6 Apps Everyone In DC Needs
Sometimes living in the city can be hard. Not to worry though, I guarantee navigating your way through DC will get easier after you check out this list. Whether you’re a college student, intern, tourist, or a DC resident, downloading these apps will make you go from feeling like this:
To feeling like this:
1. Park Mobile
Cost: Free
Average User Rating: 4.5/5 stars
This app is a god-send for those of us like myself who have cars in the city. Park Mobile allows you to pay for parking at meters with your credit card using your phone. There are green signs/stickers posted all over DC that have zone numbers on them, all you need to do is enter that in, along with your license plate and credit card number and you’re all set. The zone number also helps keep track of where you parked your car (score!). Bonus: the app sends you an e-mail notification when your session is about to expire. You have the option to renew your session right there on your phone. No more scrambling for change (who even keeps change on them nowadays?) and running out in the middle of your dinner to feed the meter!
2. Capital Rails
Cost: $0.99
Average User Rating: 4/5 stars
Anyone who’s ever used the metro in DC knows that it can be an evil, temperamental beast. In the spirit of making your everyday life easier, Capital Rails provides real-time DC metro car arrivals for all of its lines. It also gives you access to a detailed map of DC’s metro system right there in your hand, and lets you know which station is closest to you so you can plan your route. The best feature of this app is that it notifies you of service disruptions (these will definitely happen) at upcoming platforms. If you’re new to DC or you commute using the metro, I cannot stress enough how much you absolutely need to download this app.
3. Explore DC
Cost: Free
Average User Rating: 5/5 stars
The Washington Post put together this app for tourists, but it’s useful for those who are new to the area as well. To be honest there’s probably some things on here that people who actually live here haven’t even seen yet. There are sections in the app specifically tailored for what you’re looking to do. It lists museums, monuments and memorials, parks, events, and even has a section that lists things to entertain your kids. The app lets you favorite locations you want to see, and gives you directions to get there. It also gives you pictures and interesting facts about the places you visit. Bravo, Washington Post.
4. My Taxi
Cost: Free
Average User Rating: 4/5 stars
Trying to get a taxi in any city can be stressful, especially on nights when everyone is out. Feel like you’re never going to get one? No problem. The MyTaxi app connects users to thousands of taxis in the DC area. The app allows you to conveniently pay on your phone with a credit card, and you can book taxis on the spot or up to 4 days in advance. You’re also able to see your driver’s name, photo, mobile number, estimated arrival time, vehicle class, license plate and passengers reviews. This app could be really useful for a DC walk of shame or a sober ride home after the club when it’s cold out.
5. Food Truck Fiesta
Cost: $0.99
Average User Rating: 4/5 stars
One of my favorite parts of DC is that it’s full of food trucks. They supply you with endless options of deliciousness Monday-Friday. What do you want for lunch today? Tacos? A lobster roll perhaps? The Food Truck Fiesta app has got you covered. It allows users to locate their favorite food trucks around the city using their current location and see which ones are closest to them. Trust me, it’s worth the $0.99. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite!
6. Groupon & Living Social
Cost: Free
Average User Ratings: 4.5/5 stars
Practically everyone is feeling the blow our economy has taken over the past few years. If you’re looking to have fun in DC without killing your bank account, these apps are perfect for you. Forget about clipping coupons, both apps bring you deals for cool things to do in DC (and other cities) everyday for 50-90% off of the original price straight to your phone. Seriously, who doesn’t love getting cool stuff at ridiculous discounts?!
Did I miss one? Leave a comment and tell me which apps you think are best!
DC Cabs Now Accept Credit Cards
DC Taxicab Commission Requires Cabs to Register by 8/15
If you’ve ever run into the whole ‘I have a CC but no cash for this f***ing DC cab,’ thing, be excited. After a year-long process spearheaded by Mayor Vincent Gray and DC Taxicab Commission Chairman Ron M. Linton, all 6,500 Washington DC cabs are now required to accept credit cards!
It’s fine with me. I have no problem with it. I’ve been driving a cab for 42 years. A lot of these guys want cash money and don’t want no paper trail. These guys live in Maryland and Virginia and DC can’t tax them. Now they have to rent cabs in DC so DC can tax the company and have more of a clear record. I don’t mind. I’ve been doing the right thing.
– Anonymous OG DC cabbie
Here’s a condensed timeline based on (7) Washington Post articles:
7.10.12 –
After an 8-month legislative debate, lead sponsor Mary M Cheh (D-Ward 3) feels confident the last loose ends have been wrapped up and a bill requiring DC cabs to offer credit card payment options will pass. Relevant parties include independent cab companies, Uber, larger cab companies and Verifone, whose bid to supply 100% of the proposed credit card POS systems beat out several competitors.
8.22.12 –
At least (2) cabs in DC are now equipped with the VeriFone meters. Mayor Gray rides in a cab and pays by credit card. Issues regarding automated vs. print receipts and business-expense padding schemes become forefront issues. An injunction against the $35M VeriFone contract is issued by losing bidders.
11.13.12 –
The latest bump in the DC taxi credit card road was made when former city contracting officer John Dean’s bid analysis and handling of the contract came into question. A judge as well as the city’s Contract Appeals Board ordered to the city to “cancel the VeriFone contract and accept new bids from VeriFone, CMT and RideCharge.”
1.18.13 –
The idea was to have the credit card machines installed for Inauguration Weekend. And while the VeriFone contract issue remains in litigation, Mayor Gray and the city decide there’s no need for one standard point of sale taxi cab credit card system. They instead will allow cabs to choose their method of taking credit cards, as long as they actually do it. Interactive screens (like the ones in NY cabs), GPS and an emergency button (in case a driver is injured) are requirements as well.
Various credit card system developers are said to be providing the technology free of charge. Which is obviously great for taxpayers, cab companies and drivers alike. Systems are scheduled to be installed by March 30th. Representatives for VeriFone decline to comment… duh.
1.30.13 –
Now it’s getting pushed back to May…
5.08.13 –
Now it’s getting pushed back to August 31st… here’s how it affects you financially:
- Base fare moves from $3 to $3.25
- There will be a $1 for multiple passengers (not per passenger, $1 total)
- $0.25 will be added to all rides
- Baggage fees (and everything else) are gone – except for phone call pick up fees and snow fees
The average annual cost for the new system is estimated to be $970 per vehicle (incl. transaction fees, installation, maintenance and wireless fees). Instead of 1 vendor (VeriFone) there will be up to 9 different service providers. But that doesn’t really affect us.
The cool screens and stuff are required to be installed by December 1st.
7.31.13 –
DC cab owners who make a ‘bona-fide’ effort to install card readers now have until September 1st to get ‘er done. While city officials admit the plan isn’t moving as quickly as they had hoped, roughly 1,000 cabs in DC should have card readers by August 4th and 3,000 more by August 31st.
If drivers do not affiliate with a payment service provider by August 15th, their vehicles will be impounded come September 1st. Drivers will then be issued letters excusing them from the deadline.
And here’s a list of all the amazing places to go out in DC so you can utilize this new level of awesome 🙂
Beating the Heat in DC
How to Beat the Heat in DC
Contributing Writer Robbie
It’s hot right now, really hot, and sometimes DC residents just need to cool down. Here are some ways to take a break from the sun and cool off.
Take the metro
Navigating the city by foot can be both time consuming and frustrating in this weather. All metro cars are air-conditioned Many of the under ground stations have air chillers located in the center of the platform. You can feel the cool air by standing near those tall structures that have the station names on them.
Do not bust open fire hydrants
Instead, check out the Georgetown waterfront, which has tons of interactive fountains and wont get you in trouble. Its located on the Potomac shore near Wisconsin and Water street NW.
Go to a museum / Local library
Museums are not only free but great ways to cool off. Try going to one you haven’t been too. A local library is also a great way to get out the sun. Why not combine being productive with hitting the books.
Get an iced coffee
Naturally cold drinks are perfect ways to quell the heat. Mix it up and try something different than Starbucks. Check out M.E Swing Coffee at 1702 G Street NW on the corner of 17th. Filter Coffeehouse & Espresso Bar, which has locations at 1726 20th Street and 1916 I Street (between Penn & K) is another great alternative.
Pool
Whether it’s a local pool or your friends apt building, taking a dip will surely make you feel better. Try checking out a pool party with some friends. Next best thing (editors note: better)? Head over to Ultrabar for the Lifeguard Party August 2nd.
Go see a movie
It doesn’t get much cooler at night so why not take that girl or guy you’ve been seeing to a movie. You know you’ve been thinking about all those sweet movies that have been coming out.
Suck it up
Know that it could always be worse. You should never stress over something you can’t control, especially the weather. Try popping on some headphones on your way work to keep your mind off the heat and make sure you stay hydrated.
Why Trap Is The Next Big Thing
What Is Trap?
For the last few years EDM has been gaining much popularity and music festivals like Ultra, Electric Daisy Carnival, Electric Zoo and Camp Bisco have been attracting large crowds of house-heads and introducing many other sub-genres into the mix as well; one of them being trap. From the beginning of time every music genre has had its time when it starts to develop into something else and has a recognizable difference to its listeners and this is what has been happening with trap music.
You may have heard of trap and think it’s just extreme hip-hop, well you’re wrong. Trap is basically what you get when you combine heavy house beats with hip-hop. It originated in the Early 2000’s from Southern Hip Hop and crunk music with artists like Lil’ Jon, the Ying Yang Twins and Young Jeezy. Its sound has gone through many changes and progressed a lot as many different artists and DJs have influenced its sound but it can mostly be characterized by relatively low BPM (beats per minute), hi-hats, soaring synthesizers and kick drums that pulse and reverberate.
Today trap music has been very influenced by Dubstep but without the constant bass and excessive commotion that there is in some Dubstep music. It contains elements from house, drum and bass, dubstep, EDM and moomahton. It has been labeled as the “new dubstep” and “new moombahton” and DJs like Diplo, Flosstradamus and Bauuer are continuing to widen its popularity among both EDM fans and hip-hop fans.
The slow BPMs allow even the most uncoordinated, biggest lack of rhythm white girl dancers to find the beat and not dance off beat like usual. The heavy drops and kick drums make every girl want to booty pop so if you don’t want to see chicks wiggling and bopping around with their hands in the air like pogo sticks anymore than try turning off your stupid Ke$ha and Taylor Swift songs, turn these tracks up and watch what happens.
https://soundcloud.com/flosstradamus/major-lazer-original-don
https://soundcloud.com/diplo/express-yourself-feat-nicky-da
https://soundcloud.com/dillonfrancis/suit-tie-dillon-francis-remix
I’m Rich B*tch! Comedy Show Comes to Echostage
Donnell Rawlings (aka Ashy Larry)
Michael Blackson
Melanie Camacho
Hosted by: Joe Clair | Music by: DJ Class
Thurs. July 18 7:30pm | Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE, Washington, DC
DC Native Donnell Rawlings (aka Ashy Larry), famous from Chappelle’s Show, is set to bring an “Echo of Laffs” to Echostage on Thursday July 18.
Famous for his catchphrase “I’m rich, biaaaaach!” which played at the end of every episode he’s sure to have the audience in an uproar of laughter. Ever ended a sentence with “Son!”? Donnell Rawlings is the reason why. A regular guest on arguably the the greatest sketch comedy show ever, Donnell Rawlings forever marked pop culture with his ridiculous characters, antics and epic catch phrases. The Comedy Central star performs Thursday July 18 at Echostage!
Joining him are Michel Blackson, who found his inspirations from Eddie Murphy, and Melanie Camacho. The event will be hosted by local comedy and radio legend Joe Clair, music will be by DJ Class.
Get Tickets Now
Mega Glow feat. Cedric Gervais & 12th Planet: 7/20/13 at Echostage
Glow and Steez pres. Mega Glow feat.
Cedric Gervais and 12th Planet
Saturday July 20, 2013
Suport from MebaaWorldPeace
Opening set by Mega Glow DJ Contest winner
Doors at 9PM. No dress code. Ages 18+
Bottle Service: tables@echostage.com • 202.503.2330
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
We once again join our boys at Steez Promo for a crossing of the genres feat. Cedric Gervais and 12th Planet.
We’d been booking Cedric for several years and saying to ourselves, ‘he’s only one song away from really blowing up.’ Then came ‘Molly’ and a string of follow-ups including his recent remix of Lana del Ray’s ‘Summertime Sadness.’ Needless to say, it’s absolutely amazing to see our boy hitting new peaks every year!
America’s dubstep ambassador used to let some kid named Sonny crash on his couch and helped bring bass music to record heights in the US. 12th Planet is a DC favorite, no doubt. Whether it’s been headlining Glow, Steez or Ov3rkill events, the head of LA’s infamous SMOG label throws down hard for The District.
The best of Miami and LA meet in DC this summer. Hope you find what you’re looking for.
DOWNLOAD CEDRIC GERVAIS, LIVE @ GLOW FOR FREE:
Armin van Buuren – 9.28.13 Glow at Echostage
Armin van Buuren
Saturday September 28, 2013
Doors at 9PM. No dress code. Ages 18+
Bottle Service at tables@echostage.com or 202.503.2330
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
Tickets on sale Friday July 5 at 10AM
It’s Armin. It’s Echostage. It’s on Saturday 9/28. It’s Intense. Do you really need to know anything else?
July 4th Week 2013 Events in Washington, DC
Independence Day Week 2013
in Our Nation’s Capital:
Tuesday 7.02 – Weiners & Hookahs @ Barcode
Get your 4th of July Week going with hookahs and free hot dogs! Half-priced wine by the bottle at the Washington Post-lauded Barcode Tuesdays makes for a great way to get things started! Info and more drink specials at the Barcode Tuesdays event page.
Wednesday 7.03 – IndepenDANCE w/ Cosmic Gate, Emma Hewitt in Concert @ Echostage
DC-favorite and international trance stars Cosmic Gate perform with a live appearance by globally acclaimed EDM vocalist Emma Hewitt.
Cosmic Gate and Emma have teamed up for numerous hit songs. Their last appearance together in DC (January 2012) was show-stopping. Cosmic Gate have since performed at Echostage alongside Porter Robinson and Audien. This will be the weekend’s largest concert club event, no question. Info at clubglow.com
Wednesday 7.03 – Latin Night @ Barcode
One of the best Latin parties in DC. If you’re into spanish and international music with a splash of Top 40 Hip-Hop this is for you. Kitchen open ’til Midnight. For more info visit www.barcodedc.com
21+ • No cover • Premium Happy Hour: 1/2 off drinks til 12 • Bottle Special: $100 Bacardi • Dress Smart.
Thursday 7.04 – Fireworks @ The National Mall
There is nothing more American than Independence Day fireworks in Washington, DC on the National Mall. Tens of thousands will come out for this surreal display of lights and pride. Starts at 9:10PM ends at 9:27PM. For more information visit www.nps.gov/foju/fireworks.htm
Thursday 7.04 – Glow & Friends @ Ultrabar
Washington, DC’s only multi-room, multi-genre 100% EDM experience. Glow & Friends happen every Thursday and feature the biggest DJ’s and rising stars of dance music the world has to offer.
Main Room: Glow • Rave Floor: 3D, BADASS, Ov3rkill • The Vault: Trap/Moobahton • Chroma (VIP): Rotating genres
For more info visit www.clubglow.com/glow-calendar
Friday 7.05 – Fridays @Barcode
Barcode is the place for young professionals in Washington, DC. Low key patio with hookah and bottle service (if that’s your thing), bar area, dance floor area, lounge area, it’s got it all. Kitchen open ’til Midnight. Check it out at www.barcodedc.com
Friday 7.05 – Fridays @ Ultrabar
DC’s #1 Party Club. Need we say more? Visit www.ultrabardc.com for more info
Saturday 7.06 – Carnival @ Ultrabar
Ultrabar brings you its wildly popular ‘Carnival’ club night featuring free beads & masks, confetti blasts, balloon drops, samba dancers and a reckless crowd of people celebrating life because shit, why not? Formerly every Friday, Carnival at Ultrabar is now a special one-off thrown a few times a year on the road to Mardi Gras.
7 Bars, 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
$150 bottles of Stoli• (202) 271 1171
Ages 18+
Saturday 7.06 – Psychedelic Sea @ Echostage
BADASS Raves bring an experience like no other to DC’s largest, dedicated concert venue. Experience mermaids, super jellyfish, revenge of poseidon, massive seascape installations, uv bubbles, a costume contest and free rubber duckies for the first 300 ppl!
Info at www.echostage.com
Sunday 7.07 – Hip-Hip Brunch @ Barcode
It’s sort of like the DC Hip-Hop version of NY’s infamous Bagatelle Brunch. Dress up and head over on Sunday afternoon for a heavy dose of rap music, champagne and twerking.
Presented by Taz Events.
Visit the DC club guide to find out more about the best clubs in DC!
Cosmic Gate w/ Emma Hewitt: 7/3/13 Glow at Echostage
Wake Your Mind – In Concert!
feat.
Cosmic Gate
Emma Hewitt
Roberto Gonzalez
Wednesday July 3, 2013
Doors at 9PM. No dress code. Ages 18+
Bottle Service at (202) 503-2330 or tables@echostage.com
Echostage • 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
Who better than our friends of over a decade to celebrate Independence Day in Washington, DC! Fan-favorites Cosmic Gate arrive in The District to kick off 4th of July weekend and they’re bringing none other than trance vocalist Emma Hewitt to make things extra special.
From Exploration of Space and Fire Wire to their smashing 7th studio album ‘Wake Your Mind’ feat. hit single ‘Be Your Sound;’ Cosmic Gate helped lay, stabilize and build the foundation of trance music across the globe.
FREE DOWNLOAD:
Pajama Party: 6/29 at Ultrabar
Panorama Productions and Ultrabar Present:
Pajama Party!
Saturday June 29, 2013
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Take a night out, throw your pajamas on and come to the club!
- 6 Bars, 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- Bottle Service: (202) 271 1171
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress Code: Respectable summer-wear
