Going Out Group

Mural Tour of Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, U Street Corridor, and Logan Circle! – eWheel Going Out Group

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Let’s kick off our first tour of the year with a fun ride through some of DC’s most fascinating neighborhoods!

Fun fact: Washington, D.C. is home to roughly 150 murals, 500 outdoor sculptures, and 75 historic landmarks. On this tour we’ll explore a selection of these hidden gems together!

Free swag for attendees! Everyone who RSVPs and attends will receive a free swag item (a different one on each tour). End-of-ride raffle! Riders who make it to the end of the tour will be entered into a raffle for a special prize. New riders are always welcome, and returning riders, come ride with us again! (I’m looking at you: Adolphus, Adrian, Aian Neil, Aiden, Alejandra, Ali, Alina, Alphonso, Amelia, Amy, André, Anibal, Arturo, Ben, Benen, Benicio, Bird, Bob, Brad, Brandon, Brian, Brooke, Carolyng, Chad, Chris, Christina, Claire, Clarissa, Claudia, Connor, CY, Daniel, Darryl, Dave, Declan, Denis, Diane, Dilraj, Don, Donna, Ecca, Ecks, Edwin, Ekaagar, Eli, Emmanuelle, Eric, Erwin, Gary, Gav, Gemma, Geoff, Greg, Francis, Haitao, Hannah, Heather, Jackson, Jahan, James, Jan, Janis, Janovah, Jason, Jay, Jeff, Jenna, Jennifer, Jenny, Jeremiah, Jeremy, Jessica, Joe, John, Johnny, Jonathan, Joy, Kannikar, Kelvin, Kevin, Kim, Kris, Lam, Laura, Lauren, Lee, LeRoy, Loren, Lori, Lutalo, Maggee, Mark, Matthew, Maureen, Mavara, Mayu, Megan, Melissa, Michael, Mikel, Nancy, Nathalie, Nick, Olga, Paul, Phil, Rachel, Rakesh, Rahul, Raul, Raymond, Reyna, Ricardo, Richard, Riley, Rob, Robert, Rodney, Ron, Saiju, Saphal, Sasha, Sean, Sergey, Shelly, Soo, Steve, Steven, Tim, TinaLouise, TJ, Zay, Zobair, Zoltan)

No e-wheel? No problem. You can easily rent one using a micromobility app such as: Lime, Lyft, Spin, Veo, Hopp, Capital Bikeshare. Capital Bikeshare offers an e-bike Day Pass that typically costs about $25–$30 for the full tour ($8 day pass + $0.10/minute). Lime also offers Day Pass options. Since our tours are free, the total cost is still far less than a typical Segway tour. You’re welcome to join us for the entire ride or just part of it.

Our route will take us through: Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, U Street Corridor, Logan Circle. We’ll stop frequently for photo ops, quick breaks, and to check out murals, monuments, public art, and historic landmarks. Along the way I’ll read a short description of each stop, so we can all learn more about the amazing art and history right in our own backyard. Ride details: distance: ~6.5 miles; route: ~90% bike lanes; pace: relaxed and social. We’ll do our best to ride together, though city traffic and pedestrians may spread us out slightly at times. Come for the ride, the art, and the adventure. This is a fun, social way to discover parts of DC you may have passed many times, but never truly noticed!

(Tour Overview)

We’ll meet up in the center of Washington Circle at 2pm. Then we’ll ride southwest on New Hampshire Ave NW for ~400 feet, at 2:30pm. Upon reaching 24th Street NW (~1/2 block), we’ll turn right and ride for north for ~400 feet.

(Southwest on New Hampshire Ave NW, right on 24th Street NW)

Before we reach K Street NW, we’ll come across the “Foggy Bottom” mural (New Hampshire Ave NW, ~0.5 blocks, left-hand side). Painted in 2017 by celebrated D.C. muralist Aniekan Udofia, the “Foggy Bottom” mural transforms the side of the Varsity on K building into a vivid visual history of the neighborhood. Bursting with color and motion, the artwork blends past and present, reflecting the industrial roots and modern academic identity of Foggy Bottom. At the center of the composition stands a powerful glass-blower figure, rendered in Udofia’s dynamic style. The figure references the historic Glass House industry that once operated in Foggy Bottom, when factories and workshops dominated the area along the Potomac. Swirling plumes of smoke rise around the scene, evoking the neighborhood’s manufacturing era. Layered throughout the mural are symbols of the community’s evolution. The red stars and bars of the D.C. flag appear alongside the face of George Washington and scattered pencils—playful nods to the nearby George Washington University and the area’s present-day identity as a center of learning. Together, these elements create a vibrant storytelling canvas—one that celebrates Foggy Bottom’s transformation from gritty industrial hub to lively urban neighborhood.

(“Foggy Bottom” mural)

We’ll now back track on 24th Street NW and travel south for ~400 feet. At New Hampshire Ave NW (~1/2 block), we’ll turn right and go southwest for ~0.2 miles. When we reach Virginia Ave NW (~1.5 blocks), we’ll turn right and ride northwest for another ~0.2 miles.

(South on 24th Street NW, right on New Hampshire Ave NW, right on Virginia Ave NW)

Continuing northwest on Virginia Ave NW, we’ll veer onto the Rock Creek Trail (~2 blocks), which then turns into Water Street NW, and go north then west for ~0.7 miles.

(Northwest on Virginia Ave NW, veer onto Rock Creek Trail [which turns into Water Street NW])

We’ll next come across Georgetown Waterfront Park (Wisconsin Ave NW, ~0.5 blocks, left-hand side). Stretching along the Potomac River in Washington’s historic Georgetown neighborhood, Georgetown Waterfront Park offers one of the city’s most scenic urban retreats. Once an industrial riverfront crowded with warehouses and docks, the area has been transformed into a graceful landscape where nature, recreation, and sweeping river views meet. Curving walkways trace the shoreline, guiding visitors past open lawns, native plant gardens, and a lively riverside promenade. At the park’s center, a dramatic fountain arcs skyward in summer months, inviting children to splash and visitors to pause in the cool mist. From nearly every vantage point, the broad Potomac glimmers beside the path, dotted with kayaks, rowing shells, and the occasional passing boat. The park also offers striking views of the nearby Key Bridge and the Virginia shoreline across the water. At sunset, the river reflects glowing shades of gold and orange, making the waterfront one of Washington’s most beloved places for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or simply watching the city slow down.

(Georgetown Waterfront Park)

When we reach the end of Georgetown Waterfront Park (~1/2 block), we’ll turn right on 34th Street NW and ride north for ~0.1 miles.

(West on Water Street NW, right on 34th Street NW – note map shows incorrect route)

Here we’ll find the “JFK Berliner” mural (Water Street NW, ~0.5 blocks, left-hand side). Created in 2019 and towering above the Georgetown waterfront, the striking “JFK Berliner” mural on the side of The Berliner (now closed) pays tribute to one of the most memorable moments of the Cold War. Created by muralist Rodrigo Pradel, the artwork captures President John F. Kennedy delivering his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech—a declaration of solidarity with the people of Berlin during the height of East–West tensions. Rendered in bold color and dramatic scale, the mural transforms the building’s exterior into a powerful historical tableau. Kennedy’s figure dominates the composition, evoking the confidence and resolve that defined the era. The imagery connects Georgetown’s lively waterfront with the spirit of international freedom and unity embodied in the speech. The location is fitting: The Berliner was a German-style beer hall, making the mural both a cultural nod and a visual landmark. For visitors strolling along the waterfront, the towering portrait serves as a reminder that even a single speech—spoken across an ocean—can echo through history and across continents.

(“The Berliner” mural)

From here, we’ll backtrack on Water Street NW, going east for ~0.2 miles. When we reach Wisconsin Ave NW (~2 blocks), we’ll turn left and travel north for ~0.2 miles. Upon reaching Prospect Street NW (~1.5 blocks), we’ll turn left and go west for ~0.2 miles. At 33rd Street NW (~1.5 blocks), we’ll turn right and ride north for ~0.3 miles. Once at Volta Place NW (~4 blocks), we’ll turn right and travel east for ~400 feet. At Wisconsin Ave NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and go southeast for ~375 feet. At P Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right again and ride west for ~80 feet.

(West on Water Street NW, left on Wisconsin Ave NW, left on Prospect Street NW, right on 33rd Street NW, right on Volta Place NW, right on Wisconsin Ave NW, right on P Street NW)

Next, we’ll come across the “Just Paper & Tea” mural (Wisconsin Ave NW, ~0.5 blocks, left-hand side). Perched on the side of the charming stationery and tea shop, the “Just Paper & Tea” mural delights visitors and locals alike with its whimsical, eye‑catching presence in Georgetown. Painted in 2015 by artist Aniekan Udofia as part of a Shop Small neighborhood arts initiative, the mural adds vibrant color and character to this historic streetscape. The artwork portrays a graceful figure — often described as a serene, stylish woman — that seems to gaze out over the intersection, inviting passersby to slow down and enjoy the moment. Her flowing lines and expressive features echo the creative energy of the shop itself, which offers fine paper goods, specialty teas, and handcrafted gifts. Balanced between the everyday rhythm of Georgetown life and the enduring charm of painted public art, the mural transforms a simple storefront into a visual storybook. Whether you’re stopping for souvenirs, tea, or a photo, this mural captures a sense of playful elegance that brightens the block and embodies the artistic heart of the neighborhood.

(“Just Paper & Tea” mural)

We’ll now continue west on P Street NW for ~500 feet. Upon reaching 33rd Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and go north for ~0.1 miles. At Q Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and travel east for ~280 feet). Once at Wisconsin Ave NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and ride southeast for a mere ~80 feet.

(West on P Street NW, right on 33rd Street NW, right on Q Street NW, right on Wisconsin Ave NW)

Immediately, we’ll come across the “Alma Indigena” mural (Q Street NW, ~0.5 blocks, right-hand side). Standing boldly in Georgetown, “Alma Indígena” is a striking mural that celebrates the enduring spirit and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. Painted in 2021 by Brooklyn-based street artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez as part of the MuralsDC program, the artwork transforms the wall into a powerful portrait of identity and tradition. At the center of the composition is the face of a Wixárika (Huichol) elder, rendered with vibrant colors and intricate detail. Surrounding the figure are symbolic elements such as blue maize and guajillo peppers, ingredients deeply rooted in Indigenous food traditions across the Americas. Quiñonez’s style—what he calls “Neo Indigenous”—blends contemporary street art with motifs inspired by Indigenous aesthetics, creating a piece that feels both modern and timeless. For visitors exploring Georgetown, the mural offers more than a photogenic backdrop. It serves as a vibrant reminder of living cultures, ancestral knowledge, and the enduring presence of Indigenous communities whose stories continue to shape the Americas.

(“Alma Indigena” mural)

From here, we’ll continue southwest on Wisconsin Ave NW for minimal distance. At Q Street NW, we’ll turn left and venture east for ~1.2 miles.

(Southwest on Wisconsin Ave NW, left on Q Street NW)

Continuing east on Q Street NW, when we reach New Hampshire Ave NW (~13 blocks), we’ll turn left and go northeast for ~0.3 miles.

(West on Q Street NW, left on New Hampshire Ave NW)

Along the way, we’ll come across the S Street Dog Park (S Street NW, ~2 blocks, right-hand side). Tucked into a small triangular green space in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, S Street Dog Park is one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots for dogs and their humans. Established in 2009 as Washington’s first official off-leash dog park, the compact space transformed a once-overlooked patch of grass into a lively community hub in the heart of Dupont Circle. Inside the fenced park, energetic pups race across durable synthetic turf while owners relax on nearby benches, chatting as their dogs chase balls and make new friends. Despite its modest size, the park hums with activity—especially in the early evening when neighborhood dogs arrive in happy waves. Just outside the park stands an unexpected artistic touch: a minimalist metal sculpture forming the outline of a human face. Quietly watching over the playful scene, the abstract artwork adds a hint of whimsy—reminding visitors that in this corner of the city, community life and creativity share the same sidewalk.

(S Street Dog Park)

We’ll continue northeast on New Hampshire Ave NW for ~280 feet. At T Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and go east for ~0.3 miles.

(Northeast on New Hampshire Ave NW, right on T Street NW)

We’ll next come across the “Mi Vida” mural (14th Street NW, ~3 blocks, left-hand side). Bursting with color and energy and designed and painted by Brushdecor Studio in 2022, the mural covering the façade of Mi Vida restaurant transforms the historic building into one of the most vibrant visual landmarks along the 14th Street corridor. Painted across the entire exterior wall, the artwork features a lively explosion of pinks, reds, blues, and purples arranged in swirling shapes, floral motifs, and playful geometric patterns. The vivid composition radiates outward from the restaurant’s entrance, drawing the eye from down the block and hinting at the festive atmosphere waiting inside. The mural reflects the restaurant’s larger mission: to celebrate the bold colors, warmth, and spirit of Mexican culture. Its bright palette and dynamic forms mirror the energy of traditional fiestas and the rich artistic traditions found throughout Mexico. By transforming the century-old façade with modern color and movement, the mural bridges past and present—turning a historic structure into a contemporary canvas that invites passersby to pause, photograph, and step inside for a celebration of food, culture, and life.

(“Mi Vida” mural)

Continuing east on T Street NW for another ~0.1 miles, once we arrive at 13th Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and ride south for ~0.1 miles. At S Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn right and go west for ~0.1 miles. Once we hit 14th Street NW (1 block), we’ll turn left and travel south for ~0.6 miles. When we arrive at Thomas Circle (~6 blocks), we’ll veer right around the circle, and at the 3rd exit, we’ll turn right onto M Street NW. From here, we’ll ride west for ~0.5 miles.

(East on T Street NW, right on 13th Street NW, right on S Street NW, left on T Street NW)

Along the way, we’ll come across the “Nuns of the Battlefield Civil War Nurses” monument (17th Street NW, ~4 blocks, right-hand side). Standing at a busy intersection in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, the “Nuns of the Battlefield Civil War Nurses” monument quietly honors a remarkable but often overlooked chapter of the Civil War. Dedicated in 1924 and sculpted by Irish artist Jerome Connor, the monument commemorates the hundreds of Catholic nuns who served as nurses to wounded soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies. At the center of the memorial, a bronze bas-relief panel depicts twelve nuns wearing the distinctive habits of different religious orders, symbolizing the many communities of sisters who answered the call to care for the sick and dying amid the chaos of war. Flanking the panel are two allegorical figures—the Angel of Patriotism and the Angel of Peace—whose calm presence reflects the compassion and courage these women brought to the battlefield. Amid the rush of city traffic, the monument stands as a quiet tribute to selfless service, reminding visitors that acts of mercy can be as heroic as acts of war.

(“Nuns of the Battlefield Civil War Nurses” monument)

We’ll now continue west on M Street NW for another ~0.4 miles. When we reach New Hampshire Ave NW (~4 blocks), we’ll turn left and go southwest for ~0.2 miles back to Washington Circle.

(West on M Street NW, left on New Hampshire Ave NW)

Come join us as we spend an afternoon together exploring the murals, sites, memorials, and landmarks Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, U Street Corridor, and Logan Circle have to offer. Also, please help spread the word of our group and the tour.

I look forward to seeing you there!

– J.T.

METRO & PARKING

We’ll meet at Washington Circle. The closest Metro is Foggy Bottom (Orange, Blue, Silver lines). I suggest taking Metro / taxi / ride-share services if you can. I also recommend using wmata.com for travel planning. Don’t forget to account for Metro, traffic, and parking delays. If you are driving, you will need to find street parking or a garage. For Sunday events, street parking is typically free in DC. If you are looking for a garage, I recommend using parkopedia.com.

EWHEEL RENTAL

Don’t own an e-wheel? You can rent one (e-scooter, e-bike) using a micromobility app (e.g. Lime, Lyft, Spin, Veo, Hopp, Capital Bikeshare). Capital Bikeshare offers an e-bike Day Pass option that will end up costing an estimated $25 – $30 for our tour length ($8 day pass + a discounted rate of $0.10 per minute); Lime also offers Day Pass options (as of the date of this event announcement). Since the tours are free, the cost is significantly less than a comparable Segway tour (that uses older technology). Join us for some or all of the tour! If you plan to rent an e-wheel, some members have run out of charge in the past. Please try to find one with as full of a charge as possible. Also, some people have had challenges with Capital Bikeshare bikes, and some have not.

DONATIONS

My e-wheel tours have always been FREE (since inception in 2016)! Full transparency, it costs me ~$650 annually to run the group (~$300 of which are Meetup fees alone; other costs include website fees, swag items, raffle items, GPS tracker app fees for creating videos of each tour, etc.). I only have time to host 3 tours a year (I have 2 little ones that I take care of), so each tour costs me ~$215 to run. I also spend roughly 40 person-hours to put together each one (finding interesting spots to visit, mapping out a route, creating a detailed tour description, doing a dry-run, hosting the tour itself, uploading pictures, creating a video of the tour, etc.). If you like what we’re doing, you can support the eWheel Going Out Group by donating any amount you feel comfortable. It’s completely optional and greatly appreciated. Click the “Donate Now” button on the Meetup event page. A couple of notes when donating: (1) The “tip” part of the donation is optional and 100% of it goes to Meetup proper and to Pledge (the payment processor), not me (they already take a percentage of the donation for themselves). You can bypass that amount by clicking “Enter custom tip” and zeroing it out. (2) You have the option to donate anonymously by withholding your name and email. Ideally, I’d like know who’s contributing to the group so I can acknowledge those that do and to show my appreciation!

DRESS

Please dress appropriately for the weather. For those with problems having their feet go numb or tired during long rides, I recommend wearing shoes with a stiff and flat sole.

RIDING ETIQUETTE / RULES

Please be as courteous as possible to other pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Based on personal experience (I’ve been riding daily since 2015), I’ve noticed some general good practices and rules to follow. 1) ALWAYS give pedestrians the right of way. 2) When riding on a narrow sidewalk, and you’re coming up behind a pedestrian and you need to pass them, either a) wait until there’s an opening, or b) clear your throat and say “excuse me” or “on your left” in a *gentle* manner (I’ve noticed people tend to get startled / surprised when they see and hear a tall figure behind them on a wheel) before passing them. 3) SLOW DOWN to a pedestrian’s walking pace (until you are completely clear of them) whenever approaching or passing (whichever direction they are walking). Only after passing a pedestrian for a little distance is it a good idea to go faster than walking pace. Whatever you do, please do NOT wiz by them. 4) Thank the pedestrian as you are passing. 5) Slow down as you are going around a turn (whether there are other pedestrians in sight or not) with a lot of bushes or other obstacles next to the sidewalk, as they can be coming from the other end of the turn (and not be visible initially). 6) Ride single file whenever pedestrians are around (on the sidewalk), or cars are around (in the bike lane). 7) Dismount when in the official memorial areas, such as the FDR Memorial (it’s the law). 8) Please stay behind me since I know the route and may be turning left or right at any time.

RIDING SKILL

For the safety of others and ourselves, we will all be required to be able to: (1) comfortably balance on the wheel while riding straight and turning left or right (2) ride at a snail’s pace and (3) start and stop comfortably without the need to hold onto any wall, post, or similar structure.

RAIN

If there’s a greater than a 35% chance of rain, we’ll cancel or reschedule. Having hosted over 1000 events since 2007, when the percentage chance of rain is below 35% at the event start time for the location’s zip code, I’ve observed that 95% of the time, we’ll get no rain. I’ll post an update to the top of the event posting by 11:30am on the day of the event, and also send an email out to the yes RSVPs.

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