Cleveland Park After Dark

I just recently explored Cleveland Park for the very first time; an area of DC that is normally full of tourists who visit the National Zoo. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Zoo, even after having visited at least 15 times since I’ve been 8 – but I didn’t realize there were so many restaurants, shops and even a charming old fashioned theatre further down Connecticut Avenue; past the Zoo and into the strip of endless things to do at night after you’ve had enough of fuzzy wildcats, water hippos and sleeping pandas.

Who knew you could satisfy your cereal craving, admire french antique lamps, pick up a ring made of zippers, and enjoy a 5 star movie in a theatre that makes you feel like you’re about to watch a New York broadway musical? Oh – and then enjoy a delicious, gigantic 32 ounce margarita in a romantically lit outdoor patio on a warm Summer night?

Seriously. Whoever compalined that DC was nothing but boring museums and dusty monuments never drove down Connecticut Avenue. And did I mention parking is free after 6pm?

[ The Cereal Bowl! | The Wall of Endless Cereals | "The Sweetest Thing" | Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, Mocha Crunch, and Strawberry Mini Cupcakes ]

So you really have to have an itching sweet tooth or to actually be in the mood for cereal to get the full experience at the Cereal Bowl; but for all you breakfast cereal lovers out there – this is for you. If you can’t decide from the entire wall of cereals that they have to offer – choose one of their ‘Cold Bowls’.

I chose the ‘Sweetest Thing’ that mixes Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Sprinkles, Nilla Wafers and Fruity Pebbles into one bowl; but other options include crazier concoctions such as the ‘Dirt Bowl’ and ‘Give Me S’more’ that calls for other ingredients such as gummy worms and marshmallows.

If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth – the Cereal Bowl also offers mini cupcakes, hot chocolate, smoothies, cereal parfaits, and several other sweet options.

[ Antique Gold Frames, Opera Binoculars | French Lamp | Greek Goddess Lamp ]

If you’ve ever walked through the French Rooms of the ‘Met’ in New York City, then you’ll appreciate the antique lamps, chandeliers and other handcrafted trinkets that the Artisan Lamp Company has to offer.

The blue french lamp in particular was what made me stop and stare as I was walking down the street. I remember a particular room at the Metropolitan in the Upper East Side of New York that had a room full of blue, and gold trimmed plates and sculptures, and this blue lamp could have definitely sat in the same room with them. If I had the loot, I’d furnish my entire room with these romantic antiques that hide pieces of history in their delicate, handcrafted details.

[ Wake Up little Suzie's Shop | Alexis Bittar Earrings | My Gift Box | Doris Viñas Zipper Ring ]

Wake Up little Suzie is full of fun things to look at; whether it be handmade stuffed animals, bacon lip balm, floral rubber necklaces, robot dashboard buddies, or a ring made of zippers – you can’t help but feel special, or unique in the way that you just picked up and bought something that no one else in the city could ever find. Only here will you find handcrafted jewelry made by Alexis Bittar and Doris Vinas in the DC area. There are so many peculiar things here that I had never seen before; it literally took me 20 minutes to soak in half of the store as I slowly made my way around.

[ Uptown Theatre in Cleveland Park, DC | Entrance ]

The Uptown Theatre is the absolute most charming theatre I’ve ever been to see a movie. I came here to watch Inception on the upper balcony of the theatre. The velvet staircases, and the foyer that’s surrounded by mirrors, lights and a glimmering chandelier makes you feel like you’re walking into an NYC Broadway theatre.

Convinced that everything upstairs was too old to function – I pushed one of the butter dispensing machines in the deserted concession stand on the upper level out of curiosity, and accidentally sprayed butter all over the floor. Never underestimate the functionality of something old – the Uptown AMC theatre in Cleveland Park is still up and running; and as bright as ever. Be ready to be pleasantly surprised.

[ Beautifully Lit Outdoor Seating | Me, enjoying the night | Chips & Salsa | Delicious 32 oz. Margarita! | Alero's Greeting Man ]

To top the night off, we walked across the street to Alero, where we shared a gigantic 32 oz. Margarita with some chips and salsa to end the night. As if watching Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent brilliant flick wasn’t enough to fill me on an otherwise mundane Monday night – I could have honestly just enjoyed the warm Summer evening at Alero on their Christmas-lit patio with a giant margarita and some chips – and would have been just as happy. I’ve never spent a night in Mexico, but I like to think it was a little something like that.