Faves and raves by
Jolene Ivey
Maryland Democratic delegate representing the Cheverly and Hyattsville areas in District 47.
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: Fabulously 50
NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C. AREA: I was born and raised in D.C. until I was 15. Mostly have lived in Prince George’s County since then.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Been living in Cheverly almost 18 years.
1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT
Franklin’s Restaurant in Hyattsville (5121 Baltimore Ave.). Great food, friendly service, they make their own beer, I love the happy hour, and there’s a store attached that has all kinds of funky gifts, toys, beer and wine.Last-minute gifts end up looking like you actually put thought into them!
2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
My 2007 Prius.I miss my old convertible, but I love the gas mileage of the Prius!
3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT
Two of our sons are on their high school’s tennis team, so my current favorite local sports event is watching them play. Go Roosevelt! We also have a ping pong table on our screened porch, and we seem to host year-round and round-the-clock ping pong tournaments.
4. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
My house.One son sings and another plays the drums (but not together!), so there’s always music at our house. I’m not sure the neighbors would agree that it’s the best place, but they haven’t called the cops.Yet.
5. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
Kenilworth Gardens is a water-lily oasis.It’s an amazing jewel that is a D.C. secret.
6. FAVORITE MUSEUM
Air and Space — as a mom of five boys, that’s the one I’ve spent the most time in.
7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT
Steps in front of the Supreme Court on a warm summer night, until the guard chases you away.
8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY
Moms don’t get lazy Sundays, so that’s a total fantasy. In my next life I can imagine lounging on my couch, reading all day.I guess I’ll have to come back as a man!
9. BEN’S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?
Ben’s Chili Bowl has a special place in my heart. My dad took me there when I was a kid, because it was right around the corner from my orthodontist. Now my youngest son is a fan! I like to pass on family traditions.
10. BEST RETREAT OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
Watkins Regional Park has an animal farm for kids, putt-putt golf and a miniature train – perfect for young families. Then the older kids can play tennis year round or ride their bikes. I love the walking trails, winding through the trees.Beautiful, peaceful and close-by!
11. BEST RETREAT INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Cheverly Pool.Between the pool itself with a slide and two diving boards, the clay and Har-Tru tennis courts, the volleyball court and the snack bar with cheese fries, it’s the place to be! We have campouts there a couple of times each summer, parties with the neighbors, and we have greased watermelon relays across the pool for the Fourth of July. And now that my boys are old enough to be there without me, it’s the perfect getaway for them – and therefore, me!
12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS
We haven’t been out late enough to know in decades! Back in the old days, we used to go to Au Pied de Cochon in Georgetown, but it closed. Bummer! Now that the boys are older, I’m thinking maybe we’ll get to hang out again! I’ve heard about two new spots – Black & Orange at 14th and U and the Hamilton in NW.I’m planning to check them both out soon!
13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
I love being able to say that I’m actually a Washingtonian!Obviously, I grew up with plenty ofWashingtonians, but we seem to be a novelty in some places.
14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.
The Metro is really only for going into and out of D.C. but doesn’t work for anything else. And if we’re supposed to be a cosmopolitan area, why does it close so early?! So we pay a lot to use it, but can’t go anywhere, and have to be home too early.Compared to the subway system in NYC, ours is seriously embarrassing. Fingers crossed to be rescued by the Purple Line!
– Brian Hughes
