We’re back again for another list of hidden spots in D.C. you might not know about, but 100% should.

For locals, the typical tourist spots can become not as exciting over time, and heavy crowds might turn you away. It’s always a good idea to expand your horizons with places you’ve never been to before.

Whether you’re looking for a good drink, want to learn about history, or immerse yourself in colorful art, these six places will allow you to spark up your own adventure.

1. The Gibson

U Street

You might pass right by this place if you aren’t looking carefully. The entrance to this speakeasy-style bar is an unmarked black door, located right next to Marvin’s. Candle lit lighting provides an intimate drinking setting. The Gibson serves up classic cocktails reminiscent of the Prohibition Era, in addition to their own specialty cocktails including the Dunbar Hotel, Lincoln Theater, and El Paraiso.

#FrayLifeTip: On the weekends, (Thursday-Saturday) a limited bar snacks menu is available from 6 to 11 p.m.

2. Exorcist Steps

Georgetown

This one’s a little creepy, but still interesting, at least for horror film lovers. These steps are from the dramatic scene in the 1973 movie, The Exorcist when Father Karras falls down the stairs head first. Located on Prospect Street NW, the dark, gothic staircase itself has a creepy vibe to it, and if you venture up and down the stairs – be careful. The steps are very steep!

#FrayLifeTip: Take a haunted Georgetown ghost tour which not only includes a stop at The Exorcist steps but will take you to other sites that reveal the darker history of one of D.C.’s most historic neighborhoods.

3. National Capitol Columns

Arboretum

Located inside the National Arboretum, the National Capitol Columns once supported the east portico of the Capitol building where Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson’s inaugurations were held. A decision was made in 1958 to replace the 130-year-old columns. The columns were kept in storage until 1984 when they were relocated to the National Arboretum.

#FrayLifeTip: You will need to enter the National Arboretum visitor entrances to see the monument, located on New York Avenue and R Street.

4. President Lincoln’s Cottage

Armed Forces Retirement Home

You’ve probably visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello at some point in your life, but have you ever been to Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage in Northwest Washington? This is the place where the former president resided for more than a quarter of his administration and created the Emancipation Proclamation.

#FrayLifeTip: Lincoln’s cottage is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Space is limited, so it is highly recommended to purchase a ticket prior to your visit.

5. Gravelly Point Park  

Arlington

Grab a friend or significant other, snacks, a picnic blanket, and head to Gravelly Point Park. The park is only a few hundred feet from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s north end of runway 1/19. It is a really cool spot to experience the thrill of planes flying overhead at a close distance.

#FrayLifeTip: Gravelly Point was originally where Capitan John Alexander built his home called Abingdon, in 1746. George Washington’s stepson bought the home in 1778, and it became the birthplace of Washington’s granddaughter, Eleanor Parke Custis. The home was destroyed by a fire in 1930, however, the remains were recovered by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and can be found in the Exhibit Hall of the National Airport.

6. Blind Whino

Southwest Washington

Before the Blind Whino was a colorful arts club, it was Friendship Baptist Church. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Southwest region, built by slaves in 1886. In 2012, painter Alex Brewer better known as HENSE created the artful masterpiece it is today. The space includes an art annex, courtyard, lounge space, and performance space. The building’s exterior is covered in a bright, multi-colored mural, and psychedelic style graffiti can be seen throughout the inside.

#FrayLifeTip: The Blind Whino gallery is open to visitors Wednesdays 4 – 8 p.m. and weekends 12 – 5 p.m.

Have you been to any cool or unknown spots in the D.C. area we should know about? Let us know by using #FrayLife on social!

View More Articles By Briana Florez