! If I can't find a girlfriend to keep me company over the holidays, I may just see if they'll give me a brass plaque in one of the booths