Bring the family on an all-ages adventure through Downtown, Southwest Waterfront and Foggy Bottom with writer/podcaster Panama Jackson.
Growing up with parents in the military, Panama Jackson lived all over the world. But so much personal history has unfolded for him in DC that it’s become his true home. This is where he’s built his career as a cultural commentator and writer. It's where he makes his life with wife Simona Noce, a Ghana-born, Jersey-raised publicist and community organizer. It’s where they’re raising their family of four.
And it’s where he created Very Smart Brothas in the early 2000s, a site covering everything from culture to relationships from a Black man's perspective. Even after selling the platform, he continues to shape conversations as a columnist for TheGrio and host of the Dear Culture podcast, where he discusses topics ranging from pop culture to politics. Noce runs District Motherhued, an advocacy group for millennial mothers of color, and organizes The Momference, an annual parenting summit.
As media professionals with international backgrounds, the couple understands the importance of exposing children to diverse historical narratives and cultural experiences. It’s one of the reasons they chose DC to raise their crew. Join Panama Jackson on a family day out in DC.
Morning
Get off the Mall and visit Planet Word with the kids. From their 22-foot-tall wall of words to the karaoke exhibit teaching the art of songwriting, Planet Word’s interactive exhibits renew and inspire a love of language in kids of all ages. Located in the historic Franklin School on the corner of 13th and K Streets NW, this bold and imaginative gallery underscores the transformative power of language and literacy.
Stick around Planet Word for brunch to visit their in-house restaurant, Immigrant Food. Their founding principle is “gastro-advocacy,” honoring and preserving America’s creative intermingling of cultures that produces kitchen magic. Its fusion menu offers brilliant gustatory mash-ups like miso caesar salad and West African gumbo.
Afternoon
Take the family to Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, formerly home to the Washington Navy Yard from the late 19th century through World War II. In recent years, the area has been reborn as a haven for sports fans, nature lovers and foodies. It’s a lovely spot to visit in the warmer months, offering a range of recreational opportunities from paddling to parks. Since you’re in the area, check out Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium in Buzzard Point. It’s home to the D.C. United, DC Power FC, Washington Spirit soccer teams and DC Defenders American football teams.
Evening
Once the kids are happily tucked in (or off on their own adventure with a sitter or family friend), it’s time for parents to reclaim a little “grown-up” fun.
One of the city’s hottest dinner tickets is just a short walk down the waterfront. Albi, a 2022 and 2023 Michelin pick, spotlights the Levantine homeland specialties of chef Michael Rafidi. A spread of mezze, pita and open fire-roasted mashawi enjoyed with your favorite people is like a sacred ritual.
Sophisticated wineries and watering holes dot the area, making it easy to find a spot for a nightcap. District Winery offers house-made vino, craft cocktails and small plates in a starry-eyed waterfront setting, while Bluejacket Brewery slings house-made craft brews in an industrial chic locale at Navy Yard.
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