July 2, 2008

See Palisades Spirit on 4th of July

Forget the fireworks on the Mall. If you live in or near Palisades, the Palisades 4th of July Parade is the place to be for Independence Day. And if you are not from there but missing the feeling of community and small town, then join the fun.

Palisades stretches along the Potomac between Key Bridge and Chain Bridge. Visually, it has charm galore. South of MacArthur Blvd there are Victorian and federal-style frame houses, old farm houses, cottages, and rebuilt arts and crafts houses line small streets. The smaller homes are sadly disappearing and it has become quite expensive. North of MacArthur Blvd are more brick homes and traditional colonials as the area transitions into Kent. Residents can walk to local businesses along MacArthur Blvd.

The one thing I truly don’t like is the frequent airplane noise. It seems incongruous with the sleepy, leafy feel of the place. Some people don’t seem to mind it, so I guess I am more sensitive! 

Things to know:

• single family homes range in price from $800,000 - $2,000,000.
• condos along MacArthur Blvd and closer to Foxhall range from $140,000 to $400,000.
• Palisades Citizens Association is nearly 100 years old and has a good Web site.
• Francis Scott Key Elementary School (public) was recently renovated from top to bottom. 
• a new Farmer’s Market is open Sundays, 9-1, on 49th Place at U Street.
• go fishing or canoeing at nearby Fletcher’s Boat House.
• good restaurants on MacAurthur Blvd include Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant.
• random trivia: this is where some Washingtonians built their summer homes in the late 19th century.

If you do go to the parade, you might think you’re being transported back to 1962. People line the streets with their lawn chairs. Then anyone, everyone, and their dogs, pass along as part of the parade, from marching bands, to kids pulling wagons, to politicians, and old-time cars.

Bring a cup to collect candy. And don’t miss the Bolivian dancers who bring up the rear, keeping up the energy despite the heat and their heavy costumes. At the end, follow the crowd to Palisades Park for free watermelon and hot dogs, Moon Bounce, and more. 

Cheers,
Allison

Photo:  Carly&Art, Creative Commons license

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