Magazine Issues

March 2016: In Defense of Washington

This page describes the contents of an issue of Washingtonian magazine. Subscribers get exclusive early access through our print and digital editions. Most of our feature stories are later published online and linked below.

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In Defense of Washington

Bashing the capital has become sport. Critics call us out of touch and inefficient. But are we? Here’s what you won’t hear presidential candidates admit. Edited by Sherri Dalphonse.

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Features

Inside our March 2016 issue: Last year, George Mason University's Green Machine was named America's number-one pep band. And much of the credit goes to its director, an outlandish character named Doc Nix. Photograph by Susana Raab.
Last year, George Mason University’s Green Machine was named America’s number-one pep band. And much of the credit goes to its director, a zany character who goes by Doc Nix. Photograph by Susana Raab.

Unbroken Boulevard

The area around Nats Park is vibrant, but it’s cut off from the rest of DC by an antiquated freeway. Here’s how to reconnect it to the city—and restore a grand Washington avenue. By Dan Reed.

The Boys on the Boat

A hip-hop producer, a lobbyist, a failed gubernatorial candidate, and a pool guy want to make Tangier Island the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster capital. By Harrison Smith.

It’s Doc Nix Time!

How a tenured professor with a master’s from Yale and a doctorate from Michigan transforms himself into the outlandish leader of America’s number-one pep band, George Mason’s Green Machine. By Allan Siegel. Photographs by Susana Raab.

In This Issue

Inside our March 2016 issue: We got a look inside a 1913 Wonder Bread factory turned advertising agency. Photograph by Dan Chung.
We got a look inside a 1913 Wonder Bread factory turned advertising agency. Photograph by Dan Chung.

Capital Comment

Gray vs. Bowser, round twoThe man trying to get DC’s streetcar runningThe evolving ethics of chowing down in WashingtonTen places to visit during Women’s History Month.

Behind the Scenes

Inside DC’s 103-year-old Wonder Bread Factory, now home to an ad agency.

Where & When

The 23 performances, exhibits, and other things worth your time this month.

Inside our March 2016 issue: Charisma Brown fought her nonprofit landlord after it moved to evict her for having an alcohol bottle in her house. She says she was using it as a flower vase. Marisa Kashino takes a look into Brown's story, and how easy it is for programs battling homelessness to evict their tenants. Photograph by Swikar Patel.
Charisma Brown fought her nonprofit landlord after it moved to evict her for having an alcohol bottle in her house. She says she was using it as a flower vase. Marisa Kashino takes a look into Brown’s story, and how easy it is for programs battling homelessness to evict their tenants. Photograph by Swikar Patel.

IQ

Interview Local indie queen Mary Timony on the new rock life.
Washington Read Frank Mankiewicz, a son of Beverly Hills who started over in Washington.
Media Plagiarism accusations and all, columnist Fareed Zakaria is still flying high.
Housing Should one of DC’s most beloved non-profits be able to kick out residents for drinking alcohol?
Field Notes The best cafeteria lunches in town.

Inside our March 2016 issue: What to see right now in Falls Church: the Legwarmers, an '80s tribute band that performs at the State Theatre. Photograph by Jake Charow.
What to see right now in Falls Church: the Legwarmers, an ’80s tribute band that performs at the State Theatre. Photograph by Jake Charow.

Life

Spring Coats Six combos for every occasion.
Health on the Go Navigating urgent care, retail clinics, and concierge medicine.
Beyond the Beltway How to do Austin, Washington style.
Neighborhood Guide The best of Falls Church.
First Person “Are you ready?” For the baby, yes. But am I ready for the new me?

Inside our March 2016 issue: Jonah Kim brings a fine-dining background to Yona in Ballston. Exhibit A: his waffle laden with sea urchin and salmon roe. Photograph by Scott Suchman.
Jonah Kim brings a fine-dining background to Yona in Ballston. Exhibit A: his waffle laden with sea urchin and salmon roe. Photograph by Scott Suchman

Taste

Cedric Maupillier has a hit with Convivial, Jonah Kim brings ramen to Ballston, five killer sandwiches, what’s new in Bethesda, and how Kinship’s design breaks DC’s stuffy fine-dining norm.

Inside our March 2016 issue: Up your bedroom's style game with fresh home decor tips. Photograph by Jeff Elkins.
Up your bedroom’s style game with fresh home decor tips. Photograph by Jeff Elkins

Home

The Master Bedroom Five distinct looks for an inspired retreat, plus tips for a restful night, where to find great decor, and more.
Retirement Living Senior communities are layering on the high-end amenities.
Pets Keeping the peace between the dog and the new baby.

Want more? Of course you do. Take a look at our past issues.