Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., often, people have the same reaction: “Wow, Rosslyn has a better skyline than D.C.” Many people’s admiration for the unincorporated area in Virginia ends there.
As a Virginia native, I am setting out to prove that, although Rosslyn is often overlooked next to its monument-studded neighbor and a bit corporate, this nearby neighborhood is brimming with culture.
A little-known fact among students of our generation is that Rosslyn has not always been the safe, industrious locale it is now. In the early 20th century, it was known for gambling, and when my parents moved to the District some 30 years ago, the food and entertainment options weren’t great and people only visited for their nine-to-five.
But Rosslyn’s proximity to D.C. eventually brought it wealth and a place in history, playing an important role as a secret meeting ground in the Watergate scandal and serving — as we all know too well — as the closest Metro station to Georgetown. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what Rosslyn has to offer and plan your perfect day!
The View of DC: The observation deck atop 1201 Wilson Blvd. is Rosslyn’s hidden gem and one of the tallest towers in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area. With a panoramic view of the District, Northern Virginia and Maryland, the observation deck is perfect for pictures, sunsets or just taking in the incredible scenery. I promise you that being 400 feet up will change how you view the city — and best of all, it’s completely free!
Sfoglina: If you’re in the mood for some classic high-end Italian food, there is nowhere better than Sfoglina. Just a 20-minute walk from campus and right below the observation deck, this restaurant is a must-visit for any pasta fans. While my favorite dish is the squid ink linguini, Sfoglina has options ranging from the classics like cacio e pepe to an inventive white truffle pappardelle, and will definitely have an option for every occasion.
Tacos El Chilango: For those of you who prefer cheaper and messier — but equally delicious — food, the Tacos El Chilango food truck is the way to go. Located on the far edge of Rosslyn and parked permanently by the freeway, this fan favorite will definitely hit the spot. This is my favorite food truck in the DMV, and I am not the only one who thinks so. I guarantee these tacos will surpass anything you can find on the north side of the river, so head over to Tacos El Chilango when that taco craving hits.
Iwo Jima Memorial: Located on the north end of the national cemetery, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is one of DMV’s best green spaces during the spring. Hang out on the expansive grassy field, which puts Copley Lawn to shame, while you throw a frisbee or snack on Tacos El Chilango.
Roll Play: A highly-ranked Vietnamese restaurant that offers strikingly good food in an unexpected environment. Enjoy a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine from overloaded bánh mìs to steaming bowls of classic pho in Roll Play’s loft-style upstairs overlooking the busy streets of Rosslyn.
Roosevelt Island: As the central park of D.C., Roosevelt Island is the no-brainer addition to this list. The island offers extensive trails that are linked to a convenient bike path. To get there, just turn left onto the path immediately across the Key Bridge, and you will quickly be absorbed by the natural beauty of the island. Come spring, vibe along the island’s shore alone to de-stress or bring a group of friends and get lost in nature together. As a bonus, Roosevelt Island offers a great view of our beautiful campus for those days when you just need a shift in perspective.
Salt: For those of you who are 21, or looking for an intimate venue to celebrate your 21st birthday, Salt is one of the best bars around. It offers a relaxed yet classy setting, and the unique drinks and food provide the perfect middle ground between staying in and going clubbing. Make sure to show up during happy hour to get a generous discount on the high-end drinks.
As you can see, there is a lot more to Rosslyn than meets the eye. While not everything on the list may be perfect for you, picking two or three activities in our neighboring city can help you transform any day into an unforgettable one.
As someone who spent a year going to school in Ithaca, N.Y. (read: the middle of nowhere), believe me when I say it’s important to not take your surroundings for granted. So the next time you have a free afternoon, take a break from the District’s standard roster of monuments, bars and museums, and treat yourself to a day across the river.
Noah Portner is a sophomore in the College. Culture Shock will appear online and in print every other week.
